Daniel Kinahan appeared before the Special Criminal Court without legal representation after being extradited from the UAE. He was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017, a period covered by section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court, presided over by Justice Patrick McGrath, remanded Kinahan in custody until the next sitting of the Special Criminal Court in October. Kinahan stated that he did not expect to obtain bail and thanked the court for the opportunity to apply. The prosecution was led by Dean Kelly SC and Tessa White BL. The hearing was conducted in an out‑of‑hours sitting, with Kinahan arriving under armed escort from Casement Aerodrome after an Irish Government jet transferred him from Dubai. The court set no trial date at this stage. The case is pending further proceedings. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a six-month prison sentence for Ben Lawlor for the defilement of a 12-year-old girl was appropriate, as the victim factually, albeit not legally, consented and the defendant genuinely believed she was 16. However, the court found that a 14-month sentence was more suitable for a subsequent sexual assault charge, as Lawlor knew the girl was 14 at the time. The appeal court suspended the unserved portion of this sentence. The victim had reported missing in 2023 and was found at Heuston Station. Lawlor had met the girl on a dating app and had sexual contact with her. He later contacted her via social media and met her again, where they engaged in kissing and touching. Lawlor was sentenced to six months for defilement and 12 months suspended for sexual assault. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentences were too lenient. The court acknowledged the victim's harm but noted the defendant's genuine belief in the girl's age and his vulnerabilities. The unnamed 21-year-old pleaded guilty.
Simon O'Donovan, a 44-year-old National Museum employee, appeared before the Special Criminal Court at the trial stage, where he was remanded in custody until October 5. O'Donovan is alleged to have knowingly possessed an improvised explosive device on July 22 in Chapelizod, Dublin 10, contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He remains unrepresented, as his solicitor could not accept instructions due to a legal aid strike. The judge noted that O'Donovan's previous bail application was refused and stated that a second application would require a change of circumstances, such as legal representation. O'Donovan expressed his desire to reapply for bail at the earliest chance. The court indicated that the next procedural step is the service of the book of evidence. In connection with the same investigation, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, a 25-year-old law student, was charged with possession of explosives at a special sitting of Trim District Court. Police alleged that O'Donovan handed a bag containing 394g of Semtex, a timer, and a detonator to Sullivan, who then transported it to Carrickmacross. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded for either accused at this stage.
A Dublin man, Simon O'Donovan, has been denied bail following a charge of possession of an explosive device in connection with the alleged discovery of a bomb in a car in Co Monaghan. The court heard that the device was allegedly stored in the National Museum at Collins' Barracks where O'Donovan worked. Gardai believe that if O'Donovan were released on bail, he would engage in acts to further the objectives of the dissident Republican group, the New IRA. O'Donovan was arrested after a car carrying the device was stopped on the N2. The device contained 394g of Semtex, a timer switch, and a viable detonator. Gardai objected to bail, citing the risk of O'Donovan interfering with the investigative process and continuing to engage in IRA operational activity. The court ruled that no bail conditions would allay the concerns of gardai and refused bail. A 25-year-old woman, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was also charged in relation to the same incident and remanded in custody.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal of an unnamed 81-year-old man, upholding his conviction for sexually assaulting his grandson. The appellant, who pleaded not guilty to three counts of sexually assaulting his 15-year-old grandson at various locations in Leinster between June and September 2015, was convicted following a second trial after the first jury failed to reach a verdict. On December 9, 2024, Judge Martina Baxter at Naas Circuit Court sentenced him to five and a half years imprisonment. The appeal centered on the trial judge's decision to exclude a prepared statement the appellant gave to gardaí in October 2017. His counsel argued the statement contained mixed elements and should have been admitted. However, Mr Justice Alexander Owens ruled the statement was self-serving, wholly exculpatory, and inadmissible hearsay. The judge noted the document was produced for trial use rather than to assist the investigation, and the trial judge was correct to refuse its admission. The Court of Appeal found the appellant failed to establish that the guilty verdicts were unsafe, thereby rejecting his claim that the exclusion of the statement rendered the trial unfair.
Anthony Cooney, a 38-year-old chronic drug addict, was jailed for nine and a half years for two violent car hijackings. During the first incident, Cooney held a knife to the throat of a 70-year-old woman and threatened to kill her. In the second, he used a fork to threaten a couple, stabbing the driver and demanding money. The stolen car was later involved in a collision with a commercial van, causing significant damage. Cooney was arrested at the scene and was too intoxicated to be interviewed. He later admitted to the hijacking and apologized. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the trauma inflicted on the victims, emphasizing that Cooney's actions were deplorable and required a long prison sentence. Cooney was also disqualified from driving for eight years.
The Court of Appeal declared Osgur Breatnach's 1978 conviction for the Sallins mail train robbery a miscarriage of justice. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, sitting with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Paul Burns, granted the certificate based on Breatnach's asserted factual innocence and a newly discovered fact regarding John Fitzpatrick's alibi. The Director of Public Prosecutions did not dispute that Fitzpatrick's alibi constituted a newly discovered fact. Breatnach, who was originally sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Special Criminal Court, had his conviction quashed in 1980 after the Court of Criminal Appeal ruled his confession was obtained under oppression. He spent 18 months in custody before release. In his affidavit, Breatnach stated he had "no hand, act or part" in the robbery, a claim the DPP did not contest. Counsel Patrick Gageby SC argued that Fitzpatrick's alibi, which was never tested in court because Fitzpatrick disappeared before being charged, cast substantial doubt on all related convictions. The court found the threshold for a miscarriage of justice certificate was met. Mr Justice Edwards ordered that costs follow the event, as the applicant was completely successful. Breatnach, speaking outside court, described himself and the other "Sallins Men" as victims of serious crimes and renewed his call for an independent public inquiry into their treatment.
Maynooth University administrators failed to act on a pay gap between the managers of its golf and GAA programmes, a tribunal has found. Barry Fennelly, the golf programme manager, alleged gender discrimination in relation to salary. The pay gap between Fennelly and Ms X, the GAA development manager, widened to over €16,000 at one point. The tribunal found that the disparity was rooted in an anomaly rather than discriminatory intent. Fennelly was on a lower pay scale compared to Ms X, who was granted a higher salary when made permanent. The pay gap had closed to €2,433 a year by 2024 after Fennelly was promoted. The adjudication officer noted that the university was aware of the potential issues but did not take action. She had no power to address the historic pay differential under equality law.
A sentencing hearing has taken place in the Special Criminal Court for Shane Blackhall (21) and Co-accused O'Donovan (19), both of whom have pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to drug dealing, firearm possession, and involvement in a criminal organisation. Blackhall admitted to possessing cocaine, cannabis, and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025, and possessing a firearm on January 6, 2025, at Hyde Avenue in Limerick, in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. He also admitted to unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner on June 1, 2025, at Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick. O'Donovan admitted to participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by the O'Donoghue criminal organisation, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, between April 26 and May 8, 2025. He also faces three further charges of unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, in Limerick on April 27, 2025, and May 8, 2025, and in Monasterevin on April 26, 2025, as well as a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on July 27. Five other men are also due to stand trial in relation to their alleged involvement in these offences.
A journalist has accused an animal rescue charity of penalising her for making protected disclosures and has argued that she has either been suspended for the past two years or unfairly dismissed. Alison O'Reilly, a newspaper reporter, broadcaster and author, has filed complaints against Kildare Wildlife Rescue under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, and the Equal Status Act 2000. The details were disclosed at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) case management hearing on Tuesday. Ms O'Reilly's solicitor, Gerard Cullen, said his client had made protected disclosures and had been victimised and penalised in a very gross fashion. His client had raised concerns with the charity in relation to public health. After a suspension took effect on 1 July 2024, his client was subject to non-engagement from the charity. Mr Cullen characterised Ms O'Reilly's involvement with the charity as an employment relationship for the purposes of the Protected Disclosures Act. Kildare Wildlife Rescue disputes this position.
A Brazilian brothel-keeper, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, has had his appeal to reduce his prison sentence dismissed by the court. Ribeiro, who operated a brothel network across rural Ireland and laundered €800,000, was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2023 with child abuse material on his phone. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including brothel-keeping, money laundering, and possession of child pornography. The child abuse material, which included images and videos of pre-pubescent children, was described as the most serious category. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in 2025, which included consecutive terms. Ribeiro's lawyers argued that the court should have suspended the sentence for the child abuse material due to his lack of prior convictions. However, Mr Justice Paul Burns ruled that the child pornography charge was of a different nature and required a separate sentence. He stated that the court could not ignore the severity of the offence. The investigation into Ribeiro began after two women came forward with trafficking allegations, leading to the identification of multiple properties used as brothels across Ireland.
Myles Connors, 37, was jailed for a year for defrauding an elderly woman of over €50,000 for poor-quality garden work. Connors charged the 82-year-old woman €48,000 for slabbing, weed removal, and cementing her garden, and an additional €5,000 for power washing and painting her tarmac. The work was assessed as being worth no more than €20,000, with materials costing less than €3,000. The woman, who lives alone and has mobility issues, was left with uneven and unsecured slabs and felt unsafe in her home. Connors pleaded guilty to two counts of deception. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a "sustained, controlled, and pre-meditated campaign" against the woman, a "gross breach of trust." She ordered the release of frozen funds, fully restituting the woman. Connors received a two-year sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered not to contact the victim. Gardai had previously recommended Connors to the woman based on his work for a neighbor.
Larry Connors (32) and Michael Connors (34), both of Newbridge, Co Kildare, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred in a pub restroom following a Tyson Fury boxing match, where the victim was assaulted after shouting "up Usyk." The victim sustained a chipped tooth, bruising, swelling, and cuts to his face. Both defendants were already serving sentences for affray imposed by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in February and had been due for release in November. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Michael Connors initiated the incident by pushing the victim, Larry Connors used the greatest force. Both men brought €1,500 each to court. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 months on each defendant, with the final year suspended on conditions. These conditions require them to hand over the total €3,000 to the garda to be offered to the victim or, if not accepted, donated to charity. The court acknowledged their apologies and good work histories, noting they would return to stable situations upon release.
The High Court has ruled that a District Court judge erred in law when he refused to convict thirty-four drivers caught speeding at Clogheen, Monasterevin in County Kildare. In December 2024, Judge Andrew Cody found the facts proven but declined to record convictions, describing the 60km/h speed zone as unjust and criticising prosecutions as motivated by targets and finance rather than safety. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought judicial review of four lead cases. Mr Justice Cian Ferriter found the judge's approach unlawful, stating a court must record a conviction when facts are proven. The judge's role was to apply existing law, not to question its correctness. Mr Justice Ferriter noted the judge's comments breached fair procedures and could create reasonable apprehension of predetermination. However, none of the thirty-four drivers opposed the DPP's action. The DPP adopted a sensible approach by not requesting remittal to District Court, meaning none will receive convictions or penalty points.
A woman who was subjected to an extreme campaign of harassment by her garda partner has said she was "profoundly let down" after making a complaint about him to the ombudsman, which was "met with silence". Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Paul Moody (46) sent the victim thousands of messages while she was in hospital pregnant and threatened to send intimate images to her employer. Moody, formerly of St Rapheal's Manor, Celbridge, Kildare, pleaded guilty to harassment and coercive control on dates between March 2016 and November 2017. The court heard how Moody's offending continued while the woman was in hospital pregnant and after the birth of their child. Their relationship ended in early 2017. The defendant was previously jailed in 2022 for engaging in a four-year campaign of harassment, threats, assaults and coercive control of Nicola Hanney. He had pleaded guilty to a charge of coercion. The victim said she felt "profound anger" that Moody continued to serve – "wearing the uniform of protection" – but was an abuser behind closed doors.
A grieving Garda sergeant, Sgt Laura Gaffey, has submitted a judicial review application to the High Court, alleging bullying and discrimination within An Garda Síochána following the death of her son. She claims that a superior officer made a discriminatory comment, stating, "I suppose you thought you would get a consolation prize for losing your son," after she applied for a new position following her child's death. Sgt Gaffey, who has 18 years of experience, alleges ongoing bullying by a supervising inspector since 2018, including criticism for taking maternity leave. She further claims that her complaints led to a data breach, with sensitive personal information being shared without her consent. Sgt Gaffey also alleges that she was intentionally undermined in her role, not provided with necessary equipment, and faced hostile treatment from another superior officer. Although an internal panel cleared the officer of bullying, Sgt Gaffey claims the process involved a breach of her privacy, including references to her mental health and the death of her son.
A Limerick teenager has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to helping a criminal gang possess a firearm with intent to endanger life last year. John O'Donovan (19), of Valley View, O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, will appear before the court again on July 13 for a sentencing hearing. The charge to which he entered the plea states that between April 26 and May 8, 2025, O'Donovan, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participated in or contributed to activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. In a related matter, Shane Blackhall (21) of Mungret Court, Watergate Flats, Limerick, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025.
Supt O'Reilly, the applicant, appealed a November Dublin Circuit Civil Court decision to the High Court, where he alleged he was penalised by the Garda Commissioner's office after making protected disclosures regarding unsafe leather holsters. He claimed these defective holsters, supplied by a Kildare saddlery, allowed a pistol to be removed even when the retention strap was closed, potentially contributing to the accidental self-wounding of a Garda at the Israeli ambassador's residence in June 2020. Six days later, Stephen Silver murdered Gda Colm Horkan using the garda's own gun in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Silver was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum time to be served of 40 years for murdering a Garda acting in the course of his duties. During the current High Court hearing, counsel for Supt O'Reilly raised a separate allegation that Supt Liam White shared a prohibited photograph taken inside a courtroom of Supt O'Reilly and three accompanying individuals. Mr Justice Micheál O'Higgins asked parties with knowledge to write to the court and stated he would review the relevant prohibitions. The matter was adjourned to May 19 for further submissions.
Sean McGovern, a Kinahan cartel lieutenant, has asked the Special Criminal Court to give him credit for pleading guilty to directing the criminal organization in the murder of a grandfather and the attempted murder of another man. His lawyers also requested additional credit for the time he spent in harsh conditions in a Dubai prison before his extradition to Ireland. McGovern pleaded guilty to directing the activities of the criminal organization in the murder of Christopher Kirwan and the surveillance of James Gately. His defense argued that his role was limited to surveillance and communication, not planning or executing the attacks. Michael Bowman SC highlighted the guilty plea as a significant mitigating factor and requested a reduction in the sentence beyond the standard 25 percent. He also presented testimonials from McGovern's family, emphasizing his rehabilitation and current status in Portlaoise Prison. The prosecution, however, questioned whether additional credit should be given due to McGovern's challenge to his extradition, which prolonged his time in Dubai.
Jenifer Devine, a mother of eight, was given a suspended sentence for withholding information about her husband's involvement in the murder of her brother-in-law. Devine had fled with her husband, Christopher Devine, who was later convicted of murder. The court heard that Devine was afraid of her husband, who was described as a 'snake' and had a history of significant violence. Devine pleaded guilty to withholding information during the four-day period following the murder. The judge noted that Devine was the sole carer for her two youngest children while her husband was serving a life sentence. The court acknowledged her mental distress and the chaotic living conditions she faced. The judge imposed an 18-month suspended sentence, taking into account her guilty plea, lack of recent convictions, and her role as a primary carer. The victim's family expressed a significant rift due to the incident, and Devine's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional toll on her and her family. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
The daughter of Noel Kirwan, an innocent man murdered by the Kinahan organised crime group, told cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern that her father would have been offended to have been killed by 'somebody as stupid as you.' Donna Kirwan, whose father was shot dead outside his home in December 2016, addressed McGovern directly in her written statement to the court. She questioned how McGovern thought he would get away with the murder, pointing out that he was linked to the murder by DNA, mobile phones, CCTV, and other evidence. The court heard evidence relating to McGovern's role in the murder of Mr Kirwan and the attempted murder of James Gately. The Kinahans targeted Gately because they believed he was one of the armed attackers at the Regency Hotel. McGovern used a secure messaging service to relay information about Gately's movements. The case was adjourned for the completion of evidence and pleas in mitigation by McGovern's lawyers. Sean McGovern pleaded guilty.
Sean McGovern, a senior Kinahan cartel member, swore on his baby's life that he would not stop targeting the Hutch gang following the Regency Hotel attack in 2016. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher testified that McGovern directed the Kinahan gang's activities, including tracking James Mago' Gately, who was believed to be involved in the attack. In text exchanges, McGovern vowed to continue targeting the Hutch gang until all members were gone. McGovern pleaded guilty to directing the Kinahan gang's activities in relation to the murder of Christopher Kirwan and the surveillance of James Gately. Kirwan was an innocent man with no connection to either gang, targeted after being photographed at a Hutch family member's funeral. Gately survived two attempted hits, including one where he was shot five times. McGovern's actions were part of a broader campaign of violence and intimidation against the Hutch gang, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the Kinahan and Hutch criminal organisations.
Lidl has been ordered to pay €28,000 to a warehouse employee who was denied light duties after suffering a hernia. Lukasz Swiercz, a stock picker, was told there was no work for him after he returned to work with a medical note restricting him to light duties. Lidl did not adjust his role and sent him home, claiming there was no available position. He was referred to occupational health after a letter from his solicitor. Lidl later stated that light duties were too restrictive and offered a phased return. Swiercz returned to work in September 2025, lifting lighter items before resuming his usual duties. The adjudication officer ruled that Lidl failed to provide reasonable accommodation and that its actions amounted to disability discrimination. Compensation was awarded for six months' financial loss and to act as a deterrent. Lidl's refusal to engage with Swiercz and its disciplinary approach were also factors in the award.
A double killer serving a life sentence for the 'gruesome' murder of Philip Finnegan has argued that his conviction should be quashed, as he was denied an adjournment to get a new legal team after discharging his original barristers for refusing to call certain witnesses. Stephen Penrose (43) told the Court of Appeal that the gardaí fabricated the case to make it fit him. He submitted a number of grounds of appeal, including allegations of perjury against a garda witness and bias from the trial judge. Barristers for the State said that Penrose was the 'author of his own misfortune' after he twice dismissed his legal team to represent himself at trial. Penrose was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict in November 2021 of murdering Mr Finnegan at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
A fraudster, Myles Connors, conned an elderly woman out of over €50,000 for substandard garden work, including €5,000 for power washing, according to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Connors charged the 82-year-old woman €48,000 for slabbing, weed removal, and cementing part of her back garden, with materials costing less than €3,000. Gardai assessed the work and found it should have cost no more than €20,000. The woman, who lives alone and has mobility issues, was left with uneven and unsecured slabs. Connors, who pleaded guilty to two counts of deception, had previously purchased the slabs for €1,200 and used them in the woman's garden. He also purchased a vehicle with a €1,000 deposit and later asked the woman to write a €35,000 cheque. The woman later complained about the work and was left feeling unsafe and vulnerable in her home. Connors was arrested and has one previous conviction for criminal damage.
Philip Sullivan, a 63-year-old Kildare native, is to be returned to prison after breaching the conditions of his suspended sentence. In 2008, the late Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed two concurrent life sentences on Sullivan for the alleged rape and sexual assault of two young boys, aged nine and 11, between 2004 and 2006. Sullivan appealed this decision, and the Court of Appeal quashed the life terms, substituting them with concurrent 15-year sentences. The final two and a half years of this term were suspended for 10 years on strict conditions, including a prohibition on being in the company of minors. Prosecutors told the High Court that in February, gardai found Sullivan in the company of three teenage boys, aged 15, 16, and 17, at his south Dublin home. While there was no evidence the boys consumed alcohol or cannabis in Sullivan's presence, his association with minors constituted a breach. Sullivan's risk assessment was subsequently upgraded from medium to high. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that Sullivan was not candid when confronted by gardai. The judge activated 18 months of the previously suspended sentence, ordering Sullivan's return to custody to ensure public safety and uphold the fundamental tenet of his supervision.
Maria Muntean, 37, pleaded guilty to robbery and endangerment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding a fake taxi scam in March 2023. The court heard that Muntean drove a vehicle while her son, Damit Rostas, lured a 19-year-old victim into the car. When a garda patrol appeared, the victim was pushed from the moving vehicle. Rostas was sentenced to 27 months in custody last year for his role. Muntean, who has 50 previous convictions, admitted the charges. Defense counsel Gregory Murphy BL submitted that Muntean acted as a follower, apologized on her behalf, and requested a suspended sentence, citing her care responsibilities for seven children, including one with serious medical issues. Judge Martin Nolan described the offense as serious and concluded that Muntean could not avoid a custodial term given her record. However, acknowledging the impact on her children, the judge adjourned finalisation until May to allow time for care arrangements to be made. Muntean was remanded on continuing bail pending the adjourned sentencing.
Ejike Francis Ogubefi and Steven Silvester were sentenced after convictions for directing a criminal organisation and laundering or attempting to launder money through multiple accounts. The court described a sophisticated international operation and imposed nine years on Ogubefi and seven and a half years on Silvester.
Sean McGovern has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to two charges of directing a criminal organisation. The charges concern activity connected to the murder of Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan and surveillance of James Gately. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last summer, is due to be sentenced on April 27, when victim impact evidence is expected to be heard.
Dylan Reilly received four years in prison, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cannabis resin for sale or supply. Gardaí found more than €334,000 worth of drugs at a Wexford house after a traffic stop, and the court ordered the drugs destroyed and the car forfeited.
Jenifer Devine, 43, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to withholding information regarding the murder of her brother-in-law, Michael Tormey. The court heard that Devine stayed in two hotels with her husband, Christopher Devine, during a Garda manhunt. Christopher Devine, 44, had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter; a jury convicted him of murder in December, finding he was not suffering from a substance-induced psychotic disorder. Devine admitted to booking accommodation at the Osprey Hotel in Naas and The Glenview Hotel in Wicklow between January 9 and 13, 2022, which hindered police efforts to locate her husband. Defense counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that Devine was in an emotionally abusive relationship and acted under extreme distress, requesting a suspended sentence. Prosecution counsel Garret Baker SC noted the maximum penalty is five years. Ms Justice Melanie Greally remanded Devine on continuing bail until April 16, when she will be sentenced. The matter was adjourned.
Donatas Sadauskas pleaded guilty to making a false statement about a Mercedes Benz theft after initiating an insurance claim for a car he never owned. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court imposed an 18-month sentence and suspended it for three years.
The Court of Appeal has rejected Stephen 'Rossi' Walsh's application for a certificate of miscarriage of justice. Walsh, a convicted child rapist with former addresses at Belgrave Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6, and Coologmartin, Donadea, Co Kildare, argued that the State acted unlawfully by bringing him back to court in November 2024 to seek additional post-release supervision conditions. He had previously been sentenced to ten years in jail in February 2010 for raping a nine-year-old girl, and later received a consecutive 12-year sentence in December 2011 for sexual assault and defilement, with the final two years suspended. In the 2024 proceedings, Mr Justice Paul Burns refused the State's application to vary conditions under the Sex Offenders Act, 2001, ruling the statute did not permit the request. Walsh subsequently claimed this constituted a miscarriage of justice under section 9 of the Criminal Procedure Act 1993. However, the three-judge panel, led by Mr Justice John Edwards, found that the State's unsuccessful application was a legitimate procedural step, not a second sentencing. The court emphasized that inconvenience does not equate to a miscarriage of justice, which requires inappropriate deprivation of liberty. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, and Walsh's convictions remain extant.
The Workplace Relations Commission found Conor Gilligan was unfairly dismissed as chief executive of Derrin Group Management Ltd after he raised concerns about payments and unpaid construction creditors. The company was directed to pay him €183,426.28.
Donatas Sadauskas pleaded guilty after falsely reporting that a Mercedes-Benz had been stolen and producing a purchase order later found to be false. The AXA claim was never processed, and Dublin Circuit Criminal Court remanded him on continuing bail until Thursday for sentence.
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered John O'Donovan and Shane Blackhall to be tried before the Special Criminal Court on charges including firearms offences. O'Donovan also faces allegations involving a criminal organisation, vehicle use and arson, while Blackhall faces drug and firearms charges.
Gardaí who stopped Dylan Reilly for holding a mobile phone while driving found cannabis in his car and more than €334,000 worth of cannabis herb and resin at a rented Wexford home. Reilly pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply and was remanded on continuing bail while the case was adjourned for finalisation.
A High Court judge has emphasised the importance of media access after the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) excluded reporters from a hearing involving Detective Superintendent Brian O'Reilly. Mr Justice Garrett Simons stated that any departure from public hearings must be strictly justified, questioning the WRC's decision to hear O'Reilly's case behind closed doors. O'Reilly, the acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, is seeking to quash a WRC ruling that accepted Garda submissions regarding the 'sensitivities' of his disclosures. He alleges he suffered workplace detriment and pay reductions after raising concerns about defective leather pistol holsters, which he claims endangered armed gardaí and the public. O'Reilly submitted that these holsters may have contributed to the accidental self-wounding of a Garda at the Israeli ambassador's residence in June 2020. The report notes that six days after that incident, Stephen Silver murdered Detective Garda Colm Horkan in Castlerea, Co Roscommon. Silver, of Foxford, Co Mayo, was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for murdering a Garda acting in the course of his duties. O'Reilly stated that Silver told gardaí in custody that he had been able to pull Horkan's pistol from the holster. The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána is named as a notice party in the proceedings.
Denniss Anolins pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified at Anglesea Road in Dublin 4. Judge Anne Watkin convicted him and imposed a three-month prison sentence, taking the guilty plea into account.
Det Supt Brian O'Reilly, acting head of the Garda National Technical Bureau, is challenging a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) decision to exclude the media from his hearing. At the High Court, counsel successfully applied for an expedited leave application to be heard tomorrow, seeking to quash a ruling that the case contains "sensitivities" warranting closed doors. O'Reilly claims he suffered workplace detriment and pay reductions after making protected disclosures regarding unsafe leather pistol holsters. He alleges these defective holsters endangered armed gardaí and the public, potentially contributing to an accidental self-wounding incident in 2020. O'Reilly stated that a pistol could be removed even when the retention strap was closed. He referenced the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan by Stephen Silver in Castlerea, noting that Silver allegedly told gardaí in custody he had pulled Horkan's pistol from the holster. Silver was sentenced in April 2023 to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for murdering a garda acting in the course of his duties. O'Reilly, who has a 30-year career, claims he suffered work-related stress certified by his GP in April 2023. The High Court will hear the application for judicial review over the proposed press coverage ban tomorrow.
David Hearns was jailed after pleading guilty to assaulting two gardaí during an attempted arrest in Dublin, as a female accomplice allegedly sprayed corrosive liquid into one officer's eye.
Sean McGovern, 39, appeared by video-link from Portlaoise Prison before the Special Criminal Court, where he is accused of the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin. The accused, who has a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, also faces charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with that murder between October 20 and December 22, 2016. Additional allegations include directing a criminal organisation regarding the surveillance of James Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017, and facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder Mr. Gately. During the trial proceedings, his barrister, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant work had been completed between legal parties and suggested the case might not ultimately require a trial date, though he could not confirm this immediately. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for an update. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded at this stage, and the matter remains ongoing.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Ebenezer Oduntan, a former pastor of the City of David Church in County Kildare, from seven years to six years, with the final six months suspended. Oduntan was convicted of 87 theft and fraud-related offences following a three-week trial at Naas Circuit Criminal Court in March 2024. He had initially denied 54 charges but pleaded guilty midway through the trial to 19 counts of theft, five counts of deception, and nine charges of providing false information to the Companies Registration Office. The offences, spanning 2010 to 2020, involved embezzling approximately €125,000 from the church and inflating donation levels to claim larger tax rebates. Mr Justice Alexander Owens quashed the original sentence, describing the trial judge's headline sentence as "somewhat too high" but noting the offending was "particularly serious" due to a gross breach of trust. The judge highlighted that Oduntan made no restitution to the congregation or Revenue. While acknowledging limited mitigation, the Court of Appeal substituted the sentence with six years' imprisonment, suspending the final six months to encourage rehabilitation. The appeal was heard after Oduntan's legal team argued the original sentence was excessive given the total amount involved and his lack of previous convictions.
A convicted sex offender who was on bail when he attacked and raped his then partner in a Kildare woods, telling her he had dug her grave, has been further jailed for 10 years. Dylan McMahon (31) was convicted of rape, aggravated sexual assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the attack, McMahon pushed dog faeces, sticks, and leaves in her mouth, making her unable to breathe, and led her through the woods, telling her he had dug her grave. He denied the charges but pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. McMahon has 36 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence of six years with the final year suspended for theft and assault causing harm to a sex worker. He is also serving a consecutive two-year and nine-month sentence for offences including robbery. The court heard that McMahon sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and does not accept the verdict of the jury.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 6 February 2026, 32‑year‑old Martin McDonnell pleaded guilty to producing a knife and dishonestly appropriating a cigarette on Wellington Quay on 13 June 2024. The court heard that McDonnell, who has a history of violent incidents and a permanent scar from a past axe attack, approached a worker who had just finished a night shift at 8 am. After the victim refused to give him a cigarette, McDonnell pulled a large knife from his trousers, then, once the cigarette was handed over, hugged the victim and kissed him on the back of the neck. McDonnell was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, with the final 10 months suspended, and was ordered to be supervised by the Probation Service for 18 months after release. The judge noted McDonnell's guilty plea and expressions of remorse as mitigating factors.
A Laois man, Jason Tuthill, who was caught with nearly €400,000 in cannabis, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after the Court of Appeal overturned his original suspended sentence. The court found the initial three-year fully suspended sentence too lenient. Tuthill was convicted of possessing 17kg of cannabis and three kilograms of cannabis herb in 2023. The judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, noted that while there were mitigating factors, such as threats against Tuthill and his family, these did not justify the original sentencing. The court ruled that the headline sentence of eight years should be reduced to five years, with the final two and a half years suspended. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was unduly lenient. Tuthill's counsel argued that the sentencing judge considered the circumstances of his life, but the court found that the reduction was excessive.
A man jailed for a hit-and-run that killed a 21-year-old apprentice electrician had his sentence increased by two months after a mobile phone was found in his prison cell. Cameron Cooper, 24, was originally sentenced to five years and three months for the incident, with the final year suspended. He was later found in possession of a mobile phone in prison, leading to a prosecution application. Cooper pleaded guilty to the offence and was fined €300. The court heard that he was driving at twice the speed limit when he struck the victim, killed him instantly, and fled the scene. Cooper falsely reported his car had been stolen to avoid blame. His defence argued that he had been punished sufficiently and was doing well in custody. Judge Ronan Munro reactivated two months of the suspended sentence, emphasizing the need to ensure compliance with conditions. Cameron Cooper was convicted.
Lawyers for Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organization, have told the Special Criminal Court that they are not in a position to indicate whether a trial date will be required. McGovern's defense counsel, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant progress has been made in the case but that they are not yet ready to determine if a trial date is necessary. McGovern, who is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization, appeared via videolink. The court adjourned the matter to February 23, with McGovern to appear again by videolink. His lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of his extradition, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
Eleven Romanian workers were dismissed by an engineering firm, Rigotec International Ltd, days after they were subjected to racist behaviour at the Intel plant in Co Kildare, a tribunal has heard. Trade union Unite accused the firm of unlawful dismissal in a "sham redundancy" in February 2024. Six of the workers are pursuing complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Rigotec maintains the redundancies were genuine and the result of a downturn in work. At the Workplace Relations Commission, counsel for the employer, Cillian McGovern BL, stated that two men had engaged in racist behaviour towards the complainants. Site manager Alan Jennings said one worker made a racist remark and received a written warning, while another was dismissed for aggressive behaviour. The workers were let go four days later, including the man who made the racist remark. Andrew Turner of Hamilton Turner Solicitors, appearing for the workers, argued that the redundancies were a sham and not due to a downturn in work. Adjudicator Monica Brennan will return her decision at a later date.
Drug dealers made a "very nasty threat" to a money mule mother-of-three who got into a cocaine debt, a Dublin court has heard. Garda Paddy Kelleher was giving evidence at the sentence hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of Anna Stewart (36) for laundering money stolen from a Kildare resident. He agreed with Kieran Kelly BL, defending, that Stewart had become addicted to cocaine after the break-up of a relationship and racked up a drugs debt. Gda Kelleher testified that Stewart came under pressure from the drug dealers, who told her she could get something taken off the debt if she gave them access to her bank account. Counsel told the court that they made a further threat "of a very nasty nature". Judge Orla Crowe noted that gardai accepted that this was a real threat and was "particularly serious". Stewart of Kiltalown Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24 pleaded guilty to having possession of the proceeds of crime on a date in May 2021.