Rui Mendes, 45, of Ardrahan, Co Galway, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault committed at an address in Galway on November 27, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Brian O'Callaghan handed down an 18-month custodial sentence but deferred the commencement of the term to January 20 to allow Mendes to spend the Christmas holidays with his family. The judge suspended the final six months of the sentence in recognition of the substantial rehabilitation work undertaken by the defendant. Mendes was placed under the supervision of Probation Services for 12 months post-release. Additionally, the court ordered that €2,000, provided by Mendes as a token of remorse, be paid to the victim within four weeks. The judge noted that the assault occurred while the victim was asleep and was for self-gratification, despite her clear prior rejection of his advances. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
A tribunal has ruled that a Portuguese man suffered racial discrimination when polling staff refused to give him a ballot for the local elections in Co Galway. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld a complaint of discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000 against the returning officer for Co Galway. The tribunal ordered extra training for polling station staff after both Mr da Silva and his wife were told they did not have the right to vote in the local elections, despite living in Ireland for decades. Mr da Silva, a Portuguese national resident in Ireland for 30 years, was told by a poll official that he was only entitled to vote in the European elections. He was surprised and felt embarrassed, as if he had done something wrong. His wife, Maria de Almeida Silva, was also told she was not entitled to vote in the local elections but was later allowed to vote after challenging the poll clerk.
A 39‑year‑old man was tried at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for a single count of sexual assault that allegedly occurred on 28 October 2019 at a friend's rented accommodation in Galway. The complainant, a young woman, testified that after a night of drinks she and her friend slept in the bedroom, during which the accused allegedly touched her genital area, digitally penetrated her vaginally and rectally, and then left. She reported the incident to her mother and the Gardaí, and was examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. The accused pleaded not guilty. During cross‑examination the defence questioned the complainant's memory of the events and suggested the alleged activity was consensual, which she denied. The trial, presided over by Judge Brian O'Callaghan, is ongoing before a jury.
A 16-year-old boy who had unrestricted access to a smartphone from an early age has been sentenced to 15 months in Oberstown Detention Centre for raping a 13-year-old girl he had been dating. The boy was convicted of three charges of oral rape and one of rape. The incidents occurred in County Galway, where both children lived with their families. The boy denied the allegations but admitted to watching porn from a young age, which influenced his sexual knowledge. The judge noted the boy's difficult childhood and the impact of technology on young people's development. The boy was sentenced to three years in detention, with 21 months suspended, and placed under probation supervision. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim and to be registered as a sex offender for three years. The unnamed 13-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 48-year-old man from Dublin has been sentenced to one year in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Alan Keating, formerly of County Galway, was arrested following a 2017 investigation initiated by Swiss authorities and Interpol. Gardaí executed a search warrant at his home while he was abroad, seizing a laptop containing 330 images and 719 videos depicting child sexual abuse. Among the most serious material were extreme images showing children bound and confined. A further 23,604 uncategorised files were also discovered. During the search, gardaí located a document outlining inappropriate conduct with children. The court heard Keating had shared files on an online platform on ten occasions. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged mitigating factors including Keating's early guilty plea, cooperation, clean record, and engagement with therapy following seizure of the device. However, the judge noted the distribution element and the disturbing nature of documentation found. Keating will be placed on the Sex Offender Register.
A judge has given a suspended sentence to a young man who was found guilty of being a money mule in a scam that involved over €20,000 in stolen funds. Judge Martin Nolan told the defendant, Ryan Odusanya (20), that 'stupidity can only get you so far' and warned him that this was his future unless he 'wises up'. Odusanya pleaded guilty to holding €20,000 in criminal proceeds in his bank account on September 5, 2023. He was not involved in setting up or operating the scam, which affected an elderly couple from Kerry and a business owner from Galway. Judge Nolan expressed frustration with young people who commit money laundering offences, saying he was 'getting fed up' with them claiming they were 'young and stupid'. He sentenced Odusanya to 20 months in prison, which was suspended in full. The court heard that Odusanya had responded to an advert on Snapchat offering a small cash reward for the use of a bank account.
Judge Martin Nolan has expressed frustration with young people who plead 'young and stupid' when convicted of money mule offences. Ryan Odusanya (20) pleaded guilty to holding over €20,000 in criminal proceeds in his bank account, which was used in an online banking scam targeting an elderly couple from Kerry and a business owner from Galway. Odusanya was not involved in the scam but was lured by an advert on Snapchat offering a small cash reward for using his bank account. His defence highlighted his good family background and academic achievements. Judge Nolan noted the increasing number of such cases and criticized the defendants for knowing that their actions would harm others. He adjourned the sentence and remanded Odusanya into custody until the next hearing.
Media coverage of challenges in securing a psychiatrist for the trial of Ruth Purcell Healy, accused of murdering her six-year-old son, led an Australian-based psychiatrist to offer his services, a barrister told the court. The prosecution had struggled to find a forensic psychiatrist in Ireland to assess the accused, but the overseas professional came forward after reading about the difficulties. The psychiatrist will conduct an initial assessment via video-link and is expected to complete a full evaluation by Easter, with a report by the end of May. The case has highlighted the lack of a reliable system for psychiatric assessments in Ireland, with no legal obligation for HSE-employed psychiatrists to provide such services. The judge expressed frustration with the delays and hopes for a more structured approach. The trial is expected to proceed with a possible date in June or July.
Michael Scott, a farmer who drove over his elderly aunt with a teleporter, had his manslaughter sentence reduced from six years to four years and six months on appeal. The court acknowledged Scott's remorse and lack of prior convictions but noted his "thuggish" behavior toward his aunt. The incident occurred in 2018 when Scott, who had a long-standing land dispute with his aunt, failed to keep a proper lookout while reversing across her yard. The court found that Scott's actions were negligent but not premeditated. His sentence was reduced after considering his character and the impact of the original sentence. Scott was tearful as he embraced his family following the appeal. The case highlights the complex relationship between Scott and his aunt, which had been marked by conflict and tension over land ownership.
Alex Onuh, 20, was jailed for seven years for a series of knifepoint robberies targeting teenage boys in south Dublin, including a vulnerable teenager with a brain injury. Onuh, who wore a distinctive Moncler jacket during the attacks, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of robbery and four of attempted robbery. Victims were often threatened with knives and forced to reset their phones. One incident involved a 17-year-old being chased and assaulted by Onuh and a gang. The court heard that stolen phones were sold online, and Onuh's defense highlighted his difficult childhood and lack of prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the premeditated nature of the crimes and the impact on victims, imposing consecutive sentences with one year suspended on strict conditions.
Geraldo Maklekas, 24, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and a money laundering offence at his address on February 26, 2024. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a custodial sentence, noting that Maklekas engaged in drug dealing for personal benefit shortly after arriving in Ireland. The judge determined that Maklekas's culpability was well above mid-range, citing aggravating factors such as the nature of the criminal activity and the absence of duress. Mitigating factors included his youth, status as a first-time offender, signed pleas, and cooperation with the Garda investigation and Probation Service. Although the Probation Service assessed him as a low risk of re-offending, allowing the court to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, the judge stated that a custodial sentence was necessary. He set a headline sentence of six and a half years, reduced this to four and a half years, and suspended the final 18 months for three years. Consequently, Maklekas will serve two and a half years in custody. The court ordered that he exit the state within 72 hours of his release from prison and prohibited him from returning to Ireland for a period of 10 years.
A senior judge at the Central Criminal Court expressed frustration over the State's inability to provide psychiatric assessments for criminal trials, calling it 'completely unacceptable.' The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, highlighted the challenges faced by a father who has attended court over 13 times due to delays in securing a forensic psychiatrist to assess his wife, Ruth Purcell Healy, who is charged with the murder of their six-year-old son. The judge emphasized the importance of psychiatric evaluations in ensuring fair trials and expressed sympathy for the father's ongoing ordeal. Despite efforts by the prosecution to obtain a psychiatric report, the HSE-employed psychiatrists are not legally obligated to provide assessments for criminal cases, leading to significant delays. The judge urged the executive to establish a reliable structure for psychiatric assessments to determine if mental conditions played a role in the alleged offense. The case has been listed for mention on December 3, with the judge noting serious deficiencies in obtaining forensic reports for accused persons over the past two years.
An 89-year-old man from Rockfield, Knock, Claremorris, Co Mayo, has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for historical sexual abuse of a young child. Pat Salmon pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault committed in 1995 when the victim was five years old. Justice Caroline Biggs imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three years to account for mitigating factors including Salmon's guilty plea, advanced age, and medical conditions. The court heard that Salmon, a former healthcare professional and volunteer, had been regarded as a respected community figure. The victim, now an adult, provided a powerful impact statement describing the lasting trauma of the abuse. The judge commended her courage in coming forward, noting that such cases depend on victims' willingness to participate in prosecution.
Nobuhle Sibanda, Agapau Munashe Zvihari, Nombeko Hlabangana, Tatenda Ncube, Allen Phillip Ndhlovu, and Nicola Sibanda are applicants in a trial-stage hearing before the Workplace Relations Commission. They allege violations of the Payment of Wages Act 1991 against their former employer, Unity Healthcare Services Ltd. The applicants claim they paid recruitment fees of €2,000 to €3,600 to secure work permits but were left without promised employment or wages. They testified to living in freezing shared accommodation in County Cavan, where they allegedly pooled resources for basic necessities after promised weekly stipends ceased. The company actively disputes these complaints. During the hearing, applicants described threats regarding work permit cancellations and difficulties obtaining letters of no objection to accept alternative employment. The matter was adjourned by adjudication officer Breiffni O'Neill, who will hear evidence from a ninth complainant at a later date. No findings, sentences, or final disposals have been recorded, as the proceedings remain ongoing.
Pat Salmon, 89, of Knock, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to five counts of sexual assault committed between January and June 1995. The offences, which allegedly took place at his home, involved a five-year-old child. Salmon has no previous convictions. The court heard that the injured party disclosed the abuse after contacting a crisis helpline, and Salmon subsequently wrote a letter expressing remorse. During his interviews, Salmon denied specific charges but admitted to other acts, stating that "the devil took over" for a period. Defence counsel highlighted Salmon's age, serious health conditions including congestive heart failure, and his background as a former mental health nurse and community volunteer. He requested the court consider his early guilty plea and the isolating nature of incarceration. The injured party's victim impact statement described the long-term trauma, stating that Salmon had taught her fear and that her power over her had ended. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs described the statement as "heartbreaking." The matter was adjourned until Monday of next week to allow the judge to review all materials and consider the sentence.
David O'Sullivan, aged 22, was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping two girls aged 14 and 10 whom he groomed via Snapchat. He was also found in possession of 1,629 files of child sexual abuse material, including 915 videos and 714 images. Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 11½ years for the rapes and possession, suspending the final two and a half years on condition that O'Sullivan keep the peace, engage in sexual offence treatment and refrain from contacting either victim for 50 years. The court heard that O'Sullivan had met the first victim in June 2022, lied about his age, and had repeatedly attempted to groom and assault her, including a sexualised encounter in a shopping centre in February 2023. He also groomed a second 10‑year‑old in August 2024, sending explicit images and meeting her in secluded locations, where he orally and vaginally raped her. David O'Sullivan pleaded guilty.
A farmer from Dunmore, County Galway, has obtained High Court permission to challenge the residential zoning of his lands under the Residential Zoned Land Tax. Michael Knightly is seeking to quash the zoning decision imposed by Galway County Council and is pursuing proceedings against the Council, the Revenue Commissioners, Ireland, and the Attorney General. Mr Knightly contends that the zoning decision failed to consider reasonable matters, constituted disproportionate interference, and breached fair procedures, EU directives, climate policy, and Constitutional justice. He submits that the tax imposed as a result could necessitate the sale of his lands, interfering with his livelihood. Mr Knightly has actively farmed the land for two decades and receives agricultural payments and participates in environmental protection schemes. Galway County Council stated the lands occupy a strategic location suitable for immediate development to support housing needs and compact urban growth. The Council noted that rezoning to agriculture would conflict with its development plan. Mr Knightly's legal team, instructed by Ballyhaunis-based solicitors, argue the decision conflicts with EU farm sustainability regulations and climate obligations.
Ellysom Ojba, 25, of Fana Glas, Ballybane, Galway, was found guilty of possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering after a Garda investigation in Eyre Square and his home. He was discovered with two socks hidden in his underwear, each containing sixteen deal bags of suspected cocaine and ketamine, a weighing scale, and €1,030 in cash. A search of his bedroom revealed additional drugs and €525. Ojba, a first‑time offender with no prior convictions, pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. Judge Brian O'Callaghan described his conduct as "blatant greed" and, considering mitigating factors such as his signed plea, positive probation report, and lack of prior criminal history, sentenced him to two years' imprisonment suspended in full for three years. He was ordered to pay €1,500 each to Jigsaw and Cluine Mhuire within a month, with €500 to each within four weeks.
The Workplace Relations Commission upheld the dismissal of Michael Walsh, a Galway County Council employee, after an internal inquiry found he had made unauthorised diesel purchases using council funds. Walsh, employed since 2013, was accused of theft, fraud and falsification of records. He had used a council‑supplied low‑value payment card to buy fuel on three occasions in December 2022, claiming the purchases were for a Transit van hired for his work. The inquiry determined he had made over 12 unauthorised fuel purchases totalling €1,217, with additional inappropriate purchases amounting to €652.25, later reduced to €395.25 after further findings. Walsh admitted the use of council cards for personal use but denied any wrongdoing. The WRC found no unfair dismissal and rejected his claim for statutory notice pay, confirming the council's decision to terminate his employment in February 2024.
Leighton Morrison, 49, of Woodfield, Galway Road, Tuam, Co Galway, was sentenced to eight years in prison at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, with the final year suspended. He pleaded guilty to six sample charges from a total of 13 offences committed between January 2023 and June 2024. The charges include sexual assault against two girls, aged eight and nine, exploitation of a child, and possession and production of child pornography. Judge Eoin Garavan stated that Morrison remains a paedophile at high risk of recidivism and a grave danger to children. The court noted that Morrison videoed the assaults for his own gratification and can never have unsupervised access to children again. His sentence was backdated to July 2, 2024, when he entered custody. Upon release, he is ordered to undergo one year of probation supervision, during which he must complete counselling and a sex offenders' programme. The judge ordered the destruction of seized videos. Morrison's defence counsel noted his public apology and difficult childhood, while the judge described him as a talented dancer who caused significant destruction. The parents of the victims, who retained their children's anonymity, delivered victim impact statements detailing the severe trauma suffered by their daughters.
The trial of five school bus operators accused of anti-competition practices is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Andrew Walsh, Raymond Heney, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey, and Anthony Flynn, all from County Tipperary, have pleaded not guilty to a single charge under the Competition Act 2002. The prosecution alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, the defendants engaged in a concerted practice to prevent, restrict, or distort competition in school transport services across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway, and Waterford. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn told the jury that the accused allegedly coordinated their bidding behavior, including holding meetings to discuss route allocation and pricing, and submitting non-genuine bids to elevate tender prices. He stated that this alleged collusion removed true competitiveness from the process, which affects the public. The case is being brought by the Competition Authority, with evidence including documents, text messages, and expert testimony expected. The jury must determine if a concerted practice occurred and if each defendant was involved. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice David Keane and is expected to last up to six weeks. The matter continues before the court.
A Galway man has been sentenced to four years in prison, with the final year suspended, following a violent assault at a petrol station in Ballinrobe, Co Mayo in January 2023. Tommy Sweeney, aged 23, of Castlepark, Ballybane, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and producing a weapon at Corrib Oil service station on Neale Road. At Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Eoin Garavan heard that the victim, who was sitting in his car, suffered serious head injuries including skull fractures and blood loss after being attacked by two men armed with a machete and slash hook. The assailants had waited approximately 45 minutes at the garage before striking. CCTV footage showed Sweeney holding the machete during the coordinated attack. The judge described the incident as part of an ongoing feud involving families from the travelling community across Galway and Mayo. Upon release, Sweeney must complete a year of probation supervision and remain substance-free.
An appeal has been heard in the Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court regarding Leighton Morrison (49) of Woodfield, Galway Road, Tuam, Co Galway, who pleaded guilty to six sample charges from a total of 13 offences committed between January 2023 and June 2024. The charges include two separate counts of sexual assault against an eight-year-old girl and a nine-year-old girl, exploitation of a child, and possession and production of child pornography. Judge Eoin Garavan stated that Morrison remains a paedophile and a grave danger to children, regardless of the length of his incarceration. His sentence was backdated to July 2, 2024, and Morrison was ordered to undergo probation supervision for a year post-release, during which time he must get counselling and undertake a sexual offenders' programme. The court heard that Morrison is at high risk of recidivism and can never have unsupervised access to children again. The matter was adjourned.
Five bus and taxi operators from Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway and Waterford have gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court. They pleaded not guilty to a single charge under the Competition Act 2002, alleging that between 1 November 2014 and 31 December 2016 they engaged in a concerted practice that prevented, restricted or distorted competition in school transport services. The prosecution is by the Competition Authority. Mr Justice David Keane empanelled a jury of seven men and five women; the trial is expected to last up to six weeks.
In a High Court case, Mr Justice Paul McDermott sentenced Aidan Duffy, 44, of Gort, for a sexual assault of a 16‑year‑old girl and for engaging in a sexual act with a child under 17. The judge set a headline sentence of seven years for the latter charge, noting it might be reviewed elsewhere, and reduced it to five years due to mitigation and Duffy's guilty plea. For the sexual assault count, the headline was eight years, reduced to six years, with the final year suspended for two years; both sentences run concurrently. Duffy was ordered to probation, therapeutic programmes, no contact with the victim or her family, and a five‑year post‑release supervision. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the assault, drug use, and subsequent trauma, while Duffy denied the allegations and claimed the contact was consensual. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the offences and the impact on the victim.
A man has admitted careless driving causing the death of a woman in her 70s at a supermarket car park in County Mayo last year. The incident occurred on June 6, 2024, at Supervalu in Westport, when a lorry struck the pedestrian in the vehicle forecourt. Mihail Tanasevici, aged 41 and residing in Dublin, pleaded guilty to a single count of careless driving causing death at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard he was operating the vehicle at approximately 2 kilometres per hour whilst engaged in employment duties at the time of the collision. Tanasevici, with no previous convictions, is expected to return to court in February to address two additional charges. Sentencing has been scheduled for March 6. A probation report has been ordered ahead of these proceedings.
A judge warned that a custodial sentence is inevitable for former hurler DJ Carey, who defrauded nearly €400,000 from 13 complainants, including Denis O'Brien, by pretending to have cancer. Carey, 54, was remanded into custody pending sentencing. He pleaded guilty to 10 counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay money, with an additional 10 counts considered. The court heard that Carey obtained €394,127 and $13,000 US dollars, repaid €44,200, leaving €349,927 and $13,000 outstanding. He claimed to need funds for treatment in Seattle and a HSE medical claim, but investigations found no evidence of cancer treatment or HSE claims. The judge noted the victims' generosity and said the sentence would be "inevitable.".
DJ Carey, aged 50, was due to be sentenced for 10 counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after fraudulently claiming to have cancer. The sentencing hearing was adjourned to Friday because Carey did not appear in court; he is currently at Portiuncula University Hospital in Ballinasloe, awaiting a bed. He presented a medical note to the court, and Gardaí confirmed his presence but could not verify his inpatient status. The prosecution, led by Dominic McGinn SC, noted that one count of deception was struck out, while the remaining counts, including two for using a false instrument, would be considered by the judge. Carey's case involves 13 complainants and was originally set for a four‑week trial. He has a history of significant health issues, including heart surgery last summer, and has requested legal aid and a psychological report for sentencing. Dj Carey pleaded guilty.
Joyce Holleran‑Whelan, a former manager at Headford Co‑operative Mart, won €26,000 after a Workplace Relations Commission tribunal found the co‑op failed to investigate her bullying complaints. She alleged she was excluded by colleagues, attacked with a cattle prod, and subjected to intimidation and verbal bullying. The tribunal rejected her claim of whistleblower penalisation, stating that her financial and governance concerns were not sufficiently connected to her termination in 2023. The tribunal noted the co‑op did not provide her with computer passwords or contact details, and that staff refused to work with her. It also found the co‑op had not complied with the national code of practice on investigating workplace grievances, and that it failed to offer her the interim manager role when it became vacant. The decision awarded her losses of €26,250 for unfair dismissal.
A man from Enniscrone has brought a complaint before the Workplace Relations Commission alleging religious discrimination after being issued a lifetime ban from a yoga studio in Ballina. Peter McKeon enrolled at Roots Wellness in September 2024 and attended classes twice weekly until December 2024, when he engaged in a conversation with the studio's owner, Niamh Glackin, regarding his objections to Christmas on religious grounds. Following this exchange, Mr McKeon received written notice that the studio was not an appropriate environment for him, and was subsequently informed of a permanent ban in January 2025. Mr McKeon contends the ban constitutes unlawful discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000. Ms Glackin disputed aspects of Mr McKeon's account and testified that her decision to ban him was based solely on his allegedly aggressive behaviour during the incident, not on religious considerations. She stated the conduct created an unsafe environment for herself and other clients. Adjudication officer Brian Dolan has concluded the hearing and will deliver his written decision at a later date.
A graphic designer, Austin Lambe, who worked for 12‑and‑a‑half years at Irish Vintage Scene Ltd (Print More) in Oranmore, Co. Galway, claimed constructive dismissal after a toxic workplace under owner Tom Heavey. Lambe said Heavey's behaviour was hostile, micromanaging, and he was often denied basic courtesy. After an argument over a broken printing machine on 12 September 2024, Lambe announced he was leaving and sent a notice. He received a text from Heavey confirming his resignation. Lambe's doctor advised a break, and he did not submit a formal notice. The Workplace Relations Commission upheld his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, awarding €19,055.40 in compensation, citing prolonged oppressive conduct that directly affected his health. The company did not attend the hearing. The decision was made by adjudicator Úna Glazier‑Farmer.
Iosif Ghergut, 50, of Galway, pleaded guilty to one count of oral rape and one count of sexual assault against Jade MacFarlane, a friend of his daughter, at his home on 10 October 2021. The court found aggravating factors including the victim's trust, a 27‑year age gap, and the assault occurring in a bathroom where she could not leave. Ghergut had no prior convictions. Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to five years and eight months for the oral rape and four years for the sexual assault, with both sentences running concurrently. The judge suspended the last six months of the longer term and back‑dated it to the date of his arrest. Ghergut will be supervised by Probation Services for 12 months after release. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court in Galway.
A Mayo woman seriously injured when struck by a Bus Éireann van in Ballina last May has expressed no ill-feeling towards the driver. At Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court on Friday, the court heard that Ann Bourke was briefly trapped beneath the vehicle on Kevin Barry Street on 14 May 2024, sustaining fractures to her wrist, shoulder blade and ribs. She spent two months hospitalised and required surgical intervention, though she told the court she is making good recovery. John Regan, aged 41, of Mountain View, Ballybrooney, Killala, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm. Judge Eoin Garavan imposed 150 hours community service in lieu of a seven-month sentence, describing the incident as a serious lapse of judgment that could have proven fatal. The judge commended both parties, noting that Regan, a family man with no previous convictions, had completed a pro-social driving course and that the two had met cordially for the first time at court.
In a County Galway housing estate, a 16‑year‑old was convicted of sexual assault and rape of a 13‑year‑old girl he had been dating for weeks. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, saw the accused plead not guilty to three charges of oral rape and one of rape. The jury, after three‑and‑a‑half hours of deliberation, found him guilty on all counts. The judge remanded him on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to 3 November. The case included a video interview with the girl, who described being forced into sexual acts and later realizing the incidents were rape. Forensic evidence noted bruises on her body, including the genital area, and the examiner highlighted the unusual persistence of such bruising. The prosecution presented a Snapchat message from the girl to her mother, confirming the assault.
In a County Galway housing estate, a 16‑year‑old boy pleaded not guilty to three charges of oral rape and one of rape of a 13‑year‑old girl. He was interviewed by gardai in February 2024 when he was 15, with his mother and solicitor present. In the interview he denied all allegations, calling them the "biggest lie" and "bullshit", and said he had never asked the girl for sex. He admitted only lightly pinching her. A forensic examiner testified that the girl had more than 20 bruises, some on her breasts, inner thighs and genital area, and that a bruise in the genital area was "consistent" with painful penetration. The court heard the forensic findings and cross‑examination of the girl's statements, and the trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 16‑year‑old girl denied that she fabricated a rape story to attract attention. She testified that the 14‑year‑old boy she dated had raped her on four occasions between June and July 2023, including three instances of oral rape and one of rape when she was 13. The incidents allegedly took place in a County Galway housing estate. The girl gave evidence via video‑link, assisted by an intermediary who read her written responses. She described the assault, stating the boy forced her to give oral sex and then raped her, leaving her traumatized. She also explained that she had informed her mother through a Snapchat message on 7 July 2023, claiming the boy had raped her, and that she had told friends about the events. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Patrick McGrath, continues with the accused pleading not guilty to the four charges.
In a County Galway court, a 16‑year‑old boy was tried for four charges of sexual assault and rape against a 13‑year‑old girl he had been dating for a few weeks. The boy pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by Anne Rowland SC, presented a Snapchat message from the girl to her mother dated 7 July 2023, in which she claimed the boy had raped her and threatened to hit her. She also sent photographs of bruises on her legs and left breast, which she said were caused by the boy. A video of her interview with specialist Gardaí was shown, where she described being forced into sexual acts, including oral rape, and a forced vaginal penetration on a Tuesday. The girl reported bruising, bleeding, and a burning sensation after the alleged assault. The boy admitted to seeing the girl but denied any sexual contact. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Patrick McGrath and a jury.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has rejected an equality claim brought by Mary Dempsey, an assistant professor at the University of Galway, under the Employment Equality Act 1998. Ms Dempsey alleged that the university discriminated against her on the grounds of gender and age when it refused her promotion to a professorship in 2022. She argued that the academic promotions committee ignored the impact of past discrimination, including restrictive contracts and limited research opportunities, on her career trajectory. The university denied these allegations, asserting that Ms Dempsey fell short in teaching, funding, and research output assessments. Adjudicator Peter O'Brien noted that while Ms Dempsey had previously secured €81,000 in compensation for gender and disability discrimination in 2015, she was not entitled to preferential treatment based on that past situation. The adjudicator stated that other candidates should not be disadvantaged by the complainant's history and found that she was not discriminated against in the recent promotion process. Consequently, the WRC dismissed her complaint, upholding the university's decision to reject her bid for the professorship.
Darius Langas, 37, of Ballinasloe, was convicted after a week‑long trial at the Central Criminal Court for raping a woman in a bathroom. He denied the charge on 13 August 2022 but was found guilty. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sentenced him to ten years, with the final twelve months suspended on strict conditions for five years. The victim, who was drinking with Langas and another man before the assault, was pushed into a bathtub and raped from behind. She reported extensive injuries and later provided a victim impact statement detailing anxiety, depression, nightmares, panic attacks, and the loss of her children. Langas admitted the act but claimed it was consensual. The judge noted the seriousness of the offence and imposed the suspended sentence, placing Langas under probation supervision for three years post‑release. The court expressed hope for the victim's recovery.
Christopher Ryan, 33, pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault, assault causing harm and criminal damage at the Central Criminal Court. He was sentenced to 11½ years for rape, five years for sexual assault, four years for assault causing harm and two years for criminal damage, all concurrent. A 12‑month portion of the total term was suspended on the condition that he engage with the Probation Service. He was ordered to have no contact with Kerrie Keane for the duration of his imprisonment and the suspended period. Keane, who was raped and assaulted by Ryan in her Galway home on 11 November 2023, moved into emergency accommodation with her daughter after the attack. She gave a victim impact statement describing ongoing fear, anxiety, nightmares and depression, and expressed gratitude for police support. Ryan's previous conviction was for theft. The case was prosecuted by Marc Thompson BL and heard by Justice Mary Ellen Ring.
A 72‑year‑old man from Ardrahan, Pat Howley, was sentenced by the Galway Circuit Criminal Court to four and a half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended for three years. He pleaded guilty to four counts of sexual assault committed against a teenage girl aged 13‑14 between February and December 2006. The court noted a 40‑year age gap, the breach of trust, the nature of the conduct and the trauma inflicted. Howley's guilty plea, long working life, voluntary Civil Defence work and health issues were considered mitigating factors. He has no prior convictions and is deemed low risk of re‑offending. He will be supervised by the Probation Service for 12 months after release and must comply with all directions given by them. The sentence was imposed by Judge Brian O'Callaghan.
A Galway farmer, Paul Neilan, has been granted permission to challenge a compulsory purchase order (CPO) issued by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for the Connemara Greenway Project, which he claims would run across his land and 'split' his farm, making it 'unmanageable and landlocked'. At the High Court, lawyers for Oliver Joyce, from Clifden, Co Galway, successfully applied to Ms Justice Emily Farrell to challenge the decision of ACP to grant the CPO to Galway County Council relating to lands he owns in Doireliagh and Doireclunlaigh. The project aims to install a cycle and walkway from Galway city to Clifden over 76 kilometres, which would pass through 'the backbone' of Mr Joyce's property along the old Galway-to-Clifden railway line. Mr Oliver claims the project, as approved, differs from the original proposal, which was to be carried out on a permissive basis. He argues that the CPO decision was 'taken without cause or justification' and that environmental assessments related to the original scheme were not considered for the new elements in the CPO. Ms Justice Farrell granted leave for the judicial review to Michael O'Donnell BL, instructed by Harrington & Co solicitors – for Mr Oliver – and adjourned the matter to September.
James Lynch, 44, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply in Galway on 29 August 2022. He had 86 prior convictions, including traffic offences, theft, fraud, drug possession, public order, criminal damage, assault, and weapons. The court noted that Lynch was dealing heroin, an aggressive approach to arrest, and threw the drugs into the River Corrib to evade capture. Judge Brian O'Callaghan set a headline sentence of six years, then imposed a custodial term of four years, suspending the final two years. Lynch was ordered to serve the sentence from the date he entered custody, and to be supervised by the Probation Service for one year after release. He was found with €614 on his person and a package of heroin worth about €6,500, which was recovered from the river. The court considered his addiction and lack of financial benefit from the offence, and noted his need for rehabilitation.
A man with over 70 previous road traffic convictions has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for dangerous driving causing the death of a pregnant woman at Galway Circuit Criminal Court. Frank Barrett, aged 44, of Ballybane, Galway, was driving a car in which Irene Lynch was a passenger when it crashed into a wall and became submerged in water near Menlo in the early hours of March 2024. Ms Lynch, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died in hospital a week later from a hypoxic brain injury, as did her unborn daughter. Barrett was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident and had consumed significant quantities of alcohol and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to six years with the final 12 months suspended for three years, citing Barrett's early guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors. Barrett was disqualified from driving for ten years and fined €1,500.
James O'Reilly, aged 63, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of oral rape, five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation of his daughter Bridget, who was between six and ten years old when the abuse occurred. The offences took place at the family home in Waterford between 2010 and 2014. O'Reilly was found guilty on all nine charges in the fourth trial after earlier trials were aborted or inconclusive. He received a headline sentence of 13 years, with the final year suspended for 12 months on strict conditions, including probation supervision after release. The judge described the conduct as an egregious breach of trust, noting violence, threats and a lack of remorse. O'Reilly's son Thomas gave a character reference, and the daughter waived anonymity to name her father. No prior sexual convictions were recorded, though he had three unrelated convictions.
A Workplace Relations Commission adjudication hearing involving applicant Kate Rellis was adjourned after the adjudicator determined that a defence witness was not in a suitable setting. The hearing, which concerned a complaint against the South East Technological University Student Union under the Payment of Wages Act 1991, was called on via videoconference but quickly suspended. Adjudication officer Gaye Cunningham noted that SETUSU president Erin Foley had joined from a car and welfare officer Lucy Kate Bosch was on a train. Ms Cunningham stated that background noise from other passengers made the environment unsatisfactory for a formal hearing, comparing it to being on a public street. Although Ms Foley indicated that Ms Bosch was a necessary witness, the adjudicator emphasized that respondents could have applied for a postponement if participants were unavailable in a safe setting. Ms Rellis expressed agreement with the decision but wished to proceed. The adjudicator instructed that all parties must be in a reasonably formal, office-like setting for the next date. The matter was adjourned pending a re-scheduled hearing as soon as possible.
Brian Cummins, a 27-year-old from Tuam, Co Galway, had his prison sentence for money laundering halved on appeal. At the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Michael MacGrath quashed the original sentence of seven years, with the final two years suspended, imposed by Judge Brian O'Callaghan at Galway Circuit Court on July 19, 2024. The appellate judge found the original headline sentence disproportionate, noting it erred in principle. Cummins, who pleaded guilty to money laundering contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010, was resentenced to three years, with the final six months suspended. The court considered his high culpability, the €1,000 amount involved, his guilty plea, age, and drug dependency history. The case stemmed from an investigation into Barry Young, the 'Scourge of Sligo,' whose seized phone revealed Cummins as a contact known as 'Tuam.' Messages indicated a €1,000 transfer linked to criminal damage. Young, who pleaded guilty to directing a criminal organisation at the Special Criminal Court in July 2023, was jailed for 11 years. Cummins' appeal, argued by Philip Sheahan SC, successfully challenged the proportionality of the original sentence.
A Ballina man has been sentenced to one year and four months in prison for stabbing another man with a broken beer bottle during an altercation in the town four years ago. Stephen Lawrence, aged 23, of Cloonishlawn pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Oisín McCarron at Greenhills housing estate on 3 April 2021. Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court heard the incident occurred following a verbal and physical row between the two men, then teenagers, after a night of drinking. Judge Eoin Garavan noted elements of provocation and that both parties had been involved in the altercation. The victim suffered deep lacerations to his face, jaw and neck requiring plastic surgery and continues to experience psychological trauma. A family contribution of €5,000 was presented to court in recognition of the harm caused. The judge acknowledged Lawrence's genuine remorse, stable family background and lack of previous convictions. The sentence, comprising two years and three months with eleven months suspended for two years, was backdated to September 2024.
A worker at Arranmore Island co-operative in County Donegal has failed in a constructive dismissal claim before the Workplace Relations Commission. Fiona Glynn alleged she was forced to resign following a public remark by the then-chairperson concerning "cute hoorism", which she characterised as undermining and divisive. The co-operative, which operates sporting facilities, holiday homes, a café and a cultural centre on the island, denied the complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Adjudicator Conor Stokes rejected the claim, finding that Ms Glynn did not exhaust the organisation's formal grievance procedure before resigning in August 2022. The adjudicator noted that Ms Glynn deleted thousands of emails from the employer's systems prior to departure, which undermined her position. He concluded she was not unfairly dismissed.
A 21‑year‑old driver, Richard McSweeney, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm after a car he was driving on the R341 became airborne and crashed into a field, striking an ESB pole. The crash left the vehicle "barely recognisable" and caused severe injuries to the driver and two passengers, including an open fracture to the ulna and radius of Harry Toomey, who required multiple surgeries and long‑term rehabilitation. McSweeney's blood alcohol level was above the legal limit. He had no prior convictions and was a novice driver. The court imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to two and a half years, with the final 18 months suspended. A one‑year custodial sentence was deferred pending a suitability assessment for a 240‑hour community service order and a detailed injury report. The sentence will be finalised on 25 July.