Sarah Jane Byrne, a 27‑year‑old mother from Drimnagh, appeared before the Special Criminal Court and pleaded guilty to five offences involving firearms. She admitted possession of a 9mm Makarov pistol and ammunition, 27 rounds of Luger 9mm ammo, a sawn‑off Beretta shotgun, and a Tokarev submachine gun, with the items located at Old Navan Road and her home. Byrne, who has been attending a rehabilitation programme for addiction, was released on continuing bail. The court set a sentencing hearing for 20 October and ordered a probation report.
Two men in their 70s have been granted leave to appeal their extradition to Northern Ireland on charges connected to the 1975 murder of an RUC officer. At the High Court, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath ruled that while authorities had provided detailed explanation for the delay in seeking their surrender, this was incomplete and included lengthy periods of inaction. John Edward McNicholl, of Newmills, Letterkenny, County Donegal, and Seamus Christopher O'Kane, of Scalestown, County Meath, face charges arising from the investigation into the death of Constable Robert John McPherson, shot in an ambush in County Derry on 26 July 1975. Both men escaped from the Maze Prison in May 1976 before trial. The judge certified questions for the Court of Appeal regarding whether the 48-year delay constituted abuse of process and whether the omission to seek surrender for all original offences was an abuse of process. Both men were remanded on continuing bail pending further hearing.
David Hunter, a Liverpool native convicted of murdering dissident Republican Michael Barr in 2016, appealed to the Court of Appeal, arguing that the Special Criminal Court erred in dismissing witness evidence regarding the height of the gunman and breached his privacy rights by admitting mobile phone data. Hunter, who was found guilty in September 2020, contended that a witness identified the assailant as six feet one or two, whereas Hunter is five feet ten, and that the DNA match on a ski mask was coincidental. The State countered that Hunter and co-accused Eamonn Cumberton were of the same height, and that DNA profiles from latex masks linked Hunter, Cumberton, and Christopher Slator to the getaway car. The State further argued that the phone evidence was lawfully obtained under legislation applicable at the time. The court noted that Hunter's involvement was fully proved by circumstantial evidence, including the DNA match and the abandoned vehicle. The matter was adjourned, with the judges reserving their judgment. Hunter remains one of three men convicted of the murder; Eamonn Cumberton was convicted in January 2018, and Christopher Slator was convicted in July 2022.
An eBay customer‑support agent, Eanna Donoghue, who had worked for the company for almost seven years, resigned on 5 March 2024 after receiving a written warning for "work avoidance" following a four‑minute period of inactivity on his computer. Donoghue claimed that personal tragedies, including a friend's death in Navan, had affected him and that the warning was unfair. He also alleged that the warning was linked to earlier grievances he had filed against managers. The Workplace Relations Commission tribunal rejected his constructive dismissal claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. The tribunal found that the warning was justified, noting that any period over 60 seconds of inactivity was considered work avoidance, and that Donoghue had not raised a grievance before resigning. The decision upheld the written warning and dismissed the claim.
Ifeanyichukwu Nwaneri, 37, of Donore Avenue, Dublin 8, was convicted by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury of four counts of money laundering for the period February to October 2017. He pleaded not guilty but admitted in Garda interviews that he had handed his bank accounts to another man for use in a larger laundering scheme. The accounts were used to lodge €34,918, €17,109 and €10,000, with an additional €7,000 bounced back. Nwaneri allowed further lodgements into a second account after the first was frozen. Judge Elva Duffy noted his accounting studies should have given him some awareness of the activity. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions. The case involved Innocent Aigbekaen, who recruited Nwaneri and was sentenced to four years, three of which were suspended. Nwaneri had no prior convictions and had been in Ireland since 2015.
In a High Court case, Mr. James Buckley was warned by Judge Liam Kennedy that he was "perilously close" to being jailed for contempt if he failed to return the racehorse 'Big Time Louie' to Ms. Caroline Teltsch by 5 pm. The court had ordered the Buckleys to pay over €800,000 in damages after they were found to have unjustly enriched themselves with money loaned by Ms. Teltsch, who co‑owns the horse. The horse was to be placed in Ms. Teltsch's care, but Mr. Buckley removed it from the Emerald Equestrian Centre in Glenamaddy, claiming its feet were "rotting" and it could not walk. Judge Brian Cregan adjourned the matter to the following week, emphasizing that continued breach of the order could lead to imprisonment. The Buckleys' appeal of the original ruling was dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The case highlights the court's insistence on compliance with its orders regarding the horse's custody.
Evan Clarke, 33, borrowed a friend's car and drove it the wrong way into a Circle K car wash on 10 November 2019, causing damage worth €57,408 and writing the facility off. He drove without a licence or insurance, with three passengers in the vehicle. Clarke pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, one count of driving without insurance and one count of driving without a licence. He has 41 prior convictions, including assault, theft and drug offences. CCTV footage identified him, and a matching fingerprint was found on the car's bonnet. His defence cited significant drug and alcohol addiction, early cannabis use, mental health issues, ADHD and ASD, and supportive parents. The case was adjourned to 21 July for updated reports.
Eanna Donoghue, a former eBay customer support agent, claimed constructive dismissal after a written warning for a four‑minute period of inactivity on his computer. He said the warning followed a period of personal loss, including a friend's death, and that he had previously filed grievances against two operations managers. Donoghue's line manager, Niamh Seoighe, cited a screen recording showing he had not marked himself as available for up to five minutes after closing an email. The warning was upheld on appeal. Donoghue resigned on 5 March 2024, stating he was "unfairly treated" and forced to quit after the warning barred him from promotion. He has since found work as a motor mechanic and offered any compensation to charity. The tribunal will decide his claim by the end of April.
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.
During a seven‑week trial with a 15‑juror panel, Daniel Blanaru, 37, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 26‑year‑old partner, Larisa Serban, on 12 August 2022. Serban was found early in the morning on the floor between her bedroom and hallway, having died from a 12‑cm stab wound to the chest that punctured her heart, lung and aorta. The prosecution alleged that Blanaru, described as "controlling and jealous", killed Serban in cold blood after a sustained brutal attack. Blanaru pleaded not guilty but admitted guilt during custody interviews. He has six prior Irish convictions for road traffic offences and four theft offences in France. The sentencing judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, imposed a mandatory life sentence, noting the crime involved needless and horrific violence. The victim's family, including Serban's mother, eldest son and siblings, delivered impact statements expressing grief and condemning the killer's actions.
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.
Barry O'Brien‑Lynch, an estate agent, claimed he was unfairly dismissed by ES Reilly Estates Ltd (Sherry Fitzgerald Reilly). The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found it more likely than not that he had resigned during a phone call with his boss, Ed Reilly, on 17 February 2023. O'Brien‑Lynch said he had said, "I don't feel like going into work today. I'm going to turn around and go home," and later added, "I've enough of this. I'm done, I'm outta here." Reilly described the conversation as operational and said O'Brien‑Lynch had left the job. O'Brien‑Lynch did not attend work the following Monday, and the company did not expect him to return. The WRC concluded he had resigned, not been dismissed, and dismissed his claim for unfair dismissal. The decision was made by adjudication officer David James Murphy. The case involved no further legal outcomes beyond the WRC ruling.
Thomasz Pysz, 46, of Clonee, Dublin, was found guilty of four counts of theft from the Department of Social Welfare between 2019 and 2021. He used the PPS number of a relative who had left Ireland in 2016 to claim benefits while working under a different PPS number. Pysz received €9,235.50 in Disability Allowance and €16,303 in Pandemic Unemployment Payments through this scheme. Garda Stephen Byrne reported that the relative's bank account was used for wages and that the relative was not charged with any offence. Pysz repaid part of the money and has an outstanding debt of €21,814. He pleaded guilty, citing mental health issues and marital breakdown. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 20‑month suspended sentence, requiring the freezing and transfer of €10,917 from Pysz's account to the Department of Social Welfare and noting a separate payment agreement with the Department.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing, Judge Patricia McNamara sentenced Dumitru Lupu, a 30‑year‑old cleaning‑company owner from Boherboy, Saggart, to pay €150 for criminal damage and €100 to a garda charity after he urinated all over a garda cell while intoxicated. Lupu, who has no prior convictions except for traffic offences, was arrested following a verbal altercation at his home on 30 September 2022. Garda officers described him as unsteady, aggressive and abusive, and he laughed when informed of the damage. The judge noted that, given his occupation, Lupu "would have been in a good position to clean up his own mess" but that it was too late. He was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service pending a probation report on 12 May. The court also ordered a €100 donation to Little Blue Heroes, a charity for children with disabilities. Dumitru Lupu pleaded guilty.
Christopher Slator, aged 40, was convicted of the 2016 murder of Michael Barr at Dublin's Sunset House pub and is appealing that conviction. He argues that DNA evidence from a mask and runners found in the car used by the murderers should not have been admitted because the items were not fully examined and the defence was disadvantaged. Slator's counsel claims the DNA was taken from the tongue of a shoe and from a contaminated mask, and that further swabs could have been taken. The prosecution maintains that a DNA profile matching Slator was found on the shoes and mask, giving the evidence significant probative value. The appeal is heard at the Court of Appeal, where the defence seeks to exclude the DNA evidence and challenge the weight given to it by the Special Criminal Court. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no new outcome announced. Christopher Slator pleaded not guilty.
Daniel Blanaru, 37, was convicted of the murder of Larisa Serban at the Central Criminal Court. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, deliberated for three hours and two minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. Blanaru had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Serban at her home in Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, on or about August 12, 2022. The prosecution alleged she died from a sustained and brutal attack, including a fatal stab wound to the chest. Although Blanaru initially told gardaí he was guilty, he later claimed the stabbing was accidental. The court heard evidence of prior threats and controlling behavior alleged by the victim's family. Following the conviction, Blanaru will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 10. Members of the victim's family will be invited to make statements to the court at that time. The matter is now at the sentencing stage, with the specific disposal to be determined by the judge on the specified date.
In a County Meath murder trial, a 37‑year‑old man named Daniel Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, has pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of his partner, Larisa Serban, aged 26, which occurred on or about 12 August 2022. Serban's body was discovered early the next morning in the bedroom‑hallway area of their home, with two stab wounds: one to the chest that punctured the heart, lung and aorta, and another to the arm that fractured a bone. The trial, lasting seven weeks, was heard by an enlarged jury of eleven men and four women. Defence counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha concluded his closing address, while Justice Eileen Creedon explained the law and the evidence, noting that the prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond reasonable doubt. She outlined the possible verdicts—guilty or not guilty of murder, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter—and instructed the jury to remain dispassionate and objective.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions presented evidence that Daniel Blanaru, 37, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, murdered 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban on or about 12 August 2022. Prosecutor Eilis Brennan SC described the attack as sustained and brutal, noting that Blanaru stabbed Serban in the heart, severed a bone in her elbow, and inflicted multiple defensive injuries on her. She highlighted that Serban's body showed numerous incise wounds, abrasions and puncture wounds consistent with defensive actions, while Blanaru had only a minor nick. Brennan urged jurors to focus on the evidence rather than defence theories, which included claims of accidental injury and self‑defence. She also referenced a toxicology report showing no alcohol or drugs in Serban's system and CCTV footage of Blanaru leaving the scene. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
Kevin Braney, aged 49, is appealing his conviction for the murder of Peter Butterly at the Special Criminal Court. The appeal, heard before a three-judge panel, centres on two main issues: the lawfulness of surveillance authorisation and the admissibility of evidence from an accomplice-turned-State's witness. Braney's counsel argues that gardai breached his privacy rights by deploying a listening device at a KFC restaurant in Charlestown Shopping Centre, Finglas without proper district court authorisation. The defence contends a superintendent in County Meath could have sought judicial approval at nearby Balbriggan District Court rather than relying on emergency powers under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions argues the superintendent acted appropriately given time constraints when the criminal meeting emerged. The prosecution also disputes whether private conversation expectations apply in a public restaurant setting. Additionally, Braney's legal team challenges the trial court's reliance on evidence from David Cullen, who pleaded guilty to firearms offences and entered witness protection. The defence characterises Cullen as unreliable and willing to lie in his interests.
The Court of Appeal is hearing an appeal by Kevin Braney, who was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of the 2013 murder of Peter Butterly. Counsel for Braney argued that the conviction should be overturned because the trial relied on the evidence of David Cullen, a State's witness described as a perjurer and accomplice. Cullen had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol, receiving a seven-year sentence with half suspended, in exchange for dropping a murder charge. The defence contended that Cullen's credibility was undermined by his admitted dishonesty and personal animus toward Braney. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the circumstantial evidence, including observed movements of gang members, was compelling and supported Cullen's testimony that Braney instructed the killing. Braney, who was previously sentenced in 2018 to four years and six months for IRA membership, was found guilty of premeditated murder in February 2019. Co-defendants Edward McGrath, Sharif Kelly, and Dean Evans also received life sentences for the murder, with Evans identified as the shooter. The three-judge Court of Appeal will hear further submissions from both parties before making a decision.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic scientist Dr Yvonne O'Dowd testified that blood on Daniel Blanaru's t‑shirt matched the DNA of his partner, Larisa Serban, who was stabbed to death in their Co Meath home. She described extensive blood stains and spatter on walls, floors and doors, noting drip trails and pools that suggested a bleeding victim. O'Dowd examined knives, clothing and swabs, finding Serban's DNA on the t‑shirt and a mixed profile on Blanaru's shorts. No blood was found on a small knife in the house or in Blanaru's car. Blanaru, 37, pleaded not guilty to the murder of 26‑year‑old Serban on 12 August 2022. The case remains before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury.
Two men in their seventies will be extradited to Northern Ireland to face charges relating to the 1975 murder of an RUC officer, the High Court has ruled. John Edward McNicholl, aged 73, of Newmills, Letterkenny, County Donegal, and Seamus Christopher O'Kane, aged 74, of County Meath, had argued their surrender would constitute an abuse of process due to the substantial delay in seeking their extradition. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath rejected both applications, finding no evidence to suggest either man would be denied a fair trial in Northern Ireland. McNicholl and O'Kane face charges arising from the investigation into the death of Constable Robert John McPherson, shot dead in County Derry on 26 July 1975. Both men escaped from the Maze Prison in May 1976 before trial proceedings commenced. The matter was adjourned to 3 April, with both men remanded on continuing bail pending their surrender.
In the murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, the Central Criminal Court heard that emergency services received two 999 calls from a phone linked to Larisa Serban before she was found dead at her home in Co Meath. The first call, at 1.41 am, lasted nine seconds, had no dialogue, and was traced to a cell site in Rathmore. The second call, at 1.46 am, lasted eight seconds and included a female voice speaking in a foreign dialect, though the words were not discernible. Detective Garda Conor Carolan explained the cell site and Advanced Mobile Location data used to locate the calls. The jury also heard from interpreter Stanislav Olaru, who confirmed he had translated Mr Blanaru's statements in real time during Garda interviews, noting that the defence's translator used recorded tapes. The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
The murder trial of Daniel Blanaru (37) for the death of Larisa Serban (26) on 12 August 2022 has focused on the missing knife that caused the fatal stab wound to Serban's heart. Detective Sergeant Robert Madden testified that the knife has never been recovered and that Blanaru was the last known person to have it. Blanaru's interviews have shown inconsistent statements about the knife's location, and he has refused to disclose its whereabouts. The court heard video of a third interview in which Blanaru described the knife as a white kitchen knife with a silver blade about six inches long, very sharp and smooth. Gardaí have conducted extensive searches for the knife, but it remains missing, leaving the case to proceed without the weapon as evidence. The trial continues with Blanaru pleading not guilty.
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 County Meath murder case, Daniel Blanaru, 37, pleaded not guilty to the stabbing death of Larisa Serban, 26, on 12 August 2022. During his fourth and final Garda interview, Blanaru admitted to killing Serban, saying, "I am guilty, I killed her. Please lock me up." He denied seeing Serban with another man before her death and claimed he had found her with her brother and a "tall guy." Gardaí presented statements from his sister and her husband, who alleged Blanaru had beaten and cut Serban. Blanaru also described throwing a knife he had found in his car onto the floor, which he could not recall removing. The trial heard video of Blanaru crying while viewing crime‑scene photographs and his refusal to return to the scene or retrieve the knife. The case proceeded to the Central Criminal Court with an enlarged jury.
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.
Colin Brady, a 35-year-old man from Kilcloon, Co Meath, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, one count of exposure in a public area, and recording videos of another without their knowledge or consent. The offences occurred between May 2021 and September 2022 at various locations in Dublin, including pubs, shopping centres, petrol stations, and his workplace. Detective Garda Kevin Bold stated that Brady was detained after being observed suspiciously in a Tallaght pub toilet, leading to the seizure of two mobile phones and other digital media. Analysis revealed 1,355 videos on SD cards, including footage of men using urinals and 25 videos depicting children. The court heard that seven men were identified in the recordings, one of whom was an off-duty garda. Defence counsel Geraldine Small SC highlighted Brady's early guilty plea, lack of previous convictions, and engagement with counselling. Judge Martin Nolan described the case as unusual and noted the prolonged and repeated nature of the behaviour. While the judge inferred the intent was to video men and children were recorded by accident, he noted Brady did not delete the footage. Having considered the mitigation and Brady's personal circumstances, the judge imposed a two-year prison sentence.
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.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Daniel Blanaru (37) begged his brother, David Serban, for cocaine on the night Larisa Serban (26) was found stabbed in her home. Blanaru, from Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, pleaded not guilty to her murder. The State argued that Larisa was killed by her jealous, controlling partner. Serban testified he left the house at about 1 a.m. on 12 August 2022, with no arguing, and that he had stopped at a bank to withdraw money for rent. He denied planning to buy cocaine or return to Rathmore after. He claimed he was the last person to see Larisa alive and that he would have been present if a struggle had occurred. Garda evidence showed Blanaru presented himself at a station at 6 a.m., shouting in a foreign language and saying "my wife, my wife, we fight." The trial continues tomorrow.
During the murder trial of Daniel Blanaru, the father of the victim, Larisa Serban, testified that his daughter had hidden the fact that her partner was physically abusing her. He also claimed that Blanaru had threatened to kill Larisa, saying he would "hear about" it. The father, Ronet Serban, stated that he had advised Larisa to "get rid" of Blanaru because he was violent. He recalled Blanaru's threat that one day Larisa would lose everything and that he would kill her. The father said he did not take the threat seriously at the time. Larisa's sister, Sarah Serban, also testified that she had advised Larisa to break up with Blanaru because of his jealousy and possessiveness. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, Georgeta Serban, mother of the 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, testified that her daughter's partner, Daniel Blanaru (37), threatened to kill Larisa if her family interfered in their relationship. She described Blanaru as extremely possessive, paranoid and controlling, noting that he had no stable employment and that his jealousy intensified after Larisa's children were born. Serban said Blanaru would dictate what Larisa wore, forbid her from wearing tight clothing, and accuse her of infidelity whenever she spoke to other men. She recalled that a month before Larisa's death, Blanaru warned that he would kill her if the family intervened. Serban also recounted that Larisa lived a controlled, depressed life and that she had spoken to her daughter on the night before her death. The case is proceeding before Justice Eileen Creedon with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 20 February 2025, Raul‑Cosmin Tache, the brother‑in‑law of Daniel Blanaru, gave evidence about statements he made to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Tache confirmed that he had recorded Blanaru's claims that the accused had "beat her" and "cut her with a knife" and that he had been "desperate and crying" when he arrived at the house. Tache also stated that Blanaru said he had "beat up his wife" and was unsure whether he had killed her. Tache admitted he could not recall all the words spoken at the time, citing stress and panic, but acknowledged the statements were written down. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, continues with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, 26, his sister Simona Terezia Ciurar gave evidence. She stated that she does not remember her brother saying "I killed her" or "I put a knife in" the victim, despite earlier statements to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Ciurar explained that she was crying and stressed when she made those statements and could not recall all the words. She confirmed that she had signed the statements and that she had called her brother Leon to check Serban's house after an argument. The jury heard that Ciurar's memory of the brother's words was uncertain, and the trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
In the Rathmore murder trial, Narcisa Serban, sister of the victim Larisa Serban, denied that her husband Marcus Cranus had any sexual or violent involvement with Larisa. She called the defence's suggestion that she was "covering up" for her husband "nonsense" and described the claim of a prior sexual relationship as "disgraceful." Marcus Cranus, through a Romanian interpreter, denied any sexual relationship with Larisa and denied having performed chest compressions on her, stating he had only attempted cardiac massage because he was trained in first aid. He also denied any physical or violent struggle with Larisa. Witness Simona Terezia Ciurar confirmed that Daniel Blanaru had come to her house on the morning of the murder, claimed an argument with Larisa, and later tried to jump out of the car, an action stopped by her husband Raul. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) was described as sounding "desperate" and "panicked" when he spoke to his brother on a phone call, telling him to "go quick" to his home because he believed he had stabbed his partner, Larissa Serban (26). The court heard that the accused had also mentioned catching Larissa in bed with someone else. Narcisa Serban, Larissa's sister, testified that she arrived at the scene with her partner at about 5:30 am, finding Larissa in a "pool of blood" with "foam" at her mouth and a stiff body. She reported that Gardaí initially denied entry and later searched the house. The evidence will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru 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.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) denied murdering his partner, Larisa Serban (26). A witness, Adriana Kovaciu, testified that she overheard Blanaru on a phone call with his brother, claiming he had caught Serban in bed with another man and stabbed her. She and her family rushed to the Athboy house where Serban lived, finding her on the floor with a large blood pool and a chest cut. Serban was declared dead after no pulse was found. Kovaciu also recalled a prior argument where Serban had a bruised elbow and was frightened. Blanaru has pleaded not guilty to the murder, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury. The prosecution maintains that Blanaru intended to kill or seriously injure Serban.
David Nally, 43, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six charges for scamming two men out of over €900,000 through a fictitious cattle and machinery scheme between 2014 and 2016. He promised to buy livestock from a bank after farm repossessions and sell them at a profit. The victims invested more than €700,000 and €218,000 respectively. Nally returned some money, but the first victim remains owed about €390,000 and the second has lost €175,000. Gardaí found he never purchased cattle from a bank; the maximum he bought was 230 animals, not the claimed 3,000. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a six‑year custodial sentence, suspended the final 18 months, and ordered Nally to hand over €300,000 to be distributed to the victims within three months. The case is now before the High Court.
In a murder trial in County Meath, the State presented a case that Daniel Blanaru, 37, stabbed his partner Larisa Serban, 26, to death on 12 August 2022. Prosecutor Eilis Brennan described the relationship as turbulent, jealous and controlling, citing a violent incident on 31 July 2022 at a house in Balbriggan where Serban called emergency services. Brennan said Serban was found early that morning with heavy bleeding from a chest laceration and that a stab wound caused fatal injury to her heart, lung and aorta. She noted that Blanaru's Gardaí interview was confusing and that blood at the scene could link to him. The trial will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. The prosecution maintains that Blanaru intended to kill or seriously injure Serban. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
A jury has been empanelled to hear the trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, who is accused of murdering his partner, 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, in Rathmore, County Meath, on 12 August 2022. Blanaru pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The trial will begin tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon, with a jury of seven men and five women. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Eilis Brennan SC, and Blanaru's counsel is Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC.
Sharif Kelly, 54, of Balbriggan, Co Dublin, has failed in his bid to pursue a conviction appeal before the Supreme Court regarding the 2013 murder of dissident Republican Peter Butterly. Kelly, who pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special Criminal Court in April 2017. The court heard that Dean Evans, who pleaded guilty to the murder, fired the three fatal shots into Butterly at the Huntsman Inn in Gormanston, Co Meath, while Kelly was the getaway driver. Kelly's earlier Court of Appeal challenge in April 2022 was dismissed, with judges unimpressed by his objections to the evidence of protected witness David Cullen. Cullen, who turned State's witness, had previously pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a semi-automatic pistol at the scene and was sentenced in July 2014 to seven years in prison, with three and a half years suspended. Kelly's lawyers also sought to introduce fresh evidence concerning Garda Joseph Doyle, who was later jailed for corruption and deception offences. The Supreme Court refused leave to appeal, determining that issues regarding the admissibility of accomplice-type evidence are primarily for the trial court to analyse and that the Court of Appeal correctly applied established principles governing fresh evidence.
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a 19‑year‑old named Nikita Dvoynin pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography after Gardaí discovered over 1,800 images on his devices. The material, uploaded via the Discord app, included 1,141 very explicit images of children as young as two years old. Garda Brendan Cafferkey explained that a warrant was obtained following the discovery of the material, leading to a search of Dvoynin's home where he voluntarily surrendered several digital devices. Dvoynin admitted the devices contained child pornography and later provided a statement detailing how he obtained the material. He had no prior convictions and was cooperative throughout the investigation. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Dvoynin's cooperation, remorse, and lack of previous convictions, imposed a two‑year sentence fully suspended on strict conditions, including 12 months of engagement with the Probation Service. The sentence was delivered with the understanding that Dvoynin would not be imprisoned.
Brad Dempsey, 24, of Crumlin, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment for firing five shots at a car on Donore Avenue, Dublin 8, on 19 January 2022. He pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, a charge reduced from an initial attempt to endanger life. The court heard that a dispute between Dempsey's associate and another person led to the shooting, which was captured on CCTV. Dempsey emerged from the scene with a firearm, fired at the vehicle, and the rear passenger‑door glass shattered. He was in custody since August 2023. The judge, citing the seriousness of the offence, set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight years and back‑dated to the time of his custody. No injuries were reported. The case reflects Dempsey's history of violent disorder and drug offences.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Ian Connaghan's appeal against the severity of his sentence for the manslaughter of Michael Mulvey. In July 2023, a Central Criminal Court jury acquitted both Ian and his brother, Daniel Connaghan, of murder but convicted Ian of manslaughter and Daniel of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. In December 2023, Mr Justice Burns sentenced Ian to nine years' imprisonment with the final year suspended, while Daniel received five years with the final year suspended. Appealing on the basis that the sentencing judge erred by placing the offence in the high culpability band, counsel for Ian argued the case fit the medium range. However, Mr Justice Edwards, delivering the judgment, upheld the original sentencing. The court found that the second attack involved significant premeditation, as the brothers had "lain in wait" for the victim. Citing the "sheer viciousness" of the assaults and the victim's inability to defend himself, the court determined these aggravating factors justified the high culpability classification. The appeal was rejected, confirming the validity of the sentences imposed.