Court archive
Court reports mentioning Ballinrobe, Mayo
2025-11-06 · Galway
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.
2025-07-07 · Mayo
A 42-year-old Ballinrobe woman has admitted assaulting two gardaí at Claremorris Garda Station during an incident in June 2022. Rosemary Sweeney, of Bridge Street, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court. She is remanded in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for July 16. Judge Eoin Garavan ordered the preparation of a prison governor's report ahead of the sentencing hearing.
2022-02-09 · Mayo
A High Court action brought by a woman employed for more than two decades at a meat processing plant in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, has been resolved. Ms Lisa Flanagan, who worked as a receptionist and administrator for Martin Jennings Wholesale Limited, sought an injunction to prevent her dismissal following a workplace dispute with a senior colleague. Ms Flanagan alleged she had been subjected to bullying and that she used intemperate language during an incident, telling her colleague to "shove his job up his ass". She denied formally resigning but claimed the company wrongfully accepted what it characterised as her resignation via email. The company subsequently maintained her position had been terminated. When the matter returned before Mr Justice Mark Sanfey on Wednesday, counsel for Ms Flanagan indicated the proceedings had been resolved. The judge struck out the action with no order as to costs.
2022-01-26 · Mayo
A receptionist and administrator employed by Martin Jennings Wholesale Limited in Ballinrobe, County Mayo, has brought High Court proceedings seeking an injunction to prevent her dismissal. Lisa Flanagan, who worked for the company for over twenty years, admits using intemperate language towards a senior colleague during a workplace incident in December, but denies formally resigning. The company subsequently informed her that her resignation had been accepted. Ms Flanagan claims the colleague had engaged in bullying behaviour and that she made a protected disclosure to the company regarding these allegations. She contends the company wrongfully terminated her employment and seeks declarations that she remains an employee and that any disciplinary matters be handled according to fair procedures. Mr Justice Senan Allen granted permission for short notice of the proceedings. The High Court action was adjourned to February.
2019-04-02 · Mayo
Hassan Bilal, 38, of Tullamore, Co Offaly, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and theft of catering equipment valued at €10,16 on May 18, 2015. The items included a commercial freezer, fryers, mixing bowls, trays, a chip holder, a burger fryer, a microwave, a blender, and chopping boards. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned the matter to May 27 to allow Detective Garda Sweeney to ascertain the specific financial losses incurred by victim Gerry Hughes. Bilal was remanded on continuing bail. The court heard that Bilal, along with co-defendants Yasir Ali and Sabih Hassan, had sub-let the premises in Castlebar, Mayo, without permission. Ali, of East Wall, Dublin, previously received a two-year suspended sentence in December 2017 for the same offence. Sabih Hassan received a three-year suspended term in February 2018. A victim impact statement stated Hughes suffered severe physical, mental, and financial stress, noting he remained out of pocket four years later. Defence counsel Niamh Barry BL submitted Bilal was of limited means and had made efforts to change his circumstances. The prosecution noted no evidence supported Bilal's claim of having paid a deposit or rent.
2019-02-12 · Dublin
The trial of a man accused of coercing a woman into marriage has been discontinued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Yasir Ali, aged 31, of Lighthouse Apartments, East Wall, Dublin, had pleaded not guilty to coercion at apartments in Ballinrobe and Hollymount, County Mayo, between January and July 2015. The jury was discharged on the opening day of the trial after the State prosecutor received instructions from the Director of Public Prosecutions to enter a nolle prosequi, ending the case. The prosecution had alleged Mr Ali played a significant role in intimidating the complainant. Evidence heard from the complainant described arriving in Ireland from Lithuania with promises of employment, having her travel documents withheld, and being pressured into marrying a stranger she had never met. The case proceeded no further.
2017-12-18 · Dublin
A man has received a two-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to burglary at a takeaway in Castlebar, County Mayo. Yasir Ali, aged 29, of Lighthouse Apartments, East Wall, Dublin, stole equipment valued at €11,484.50 from Thomas Street Takeaway on 18 May 2015. The stolen items included commercial freezers, deep fat fryers, a burger fryer, microwave, food blender, and stainless steel fixtures. Ali was arrested shortly after the offence and subsequently apprehended at Dublin Airport attempting to leave the country with false documentation. Following his arrest, he cooperated with gardaí and led them to a farmhouse at Hollymount, County Mayo, where the concealed equipment was recovered in July 2015. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed the sentence in full suspension. Ali received an additional three-month suspended sentence for the false documentation offence. The court heard he has no previous convictions and had adhered to bail conditions.
2017-11-02 · Dublin
A 29-year-old man pleaded guilty to burglary at a takeaway in Castlebar, County Mayo on 18 May 2015. Yasir Ali of Lighthouse Apartments, East Wall, Dublin removed equipment valued at €11,484.50 from Thomas Street Takeaway, including commercial freezers, deep fat fryers, and stainless steel fixtures. Ali had been operating the premises after subletting it without the owner's consent. He was arrested shortly after the theft and subsequently apprehended at Dublin Airport attempting to leave the country with false documentation. Following his arrest, Ali cooperated with gardaí and led them to a farmhouse at Hollymount, County Mayo, where the stolen equipment was recovered. At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the judge noted Ali's cooperation and adherence to bail conditions. He received a three-month suspended sentence for the false documentation offence. Sentencing on the burglary charge has been adjourned to 18 December to allow submission of medical reports. Ali has no previous convictions.
2017-07-14 · Mayo
A Ballinrobe man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary at a Castlebar takeaway in May 2015. Yasir Ali, aged 29, admitted stealing commercial kitchen equipment valued at €11,484.50 from Thomas Street Takeaway. The stolen items included freezers, deep fat fryers, a burger fryer, microwave, blender, stainless steel tables and bowls, and food preparation equipment. Judge Karen O'Connor ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to November 2, 2017, when the full facts of the case will be heard before the court.
2015-05-12 · Mayo
Finbar Tolan, a cattle dealer and farmer from Middle Mace, Claremorris, Co Mayo, is suing Aurivo Co Op, formerly Connaught Gold Co Op Society Ltd, in the High Court for alleged breach of contract. The applicant claims the defendant failed to honour a July 2012 agreement regarding credit terms for cattle purchased at Balla and Ballinrobe marts. Mr Tolan alleges that after securing bank arrangements to comply with reduced credit terms, the co-op sought further amendments in August 2012. He claims he was subsequently barred from trading at the Balla mart, preventing him from fulfilling a contract to deliver ninety cattle to a meat plant, which led to the loss of that contract and his eventual exit from business. The defendant denies these claims, stating the action was a response to separate High Court proceedings it brought in October 2012. The co-op secured a judgment for €154,000 in those proceedings, which has been appealed to the Supreme Court. Mr Tolan stated he wished to consolidate the two matters, but his application was refused. The case, heard before High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns, continues.
2014-12-17 · Dublin
A 36-year-old man from Ballinrobe, County Mayo, has been sentenced to four years imprisonment, with the final twelve months suspended, following a series of attempted robberies across Dublin and County Louth in early 2014. Arthur Boland pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two counts of attempted robbery at post offices in Dublin 2 and one count of making threats to kill or cause serious harm at Pearse Street Garda Station. He also admitted to robbery at the General Post Office on O'Connell Street, a robbery at a bookmaker on Marlborough Street, and a robbery at a post office in Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on 25 February 2014. Boland handed written notes demanding money to staff at multiple premises, simulating a firearm by keeping his hand in his jacket pocket. He obtained €4,110 from the Dundalk post office and €35 from the Dublin bookmaker. The sentence was backdated to his arrest in March 2014. Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted Boland's efforts at rehabilitation while in custody, including his participation in educational and counselling programmes.
2014-05-30 · Mayo
John Biggins, 35, of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of murdering his father, Thomas Biggins, 70, at their home on May 6, 2012. The Central Criminal Court jury returned a unanimous verdict after 27 minutes of deliberation. Biggins had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The court heard that Biggins was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia and mild intellectual disability. Defence psychiatrists testified that he met the criteria under the Mental Insanity Act, citing psychotic symptoms and paranoid delusions. Prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC requested an order to commit Biggins to the Central Mental Hospital, with a return date set for the following Wednesday to appear before the court. Mr Justice Paul Carney thanked the jury and exempted them from further service for life. Evidence indicated Biggins shot his father twice with a legally held shotgun. After the incident, Biggins rang 999, told Garda Mark Kilbride he was turning himself in, and drove to Ballinrobe Garda Station, where he was cooperative. Detective Sergeant James Carroll described the post-event behavior as "quite bizarre," noting Biggins stated, "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." The matter was adjourned for the proposed disposal hearing.
2014-05-29 · Mayo
John Biggins, 35, of Ballynalty, Cross, Claremorris, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Carney, accused of murdering his father, Thomas Biggins, 70, at that address on May 6, 2012. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. Prosecution counsel Bernard Condon SC stated the defence of insanity is being raised, with the burden on the accused to prove insanity. The court heard the accused was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and on disability allowance. Evidence indicated the victim was shot twice with his own legally held shotgun in his yard; Prof Marie Cassidy identified a shotgun wound to the left chest as the cause of death. Det Sgt James Carroll testified that the accused handed himself in at Ballinrobe Garda Station after calling 999, stating, "I just shot the aul lad…I'll be going to jail now." He was co-operative during detention. The accused told gardai he had contemplated suicide and had searched websites on how to kill himself. A hangman's noose and two ropes were found in a barn loft. The accused has no previous convictions. The trial continues.