A trainee pilot, Chris Brady, was jailed for six years after being convicted of raping a sleeping college student during a night out in Dublin. The victim described the incident as an 'ordinary night out' that turned into a traumatic experience, affecting her studies and mental health. Brady claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court found that the victim was asleep when the rape occurred. The victim's impact statement highlighted the profound emotional and psychological impact of the crime, including the feeling of being exposed and humiliated during the trial. Brady's defense argued that his character, including his involvement in charity and sports, should be considered, but the court emphasized the severity of the crime. The judge noted the 'intrinsically higher level' of the sexual violation of a sleeping person and the 'profound' impact on the victim. Chris Brady pleaded guilty.
Derek Boyd, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a north Dublin home on June 9, 2024. The jury unanimously rejected the defence of self-defence, finding Boyd guilty after a trial where he had pleaded not guilty. Justice Melanie Greally described the killing as senseless and motiveless, noting Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a prior manslaughter sentence for his sister's death when the offence occurred. The court ordered that Boyd's suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter be referred back to the Circuit Court for re-entry. The State entered a nolle prosequi on a separate charge of assault causing harm against Boyd. Chantelle Harcourt, 34, who pleaded not guilty to impeding Boyd's prosecution, remains subject to that charge; the jury recorded a disagreement on the related counts, meaning the matter was not concluded. The victim's family described Boyd as a monster in an emotional impact statement. Boyd's sentence dates from August 5, 2025.
Two getaway drivers involved in separate shootings linked to a violent gang feud in Limerick have each been sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. John O'Donovan (19) and Shane Blackhall (21) were third-tier members of the O'Donoghue organised crime group, which has been in a violent feud with the Collins group since 2022. The feud has led to 36 shootings and various attacks using explosives. Blackhall was the driver of a Volkswagen Scirocco used in a drive-by shooting on Hyde Avenue, where a Glock semi-automatic pistol was fired. Blackhall crashed the car into a lampost and was found to have cocaine, heroin, and cannabis in his home. O'Donovan was involved in a separate incident where a Lexus was used to meet a hit team before an Audi was set on fire. Both men pleaded guilty and were sentenced with suspended terms. The judge noted their early guilty pleas and their efforts in prison to rehabilitate.
Derek Boyd was found guilty of murder by a Central Criminal Court jury after fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in his north Dublin home. The prosecution argued that Boyd's actions were not in self-defense, and the jury rejected the defense's claim that Carroll had returned to the house to make peace. Boyd fled to Scotland shortly after the killing and later returned to Ireland to surrender. The court heard that Boyd had previously been convicted of manslaughter for the death of his sister and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the murder. Judge Melanie Greally will sentence Boyd to life imprisonment, with the trial set to continue on July 28. The case also involved Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, who was accused of obstructing the prosecution. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the assault charge against Boyd and Harcourt, but they unanimously found Boyd guilty of murder. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
Derek Boyd, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a Finglas home on June 9, 2024, and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. His partner, Chantelle Harcourt, 34, pleaded not guilty to impeding the prosecution of an arrestable offence. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Boyd was serving a suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter of his sister, Sandra Boyd, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He received a four-year sentence for manslaughter, with the final two years suspended, and a concurrent five-year sentence for firearm offences, with the final three years suspended. The court noted he was under active supervision when Carroll died. The prosecution alleges Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Boyd claimed self-defence, stating Carroll lunged at him. Evidence detailed Carroll's history, including a guilty plea to assaulting Rock in Ashbourne, Co Meath, where she was found bruised and shaking, and a pending charge for assaulting a man in Dublin 7 in 2022. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
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 couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
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.
Karl Phipps pleaded guilty to possessing €260,000 of cannabis for sale or supply after helping move boxes intercepted during a surveillance operation. The court heard he had a lesser role in a transnational organisation's importation effort; a five-year sentence was imposed with the final year suspended and backdated to his custody date.
Adrienne Doyle, a mother-of-two, is challenging Bristol Myers Squibb's attempt to claw back parental leave payments she received in error. The tribunal heard that the company's eligibility criteria for enhanced parental leave was not communicated to Doyle at the time of her application, leading to an overpayment. The company initially demanded she repay €20,800 within three months, a request Doyle found unreasonable. The company later revised the amount to €2,000 less but still seeks repayment. Doyle argues that the company's failure to disclose the criteria constituted an error, and she is seeking a ruling that the payments were properly made. The tribunal is considering whether the company's actions were justified and whether the repayment demands are excessive. The case highlights the importance of clear communication of company policies to employees.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial concerning the 2014 disappearances of Eoin O'Connor and Anthony Keegan. The prosecution alleged that the pair went to Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, to collect a debt of approximately €70,000 owed by Jason Symes and South African national Neville van der Westhuizen. Testimony from the O'Connor brothers described attempts to locate the missing men at the homes of Symes and his son, Sean, who reported being threatened by a group of men. The court heard that van der Westhuizen was in a relationship with Ruth Lawrence, with whom he lived in Patrick's Cottage near Lough Sheelin. The prosecution described their relationship as symbiotic and alleged a plan was formed in 2013 to rob drugs from O'Connor's house. While the source text details the trial proceedings and witness accounts, it does not contain the final verdict or sentencing for Ruth Lawrence or Neville van der Westhuizen in this specific instance. However, factual records indicate that Neville van der Westhuizen is currently serving a 15-year sentence in Westville Prison in Durban, having been convicted in 2020 on six counts of kidnapping, attempted murder, and murder. The report does not specify a plea, finding, or sentence for Ruth Lawrence, nor does it detail any adjournments or suspended portions of the sentence.
A witness has told the Central Criminal Court that Ruth Lawrence, the accused in a double murder trial, admitted to shooting drug dealer Eoin O'Connor but said the killing "went wrong" and her boyfriend "took over". Stacey Symes testified that Lawrence said Anthony Keegan died for O'Connor "because they were friends". Ms Symes, who grew up in Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, said she and her father were asked to help move the bodies of both men. Lawrence, aged 45, with an address at Patricks Cottage, Ross, Mountnugent, Co Meath, has pleaded not guilty to murdering O'Connor and Keegan between 22 April and 26 May 2014. The court heard the bodies were later discovered on Inchicup Island on Lough Sheelin. The trial before Mr Justice Tony Hunt continues, with the defence due to cross-examine the witness.
Ruth Lawrence, a Dublin woman with an address in County Meath, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of two men whose bodies were discovered on Inchicup Island in Lough Sheelin in May 2014. The island straddles the borders of Meath, Westmeath and Cavan. At the opening of the trial at the Central Criminal Court, the State outlined its case that Lawrence and her boyfriend worked "as a unit" to kill Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor between April 22 and May 26, 2014. The prosecution contends Lawrence shot one man, with a follow-up shot delivered by her boyfriend. Both men died from gunshot wounds. The State alleges the accused and her boyfriend discussed the murders and disposal of the bodies openly. Evidence will address a debt owed by one defendant to one of the deceased, and activities at the cottage near the lake following the alleged killings. The trial, before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury, is expected to conclude on November 14.
The Court of Appeal rejected Paul Bourke's appeal against his ten‑year prison sentence for drug offences. Bourke, aged 57, pleaded guilty to eight counts including possession of €1.7 million worth of cocaine, €18,100 in cash, and three Glock 17 pistols. The offences occurred at his Kilkenny home, a Ballygall Parade address, and locations in Tallaght and Ashbourne. The sentencing judge had reduced the headline 15‑year sentence by one‑third to ten years, citing Bourke's personal circumstances. Bourke's defence argued that incarceration would be too difficult due to psychological issues, but the court found no formal diagnosis and noted the presence of firearms and large drug quantities. The appeal was dismissed, and the ten‑year sentence stands. The court emphasised the gravity of the offence and the extent of Bourke's involvement in the drug supply chain.
Daniel Keelan, 47, of Ashbourne, appealed a drunk‑driving conviction that had been handed down in the District Court for an incident on 21 August 2022. The original conviction carried a two‑year driving disqualification and a €200 fine. The appeal was heard in the District Court Appeals Court in Trim. Garda Saoirse Horan testified that she had pursued a black BMW on Frederick Street, observed Keelan in the driver's seat, and arrested him after he refused to exit the vehicle. She claimed he was argumentative, smelled of alcohol, and had a breath alcohol level of 59 mg per 100 ml, well above the legal limit of 22 mg. Keelan's counsel argued that the garda had not explained the arrest, that Keelan was not speeding due to road works, and that the licence information was inconsistent. Daniel Keelan pleaded not guilty.
A man from Achill has been sentenced to eight years in prison following his conviction for manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court. Dean Caffrey (38) of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, was found guilty by majority jury verdict of the manslaughter of Sean McCarthy on 2 August 2022 in Drumcondra. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a nine-year sentence with the final year suspended. Caffrey claimed he acted in self-defence when the fatal shooting occurred during a confrontation over drug debts. The court heard evidence that after the killing, Caffrey placed McCarthy's body in a suitcase, disposed of the firearm in the River Tolka, and took steps to conceal the death, including using McCarthy's mobile phone to suggest he remained alive. The judge found Caffrey's conduct after the killing demonstrated no genuine remorse and rejected arguments for leniency based on his drug addiction since 2013 and cocaine dependency since 2016. Gardaí recovered McCarthy's remains from a wardrobe in the apartment after Caffrey directed them to the location. Dean Caffrey pleaded not guilty.
A Commercial Court case involving former Morgan Stanley broker Jeffrey Leo has been adjourned to the end of the month after the plaintiffs' lawyers attempted to remove Wenning Holdings Ltd from the proceedings. The case centres on allegations that Leo misappropriated US$60m (€58m) given by American couple Mary and James Wenning to invest in a portfolio of Irish properties, including Dundrum House Hotel, Pillo Hotel, Tullamaine Castle, Golden Vale Hotel, Drumonna House, Celbridge Manor and Powerscourt Arms Hotel. The Wenning couple claim the money was advanced as a loan or in exchange for equity, while Leo denies the claims. Liquidator Kieran Wallace seeks orders making Leo personally liable for Wenning Holdings' debts, against former auditor Colm Malone, and against Leo Financial Investments Ltd and Steelworks Investments Ltd. The court noted that the removal of Wenning Holdings was part of a "narrowing" of proceedings that did not prejudice the defence.
During the trial of Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, Detective Sergeant Robert Madden was cross‑examined by defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha. The defence argued that Madden had "already judged" Blanaru before the interview, claiming the detective had decided the accused had committed murder. Madden denied this, stating that each investigation is approached with an open mind and that any admission by a suspect must be corroborated with evidence. He explained that photos of the crime scene were shown to establish the murder weapon's location and that a doctor assessed Blanaru's fitness for interview after a night of sleeplessness. Madden also refuted claims that he had caused Blanaru pain to elicit information, insisting the interview was conducted professionally. The trial proceeds before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Detective Sergeant Mark Looby explained that Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old from Rathmore, Athboy, Co. Meath, repeatedly deflected questions during his August 12, 2022 interview at Ashbourne Garda Station. Looby described how Blanaru would shift from the questions asked, often speaking about unrelated matters. The detective also denied the defence's claim that Gardaí had "pushed" a narrative onto Blanaru. He stated that Blanaru's statements about the knife and the victim's injuries were his own free narrative, not imposed by the Garda. Looby noted that Blanaru had admitted to being guilty and wanting to be locked up, but had not agreed to any statements for the sake of agreement. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, a 37‑year‑old accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, Detective Sergeant Mark Looby rejected the defence's claim that the interview was tainted by the accused's tiredness. Looby told the jury that Blanaru had changed his account three times and that the detective did not accept that the accused's statements about being tired raised any concern. The detective noted that Blanaru had admitted to being drunk and unable to remember everything, but he insisted that the interview was conducted properly. Looby also stated that the accused had not introduced the word "knife" into his narrative and that any mention of a knife was a new account given during the interview. The trial continues tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. The unnamed 37-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a murder trial, a 37‑year‑old man from Rathmore, Athboy, Co. Meath, pleaded not guilty to the killing of his 26‑year‑old partner, Larisa Serban, on or about 12 August 2022. He told Gardaí that he might have stabbed her with a very sharp kitchen knife, but he could not say how deep the wound was. Gardaí reported that the stab wound to Serban's chest was 12 cm deep, penetrating the rib and left lung, and that defensive wounds were present on her hands, forearms, arms and legs. The State argued that the victim could not have inflicted the wound herself. The jury heard the accused's statements, the pathologist's report, and the Garda interview footage, and the trial will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, who pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 26‑year‑old partner Larisa Serban, told Gardaí that it was possible he had put a knife into her body during a pushing and shoving argument. Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, claimed that after an argument in their Co Meath home, Larisa had a knife in her hand and that he had taken it from her. He said the knife was already in his hand when he turned with her and that it was "possible" he had put it into her body, indicating the left side near the heart. He said he struck her once when trying to take the knife away. Gardaí questioned him about his reaction to her being stabbed and his subsequent taking of cocaine, to which he replied that he had taken the cocaine before the knife was in her chest.
In a Rathmore murder case, Daniel Blanaru, 37, denied killing his partner Larisa Serban, 26, who died from stab wounds. During an August 2022 interview at Ashbourne Garda Station, Blanaru claimed that Serban had a knife in her bag to protect herself and that she had approached him with it during an argument. He said the knife accidentally struck her as he turned, and that she had been upset. Blanaru also admitted to pushing and hitting Serban, and to being drunk and smoking that night. He stated he could not remember the exact time he left the house and that he had called his brother to check on a party. The Central Criminal Court heard this testimony and video footage, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
A man accused of murdering his partner at their County Meath home in August 2022 told gardaí during interview that he pushed and hit her following a dispute over a gathering at their residence, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Daniel Blanaru, aged 37, from Rathboy, Athboy, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Larisa Serban, aged 26, on or about 12 August 2022. During his first interview at Ashbourne Garda Station on 12 August 2022, Mr Blanaru stated through an interpreter that he discovered his partner hosting a party with her brother and another man when he returned home from Navan. He described an altercation in which physical contact occurred, claiming the other man intervened. Mr Blanaru told detectives he subsequently travelled to Drogheda and contacted gardaí, learning thereafter that Ms Serban had died. The trial, before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of fifteen, continues.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, accused of murdering his 26‑year‑old partner Larisa Serban, appeared at a Garda station with blood on his clothes and was described as crying hysterically. Blanaru told officers he had drunk half a bottle of whiskey the night of the stabbing at their Co Meath home. He also claimed he had begged the deceased's brother for cocaine that night. Garda John Wallace recounted seeing Blanaru pacing, handing over his licence, and later crying while in custody. Garda Rachael Carr observed him crying repeatedly in the cell. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, will continue next Monday with an enlarged jury. The State maintains that Blanaru was a jealous and controlling partner who stabbed Larisa on or about 12 August 2022. The accused has pleaded not guilty.
Declan Culliton, a plant hire manager at HSS Hire Ireland Ltd, claims he was forced to approve inflated machinery hire prices as part of a price‑fixing scheme and was demoted for raising concerns. He is filing a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. HSS denies any protected disclosure or collusion. The case involves three companies: Laois Hire Services Ltd, HSS Hire Ireland Ltd, and Briggs Equipment Ireland Ltd. Culliton alleges that Michael Killeen, former Laois Hire founder and then HSS director, instructed him to raise prices at a Costa Coffee meeting in Naas in July 2022. When Culliton questioned the instruction, he was told it came from Killeen. He claims the price increases proceeded, inflating cross‑hire costs. Culliton subsequently raised protected disclosures in management meetings and to HSS's UK HR director, after which he was isolated, threatened with demotion, and removed from a senior role.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentencing hearing, Victoria Quinn, 46, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after colliding with an elderly couple's car at a crossroads on the R125 in Swords on 4 June 2022. The collision left the 72‑year‑old woman with a fractured back and other injuries, and the couple's husband died 19 days later from unrelated pneumonia. Quinn received a suspended two‑year sentence, a €8,000 fine payable in six months, and no custodial term. The court noted Quinn's earlier statement to Gardaí that she had approached the junction slowly, which witnesses contradicted by describing her driving at speed and failing to see the stop sign. Quinn's cooperation and remorse were acknowledged, but the judge found her statement inconsistent with the evidence. The case ended with the court's full condolences to the victim's family.
Paul Bourke, aged 56, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to eight counts, including possession of cocaine for sale, possession of €18,100 in cash from criminal proceeds, and possession of three Glock 17 pistols. The offences occurred across several locations: his home in Tullyvolty, Johnstown, Co Kilkenny; Ballygall Parade, Finglas, Co Dublin; Tallaght, Co Dublin; and Ashbourne, Co Meath. On 3 November 2023, Bourke was arrested in Finglas after a Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau operation, following a confidential tip‑off. He was observed leaving his Kilkenny home in a transit van, dropping packages in Tallaght, Ashbourne and Finglas, where each package was seized and the recipients arrested. The Tallaght package contained just over €70,000 of cocaine; the Ashbourne and Finglas packages each held over €17,000 of cocaine. In Finglas, his van contained €18,100 in cash.
A man has been convicted of manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court following a ten-week trial in connection with the death of a drug dealer in Dublin. Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, was acquitted of murder but found guilty of the unlawful killing of Sean McCarthy, 28, on August 2, 2022. The jury reached their majority verdict after more than twelve hours of deliberation. The court heard that Caffrey, a cocaine and cannabis user with accumulated drug debts, allowed McCarthy to use his apartment to store drugs as part payment. On the day in question, Caffrey told gardai that McCarthy arrived agitated and armed, accusing him of theft and making threats. During a struggle, Caffrey claimed the gun discharged fatally. Following McCarthy's death, Caffrey placed the body in a wardrobe, where it remained for four days whilst he continued his daily routine. He attended work and visited his ex-girlfriend before presenting himself at Ashbourne Garda Station and directing gardai to the remains. Dean Caffrey pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has paused deliberations after approximately eleven hours of consideration in the trial of Dean Caffrey, who denies murdering Sean McCarthy. The twelve jurors will resume their discussions on Monday after being unavailable tomorrow. Mr Caffrey, aged 38 and from Achill Road in Dublin, faces charges of murder in connection with the death of Mr McCarthy, a 28-year-old drug dealer. Mr McCarthy died from a single gunshot wound to the head sustained at Mr Caffrey's residence. The defence maintains Mr Caffrey acted in self-defence during a struggle, while the prosecution contends he intentionally killed his victim. Mr McCarthy's body was discovered four days after he went missing on 2 August 2022, concealed in a wardrobe at the accused's home. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has instructed the jury they must determine guilt on the charge of murder, manslaughter, or acquittal. Mr Caffrey presented himself to gardaí days after the incident and disclosed the location of the deceased's remains. Dean Caffrey pleaded not guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is continuing deliberations in the murder trial of Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucourt, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. The twelve-person jury has now deliberated for just under seven hours across three days in the case concerning the death of Sean McCarthy, aged 28, between 2 and 7 August 2022. Mr Caffrey has pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution alleged Mr Caffrey deliberately killed Mr McCarthy, while the defence maintains he acted in self-defence during a struggle over a firearm at Mr Caffrey's apartment in Achill, Mayo. Mr McCarthy's body was subsequently discovered concealed in a wardrobe. The jury must determine whether Mr Caffrey is guilty of murder, manslaughter, or not guilty of any offence. Yesterday the jury requested to examine the firearm involved. Deliberations will resume on the following day.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has asked to examine the firearm and clothing connected to a fatal shooting as they deliberate in a murder trial. Dean Caffrey, aged 38 of Achill Road, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Sean McCarthy, a 28-year-old whose body was discovered in a wardrobe at Caffrey's apartment four days after he went missing in August 2022. McCarthy died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The defence argues Caffrey acted in self-defence during a struggle, while the prosecution contends the killing was an execution. The jury requested sight of the weapon and the deceased's shorts to assess whether they bore a drawstring. Justice Paul McDermott confirmed the shorts are agreed to have had a drawstring but cannot be presented due to biohazard concerns. The panel will resume consideration of their verdict tomorrow.
An accountant, Sidney Sutton, has failed in his appeal to halt a retrial related to an alleged knife attack on his wife, described as 'extreme domestic violence' during his original trial in 2017. Sutton was originally convicted of four counts of assault, one of assault causing harm, and one count of producing a knife capable of inflicting serious injury. His conviction was quashed in April 2021, and the Court of Appeal ordered a retrial. Sutton had previously been sentenced to two years with the final 12 months suspended, but the Court of Appeal ruled that sentence was too lenient and ordered him to serve a further 16 months. Sutton appealed a High Court decision that denied his application to prohibit the retrial on grounds of alleged malicious prosecution and abuse of process. At the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Tara Burns ruled that Sutton had failed to establish an arguable case regarding any of the issues raised. She noted that the High Court judge had addressed Sutton's complaints in detail and found no evidence of withheld crime scene reports or other issues that would justify halting the retrial. Sutton claimed that the State suppressed crucial evidence and that gardai failed in their duty to preserve evidence. However, the Court of Appeal found no support for these allegations. The matter was adjourned, and costs were awarded against Sutton. Sutton expressed his intention to continue fighting and described the judgment as 'horrendous' and 'disgusting', claiming that the State had destroyed his businesses and left him with nothing.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Victoria Quinn, 46, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after she ran through a crossroads on the R125 in Swords on 4 June 2022, colliding with a car carrying an elderly couple. The collision fractured the 72‑year‑old woman's back and left her with bruising and pain to her wrist, elbow and chest. Quinn's car was written off, and the victim remained in hospital for five weeks, during which she contracted Covid‑19. The victim's husband, who was driving the other car, died 19 days later from pneumonia, an illness unrelated to the crash. Quinn, who had no prior convictions, was told by the court that her driving fell below the required standard and that her statement to Gardaí was inconsistent with the evidence. The case was adjourned for finalisation on 20 January next year.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, prosecution counsel Cathleen Noctor SC described Dean Caffrey, 38, as "cool as a cucumber" after CCTV footage showed him buying a suitcase with cash taken from the dead man, Sean McCarthy, 28. Noctor alleged that Caffrey lied about the circumstances of the fatal shooting in his apartment, claiming the deceased had brought a firearm and threatened him. She said Caffrey denied murdering McCarthy, who was known to gardaí as a drug dealer. Noctor highlighted inconsistencies in Caffrey's statements to gardaí, noting he initially claimed both men had the gun during the struggle, then later said he fired after McCarthy lunged. She also presented evidence that Caffrey purchased a clean‑up kit, disposed of the firearm and the deceased's phone, and deleted messages. Noctor urged the jury to consider that Caffrey shot McCarthy in the head with intent to kill, and that he should be convicted of murder.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the 14-year jail term and lifetime driving ban imposed on Michael Collins (50), of St Finian's Park, Drogheda, Co Louth, who was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of Jillian Thornton on May 27, 2016, at Waterside Great, Duleek, Co Meath. The conviction followed a trial lasting almost two weeks at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019. Collins was also convicted on two charges of endangerment, 12 charges of dangerous driving, and of driving under the influence of cannabis on the same date. At the Court of Appeal on October 11 this year, defence counsel Michael Lynn argued that the overall sentence of 15 years with one year suspended was 'clearly disproportionate' and that the 14-year term was 'almost double' that imposed in other more severe cases, contrary to the totality principle of sentencing. He also challenged the imposition of a three-year sentence for one endangerment charge and a five-year sentence for the other, while making the 10-year sentence consecutive to the longer sentence of five years. Additionally, he argued that the judge had made an error in imposing a life-long driving disqualification on Collins. The appeal was dismissed, with the court finding that no double counting or error in principle had taken place in the sentencing. The court also dismissed Collins' appeal against his driving ban, stating that he still posed a risk to members of the public and should not be allowed to return to the road. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
Evidence heard at the Central Criminal Court on Monday has revealed that modified blank-firing pistols are becoming increasingly prevalent, with one such weapon used in a 2022 fatal shooting in Dublin. Detective Garda Janette O'Neill testified that a converted Zoraki blank pistol was recovered during the investigation into the death of Sean McCarthy. The firearm had been deliberately altered with a new barrel and had its serial number removed, making it capable of firing .32 calibre ammunition. Det Gda O'Neill stated that such modifications are illegal under the Firearms Act and that these weapons appear to be arriving from Europe with growing frequency. Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to Mr McCarthy's murder between August 2 and 7, 2022. The prosecution contends Mr Caffrey intended to kill or cause serious injury when discharging the firearm. The trial, heard before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, continues.
At the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that the family of Dean Caffrey became fearful when three men visited their parents' home in Achill, County Mayo, seeking information about the accused. Alan Caffrey, the defendant's brother, testified that he received a concerning phone call four days after drug dealer Sean McCarthy was last seen, with the caller asking if his brother had "answers to questions" and making reference to "dead bodies". Alarmed for his family's safety, Alan Caffrey resolved to locate his brother and bring him to gardaí. Dean Caffrey subsequently attended Ashbourne Garda Station in County Meath, where he informed officers that Mr McCarthy's body could be found in a wardrobe in his apartment. Mr Caffrey has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sean McCarthy between 2 and 7 August 2022. The prosecution contends he discharged a firearm with intent to kill or cause serious injury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard evidence concerning the day after a man's death in a Drumcondra apartment. A work colleague testified that Dean Caffrey, who is accused of murdering Sean McCarthy on August 2, 2022, appeared to be in good form while working at Dublin Airport three days after the alleged incident. The witness said Caffrey chatted about sport and women during their shift and was frequently on his phone, mentioning plans for a holiday. Separately, Caffrey's ex-girlfriend told the court she had planned to visit his home that day but changed her mind after he said he had been napping. The trial heard that Caffrey later attended Gardaí voluntarily and directed officers to McCarthy's body, which was found wrapped in plastic inside a suitcase in a wardrobe. Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, has pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution alleges he intended to kill or cause serious injury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
The Central Criminal Court has heard evidence during the murder trial of Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucourt, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Mr Caffrey has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sean McCarthy between August 2 and 7, 2022. Garda Brian Davis confirmed to the defence that the deceased was known to gardaí as a drug dealer in the Ballymun area. According to the prosecution, Mr Caffrey presented himself at Ashbourne Garda Station two days after Mr McCarthy was reported missing and disclosed the location of a body in his apartment wardrobe. The accused has stated that Mr McCarthy was fatally shot during a struggle over a firearm after demanding €5,000. State Pathologist Dr SallyAnne Collis confirmed death resulted from a gunshot wound to the head. CCTV evidence charting the deceased's movements on August 2, 2022, was presented to the jury. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Michael Collins, 50, of Drogheda, was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of 20‑year‑old Jillian Thornton after a 35‑minute pursuit by Gardaí. He was found to have been high on cannabis and was driving head‑on, without lights, and on the wrong side of the road. The trial, held at Trim Circuit Court in July 2019, also found him guilty of two endangerment charges, 12 dangerous driving offences and driving under the influence. Collins was sentenced to 14 years' imprisonment, with one year suspended, and a life‑long driving disqualification. At the Court of Appeal he argued the sentence was manifestly excessive, citing the lack of aggravating factors such as leaving the scene or disqualification at the time, and that the disqualification would impair his rehabilitation. The appeal was dismissed, with the judges reserving judgment on the appeal decision.
Sidney Sutton, an accountant from Ashbourne, Co Meath, appealed to the Court of Appeal against a High Court ruling that refused him leave to prohibit a retrial. Sutton was originally convicted in 2017 of four counts of assault, one count of assault causing harm, and one count of producing a knife capable of inflicting serious injury following a Circuit Court trial. Although he was sentenced to two years with the final 12 months suspended, the Court of Appeal later deemed the sentence too lenient and ordered him to serve a further 16 months. In April 2021, the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction and acceded to the DPP's application for a retrial. Sutton subsequently sought a judicial review in the High Court, claiming malicious prosecution and abuse of process. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty refused his application in March of this year, noting his repeated attempts to delay the ordered retrial. Today, Sutton appealed this decision, alleging that the State suppressed crucial crime scene evidence and that delays were caused to ensure he served time. He also raised concerns regarding pretrial publicity and missing exhibits. The State's counsel, James B. Dwyer SC, rejected these claims, arguing that the retrial process is well-established and that any alleged unfairness from the original trial is irrelevant given the quashed conviction. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, reserved its judgement on the appeal.
A man accused of murder appeared at the Central Criminal Court on October 10th after voluntarily presenting himself to gardaí with information about a body. Dean Caffrey, aged 38, of Beaucort, Achill Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Sean McCarthy, aged 28, between August 2nd and 7th, 2022. The prosecution outlined that Mr Caffrey attended Ashbourne Garda Station two days after Mr McCarthy was reported missing, stating the deceased was located in his apartment wardrobe. During subsequent interviews, the accused alleged Mr McCarthy had arrived at his home armed and demanding €5,000 over a heroin-related debt, and that a struggle over the firearm resulted in a fatal shot. A pistol was recovered from the Tolka River near Mr Caffrey's residence. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
Sidney Sutton, 46, of Ashbourne, has appealed a High Court refusal to halt a retrial of a 2017 knife‑assault case that was originally described as "extreme domestic violence." Sutton was convicted of four assault counts, one assault causing harm and one knife‑producing count, and sentenced to two years with 12 months suspended. The Court of Appeal later increased his sentence to 16 months, then quashed the conviction in 2021 and ordered a retrial. Sutton applied for a judicial review to prohibit the second trial, alleging malicious prosecution, corruption and unfairness, but Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty denied the application, citing no evidence of bias or malice. Sutton has now appealed that decision and requested an adjournment, arguing he has not had enough time to prepare and that he is innocent. The Court of Appeal has adjourned the matter until 10 October, while Sutton threatens to seek €2 billion from the State if the case is overturned.
A 73‑year‑old Seamus Christopher O'Kane, originally from Garvagh in County Derry, was arrested in County Meath on a High Court extradition warrant issued by the Garda Extradition Unit. The warrant, endorsed under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, relates to four offences alleged to have been committed on 16 February 1976 at Brockaghboy, Garvagh. Those offences include possession of explosive substances—two electric detonators and two improvised pressure mat switches—intended to endanger life or property, and possession of firearms and ammunition, including two Walther pistols, a Browning pistol, a 0.22 rifle, a Remington shotgun and 104 rounds of ammunition, also intended to endanger life or property. The warrant states that the items were recovered during a search of a farmhouse where O'Kane and two other men were found hiding. O'Kane was interviewed on 17 February 1976 and allegedly admitted possession of the explosives, firearms and ammunition.
Eamon Larkin, a 69‑year‑old man from Kilcock, was found guilty of possession of cocaine for sale or supply on 12 June 2023. Gardaí stopped a Skoda in Ashbourne, discovering six kilos of cocaine in the boot, valued at €420,000. Larkin admitted he was approached in a pub and offered €200 to transport the drugs, though he claimed he did not know the type of drug. CCTV showed him swapping vehicles with another man at a petrol station an hour before the Skoda was seized. He has six prior road‑traffic convictions and has been living in Portugal. The court noted his poor physical and mental health, financial pressure, and long work history. Judge Martin Nolan accepted the guilty plea and mitigation, sentencing Larkin to two years' imprisonment. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offence while considering his health and cooperation.
Michael Tuzuka, 46, of Orchard Drive, Stamullen, pleaded guilty to 11 counts of using false instruments for counterfeit cheques totalling €98,250, lodged between March and April 2018 at branches of Permanent TSB in Drumcondra, Swords, Malahide, Ashbourne and Drogheda. Gardaí, alerted by Permanent TSB on 12 April 2018, identified Tuzuka on CCTV making the lodgements and later spotted him driving a Jaguar to another bank at about 1 am. The cheques were immediately flagged by bank software and frozen, so no loss was incurred. Tuzuka had 11 prior convictions, including theft and abusive behaviour, and had previously served a three‑year sentence during which he contracted TB. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, noting his cleverness but that he was defeated by the software. The court heard he had struggled to find work after release and was motivated by a desire to support his family.
A 61‑year‑old Libyan man, Tareq Elkudir, was arrested after disembarking from a Ryanair flight from Manchester to Dublin. He was highly intoxicated, drinking from a litre bottle of whiskey during the 45‑minute flight, and was accused of sexually assaulting a 16‑year‑old girl. The victim described being repeatedly grabbed, hit on the arm, kissed, and having his hand rubbed near her breast area. She also reported being punched twice on the shoulder. Elkudir pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing the case, imposed a fully suspended 18‑month sentence, noting the victim had not filed an impact statement and was ready to move on. The judge also allowed the victim to accept or redirect a €3,000 apology payment. Elkudir has no further criminal record since the offence and is married with three children. The case was heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
An Applegreen service station manager, Graham Price, was dismissed for gross misconduct after an audit revealed a Polish woman had worked four months without wages and was not registered on payroll. The audit, conducted by Applegreen's regional manager Keith Ennis in February 2022, found discrepancies between point‑of‑sale records and payroll, indicating a possible ghost employee. Ennis questioned the assistant manager about the worker's status, noting she had not been paid for 16 weeks. Price's lawyers argued the delay in onboarding was due to the worker's lack of a PPS number and a backlog following the HSE cyber‑attack. They claimed Price had made best efforts to assist her and that the dismissal was unfair under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973. The tribunal adjourned the case for a later hearing.
Stewart Goodwin, 46, of Ashbourne, was found guilty of deceiving Old Borough National School in Swords by installing inferior flooring, resulting in a loss of €15,240. He pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after a District Court charge. Goodwin had been hired to repair a flood‑damaged floor, paid a deposit, and agreed on a specific type of wood. He instead ordered cheaper, lower‑quality timber, removed the old floor, and installed a thinner, untreated surface. The school cancelled the contract and demanded a refund. Goodwin repaid €9,510 in June but still owed €15,240. He expressed remorse, claiming he intended to improve the floor later. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 21‑month suspended sentence, requiring Goodwin to repay the full €15,240 within one year under strict conditions. No victim impact statement was prepared.