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.
David White, business development manager at Gormanston Park sports campus, was dismissed after admitting he took two bottles of wine from storage, returned them later, and denied involving teenage workers in a conspiracy. He filed an unfair dismissal claim seeking reinstatement, though he accepted it was unlikely. The complex's general manager, Aislinn Creamer, testified that a 16‑year‑old kitchen worker approached her with evidence that White had taken the wine and instructed the workers not to disclose it. White countered that he had no intention to deceive and that the remark was light‑hearted. He expressed regret and argued the dismissal was drastic, suggesting a written warning would have sufficed. The case was heard by adjudicator Davnet O'Driscoll, who will issue a decision later.
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.
David Dunne, 40, was convicted of murdering fellow inmate Robert O'Connor, 34, at Mountjoy Prison on 29 July 2022. CCTV footage showed Dunne luring O'Connor into his cell, where he was knocked to the ground and stamped on the head repeatedly. Prison officers heard a yell and a cry of "No, no" before silence, and later saw Dunne stamp on O'Connor's head more than once. O'Connor was taken to Mater Hospital, placed on life support, and pronounced dead three days later after brain‑stem testing revealed no activity. Dunne, who had 123 convictions since 1998 and was serving a four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for robbery, was found guilty by a jury in less than three hours. Robert O'Connor pleaded not guilty.
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.
Eric O'Driscoll, 22, admitted to possessing a .223 calibre Remington AR‑15 rifle in a Dublin residential area and pleaded guilty earlier this year. He now requests a prison transfer after claiming he witnessed a murder in a cell. The Special Criminal Court heard his request, and the judge adjourned the hearing for logistical reasons. O'Driscoll is expected to be moved to another prison after sentencing. He is also scheduled for trial later this year, along with his brother Glen Ward, who faces related charges.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court found 40‑year‑old David Dunne guilty of murder after he lured fellow inmate Robert O'Connor into his cell, knocked him to the ground and stamped on his head in a "vicious and unprovoked" assault. The verdict, reached in just under three hours, was unanimous. Dunne had pleaded not guilty, claiming he had no intention to kill and that he acted in self‑defence after O'Connor punched him twice. The prosecution presented CCTV footage showing Dunne and three other prisoners entering the cell, with officers later reporting that Dunne stamped on O'Connor's head more than once and kicked him. A pathologist's report confirmed that the blows caused brain rotation and tearing of nerve cells, consistent with stamping, punching or kicking. Dunne will face a mandatory life sentence when he is sentenced on 16 December.
In a Mountjoy Prison murder trial, the jury must decide if David Dunne, 40, honestly believed he was acting in self‑defence when he fatally assaulted fellow inmate Robert O'Connor. Justice Mary Ellen Ring explained that to convict of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Dunne intended to kill or cause serious injury. If he believed he was defending himself but used more force than a reasonable person would, he would be guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Michael Delaney SC, presented CCTV showing O'Connor entering Dunne's cell, an officer witnessing Dunne stamp on O'Connor's head multiple times, and evidence suggesting coordination with other inmates. Dunne's defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued the attack was a spontaneous reaction, not pre‑planned, and urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals. The jury will deliberate tomorrow, with possible verdicts of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution alleged that 40‑year‑old David Dunne lured fellow inmate Robert O'Connor into his cell at Mountjoy Prison and stamped on O'Connor's head, causing death by blunt force trauma. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence suggesting coordination with other prisoners and claimed the assault was "vicious and unprovoked." They also argued that O'Connor's brain suffered rotational force injuries. Dunne's defence contended the killing was unintentional, a reaction in the moment, and not premeditated. The defence urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals and focus on the evidence. The judge was to charge the jury the following day. The case remains at the murder‑trial stage. David Dunne pleaded not guilty.
David Dunne, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of fellow inmate Robert O'Connor on 29 July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison. In Garda interviews after his arrest on 16 November 2022, Dunne claimed he threw a single punch at O'Connor after the latter had approached him, stating he did not intend to kill and that the incident would haunt him. He described O'Connor as a good friend and said he had previously been assaulted in his cell on 27 July. A prison officer's statement that Dunne had "stamped" on O'Connor's head was denied by Dunne. The prosecution presented three Garda interview memoranda and evidence from Dr Francesca Brett, a neuropathologist who examined O'Connor's brain and found hypoxic damage, haemorrhage and axonal injury. The trial is before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
In the Central Criminal Court, Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that the death of Robert O'Connor, a Mountjoy prisoner, was caused by blunt‑force trauma that rotated his brain. She explained that the injuries could have resulted from punching, kicking or stamping, and that the resulting brain swelling, bleeding and lack of oxygen led to death. Dr Mulligan noted that O'Connor had suffered a first assault on 27 July with a bleeding nose and a fractured right pupil, and a second assault two days later that left him in a coma. He remained unresponsive for three days, was declared dead at 1.34 pm on 1 August, and his kidneys were donated. The pathologist confirmed no skull fractures and that the brain trauma was most likely sustained during the second alleged assault. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, continues with a jury hearing further evidence.
In a Mountjoy Prison murder trial, the prosecution presented evidence that David Dunne, 40, allegedly stamped and kicked the head of fellow inmate Robert O'Connor, 32, who died three days later. Officers Conor Kenny and Jonathan Deegan witnessed the assault on the C2 landing around 5.30 pm on 29 July 2022. O'Connor was found lifeless with blood on his face; he was taken to Mater Hospital where a CT scan revealed severe brain injury and he was declared dead on 1 August. A post‑mortem on 3 August confirmed blunt‑force trauma to the head as the cause of death. Dunne, arrested on 16 November 2022, claimed self‑defence, stating O'Connor had attacked him. The jury will decide if the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Dunne committed murder. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in today for the trial of a 40‑year‑old man, David Dunne, who denies murdering Robert O'Connor, 34, at Mountjoy Prison on 29 July 2022. Dunne pleaded not guilty and was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The trial will commence tomorrow before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and is expected to last two weeks.
Eric O'Driscoll, aged 22, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to possession of a .223 calibre Remington AR‑15 semi‑automatic rifle at Ratoath Drive, Finglas, on 9 January 2022. The court found the circumstances reasonably inferred that the rifle was not held for a lawful purpose. O'Driscoll also faced four other firearms offences, but the Director of Public Prosecutions said the plea satisfied the case. The matter was adjourned for a later hearing, with trial scheduled later in the year.
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 High Court has heard arguments regarding the extradition of John Edward McNicholl and Seamus Christopher O'Kane to the UK, where they face charges related to the 1975 murder of Constable Robert John McPherson in Co Derry. Mr McNicholl is alleged to have murdered the constable and attempted to murder a second officer, while Mr O'Kane is charged with possession of firearms, including an RUC-issued weapon recovered during the ambush. Defense counsel argued that the extradition proceedings are oppressive and constitute an abuse of process, citing a nearly 50-year delay in seeking surrender. They contended that the pursuit of the men, initiated days before the UK's Legacy Act came into force, breached their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights and was driven by a change in the political climate. The State, represented by Remy Farrell SC, countered that arguments regarding abuse of process by Northern Irish prosecutors are matters for the courts in Northern Ireland, not the Dublin High Court. The court was told that previous extradition requests were refused on political grounds under the 1965 Act, but subsequent legislation removed such refusals. Mr Justice Pat McGrath deferred judgement and adjourned the matter to December 16.
Graham McGuinness, aged 32, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years, after pleading guilty to causing serious harm for a violent attack on Martin Reilly on 11 June 2020. McGuinness, who has 53 prior convictions, repeatedly slashed Reilly's neck, arms, torso and face with a homemade blade wrapped in tissue, shouting "I'm going to kill you" during the assault. The attack began near Busáras and continued toward Store Street Garda Station, where Reilly attempted to seek help. The court noted the severity of the injuries, including a gash exposing Reilly's jawbone, and the public nature of the violence. Mitigating factors included McGuinness's guilty plea, remorse and difficult upbringing, while aggravating factors were the viciousness, duration and weapon used. The suspended portion requires McGuinness to pay a €100 bond, remain at a listed address, provide a phone number, address drug addiction and attend all probation appointments.
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.
Jordan Boyle, 27, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years, backdated to January 9, after pleading guilty to five counts of assault causing harm. The offences occurred in Dublin 15, including a supermarket and a bus, where Boyle bit his former girlfriend twice, head‑butted two security guards, dragged her onto a bus, and threatened to kill her. The victim was attacked on multiple occasions, requiring two hospital visits. Boyle's history includes 29 prior convictions and substance abuse. He has expressed remorse and is completing a Fás carpentry course, aspiring to become an electrician. Judge Orla Crowe described his conduct as "utterly flagrant and reprehensible" and noted the victim's severe trauma. The sentence reflects the sustained, public nature of the assault and the use of biting.
Kacper Koszarski, aged 23, was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment for a series of burglaries and dangerous driving incidents in Leinster. He pleaded guilty to 17 charges, including four counts of dangerous driving, four of trespass, one of endangerment, four of criminal damage, two of burglary, one of knife production and one of unauthorised vehicle taking, committed between 2020 and 2022. Judge Elva Duffy imposed consecutive sentences totalling five and a half years, suspending the final year on strict conditions. Koszarski was ordered to engage with the Probation Service for two years after release and was disqualified from driving for ten years. The court noted his history of 39 prior convictions, including seven for theft, and his statements of remorse and desire for rehabilitation. The sentence reflects the seriousness of his offences and the potential benefit of rehabilitation to society.
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.
Conti Birali, aged 28, withdrew an appeal against a nine‑year prison sentence after the Court of Appeal warned that it could increase sentences. The appeal was withdrawn following advice from his counsel, Mark Lynam SC, after Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy highlighted the seriousness of the case and the court's jurisdictional powers. Birali was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing serious harm to Austin Doherty, who was left a wheelchair user after being kicked, stamped on and beaten. Birali also pleaded guilty to violent disorder with others on the same occasion. The victim, aged 38, suffered a nearly concave head and other injuries, and his prognosis is unlikely to improve. Birali's appeal was dismissed, and he remains sentenced to nine years in prison. The case also involved co‑accused Craig Maples, who received seven years for violent disorder and assault.
Former 2FM presenter Nikki Hayes (real name Eimear Black O'Keeffe), aged 44, avoided a criminal conviction after pleading guilty to possessing €15,000 as proceeds of crime in a Permanent TSB bank account. The money, comprising €10,000, €2,600 and €2,400, was withdrawn from an injured party's account and deposited into O'Keeffe's account. She had six prior convictions for minor road‑traffic offences and had her sentencing hearing adjourned twice, once after a fall and once to seek treatment for alcohol addiction. O'Keeffe has since completed residential treatment, is drug‑ and alcohol‑free, and has repaid the full amount to the victim. Judge Martina Baxter discharged her under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act, meaning she will not incur a criminal conviction. The court noted her vulnerability, mental‑health diagnoses, and rehabilitation efforts as mitigating factors. O'Keeffe is no longer employed in radio and is pursuing further training and an accountancy course.
A Leaving Certificate supervisor from Monaghan has failed in a claim before the Workplace Relations Commission seeking over €1,600 in mileage expenses from the State Examinations Commission. Daniel Murphy alleged he was underpaid for travel to St Ciaran's Community School in Kells, County Meath, where he has supervised exams since 2021. He contended that driving via the N2 motorway was the only practical route to avoid potential delays from agricultural traffic on minor roads, yet his mileage claims were systematically reduced. The SEC maintained it could only reimburse the shortest distance according to Department of Finance regulations. Adjudicator Christina Ryan dismissed the complaint, ruling that mileage expenses fall outside the definition of wages covered by the Payment of Wages Act and therefore do not fall within the tribunal's jurisdiction.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced two defendants for their roles in the unlawful administration of the euthanasia drug Dolethal to two dogs at Ashton Dog Pound in July 2020. Vet Sydney Nagle, 65, pleaded guilty to two counts of causing or permitting a non-vet to possess the medicine, as well as four counts regarding record-keeping failures. He was fined €12,500, payable over six months. Judge Nolan noted Nagle was a fine vet who had done considerable service but failed to know the law, adding that Nagle may face consequences from an ongoing Veterinary Council of Ireland fitness-to-practice inquiry. Raymond Connolly, 56, the pound supervisor, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing the vet-only medicine and causing or permitting a lay person to administer it. He was fined €400, payable over six months. The judge described Connolly's culpability as low, stating he followed established instructions and could not be expected to know the legal intricacies. The court heard the dogs, an Akita and a Bichon Frise, suffered vomiting and diarrhoea after being dosed orally; one died, and the other was humanely euthanised days later. This follows previous fines for former pound manager Donal Moroney and owner David Stone for similar offences.
Tomas Kleinas, 48, of Victorine Abbey, Trim, was sentenced to 13 years in prison with the final two years suspended on strict conditions after pleading guilty to raping a woman on 25 July 2020. The victim, who was holding an eight‑month‑old baby, was tied up, blindfolded and subjected to repeated sexual assault, including forced oral sex and digital penetration, while a 12‑year‑old child was also present. Kleinas threatened to kill the baby and used a knife to threaten the victim's teeth. The assault was alcohol‑related and the victim reported it to the Gardaí the following day, where extensive bruising and a black rope were found. Kleinas had prior minor convictions dating back to 2006 and was deemed unsuitable for probation. The judge noted his lack of remorse and the victim's desire to avoid reliving the events, leading to the suspended portion of the sentence. Kleinas had previously worked in construction and runs a beauty salon.
A 24‑year‑old man, Camden Konopka, was sentenced to a ten‑year suspended term for attempting to murder his mother by setting fire to their home, locking her inside and discarding the keys. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, back‑dated the sentence to May 2020 and ordered that the balance of the term be suspended for ten years, during which Konopka must be supervised by Nua Healthcare Services. He is required to remain at a supervised location, follow all staff directions, take his medication, and may not contact his mother directly unless she initiates communication. Konopka has been in custody for over four years and has a history of mental illness. The court noted the case was "distressing" and that the punitive element had been adequately addressed. The sentence aims to minimise future harm to Konopka and those around him. Camden Konopka pleaded guilty.
Sandra Sandaraite, 39, was sentenced to five and a half years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of her on‑off partner, Zbigniew Czech, 47, who was found dead on the stairwell of their Academy Street apartment on 10 December 2022. The Central Criminal Court, presided over by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, described the relationship as toxic and volatile, with alcohol contributing to repeated violent incidents. Sandaraite had earlier pleaded guilty to manslaughter with excessive force in self‑defence, a plea accepted in March. She claimed that, if she had not taken a chef's knife from a closed box, she would have been beaten. The knife was found in Czech's hand, and a pathology report identified a fatal stab wound to his upper left lung. The judge accepted her early plea, reduced the sentence by three years, and suspended the final six months for two years to encourage rehabilitation. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of her initial arrest.
Leon Sharlott, 34, of Fordstown, Navan, was convicted in 2022 of possessing two handguns and ammunition under Section 27A(1) of the Firearms Act. He received a seven‑year sentence, with the final 12 months suspended, at Wexford Courthouse. The weapons and matching ammunition were found in a Volkswagen Golf at a council yard near Gorey, and additional items such as runners and gloves were discovered in the boot. Sharlott's appeal argued that the trial was unsafe because the prosecution relied on a "defect to his ear" for identification. His counsel claimed that no formal identification parade had occurred and that the ear defect had contaminated the process. The Court of Appeal rejected these arguments, stating that the evidence, including the ear defect, was circumstantial and admissible. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the conviction and sentence intact.
Matthew Fadeyi, 34, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison, with the final year suspended, after a re‑trial in May 2024. He was convicted of one count of rape for assaulting a 20‑year‑old woman he had given a lift to in August 2018. The court heard that Fadeyi, who had previously been convicted of a minor road traffic offence, offered to drop the woman home, became flirtatious, and after she declined to have sex, forced himself on her in the back seat of his car. The victim, who described the experience as traumatic, had previously made a formal complaint to Gardaí in January 2019. Fadeyi, a father of three, was found to have no additional violence beyond the act itself, and the judge noted the victim's relative youth and lack of experience. The suspended year is subject to a number of conditions.
In a High Court ruling on 25 July 2024, Mr Justice Liam Kennedy ordered James Buckley and his wife Paula to pay Caroline Teltsch €800,000 in damages for alleged unjust enrichment. Teltsch, owner of the Emerald Equestrian Centre in Enfield, Co Kildare, claimed she advanced loans to the Buckleys between 2010 and 2018 for purposes such as refurbishing the centre, buying a Jaguar XKR, a Mitsubishi Evo, paying tax and Revenue bills, medical expenses, legal costs, a house deposit, and flights to New York for the couple's wedding. She said she never received any repayment and that the Buckleys used the money for personal and business expenses. Teltsch also sought declarations that land near the centre was held in trust for her and that she was entitled to a stallion named Louis. The Buckleys denied the claims but failed to comply with a court order to disclose documents, leading to their defence being struck out.
Caroline Teltsch, former owner of an equestrian centre linked to the John Gilligan family, has brought a High Court claim against James and Paula Buckley of Co. Carlow, seeking over €1 million in damages for alleged loan fraud. Teltsch says she advanced multiple loans between 2010 and 2018 to the Buckleys for purposes such as refurbishing the Emerald Equestrian Centre, paying tax bills, purchasing luxury cars, and covering various personal expenses. She claims the Buckleys never repaid any of the money and that they enriched themselves through deceit, confidence trickery and financial exploitation. Teltsch also seeks declarations that land near the centre is held in trust for her and that she is entitled to possession of a stallion named Louis. The Buckleys denied all allegations, were absent from the hearing, and their defence was struck out for failing to comply with a disclosure order. Mr Justice Liam Kennedy will deliver a judgment later this month.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Sandra Sandaraite, 39, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for stabbing her partner, Zbigniew Czech, 47, to death on 10 December 2022 at their Academy Street apartment. She claimed that if she had not taken a knife, she would have been "battered" and that she felt free after the killing. The court heard that the couple's relationship, lasting about three years, was marked by excessive alcohol consumption and 24 complaints of violent behaviour from both sides. Sandaraite said Czech had become aggressive after drinking vodka, grabbed her arms, and she armed herself with a knife, cutting him before he fled. A pathology report identified a stab wound to the upper left chest causing a major pulmonary injury, leading to his death. The prosecution accepted her plea of manslaughter, and the case was adjourned for sentencing.
In a court hearing on 19 July 2024, Graham McGuinness, aged 32 and with 53 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to causing serious harm after he repeatedly slashed and stabbed Martin Reilly with a homemade shank. The attack took place on 11 June 2020 near Busáras, Dublin, where McGuinness shouted "I'm going to kill you" while striking Reilly's neck and face. Reilly suffered multiple lacerations, including a deep cut that exposed his jawbone, and has been left with lifelong scars. McGuinness had originally been charged with attempted murder but the State accepted his plea for serious harm. The court noted Reilly's belief that he would die that night and that the shank was wrapped in tissue to create a handle. McGuinness offered a brief apology and stated he has turned his life around. The case was adjourned to 9 October for finalisation.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2024, the court heard that Andrei Dobra, aged 36, strangled his fiancée Ioana Mihaela Pacala to death on 12 November 2023. The court found Dobra not guilty by reason of insanity and committed him to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane. Dobra had been in a loving relationship with Pacala and had been seen holding hands with her on CCTV less than 24 hours before the murder. Two consultant psychiatrists diagnosed Dobra with schizo‑affective disorder, describing psychotic delusions that led him to believe Pacala was a threat. Pacala's father, Gheorghe Gratian Pacala, expressed deep devastation and described his daughter as gentle and respectful, noting that the couple had planned a wedding for 10 June 2023 and had bought a house together. The judge ordered Dobra to remain at the CMH for continuous treatment and assessment. The hearing was conducted via videolink as Dobra was not physically present.
A 19-year-old, John Mulrooney Sugrue of Manorfield Green, Clonee Dublin, has initiated a High Court challenge against the mandatory life sentence law, which would prevent a judge from imposing any sentence other than life in prison if he is found guilty of the murder of Aaron Keating on Main Street, Ongar, Dublin 15 on June 13, 2023. Represented by Seamus Clarke SC, Sugrue argues that the law prevents the sentencing judge from considering that the alleged offence occurred when he was a minor. He claims this breaches his constitutional rights and rights under the European Convention of Human Rights. Sugrue seeks various orders, including an order to prevent further prosecution until sentencing provisions account for his age at the time of the alleged offence, and a declaration that the State has breached his rights by failing to have a sentencing regime that allows for such considerations. The matter was heard by Ms Justice Niamh Hyland, who granted permission for the challenge. The case, along with related matters, will be mentioned before the court later this month. Two other similar challenges have been brought by Noah Musueni and David Amah, who are also charged with murder and are awaiting trial in the Special Criminal Court.
In a 2024 appeal, defence counsel James B Dwyer SC argued that Leon Sharlott's conviction for possessing firearms and ammunition was unfair because the prosecution's identification relied on a distinctive ear defect. Sharlott, 34, was sentenced in 2022 to seven years' imprisonment with the last year suspended after being found guilty of two offences under Section 27A(1) of the Firearms Act. The prosecution linked Sharlott to the weapons by DNA from shoes found in a Volkswagen Golf's boot and by CCTV footage of him buying gloves. Dwyer contended that no identity parade was held, and that witnesses' descriptions of the ear defect were inconsistent, undermining the identification process. Judge John Edwards noted that while an identity parade might have been best practice, its absence did not necessarily render the trial unfair, and the court would reserve judgment.
Andrei Dobra, 36, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for strangling his fiancée, Ioana Mihaela Pacala, on 12 November 2022. The jury, after 1 hour 44 minutes, accepted that Dobra suffered a psychotic episode that made him believe Pacala threatened him and that he did not know his act was wrong. Two consultant psychiatrists, Dr Brenda Wright and Prof Patricia Casey, diagnosed Dobra with schizoaffective psychosis and a major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms. Dobra had no prior mental‑health or criminal history and had lived a stable, normal life, working as a security guard and administrator. He was remanded to the National Forensic Mental Health Services Hospital in Portrane for assessment. The case highlighted the tragic loss of a young life and the impact of untreated mental illness.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a psychiatrist testified that Andrei Dobra, a 36‑year‑old man with no prior violence or mental illness, strangled his fiancée Ioana Mihaela Pacala, 30, during a psychotic episode. Dobra, who had two university degrees and worked as an administrator and security guard, had planned to marry Pacala on 10 June 2023. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The psychiatrist described Dobra as courteous and respectful, deeply regretting the act, and noted he had no history of mental health service use. She reported that in the months before the killing he experienced stress, anxiety, fleeting thoughts, and delusions that Pacala's family would prevent their marriage and that a spirit was in the house. She diagnosed him with schizoaffective psychosis and concluded he met the threshold for a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial continues before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.