James Greengrass, a 25-year-old British man with a significant mental illness, has been ordered to be released from Cork Prison into the care of his parents in the UK to serve the suspended portion of his sentence. Greengrass was found guilty of attempting to cause serious harm to a fellow psychiatric patient by putting him in a chokehold until he turned blue. The court heard that Greengrass believed the victim was a 'shapeshifting demon' who would kill him and his family. His defense argued that his mental illness and the support of his family made it more appropriate for him to be in the UK rather than in Ireland. The judge noted that Greengrass had been institutionalized for three-and-a-half years and that his mental health required ongoing support. The suspended sentence of five years and six months will be served in the UK, with strict conditions including medication compliance and regular contact with gardai.
The High Court has granted permission for the publication in a national newspaper of the names of over 300 former Christian Brothers who are now co-defendants in a civil abuse claim. These individuals are not accused of abuse but are being named in the hope that they will come forward. The case was heard by Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who granted the motion brought by the plaintiff's legal team. The plaintiff was abused by Christian Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s while attending school in Co Kilkenny. Coughlan received two jail terms in 2023 for indecent assault. The court has previously criticized David Gibson, the current head of the Christian Brothers, for an obstructive approach towards civil lawsuits. As an unincorporated association, the Christian Brothers cannot be sued unless a nominee is provided. Gibson has refused to act as a nominee, forcing litigants to take legal action against individual members. The case is being brought by a male survivor of abuse against Coughlan and Gibson. The names of 341 individuals will be published in the Irish Independent.
Maurice Boland, convicted of murdering Cian Gallagher (26) in Tallow, Co Waterford, is appealing his life sentence imposed by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon in December 2024. Boland, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, was found guilty following two Central Criminal Court trials. His counsel, Michael Bowman, argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in admitting evidence of Boland bragging he punched the victim "like Conor McGregor." Bowman contended that McGregor's name carried "toxic masculinity" baggage due to concurrent civil proceedings where he was found liable for rape, potentially biasing the jury. The State, represented by Bernard Condon SC, countered that the evidence was "eminently admissible" to demonstrate Boland's intent to cause serious harm and his aggressive state of mind. The court also considered challenges to evidence of Boland's threatening behavior earlier that night. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, and Ms Justice Tara Burns, viewed CCTV footage and heard submissions. The matter was adjourned, with the court reserving judgment to be delivered at a later date.
A convicted sex offender who violently raped his niece and abused her sister has had his 15-year sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault charges. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with 15 months suspended by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor. The sentence was to be served after a six-year term for offenses against the complainant's younger sister. The man had a previous conviction for sexual assault in 2000. His barristers appealed the sentence, arguing it was too harsh and that more of the term should have been suspended. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating the judge acted within his discretion. The court noted the seriousness of the offenses, including the brutality of the attack on a young girl. The judge considered the defendant's personal circumstances, including his separation from his wife and the care of a disabled child. The court ruled that the original sentence was appropriate and upheld the 15-year term.
The High Court will decide whether to allow the media to publish the names of 340 former Christian Brothers in an effort to encourage survivors of abuse to come forward. The case was brought by a male survivor who was abused by Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s. Coughlan was previously jailed for 49 counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the current head of the Christian Brothers, David Gibson, has refused to act as a nominee for the congregation, making it difficult for litigants to bring legal action against the order. The plaintiff is seeking an order to compel the release of information that would help locate former members of the order. The court ordered Brother Gibson to use his powers to gather contact details for former members and adjourned the matter for a sub-service application for newspaper advertisements.
The Waterford Intellectual Disability Association (WIDA) has been ordered to pay over €320,000 in compensation to Fiona O'Neill, a senior manager, for alleged bullying and harassment by the former chairman. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that WIDA penalized O'Neill in a most egregious manner while being fully aware of her protected disclosures. The case involved allegations that the chairman attempted to replace O'Neill and that the external HR consultant's reports went beyond their terms of reference. The WRC awarded the highest sum ever under the Protected Disclosures Act, and directed WIDA to quash the reports, cease the interim CEO position, and offer O'Neill a full apology. The new board of WIDA has conceded all allegations and offered an unequivocal apology.
A 48-year-old man from Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, has been jailed for 11-and-a-half years for the rape of a 16-year-old girl. Richard Murphy was found guilty of rape and oral rape in October 2022 after a trial in Waterford. The victim was in a consensual relationship with Murphy's son when they were in the garden of a house. Murphy arrived and asked the girl for her parents' details, which she fabricated. He then orally and vaginally raped her before telling her not to tell anyone. The victim later informed her friends, who helped her report the crime. Murphy was on bail at the time for other sexual offences involving young girls. The judge described him as a danger to young girls and noted the aggravating factor of his being on bail. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced. The judge imposed a consecutive sentence of 11 years and six months to Murphy's current sentence. The court also extended legal aid in the event of an appeal.
Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
A veteran Coast Guard rescue helicopter crewman, Adrian O'Hara, won €50,000 in compensation for disability discrimination after being grounded for five months despite being cleared for duty. O'Hara, who worked as a winch operator, suffered a degenerative shoulder condition and was advised by a specialist to return to work by March 2024. However, CHC Ireland DAC conducted a risk assessment that concluded he could not return to flying duties due to his medical restrictions. O'Hara argued that the risk assessment was a 'paper exercise' and that a practical assessment should have been conducted. He continued to report for work until May 2024, when he was placed on medical leave. A subsequent practical assessment confirmed he was fit to return to work. O'Hara filed a grievance, which was upheld, and the tribunal ruled that CHC discriminated against him by delaying his return to work and failing to consult him on reasonable accommodations. The adjudication officer ordered CHC to review its processes for returning staff to work after medical absences.
Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has had his appeal against his conviction for indecently assaulting five young boys rejected by the Court of Appeal. Sheehan had argued that the trial should have been split into two due to the severity of the attack on one of the victims. However, the court ruled that the connection between Sheehan and all the complainants through his leadership of a scout troop was of particular relevance. Sheehan was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. The court dismissed the appeal, noting that the alleged offence against the victim in the woods was more serious but still of a similar nature to the other counts. The court found that the trial judge was correct to refuse the defense application for a separate trial, as all the incidents occurred at scouting events involving sleepover elements. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
An 81-year-old former teacher, Barra Connolly, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 97 sexual offences against four teenage pupils over 20 years ago. The Central Criminal Court in Waterford heard that Connolly was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, 73 counts of sexual assault, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The abuse occurred at his home in Chapel Street, Lismore, Co Waterford, between 1997 and 2006. The victims, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, were given keys to Connolly's house and subjected to various forms of abuse, including touching, oral and anal rape. Gardai discovered 984 items of child sexual abuse material on his devices. The court was told that the victims experienced long-term emotional and psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the jury's verdict. The judge noted the grooming of the boys and the prolonged duration of the abuse as aggravating factors.
A 55-year-old man is appealing his combined 15-year prison sentence at the Court of Appeal. He pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of rape and one count of sexual assault against his niece, occurring between 2012 and 2018. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to 11 years, with the final 15 months suspended, on October 31, 2023. This sentence is to be served consecutively to a six-year term imposed by Judge Eugene Kelly at Waterford Circuit Court on October 26, 2023, for four counts of sexual assault against the niece's sister. The man's counsel, Colman Cody SC, argued the sentences were excessive and that a greater portion should have been suspended to incentivize rehabilitation, citing mitigating factors including his guilty plea, cooperation, and personal circumstances. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, contended the sentences were appropriate and within judicial discretion, noting the violence of the offenses. The court reserved judgment on the appeal.
Neil Elliott, a man in his sixties, was jailed for four years for raping a 16-year-old boy on a Waterford beach. Elliott met the boy through a dating app and had sexual contact with him despite the boy being under the care of the State. The boy reported the incident to gardai, and Elliott was arrested. The court heard that Elliott claimed he believed the boy was 17 and that the boy initiated contact. The victim described the incident as traumatic, leading to mental health issues. Elliott pleaded guilty and expressed remorse. The court noted the age disparity and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge imposed a sentence of five years, with the final year suspended, and ordered Elliott to engage with the Probation Service. The court acknowledged Elliott's guilty plea and lack of prior convictions.
William McCarthy (38) of Carlow pleaded guilty to assaulting an Irish Rail ticket inspector and burglarizing a Carlow GAA club. The assault occurred on September 14, 2024, when McCarthy refused to show his ticket and attacked the inspector on the Waterford/Heuston line. The victim suffered injuries including a broken finger and bruising to his face and was treated in hospital. McCarthy also pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft from the Éire Óg Clubhouse, where he had previously burgled the premises four times. The damage to the cigarette machine was estimated at €2,000, with €2,830 worth of cigarettes and vapes stolen, along with €1,520 in cash. The victim's impact statement highlighted the emotional and financial toll of the assault, including difficulties paying his mortgage and the need for counseling. McCarthy's defense argued that his actions were driven by addiction and desperation to pay off a debt. The judge remanded McCarthy in custody and adjourned sentencing until next week.
Three men serving life sentences for murders committed as teenagers have sought an extension of time to appeal their sentences, arguing that the law is inconsistent and unfair. The men, who were 17 when they committed the murders, were sentenced to life in prison but the 2024 amendment to the Criminal Justice Act removed the mandatory life sentence for those under 18. The applicants claim that the law's reliance on the date of sentencing is arbitrary and that they were denied the opportunity to appeal the mandatory life sentence. Counsel for the men argued that the law should allow for appeals based on the exceptional circumstances of each case, rather than the date of sentencing. The State's representatives countered that the men's appeals had been dismissed and that the judgments had become final. The court reserved judgment on the application for an extension of time, with the judge noting that the case would be considered in the interest of justice. The unnamed 25-year-old pleaded not guilty.
James Greengrass pleaded guilty to attempting to cause serious harm to a fellow psychiatric patient at University Hospital Waterford. His barrister said Greengrass believed the victim was a 'shapeshifting demon'; Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned finalising sentence to April 27. James Greengrass was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
A 43-year-old man who pleaded guilty to anal rape of his wife at their family home in Co Waterford was sentenced to seven years, with the final year suspended for three years. The Central Criminal Court heard that he admitted guilt during trial after previously claiming the incident was consensual.
Declan Power has received permission from the High Court to challenge a Minister for Justice decision that bars him from living at his home within an 18-kilometre exclusion zone while on release. Declan Power pleaded guilty.
A woman who helped dump a man's body in a quarry and later expressed concern for his wellbeing on social media has been jailed for six years. Jane Corcoran (34) lied to gardai about the circumstances surrounding the death of Stephen Ring in 2024. She falsely accused another man of assaulting Mr Ring and wasted garda time. His body was found in Carrigfoyle Quarry 13 days later, decomposed and partially eaten by fish. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo said Corcoran lacks insight into her offending and has engaged in victim blaming. Corcoran was caught on CCTV helping move Mr Ring's remains to her car and then to the quarry. A probation officer noted she appears emotionally detached from the offence and is at high risk of reoffending. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years, which was reduced to six years and nine months after considering mitigation. Corcoran's guilty plea was noted, but her lack of remorse and victim blaming reduced its value. The judge suspended the final nine months of the sentence for two years on conditions.
The Workplace Relations Commission has ordered Ryan's Investments Unlimited Company, trading as Hertz Rent-A-Car, to pay €10,000 in compensation and issue an apology to applicant Kim Murphy. The adjudicator upheld Murphy's complaint of disability discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000, finding that the franchisee's policy of imposing a €150 valet charge for hair shed by her guide dog, Django, placed her at a particular disadvantage. The tribunal determined that the company's refusal to waive the fee, despite being notified of the guide dog's presence, was unreasonable and failed to accommodate the needs of a person with a disability. Murphy alleged that her husband, Anthony Murphy, was charged for "damage" upon returning a rental vehicle from the Dublin Airport branch in April 2024, despite the dog being a trained service animal. The adjudicator directed the respondent to update its rental policies to accommodate similar customers. Sean Beatty BL represented the applicant, while Eve Bolster BL appeared for the franchisee. The decision constitutes a finalised sentence ordering the specified financial compensation and formal apology.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has argued that two separate trials should have been held due to the serious nature of the allegations made by one of his victims. Sheehan, of Chimneyfields, Glenville, Co Cork, was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault against five young boys between 1987 and 1990 and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. His legal team, led by Ray Boland SC, submitted that the trial judge should have held a separate trial for the offences committed against one victim, citing the 'circumstances of cruelty' involved in an attack in a wooded area. The defence argued that the incident was more serious than the other counts, as it occurred outdoors in broad daylight. The prosecution, represented by Katherine McGillicuddy BL, stated that all the incidents were sexual offences involving male children in a Scout troop and that the trial judge was correct to refuse the separate trial application. The court reserved judgment on the appeal, with the three-judge court to consider the matter further. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 23-year-old man who was due to face trial on an attempted murder charge at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. James Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, had been charged with attempted murder on February 3, 2023, at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. Initially, he entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury was empanelled to hear the case. However, following discussions between counsel, Greengrass re-arraigned before the court and pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause serious harm. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Michael Delaney SC, accepted the plea on a full facts basis and stated that a nolle prosequi would be entered in respect of the attempted murder charge. Defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, noted that Greengrass has no previous convictions and suffers from significant psychiatric difficulties. He requested an extension of legal aid to cover a psychiatric report, as well as probation and education reports.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of James Greengrass, a UK national accused of attempting to murder a fellow patient at a psychiatric facility. Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of the other patient on 3 February, 2023 at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. The accused answered 'Not guilty by reason of insanity' when the charge was read to him at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. The alleged victim was one of the proposed witnesses on a list read out by Mr Justice Sean Gillane. The jury pool was told that the case would involve issues of mental health, and a jury of four men and eight women was empanelled for the trial, which is expected to last seven or eight days.
William Kavanagh (67), a well-known musician, was given a total of 17 and a half years for repeatedly raping his former wife and her sister. Kavanagh was convicted of 59 offences, including anal rape, sexual assault, and vaginal rape, which took place between 1996 and 2006. His former wife and sister read victim impact statements, detailing the devastating impact of the abuse on their lives. Kavanagh does not accept the jury's verdict and maintains his innocence. The judge, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, said Kavanagh has a high degree of moral culpability and that the abuse had a profound ongoing impact on both victims. Kavanagh was sentenced to seven years for the offences against his former wife and 12 years and six months for the offences against his sister. The final 12 months of the sentence was suspended. Kavanagh's defence argued that he has no prior relevant convictions and has suffered from depression. William Kavanagh pleaded not guilty.
A woman who posted on Facebook expressing hope for the safe return of a missing man, while she had in fact helped dump his body in a quarry, was described as 'pure evil' by the victim's mother during a sentencing hearing. Linda Ring detailed the devastation her family faced after her son Stephen Ring was killed and his body was discarded in Carrigfoyle Quarry. Jane Corcoran, who had pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of another individual and assisting in moving the remains, was sentenced to be heard again in February. The court heard that Corcoran had posted on social media while knowing the victim was dead and had lied to gardai. The victim's mother expressed deep anger and sorrow, stating that Corcoran's actions were unforgivable and that she would be haunted by what she did. Corcoran had a previous conviction for theft and faces a maximum sentence of ten years. The victim's family described Stephen as a loving and generous individual, and his death has left them in deep grief.
A man described as a 'manipulative monster' with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and attempted murder of his partner. Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, was given a consecutive ten-year sentence for the attempted murder of his partner, Aisha Al Katib, which will be served before the life sentence. The court heard that Al Tamimi, who had previously held Aisha against her will and forced her to have sex without her consent, stabbed his daughter in front of Aisha, who was paralyzed and unable to move. Aisha described the moment as one of the most traumatic of her life, with Al Tamimi smiling directly at her as he cut his daughter's throat. The judge emphasized the domestic violence aspect of the case and the extraordinary level of violence, stating that the sentences were appropriate.
Media coverage of challenges in securing a psychiatrist for the trial of Ruth Purcell Healy, accused of murdering her six-year-old son, led an Australian-based psychiatrist to offer his services, a barrister told the court. The prosecution had struggled to find a forensic psychiatrist in Ireland to assess the accused, but the overseas professional came forward after reading about the difficulties. The psychiatrist will conduct an initial assessment via video-link and is expected to complete a full evaluation by Easter, with a report by the end of May. The case has highlighted the lack of a reliable system for psychiatric assessments in Ireland, with no legal obligation for HSE-employed psychiatrists to provide such services. The judge expressed frustration with the delays and hopes for a more structured approach. The trial is expected to proceed with a possible date in June or July.
A senior judge at the Central Criminal Court expressed frustration over the State's inability to provide psychiatric assessments for criminal trials, calling it 'completely unacceptable.' The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, highlighted the challenges faced by a father who has attended court over 13 times due to delays in securing a forensic psychiatrist to assess his wife, Ruth Purcell Healy, who is charged with the murder of their six-year-old son. The judge emphasized the importance of psychiatric evaluations in ensuring fair trials and expressed sympathy for the father's ongoing ordeal. Despite efforts by the prosecution to obtain a psychiatric report, the HSE-employed psychiatrists are not legally obligated to provide assessments for criminal cases, leading to significant delays. The judge urged the executive to establish a reliable structure for psychiatric assessments to determine if mental conditions played a role in the alleged offense. The case has been listed for mention on December 3, with the judge noting serious deficiencies in obtaining forensic reports for accused persons over the past two years.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Caroline Costello, noted that several cases involving young offenders sentenced to life for murder are likely to be reviewed following a Supreme Court ruling that life sentences for child killers should only be imposed in exceptional circumstances. Two 17‑year‑olds have applied for extensions to challenge their sentences. Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC seeks more time for his client, who received a life sentence for the 2018 murder of Adam Muldoon, stabbed 183 times. Mr Ó Lideadha said many similar applications exist, but the DPP will advise the court. Solicitor Patrick Geraghty, representing the DPP, explained that the Supreme Court held life sentences with review are not recognised in law and that the DPP is examining cases where a review is possible. Mr Geraghty cited the case of a teenager convicted for the murder of Cameron Blair, noting it has been adjourned to December 5 for further consideration. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
The trial of five school bus operators accused of anti-competition practices is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Andrew Walsh, Raymond Heney, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey, and Anthony Flynn, all from County Tipperary, have pleaded not guilty to a single charge under the Competition Act 2002. The prosecution alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, the defendants engaged in a concerted practice to prevent, restrict, or distort competition in school transport services across Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway, and Waterford. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn told the jury that the accused allegedly coordinated their bidding behavior, including holding meetings to discuss route allocation and pricing, and submitting non-genuine bids to elevate tender prices. He stated that this alleged collusion removed true competitiveness from the process, which affects the public. The case is being brought by the Competition Authority, with evidence including documents, text messages, and expert testimony expected. The jury must determine if a concerted practice occurred and if each defendant was involved. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice David Keane and is expected to last up to six weeks. The matter continues before the court.
Five bus and taxi operators from Limerick, Tipperary, Clare, South Galway and Waterford have gone on trial at the Central Criminal Court. They pleaded not guilty to a single charge under the Competition Act 2002, alleging that between 1 November 2014 and 31 December 2016 they engaged in a concerted practice that prevented, restricted or distorted competition in school transport services. The prosecution is by the Competition Authority. Mr Justice David Keane empanelled a jury of seven men and five women; the trial is expected to last up to six weeks.
Alec Goucher, aged 70, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of 25 counts of sexual abuse against his stepdaughter Elizabeth Usher between 2000 and 2007. The abuse began when Usher was about 11 and escalated to regular rapes twice a week when she was 15 or 16. Goucher denied the allegations and claimed she persuaded him to act. He was found to have no remorse and had attempted to collapse his trial after setting his home on fire. The judge, Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, rejected a suggestion that he might be suitable for a non‑custodial sentence and imposed a 17‑year custodial term, back‑dated to the start of his custody. Usher's victim impact statement described the abuse as a campaign of rape that eroded her sense of self and her relationship with her father. The sentence was handed down in February after delays caused by a psychiatric report.
David Kearney, 39, was sentenced to ten years in prison for a series of sexual offences against a girl who was aged 11 to 16 during the period from April 2019 to October 2023. He pleaded guilty to twelve counts of sexual abuse, including rape, oral rape, anal rape and the use of communication technology to facilitate the exploitation of a child under 17. Kearney's crimes were committed while he was living a double life as a family man, partner and father, and a drug user and sexual abuser. The court noted that the victim, now 17, had endured severe emotional trauma and that Kearney's appreciation of his wrongdoing was limited. The judge imposed a 10‑year custodial sentence, suspended 18 months, with conditions including therapeutic programme participation, no contact with the victim, and probation supervision for 18 months after release. The sentence was reduced from an initial 11½‑year term after mitigation arguments.
Teacher Úna Dunphy, a Waterford City youth worker, secured €55,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal after a 17‑year dispute with the Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board (WWETB). The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that Dunphy had not proven whistleblower penalisation, despite claiming her dismissal was linked to reporting concerns about external funding from 2008. Dunphy had been employed at the Waterford Youth Training and Education Centre (WYTEC) since 2002 and later transferred to the Subla YouthReach centre in 2013, a move she described as temporary and protested. She was dismissed in April 2019 for gross misconduct, following a period of work‑related stress and a protected disclosure to Minister John Halligan. The WRC awarded her €55,000 and an order for four months' pay that had been withheld, citing the employer's failure to provide a fair hearing or consider alternatives to dismissal. The decision was issued after extensive documentation and hearings spanning from 2023 to 2024.
Srdan Keteles, 34, of Waterford, appealed a conviction for careless driving after a "horrific" crash on Oscar Traynor Road, Coolock, Dublin, on 25 September 2019. He claimed he had no memory of the incident, only that he left home on his motorbike and later woke in hospital with serious spinal, neck and pelvic injuries. The District Court found him guilty of driving without due care, including overtaking in a bus lane, and fined him €200 with a six‑month payment period. Keteles' appeal was dismissed by the District Court Appeals Court, which upheld the conviction. The court noted that a forensic accident analysis was not conducted at the scene, and that a witness testified the motorbike overtook him at speed in the bus lane. The judge affirmed the original order, stating the evidence supported a finding of careless driving. The appeal was rejected. Srdan Keteles pleaded not guilty.
James O'Reilly, aged 63, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of oral rape, five counts of sexual assault and three counts of sexual exploitation of his daughter Bridget, who was between six and ten years old when the abuse occurred. The offences took place at the family home in Waterford between 2010 and 2014. O'Reilly was found guilty on all nine charges in the fourth trial after earlier trials were aborted or inconclusive. He received a headline sentence of 13 years, with the final year suspended for 12 months on strict conditions, including probation supervision after release. The judge described the conduct as an egregious breach of trust, noting violence, threats and a lack of remorse. O'Reilly's son Thomas gave a character reference, and the daughter waived anonymity to name her father. No prior sexual convictions were recorded, though he had three unrelated convictions.
The High Court ordered the extradition of former priest Oliver O'Grady, aged 80, to Portugal to serve a one‑year prison sentence for possession of more than 9,000 images and 29 videos of child sexual abuse. O'Grady was arrested on 21 January 2025 under a European Arrest Warrant issued by a Faro court, which had convicted him in absentia on 7 May 2024 for possession of "pornography of minors." He contested the extradition, claiming his fair‑trial rights were not protected, that he could not contact a lawyer, and that he faced a risk of inhuman or degrading treatment in Portuguese prisons. The judge found his claims to be disingenuous and self‑serving, noting that O'Grady had tried to control proceedings and had failed to attend his trial. The judge also rejected concerns about prison conditions, stating assurances from Portuguese authorities that no such risk existed.
In a Workplace Relations Commission hearing, the tribunal upheld the dismissal of Annette Ryan, a part‑time evening shift supervisor at Waterford Hospital's catering team, after she denied allegations of racial abuse and bullying. Ryan was sacked in September 2023 following complaints from four subordinates that she had used a racially charged remark, "you're not Irish, you're black," and other discriminatory language. She maintained that the accusations were fabricated, claiming she had never made such remarks and that she had worked with colleagues from diverse backgrounds for 13 years. The tribunal found that the employer, Campbell Catering Ltd trading as Aramark, had reached credible and reasonable conclusions during its disciplinary process, and that Ryan's dismissal was fair under the circumstances. The decision was made after Ryan's repeated denials and lack of mitigating explanations during the investigation and hearing. The tribunal dismissed her complaint and confirmed the fairness of the sanction.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Pauline Codd imposed a 17‑month suspended prison sentence and a two‑year driving disqualification on 29‑year‑old Frienna Rockett of Ballybrack, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. Rockett pleaded guilty to one count of careless driving causing serious bodily harm after she broke a red light at a pedestrian crossing on St Peter's Road, Crumlin, and knocked down an 81‑year‑old woman. CCTV and dash‑cam footage showed the red‑light violation; Rockett claimed she was looking for her sister's house and had misread the traffic light. The victim suffered a brain bleed, multiple fractures and a dislocated shoulder, requiring intensive care and rehabilitation. She now lives with chronic pain, relies on a walking aid and a mobility scooter, and has a son as her full‑time carer.
Dan Dowling, a 41‑year‑old civil servant, and retired soldier Edward Horgan, 80, were tried in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespassing on a taxiway at Shannon Airport on 25 April 2017. They were found not guilty of criminal damage after writing "Danger, danger, don't fly" on American naval planes, but were convicted of trespass. Judge Martina Baxter ordered each to pay €5,000 to a women's refuge in County Clare. Dowling has appealed his conviction, arguing that his actions were necessary to prevent the transport of ammunition through Ireland and to protect others from an alleged "irreparable evil." Defence counsel Mark Lynam claimed the defence of necessity applied, while the Director of Public Prosecutions said there was insufficient evidence for such a defence. The Court of Appeal will reserve judgment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 19 May 2025, Frienna Rockett, 29, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm after she broke a red light at a pedestrian crossing on St Peter's Road, Crumlin, and struck an 81‑year‑old woman who was walking her dog. The victim suffered a brain bleed, fractures to her legs, pelvis and clavicle, and a dislocated shoulder, requiring intensive care and rehabilitation. She now lives with constant pain, uses a walking aid and mobility scooter, and relies on her son for care. Rockett, who had no prior convictions, was driving a Volkswagen Golf at about 12:30 pm, did not speed, tested negative for alcohol, and had valid insurance. CCTV and dashcam footage showed the red‑light violation; Rockett claimed she was looking for her sister's house.
In May 2025 the Court of Appeal sentenced Susan McGovern, 44, to three years' imprisonment after quashing her fully suspended four‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence from Waterford Circuit Criminal Court. McGovern had been convicted of robbery under the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act 2001 and a Section 3 assault for luring a man to her apartment and attacking him with a knife. The appeal judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, found the earlier full suspension too lenient, citing McGovern's 19 prior convictions, including theft, knife possession and child abduction, and her history of drug addiction. The new sentence retained the four‑and‑a‑half‑year term with 18 months suspended, and the court noted that the knife caused facial injury to the victim, who required stitches. McGovern had previously been jailed for five years in 2001 for abducting a newborn from a Cork maternity hospital. Susan McGovern pleaded guilty.
In Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, Susan McGovern, 44, pleaded guilty to robbery under the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Offences Act, 2001. She was sentenced by Judge Eugene O'Kelly to a four‑and‑a‑half‑year term, fully suspended, on 10 October 2024. The State, represented by Conor O'Doherty BL, argued that the suspended sentence was too lenient, citing the seriousness of the robbery, the use of a nine‑inch knife, the victim's injuries, and McGovern's 19 prior convictions, including a knife possession offence. The State also highlighted McGovern's false claims of self‑defence and sexual assault, which were later admitted as unfounded. McGovern's counsel, Gareth Hayden BL, maintained that the sentence was not unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal will reserve its judgment until later in the week.
Ger Malone, a veteran SIPTU organiser, claimed she was penalised after making protected disclosures about alleged wrongdoing in the union and local government. She alleged 30 acts of penalisation in response to 17 disclosures from February 2020 to August 2022, including criticism letters and alleged interference with her work. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) held hearings in Waterford and Carlow between April 2024 and February 2025. Adjudicator Marie Flynn found that Malone had made protected disclosures on five occasions, but rejected her claim that 12 other events constituted penalisation. The WRC excluded the first 19 allegations due to lack of time extension and judged the remaining 11 as not penalisation under the Act. The decision, published in a 76‑page document, concluded that no detriment had been suffered by Malone in the staff‑representative election or other matters. The case was heard under the law in force when Malone lodged her claim in November 2022.
William O'Gorman, 36, of Pine Lodge, Mooncoin, Kilkenny, was convicted on 17 April 2024 by a jury at the Waterford Circuit Court for unlawful cultivation of cannabis and possession of cannabis over €13,000 for sale or supply at a premises in Tramore, Waterford, on 18 January 2019. Judge Eugene O'Kelly sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment. O'Gorman appealed the severity of the sentence, arguing that the judge had erred in applying the mandatory minimum and had over‑valued his lack of cooperation and the absence of a guilty plea, while under‑valuing his family circumstances and efforts to address drug addiction. The Court of Appeal, hearing the case on 6 May 2025, found that the defence's arguments did not meet the threshold for departing from the mandatory minimum. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy dismissed the appeal, holding that no special circumstances of an exceptional nature were present to justify a lesser term. The ten‑year sentence remains in force. William O'Gorman pleaded not guilty.
In a sentencing hearing on 10 April 2025, Defence Forces chaplain Father Paul Murphy, aged 52, delivered a victim‑impact statement after being repeatedly stabbed by a 17‑year‑old boy on 15 August 2024 at Renmore Barracks, Galway. Murphy, who has served as a chaplain for 11 years, said he forgave the attacker and urged him to learn from his mistake and return to society as a "wholesome, happy and loving person". The boy, who was 16 at the time of the attack and whose identity is withheld, pleaded guilty to attempted murder. He was arrested on suspicion of assault causing harm and was remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre pending sentencing on 29 April 2025. The court heard the boy had been radicalised online, possessed a hunting knife, and had expressed anger over the Defence Forces' work in Mali. The hearing ended with the chaplain and the boy embracing in the courtroom.
Skyline View Ltd, a subsidiary of JMK Hospitality Group, was ordered to pay former head of operations Mark Langham €125,000 for unfair dismissal. The company claimed it had reduced operational needs in Ireland after renewing a €23 million deal to rent its Holiday Inn at Dublin Airport to the State's International Protection Accommodation Services as a direct provision centre, and cited financial considerations. Langham said the real reason was a personality clash with Sonia Kajani, the founder's daughter, and that the redundancy process was a "cloak" for his removal. The tribunal found no evidence that the company was in a financial position to justify the redundancy and that the dismissal breached the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. The award was the first six‑figure sum granted by the Workplace Relations Commission in 2025. The case remains at the unfair dismissal stage, with no further verdicts announced.
Annette Ryan, a former catering supervisor at Waterford Hospital, was summarily dismissed in September 2023 after a WRC investigation found gross misconduct. She claimed that her ex‑boss, Marcin Skrzypczak, orchestrated bullying complaints that painted her as a racist, including a fabricated allegation that she told a junior colleague "You're not Irish, you're black." Ryan said she had worked with colleagues from Nigeria, China and elsewhere for 13 years and denied the accusations. She alleged that Skrzypczak had suspended her without warning, confiscated her access cards, and prevented her from speaking to staff. The WRC hearing revealed that four junior catering staff had lodged formal complaints in July 2023, leading to her suspension and eventual dismissal. Ryan's appeal was upheld by the WRC in December 2023, and she was offered no mitigating explanations during the disciplinary process. She has since sought compensation for the period she was out of work, having found a new job in March 2024.
A manager at a workwear and safety supplier, Louise O'Connor, has won €10,025 in compensation after being dismissed following her reporting of safety issues at the company's warehouse. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that her dismissal was an 'operative reason' for her reporting a fall on a damaged floor. O'Connor joined the firm in February 2024 as a retail manager with 28 years of experience in the industry. She reported a fall in April 2024, which she and a colleague addressed by taping the hole and placing a warning sign. Despite this, the company did not fix the unsafe floor. O'Connor was dismissed in May 2024, with the employer citing 'inadequate performance and poor attitude' as the reason. The WRC found that the company breached the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act, 2005, and concluded that the fall and its reporting were key factors in her dismissal.