Court archive
Court reports mentioning Carragh, Kildare
2025-12-11 · Sligo
A 29-year-old woman from Coolaney, Sligo, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to making a false criminal complaint at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Nicole Chambers alleged that a male prison officer had sexually assaulted her in a hospital cubicle whilst escorting her for medical treatment in August 2020. Hospital CCTV footage, corroborated by the officer's female colleague and medical staff, established that the officer never entered the cubicle and remained outside in accordance with protocol. When confronted with the footage, Chambers initially maintained her account before later retracting the allegation and apologising to the officer and prison service. Judge Martin Nolan described the allegation as malicious and self-serving, noting it had caused profound harm to the victim and could have resulted in a trial absent the camera evidence. The judge acknowledged Chambers' complex psychiatric history and functional neurological disorder but found she understood the distinction between right and wrong. She has 34 previous convictions, including an earlier custodial sentence for making false reports.
2021-11-12 · Kildare
Glassco Recycling Limited, a glass recycling firm based in Naas, has lodged a High Court challenge against a decision by An Bord Pleanala that its proposal to increase its annual intake of glass and aluminium cans is not exempt from planning permission. The board had ruled in May that the proposed increase constituted a material change of use due to intensification, and that no planning law exemption applied. Glassco argues the decision is flawed, that the board erred in law, and that the increase does not amount to development. It also claims the board failed to provide reasons, did not consider relevant factors, and made an unreasonable decision without an Environmental Impact Assessment. The company seeks orders to quash the decision and a declaration that its existing recycling permission precludes the activity from being a material change of use. Mr Justice Anthony Barr granted the company permission to proceed, and the case will return to court next month.
2018-04-26 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentences of cousins Michael Casey and David Casey, who pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue in Doon on August 27, 2015, where Mr. O'Donoghue collapsed and died. The original sentence of four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended, imposed by Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court in December 2016, was found to be unduly lenient following a review by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, re-sentenced both men to seven years imprisonment, with the final eight months suspended. This decision was based on aggravating factors, including the pre-planned nature of the burglary spree, the ransacking of a dwelling, and the serious harm caused to the victim. The court also established new sentencing guidelines for burglary, categorizing offenses into mid-range and highest categories based on factors such as planning, violence, and previous convictions. The Caseys received concurrent terms for other related offenses, and the court emphasized the need for general deterrence in cases involving residential burglaries in rural areas.
2018-02-19 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has remanded cousins Michael Casey and David Casey in custody until April 17, the date set for judgment on their appeal. Both men pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue in Doon on August 27, 2015. Mr O'Donoghue collapsed and died while confronting the intruders, who fled without assistance. In December 2016, Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court sentenced both to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions sought a review, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient. Counsel Thomas O'Malley BL submitted that the men targeted four properties and entered three, noting David Casey was on bail at the time. While it was not alleged that the Caseys directly caused Mr O'Donoghue's death, a causative link was identified. The DPP urged the court to treat residential burglary as a "special case" due to its severe social impact. The three-judge panel, comprising Justices Birmingham, Mahon, and Edwards, found the original sentences unduly lenient. As the Caseys are due for release in mid-April, days before the judgment, the court ordered them to remain in custody until the decision is handed down on April 17.
2017-12-18 · Limerick
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 18 December 2017, the court found that the 4½‑year sentences imposed on cousins Michael Casey (34) and David Casey (23) for a fatal burglary at the home of 62‑year‑old John O'Donoghue were unduly lenient. The men had pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including the incident on 27 August 2015 when O'Donoghue collapsed and died as he confronted the intruders. Judge Tom O'Donnell had originally sentenced them at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four‑and‑a‑half years, with the final year suspended. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the harm caused, including the distress of O'Donoghue's sister who witnessed his death, warranted a harsher penalty. The three‑judge panel, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, agreed and ordered a fresh sentencing hearing to be scheduled for January.
2017-12-14 · Limerick
Prosecutors seek a review of the sentences imposed on cousins Michael Casey (34) and David Casey (22) for a series of burglaries, including a fatal burglary at John O'Donoghue's home in Doon on 27 August 2015. The men pleaded guilty and were sentenced by Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The DPP argues the sentence was unduly lenient, citing the death of Mr O'Donoghue, the trauma to his sister, and the aggravated nature of the burglary spree. Counsel for the DPP highlighted the inherent risk of residential burglary and the need for a headline sentence that reflects the harm caused. The Court of Appeal reserved its judgment, while counsel for the defendants argued the suspended year was justified and that the defendants had shown remorse and personal difficulties. The case remains pending.
2017-07-17 · Limerick
The Court of Appeal has fixed December 14 as the date for the hearing of the Director of Public Prosecutions' application to review the sentences of cousins Michael Casey and David Casey. Prosecutors intend to argue that the prison terms imposed for a "fatal burglary" were "unduly lenient." The men, aged 34 and 22 respectively, had previously pleaded guilty to a series of burglaries, including an incident at the home of John O'Donoghue at Toomaline, Doon, on August 27, 2015. In December 2016, Judge Tom O'Donnell at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court sentenced both defendants to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The DPP is seeking a review on the grounds that these sentences are unduly lenient. Prosecuting counsel John G O'Sullivan BL characterized the offense as a fatal burglary. The Caseys were not present in court when the hearing date was fixed. This procedural stage involves the appellate review of the original sentencing decision rather than a new trial on the merits of the charges.