Tom Hassett, a retired post office manager, has been jailed for eight years for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in the 1980s. Hassett was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault following a trial. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including her relationships, mental health, and confidence. She stated that the abuse had shaped her experiences and that she had carried the burden of the secret for many years. The judge, Mr Justice David Keane, noted the high breach of trust involved in the case and the significant harm caused to the victim. He imposed a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes but reduced it to eight years, taking into account Hassett's age, health, and otherwise good character. The victim expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that it confirmed the wrongfulness of the acts and that she was finally heard. Hassett denied the charges and was represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, who highlighted his work history and family life.
The Court of Appeal has set a date in December to hear an application by a Polish cage fighter who is seeking to have his conviction for the murder of a 23-year-old man who was beaten unconscious and left to drown in the River Shannon declared a miscarriage of justice. Leszek Sychulec's legal team told the court today that they had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking disclosure regarding an article published about a garda allegedly involved in organised crime who is connected to the case. Sychulec, now in his 40s, and his co-accused, Andrzej Gruchacz, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, Co Roscommon on June 20th, 2014. Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon outside Athlone while incapacitated with a head injury from a violent assault. A Central Criminal Court jury deliberated for five hours before reaching unanimous guilty verdicts. The defendants were accordingly given mandatory life sentences by Mr Justice Tony Hunt on June 13, 2016.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O'Donnell, has denied allegations that he pestered and hounded the agency's former HR director, Róisín Bradley, for written assurances regarding his future employment. O'Donnell, who was dismissed from his position in June 2025, refuted claims that he asked Bradley to meet privately and sign a prepared letter in a hotel car park. He described the allegations as "appalling" and denied any such conduct, emphasizing that Bradley was a high-performing individual with whom he had a strong working relationship. O'Donnell's legal team argued that there was a precedent in IFI for previous CEOs returning to their old roles after stepping down, and he cited an email from Bradley in December 2025 to support his claim. The case is being heard under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, with O'Donnell alleging that the allegations against him were part of an effort to pressure him into ending his investigation into alleged theft and fraud within the organization. The tribunal has adjourned for further proceedings.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded €14,262 to applicant Krzysztof Bonarek, finding that his dismissal by Sean Doyle Windows Ltd in November 2024 constituted penalisation for safety complaints. Adjudication officer Davnet O'Driscoll determined that the termination breached the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, directing the firm to pay €11,200 in compensation for this penalisation. The WRC noted that Mr Bonarek had reported that the company van's brakes were not working properly to management, specifically Sean Doyle Jnr, and subsequently had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic who found it in poor repair. Following this, Mr Bonarek was told he was being laid off and later informed his position was terminated due to insufficient work. The respondent argued the dismissal was for performance reasons and that the applicant had agreed to immediate termination in exchange for a reference. However, the adjudication officer found no evidence of a disciplinary process, redundancy notice, or consultation, describing the situation as unusual. The officer concluded the dismissal was unfair on procedural grounds and amounted to penalisation. Additional redress was awarded for breaches of the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, bringing the total award to €14,262. Counsel for the applicant was Darach McNamara BL, and for the respondent, Cillian McGovern BL.
A Polish cage fighter serving a life sentence for the 2014 murder of a 23-year-old man in Co Roscommon has brought proceedings before the Court of Appeal seeking to have his conviction declared a miscarriage of justice. Leszek Sychulec, now in his 40s and previously resident in Ballymahon, Co Longford, was convicted alongside co-accused Andrzej Gruchacz in June 2016 of murdering Patryk Krupa at Athlone. The victim drowned in the River Shannon after suffering a head injury sustained during a violent assault. A jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts following five hours of deliberation, and mandatory life sentences were imposed. An earlier appeal in 2018 upheld both convictions. At a case management hearing before Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy on 15 May, Sychulec's legal representatives submitted that a miscarriage of justice arose from undisclosed material relevant to State witnesses. The court adjourned the matter to 3 July to allow the prosecution and defence to resolve disclosure issues, with an affidavit containing new evidence to be filed by 15 June. Andrzej Gruchacz pleaded not guilty.
A former accountant pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft and deception offences committed over six weeks in early 2025. Michelle Dillon, aged 59 and homeless, stole a bank card and medical card from an elderly patient at a Dublin hospital on 20 February. She subsequently travelled to Cork, Clare, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow, presenting herself as the legitimate account holder at various banks to withdraw approximately €8,000 in cash. She also made contactless payments totalling €133. Withdrawals occurred in Cork city, Bray, Dublin city centre, Navan, Athlone and Ennis. When presenting at an AIB branch in Navan on 4 March, a warning mark was active on the account, yet she convinced staff she was the genuine holder. She was arrested in October 2025 at Cavan General Hospital after presenting under a false name. The victim's bank refunded all monies. Judge Elma Sheahan described the initial theft as despicable and the subsequent deceptions as planned, premeditated and brazen.
A former accountant has been sentenced to three years and nine months at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for laundering nearly €290,000 through his bank account. Cyril Keegan (54), with an address in County Cork, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering between 2017 and 2018. The court heard he acted as a conduit for convicted launderer Simon Gold, facilitating transfers including over €180,000 from a Canadian medical cannabis company. Funds were rapidly dispersed after arriving in Keegan's account. His partner, Ruth Kennedy (55), received a suspended two-year sentence after pleading guilty to failing to disclose information to gardaí. Judge Martin Nolan noted the substantial distress caused to defrauded parties. Gold, formerly of Athlone, County Westmeath, was previously jailed for seven-and-a-half years for laundering €1.6 million.
A former scout leader is appealing five convictions for offences against three young cousins, including rape and sexual assault. His defence argues that an anonymous letter said to be from a juror, a complainant's reference to rape and the prosecution closing speech made the convictions unsafe. Ms Justice Nuala Butler said the court would reserve judgment; the man continues to deny the offences. The unnamed 63-year-old pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
Christopher Fitzsimons, 40, of Athlone, Co Westmeath, was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Central Criminal Court for rape and sexual assault. A jury convicted him last July of all 22 counts, including 18 counts of raping Claire Berry, aged 15 to 16, between 2010 and 2011; one count of raping Tara Berry, aged 16, in 2006; and two counts of sexually assaulting Tara Berry, aged 12. He was also found guilty of one count of sexually assaulting Chloe Berry, aged 14, in 2001. The abuse occurred over a 10-year period while Fitzsimons was in a relationship with the victims' older sister. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon described the conduct as an "egregious abuse of trust" and a "wolf in sheep's clothing." She set a headline sentence of 14 years, reduced to 13 years, citing his lack of previous convictions and work history as a butcher in mitigation. Fitzsimons has been in custody since the verdict. The victims, who waived anonymity, submitted impact statements detailing long-term trauma and his lack of remorse. Prosecutors requested consecutive sentences for the separate complainants, while the defense highlighted his good character.
An Army corporal from Athlone, Co Westmeath has initiated High Court proceedings against the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General, alleging he was prevented from promotion to a specialist IT sergeant position despite meeting all required qualifications. Corporal Adam Courtney, who joined the Defence Forces in 2011 and has completed multiple overseas deployments, claims he was the sole qualified candidate for the role under the 2025-2026 Junior Non-Commissioned Officer competition. He had been performing sergeant-level duties at Custume Barracks whilst receiving a substitution allowance and states he completed all mandatory courses before the September 2025 closing date. Corporal Courtney seeks a court order of mandamus requiring his promotion. He contends that military authorities subsequently filled the position with an already-promoted sergeant serving in a supernumerary capacity since 2024, who he asserts lacks the necessary qualifications. Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty granted his ex parte application at the High Court this week and adjourned the matter to March.
A 48-year-old man from Dublin has been sentenced to one year in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing child sexual abuse material. Alan Keating, formerly of County Galway, was arrested following a 2017 investigation initiated by Swiss authorities and Interpol. Gardaí executed a search warrant at his home while he was abroad, seizing a laptop containing 330 images and 719 videos depicting child sexual abuse. Among the most serious material were extreme images showing children bound and confined. A further 23,604 uncategorised files were also discovered. During the search, gardaí located a document outlining inappropriate conduct with children. The court heard Keating had shared files on an online platform on ten occasions. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged mitigating factors including Keating's early guilty plea, cooperation, clean record, and engagement with therapy following seizure of the device. However, the judge noted the distribution element and the disturbing nature of documentation found. Keating will be placed on the Sex Offender Register.
The High Court has ruled that the fast-tracked process used to establish an International Protection Accommodation Service centre in Athlone was flawed, but a four-month stay has been placed on the final order. The court has ordered that, following the stay, the site will be considered 'unauthorised development'. Aoife Carroll SC, representing the State, informed Ms Justice Emily Farrell that the proposed centre, which was intended to house up to 1,000 asylum seekers, is currently vacant and that a stay is being sought to allow time for remedial legislation. The legal challenge was brought by Westmeath Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan and four other local representatives, who argued that the minister failed to adequately screen the project for environmental impacts and lacked the necessary expertise to conduct such assessments in an expedited manner. The State conceded the legal challenge and requested a stay on the order quashing the use of the statutory instrument used to fast-track the facility. Ms Justice Farrell awarded costs to Cllr Hogan's side up until July 25 last. A bill is expected to be presented to cabinet in the coming weeks to address the error in the statutory instrument. The matter remains under consideration, with the stay in place for four months.
A man with over 70 previous road traffic convictions has been sentenced to five years' imprisonment for dangerous driving causing the death of a pregnant woman at Galway Circuit Criminal Court. Frank Barrett, aged 44, of Ballybane, Galway, was driving a car in which Irene Lynch was a passenger when it crashed into a wall and became submerged in water near Menlo in the early hours of March 2024. Ms Lynch, who was 17 weeks pregnant, died in hospital a week later from a hypoxic brain injury, as did her unborn daughter. Barrett was disqualified from driving at the time of the incident and had consumed significant quantities of alcohol and cocaine. He pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to six years with the final 12 months suspended for three years, citing Barrett's early guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors. Barrett was disqualified from driving for ten years and fined €1,500.
More than 70 asylum seekers at an accommodation centre in Athlone, County Westmeath, have been offered alternative housing while the government prepares emergency legislation to address accommodation pressures, the High Court heard. Of approximately 125 people remaining at the facility, offers have been extended to 70 residents, with responses expected within a week. The High Court action, taken by Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan through judicial review, centres on the validity of a statutory instrument used to expedite construction at Lissywollen. The State has conceded the instrument was invalid and is developing remedial legislation. Ms Justice Emily Farrell adjourned proceedings to next week but cautioned against further deferrals, noting the government had sufficient opportunity to bring legislation before the Dáil. Counsel for Cllr Hogan argued that November dates for legislative submission had become untenable, with the minister's process alleged to be unlawful and irrational. The government cited significant systemic pressure in seeking to maintain the status quo pending legislation.
A High Court judge has deferred judgment on the State's application to overturn a December order quashing a statutory instrument used to fast-track emergency accommodation development at Lissywollen in Athlone, County Westmeath. Ms Justice Emily Farrell said she would await draft legislation from the Oireachtas aimed at remedying a procedural breach concerning environmental assessments. The judge acknowledged the vulnerability of residents at the facility and stated the Minister has an obligation to provide alternative accommodation or demonstrate efforts to do so. She imposed restrictions on the centre, permitting only essential maintenance and prohibiting new admissions beyond those accommodated in February. The State submitted that closure risks homelessness among asylum seekers currently residing there. The judicial review was brought by Independent Ireland councillor Paul Hogan, who successfully argued the expedited development process was unlawful. The matter was adjourned to 21 July, with the judge directing that resident numbers be substantially reduced by that date.
In a High Court hearing, the State applied for a stay on a December order that quashed the use of a statutory instrument to fast-track the development of a refugee facility at Lissywollen, Athlone. The applicant, Independent Ireland Westmeath Councillor Paul Hogan, had previously secured a finding that the expedited development was unlawful due to inadequate environmental screening and a lack of ministerial expertise. Hogan alleged the process was unlawful, irrational, and breached fair procedures. The State's counsel, Aoife Carroll SC, argued that closing the facility posed a serious risk to the dignity and safety of asylum seekers, noting that 137 residents remained. She described the conceded breach as procedural rather than substantial and stated that corrective legislation was imminent. Counsel for Hogan, Oisín Collins SC, countered that the State should use existing planning laws and enforcement notices rather than seeking a stay. Justice Emily Farrell heard the arguments and adjourned the matter, indicating she would deliver her judgment on the stay application on Wednesday.
A 22-year-old woman from Athlone with a history of 19 bench warrants has been refused bail at Tallaght District Court. Janelle Quinn, currently of no fixed abode, faces charges including theft, public order offences and criminal damage. She was arrested on foot of two active warrants and made no reply when cautioned. During the hearing, Judge Catherine Ghent expressed concern about the accused's presentation and condition, noting apparent withdrawal symptoms. Her barrister submitted that Ms Quinn was undergoing detoxification and willing to engage with the process, including daily signing at Athlone Garda Station. However, gardaí objected, citing her pattern of failing to appear. The judge stated serious reservations about whether Ms Quinn would return to court if released, despite acknowledging the charges were not of the most serious nature. She noted the accused required medical attention. Ms Quinn was remanded in custody for one week to reappear on 13 May. Legal aid was granted.
Garda Nicholas Keogh, aged 46, has been granted permission by the High Court to pursue a judicial review against the Garda Commissioner over the reduction of his sick pay. Keogh, who joined the force in June 1999, had not taken sick leave until October 2011. He suffered a musculo‑skeletal injury in 2012, followed by periods of alcohol addiction treatment and work‑related stress diagnoses in 2012, 2013 and 2014. He claims that the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission failed to address his complaints of bullying, harassment and unfitness for work, and that his salary was reduced during his sick leave. The Disclosures Tribunal in July 2021 found his complaints unjustified, but Keogh seeks to quash the Commissioner's decision to end the special arrangement that allowed him full pay and to have his illness recorded as ordinary illness. Mr Justice Garrett Simons granted leave for the hearing, which is adjourned to 25 March.
Andrew Sankey, aged 57, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting a child between September 1996 and October 2000, when the victim was about eight or nine. The abuse occurred while the child's parents were on holiday; Sankey took the child and her brother to a B&B, then forced the child to touch his penis and later digitally penetrated her under the pretext of bathing her. Sankey had previously been convicted of indecent assault in the UK in 1989 and of possession of child abuse material in Ireland, for which he served six months. The complainant, now in her 30s, testified that the abuse had a deep, lifelong impact, causing anxiety, distrust and anger. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Sankey to two and a half years' imprisonment, a reduction from the headline sentence of three and a half years. The sentence reflects the maximum five‑year term for the offence.
Cllr Paul Hogan, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke, and Cllr John Dolan welcomed a High Court adjournment in their challenge to a plan to house approximately 1,000 male asylum seekers in tented accommodation in Athlone. The applicants alleged that the ministerial process was unlawful, irrational, and breached fair procedures, claiming deficiencies in environmental screening, wastewater assessment, and traffic impact analysis. At the hearing, counsel for Cllr Hogan stated that the State had conceded the case, resulting in the development being classified as unauthorised. However, the applicants maintained that substantive environmental and planning issues remained unaddressed. Mr Justice Richard Humphreys adjourned the matter to January 27 to allow for further detailed consideration of these wider grounds. The State confirmed that works on the Lissywollen site would cease on December 20, though the site would remain in operation pending a final court determination. The councillors, including Mayor Frankie Keena, stated that the adjournment provides an opportunity to have their broader concerns heard in full by the High Court.
The Government has conceded a High Court challenge brought by Cllr Paul Hogan against a plan to house approximately 1,000 male asylum seekers in Athlone. At the hearing, Oisin SC, representing Mr. Hogan, informed Mr Justice Richard Humphreys that the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability and Youth conceded the case, stating the development would be classified as unauthorised. Ms Aoife Carroll SC, for the State, indicated the matter could be put in for mention on Thursday, pending instructions from the Minister. Mr. Hogan, who secured 4.8 per cent of first preference votes in the recent General Election, alleged the ministerial process was unlawful, irrational, and breached fair procedures. The challenge was supported by Athlone-based representatives, including TD Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, councillors Frankie Keena and Aengus O'Rourke of Fianna Fáil, and John Dolan of Fine Gael. Mr. Hogan sought to pause or quash the statutory instrument that confirmed the project did not require An Bord Pleanála approval and that specific EU environmental assessments were unnecessary. He claimed the Minister failed to adequately screen for environmental impacts, citing deficiencies in wastewater and traffic assessments, and argued the plan would cause significant traffic hazards and health and safety issues. He further alleged a lack of prior consultation with local councillors and that the development would be prejudicial to public health. Minister for Integration Roderick O'Gorman had contested the case. The matter was adjourned for mention on Thursday.
A former scrapyard worker has given evidence at the Workplace Relations Commission regarding an incident at Hammond Lane Metal Company's Clondalkin facility in December 2023. The woman alleged that a senior manager made offensive remarks toward her in the presence of colleagues and customers. The company, which operates sites across Cork, Sligo, Athlone, and Dublin, dismissed the manager, Bernard McMahon, following her complaint. McMahon has brought a case against Hammond Lane Metal Company Ltd under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, contesting his termination. During cross-examination, the complainant's representative questioned aspects of the witness account, whilst company HR evidence confirmed the manager had admitted to the alleged conduct. The tribunal heard that McMahon was suspended following an investigative meeting on 19 December 2023. The proceedings are ongoing, with McMahon expected to give evidence on Thursday.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Wesley Williams (46) of Foxlodge Manor, Ratoath, Co Meath, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of making a gain for himself in a scheme that took place over a decade ago. His co-accused, Silvio Rabbitte (55) of Woodberry Gardens, Castleknock, Dublin, was given a fully-suspended sentence of two years after pleading guilty to one count of impeding the apprehension of Wesley Williams on dates between September 2012 and July 2014. Rabbitte's counsel argued that he had been 'duped' and should have known the scheme was 'too good to be true'. The court heard that Rabbitte received €350,000 from an account shared with Williams, as co-directors of One Stop Shop Catering Ltd, into which €1.4 million from German investors was transferred. The money was quickly dispersed, with Rabbitte receiving €350,000. Rabbitte was arrested, and a laptop containing phone call recordings was seized. The court heard that Rabbitte signed a contract before the money entered the account, which made it harder for Williams to be prosecuted. The matter was adjourned for mention in March to deal with an allegation of theft of a €15,000 watch faced by Williams. Simon Gold (59) of Windy Ridge House, Cartontroy, Athlone, Co Westmeath, was jailed for seven years in 2019 after being found guilty of money laundering, theft, deception, and control of false instruments.
Silvio Rabbitte, 55, of Castleknock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to one count of impeding the apprehension of his co-accused, Wesley Williams, between September 2012 and July 2014. Williams, 46, of Ratoath, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to one count of fraud. Both men were involved in a €1.4 million money-laundering scheme where funds from German investors were transferred into a shared account. Rabbitte received €350,000, while Williams also received a sum. The defence argued Rabbitte was duped and acted with recklessness, noting he had no previous convictions. Simon Gold, 59, of Athlone, Co Westmeath, was previously found guilty by a jury of money laundering, theft, deception, and control of false instruments, and was jailed for seven years in 2019. Judge Martin Nolan adjourned the matter for finalisation on February 7 next year, stating he would sentence Rabbitte after hearing evidence in Williams' case. Rabbitte was remanded on continuing bail until that date. The court noted that the charge against Rabbitte was only recently offered to him, and that the Criminal Assets Bureau had seized €190,000 from his ill-gotten gains.
A man's conviction for rape and sexual assault has been quashed by the Court of Appeal following concerns about jury impartiality and the handling of evidence at trial. Stephen Lynch, with an address in Offaly, was convicted in May 2021 at the Central Criminal Court of raping his then partner's sister, aged 15, at a property in Athlone, County Roscommon, in October 2015. He was also convicted of sexual assault and assault causing harm relating to incidents in December 2015. He had pleaded not guilty to all charges. The appeal court heard that jurors reported concerns they had been photographed in the car park outside court, though a phone retrieved by gardaí contained no images. The trial judge declined to discharge the jury after they indicated the matter had been resolved. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the court harboured disquiet that no proper inquiry was conducted into what had occurred or how it was resolved.
The High Court has approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement for a 52-year-old man from County Roscommon, enabling him to retain his family home while writing off more than €1.1 million in debt. Mr Justice Alexander Owens granted the order following an appeal by a Personal Insolvency Practitioner after the Circuit Court had refused to approve the arrangement. The debtor incurred significant financial difficulties through personal guarantees linked to a construction business he operated with family members, which entered liquidation in 2008. Under the approved arrangement, unsecured debts owed to the Bank of Ireland and building suppliers will be written off in exchange for modest dividend payments. The mortgaged family home will be restructured, with over €110,000 of the outstanding balance written off and the remainder repaid over twenty years. The court heard that creditors would benefit more substantially under the arrangement than through bankruptcy proceedings. A separate arrangement was also approved for the debtor's wife.
A man has launched an appeal against his conviction for rape and sexual assault following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. Stephen Lynch, with an address in County Offaly, was convicted in May 2021 of raping a fifteen-year-old girl at a property in Athlone, County Roscommon, in October 2015, and of sexually assaulting another young woman and assaulting her friend in December 2015. Lynch pleaded not guilty to all charges. At the Court of Appeal, his legal representatives argued the jury should have been discharged due to concerns they were photographed during the trial and following a reference by a witness to previous stories about the accused. The State's counsel submitted these issues were resolved at trial and were not sufficiently prejudicial to warrant discharge. The appeal court reserved judgment. Lynch was sentenced to eight years and nine months for the rape offence and concurrent sentences totalling two years and nine months for the other convictions.
Simon Quilligan, 40, was convicted in March 2021 of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life at a halting site where he allegedly said "I'll kill you all; man, woman or child." He had previously been found not guilty of attempted murder and of intentionally or recklessly discharging a firearm in a separate incident. Quilligan appealed the firearms conviction, arguing insufficient evidence and inconsistency with his acquittal on the discharge charge. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, rejected the appeal, stating ample evidence justified a jury decision and that the conviction was not inconsistent with the acquittal. Quilligan remains jailed, with release scheduled for 10 June 2024, and the Court of Appeal will set a date for his sentence appeal next week. The case involved additional convictions for threatening to kill or cause serious harm and for criminal damage, all of which were sentenced to run concurrently.
A High Court jury awarded €505,000 in damages to Michael Sheehan, a 62-year-old former League of Ireland and GAA player, after finding he was assaulted by An Garda Síochána. The civil action, heard before Mr Justice Alexander Owens, alleged that Sheehan was pepper-sprayed and manhandled during an arrest in Athlone on June 3, 2012. The defendants, including the Garda Commissioner and the State, denied the claims of assault and false imprisonment, arguing the response was proportionate to a public order incident. The jury found that gardai used excessive and unreasonable force, assaulting Sheehan in a police vehicle and at Athlone Garda barracks. Sheehan was subsequently acquitted of Public Order Act offences in a separate criminal proceeding. The court awarded Sheehan his legal costs against the State. Mr Justice Owens placed a stay on the damages order pending a potential appeal to the Court of Appeal, conditional on the defendants immediately paying €75,000 to the applicant. The judge also exempted the jury from further duty for ten years.
In 2021 Simon Quilligan was jailed for six years for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life at a halting site where he threatened to kill people. He had earlier been found not guilty of attempted murder and of endangerment from a reckless discharge of a firearm. The Court of Appeal heard that the conviction for the firearm offence was "perverse" because the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to prove possession of a live weapon. Quilligan's lawyers argued that witnesses could not see or hear a gun, that no firearm residue or silencer was found, and that the evidence was inconsistent with the acquittals of the other charges. The appeal was heard by a three‑judge panel, with the judge noting that the case would be decided at a later hearing. The article reports only the arguments and the pending decision, not a verdict.
The Court of Appeal has increased jail sentences for two women convicted in Ireland's first human trafficking case involving alleged voodoo ceremonies. Alicia Edosa and Edith Enoghaghase, originally sentenced in September 2021 following a June 2021 trial at Mullingar Circuit Criminal Court, were found guilty of trafficking women between 2016 and 2018. Evidence indicated victims underwent ceremonies in Nigeria before being coerced into prostitution across multiple locations including Castlebar, Letterkenny and Cavan. Mr Justice George Birmingham rejected their conviction appeals and found original sentences substantially inadequate. Edosa, formerly of Mullingar, has been re-sentenced to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment. Enoghaghase, also formerly of Mullingar, received seven years and one month. The judge noted the sentencing judge faced unprecedented circumstances with no comparative guidelines for this offence type. Alicia Edosa pleaded not guilty. Edith Enoghaghase pleaded not guilty.
The High Court approved a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) for 44‑year‑old Tony Diskin, a property developer who had fallen into debt after the 2007‑08 economic crash. The PIA will allow Diskin to write off about €25 million of debt owed mainly to financial institutions, including Bank of Ireland, Cabot Finance and AIB. AIB had initially opposed the application, but its loan was sold to Everyday Finance, which did not oppose the PIA. The arrangement will be funded by a €30 000 lump sum from a third party, less fees, giving creditors a 0.1 % dividend. The PIA, lasting six months, will provide Diskin with adequate living expenses and allow him to retain his family home in Churchfields, Coosan, Athlone, Co Westmeath. The home, valued at €395 000, has a mortgage of €75 000 owed to KBC Bank, which will continue to be paid down.
Simon Gold, a 58‑year‑old former psychic who had previously served seven and a half years for laundering €1.6 million, was sentenced on 23 November 2022 to a three‑year suspended term for dishonestly opening two bank accounts. He pleaded guilty to opening accounts in Dublin and Offaly in July 2017 and March 2018 using forged documents discovered during a 2018 search of his home. The accounts handled about €80 000 and were used mainly for household expenses; €18 500 remains frozen and will be forfeited. Gold had already been released from prison after serving four years of his earlier sentence, which was back‑dated to 2018. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing that Gold had undertaken rehabilitation courses and was released on restrictive conditions, imposed the suspended sentence, noting that a longer term would not have been warranted had the offences been considered together with his earlier money‑laundering conviction.
In November 2022 the High Court heard that the remaining publicans who had brought test actions against FBD over the insurer's failure to pay business‑disruption claims caused by Covid‑19 had settled. The two test actions brought by Aberken, trading as Sinnott's Bar, and Hyper Trust Ltd, trading as The Leopardstown Inn, were resolved after extensive out‑of‑court talks. The court is now considering FBD's submissions for reliefs arising from the settlement agreement, including clarifications on legal principles that may affect other pubs and restaurants with similar policies. FBD seeks declarations from the court regarding the subsidies paid by the State to businesses forced to close during the pandemic. The hearing of FBD's bid for relief will continue next week. The other two pub owners who had taken test actions – Lemon & Duke and Sean's Bar – had already resolved most of their claims, with only legal costs remaining.
Two of the four pub owners who had successfully challenged FBD's refusal to pay business‑disruption claims caused by Covid‑19 have settled most of their outstanding legal issues with the insurer, including the amount of damages owed. The settlements, whose details are confidential, cover the bulk of the quantum of losses. However, the other two pub owners, Hyper Trust Ltd (The Leopardstown Inn) and Aberken (Sinnott's Bar), still have disputes over the quantification of their losses pending before the High Court later this month. Mr Justice Denis McDonald, who ruled last year that FBD's policy covered losses from pandemic‑related closures, expressed disappointment that the remaining cases had not yet been resolved. The judge urged the parties to continue working toward a solution and adjourned the outstanding matters to a later date. The case remains an ongoing test action with implications for over 100 bars and restaurants.
In a 2022 decision, a motor dealer, Colm Quinn Ltd, was ordered to pay an employee, Ara Azady, nearly €4,000 in compensation for unlawful wage deductions and for failing to provide a written employment contract. Azady, who worked full‑time from July 2020 to March 2021, earned €10.50 an hour for a 38‑hour week. He claimed that after an accident at the company's Drogheda garage on 8 October 2020, the repair cost was estimated at €1,595.83. From December 2020 to February 2021, the company docked €400 a month from his wages, and in March 2021 an additional €395.83 was deducted. Azady's solicitor argued the deductions were not agreed or communicated, violating Section 5 of the Terms of Employment Act, and were excessive, amounting to about a quarter of his net pay.
In a High Court hearing on 7 April 2022, Mr Justice Denis McDonald expressed disappointment that a further hearing was required to resolve outstanding issues between publicans and FBD Insurance over the quantum of losses to be paid for business disruption caused by Covid‑19. The judge noted that while some progress had been made, certain matters could not be agreed upon, and that the State might need to be included because one issue concerned government subsidies paid during lockdown. He had previously ruled that FBD's policy covered losses incurred by pubs that had to close due to the pandemic, a decision that affects claims by about 1,000 Irish pubs and restaurants. The judge adjourned the case to May, hoping to determine whether it could be heard before the August recess, and urged the parties to cooperate and provide precise details of the unresolved issues.
A man from County Roscommon has received a fully suspended sentence following his conviction for possessing cocaine worth over €34,000. Conor Costello was stopped by gardaí on November 22nd, 2018, as he drove from an estate in Tallaght, west Dublin. A search of his vehicle revealed a bag containing white powder in the passenger footwell, later confirmed as cocaine with an estimated street value of €34,104. Costello pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He told gardaí he had accumulated a drug debt in Athlone and agreed to collect and transport the package in exchange for €300 credit against that debt. Judge Greally imposed a two-and-a-half-year sentence, fully suspended, taking into account his youth, lack of previous convictions, early guilty plea, and difficult personal circumstances at the time. The court noted Costello is now training as an apprentice electrician and has been assessed by the Probation Service as presenting a low risk of reoffending.
An environmental group has successfully resolved a High Court challenge to a County Roscommon flood relief scheme. Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) brought judicial review proceedings against Roscommon County Council and the State, contesting the council's October 2021 decision to approve an emergency scheme involving a three-kilometre pipeline to transfer water from Lough Funshinagh to Lough Ree. FIE argued the project breached EU environmental law and lacked necessary environmental assessments. On Wednesday before Mr Justice Garrett Simons, the council consented to orders quashing its original approval decision. The court heard that constructed pipeline sections and associated infrastructure cannot be used without High Court permission, and remedial works on affected lands must proceed as agreed. The council has undertaken to pay FIE's legal costs. The judge noted there were significant difficulties with the council's decision and commended both legal teams for resolving the matter. No order on costs was made regarding the State respondents.
In a High Court case involving FBD and Irish publicans, Mr Justice Denis McDonald urged parties to resolve the unresolved quantum of losses owed to pub owners who had successfully challenged FBD's refusal to pay out on business‑disruption claims caused by Covid‑19. The judge noted that last year he had found that FBD's policy covered losses incurred when pubs closed due to the pandemic, and that he had issued subsequent judgments clarifying issues between the parties. However, the amount of compensation the publicans are entitled to remains undetermined. Mr Justice McDonald suggested that experts from each side meet without solicitors or clients to agree on figures, and that forensic accountants could help settle the dispute. He said he would not impose orders on how the parties engage outside court, but he wants progress before the next court appearance next month.
Adrian Power, 50, recently released from prison, broke into Sheeran Insurance Brookers in Sandymount to escape the cold. He entered by kicking a PCV door, sat in an armchair, and told Gardaí he needed a place to stay. No damage or theft was reported. Power had previously pleaded guilty to trespass in May 2020 and had 87 prior convictions. He now claims he has turned his life around, is drug‑free, and lives with his partner in Athlone. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced him to a six‑month prison term, suspended for one year, on the condition that he keeps the peace and behaves well. The sentence was imposed after the court heard that Power had been awake on the Luas, walked around Sandymount, and sought shelter in the office. The court noted that Power had no fixed abode at the time of the offence.
In a High Court decision, Mr Justice Denis McDonald ruled that Dublin pubs closed under the August 2020 early‑closing requirement due to Covid‑19 are entitled to indemnity under their FBD insurance policies. The judge clarified that the term "closure" covers partial shutdowns of premises, not only total closures, and that the policy applies to government‑imposed closures triggered by outbreaks within a 25‑mile radius. The ruling applies to four plaintiffs – Sinnott's Bar, The Leopardstown Inn, Lemon & Duke and Sean's Bar – and confirms that losses incurred during the relevant periods (June‑September 2020 and December 2020) may be calculated by a methodology reflecting each pub's circumstances. Staff wage claims were partially successful for three pubs, while the Leopardstown Inn's claim was dismissed. FBD is barred from pursuing under‑insurance arguments, and the case will return to court next month for further proceedings.
A High Court action concerning a flood relief scheme in Roscommon will not proceed to full hearing until after Easter. The Friends of the Irish Environment group has brought judicial review proceedings against Roscommon County Council's proposal to construct a three-kilometre pipeline transferring water from Lough Funshinagh to Lough Ree. The council contends the works are necessary to mitigate flooding affecting nearby residents. FIE seeks to have the council's October decision approving the emergency scheme quashed, alleging it breaches EU environmental law and fails to properly assess impacts on the designated Special Area of Conservation. Mr Justice Garrett Simons directed that the substantive hearing, expected to last four days, occur following the Easter recess. The court has continued a temporary stay on construction work, following an undertaking from the council, though over fifty-seven percent of the project has been completed. The judge adjourned determination of the council's application to lift the stay for two weeks, to allow the State to make submissions and permit parties to consider a recent relevant judgment.
A long-running dispute between EBS and Betty Martin Financial Services Ltd over the termination of an agency agreement to operate branches in Athlone, Longford and Lucan has been resolved through settlement. BMFS had alleged that EBS unlawfully ended the agreement in 2017 after the company refused to engage in the alleged mis-selling of financial products. EBS denied these allegations and asserted its entitlement to terminate the arrangement. BMFS successfully obtained an injunction from the High Court in 2019, which was upheld on appeal. The matter had been listed for hearing before the Commercial Court. On Tuesday, counsel for BMFS informed the court that settlement discussions had concluded, and both parties agreed the action should be struck out and the injunction vacated. Mr Justice Denis McDonald welcomed the resolution. The hearing would have lasted several weeks. The company, founded by the late Betty Martin of Co Roscommon, is now operated by her children.
In a Commercial Court case, Mary Flannery sued her family members and the company's accountant over control of Foxfield Inns Designated Activity Company, which owns hotels in Dublin and Galway. She alleged oppressive conduct under section 212 of the 2014 Companies Act. The defendants—her brothers Frank and Kevin Flannery, Kevin's wife Sheelagh, and accountant James Norton—denied the claims. The court heard that the company employed about 180 people and owned several properties, including the Eglington Hotel. After mediation, the parties reached a settlement. The court agreed that it could order Foxfield Inns to purchase Mary Flannery's and Andrena Moynihan's shareholdings. The settlement terms are confidential, and the matter was adjourned for mention in April. The judge welcomed the settlement.
The High Court has granted Friends of the Irish Environment permission to pursue judicial review proceedings challenging Roscommon County Council's approval of a flood relief scheme. The council is constructing a three-kilometre pipeline to transfer water from Lough Funshinagh, a designated Special Area of Conservation near Athlone, to Lough Ree, to mitigate severe flooding affecting nearby residents. FIE contends the council's October decision to approve the works under emergency provisions was unlawful and breaches EU environmental directives, as it proceeded without conducting required environmental impact assessments. The organisation also claims the scheme contradicts the Roscommon Development Plan. Mr Justice Garrett Simons imposed a temporary stay on further construction until January 14th, when the court will determine whether to maintain the suspension pending full resolution of the challenge. Approximately fifty-seven per cent of the pipeline has been completed. The council intends to seek lifting of the stay and aims to complete the works by March next year.
The High Court has dismissed an application by Friends of the Irish Environment alleging that Roscommon County Council breached a court order regarding a proposed flood relief scheme. Mr Justice Garrett Simons rejected claims that council chief executive Eugene Cummins should be held in contempt. The case centres on a 3km pipeline designed to transfer water from Lough Funshinagh, a protected seasonal lake, to Lough Ree to alleviate flooding affecting nearby residents. FIE successfully challenged the original scheme last August on environmental grounds, and the council agreed to remediate works already carried out. However, the council subsequently obtained approval for emergency flood relief works under different statutory provisions in October, which would utilise the partially-constructed pipeline. The judge held that the August order did not prevent the council from pursuing the scheme under alternative legislation, and that obtaining fresh development consent constituted a significant change in circumstance. Mr Justice Simons invited FIE to bring judicial review proceedings if it wished to challenge the October decision, directing that any such application be heard before him.
The High Court will deliver a ruling this week on whether Roscommon County Council has breached a court order relating to a proposed flood relief scheme. The Friends of the Irish Environment brought the contempt allegation following High Court proceedings resolved in August concerning a three-kilometre pipeline designed to transfer water from Lough Funshinagh to Lough Ree. The council had accepted it had not fulfilled certain obligations regarding the flood relief works and agreed to carry out remediation. FIE subsequently claimed the council failed to comply with the remediation order and sought enforcement action against the council's chief executive. The council denies any breach and states the remediation plan is being implemented to address severe flooding affecting local residents. During submissions, Mr Justice Garrett Simons indicated he would not impose a custodial sentence if contempt were found, but rather a monetary fine. The council gave an undertaking to cease pipeline works whilst continuing remediation efforts. The judge's determination is expected next Thursday.
The High Court heard submissions on whether Roscommon County Council has breached a settlement agreement relating to a flood relief scheme involving a pipeline between Lough Funshinagh and Lough Ree. The Friends of the Irish Environment seeks an order to have the council's chief executive, Eugene Cummins, brought before the court on contempt allegations. FIE contends the council failed to comply with a Remediation Plan agreed in August following judicial review proceedings. The council denies breaching the agreement and maintains it has completed or substantially progressed remedial phases, with delays attributed to weather and pending facility identification. Mr Cummins objected to FIE's characterisation of the council's actions, stating the organisation used extreme language without disclosing contextual facts. The case concerns a proposed pipeline intended to protect homes from flooding. Mr Justice Garrett Simons adjourned the matter for hearing on the following Tuesday and determined that Mr Cummins need not attend.
Friends of the Irish Environment (FIE) has claimed before the High Court that Roscommon County Council is in contempt of court for allegedly breaching an agreement regarding a flood relief scheme. The dispute concerns the Council's plan to construct a 3km pipeline transferring water from Lough Funshinagh to Lough Ree, located 12km north of Athlone. FIE seeks an order for the Council's CEO, Mr Eugene Cummins, to be attached and brought before the court to answer the alleged contempt. Last August, the court granted FIE a temporary order halting works. The matter was subsequently resolved before a hearing when the Council consented to orders quashing its decision to permit the works, agreed to remediate the affected lands, and paid FIE's costs. A Remediation Plan was agreed between the parties. However, FIE alleges that on October 14, the Council used section 152 of the 2001 Local Government Act to authorise the pipeline's construction without consulting FIE. FIE claims the Council has taken no substantive steps to comply with the Remediation Plan by reusing previously constructed pipeline and manholes. FIE states it requested the Council to desist from these steps, but the request was not complied with. The matter came before Mr Justice Garrett Simons on Wednesday, where FIE's counsel, Jon Kenny BL, instructed by Eoin Brady of FP Logue Solicitors, presented the claim of contempt arising from the alleged breach of the August orders.