Court archive
2026-03-20 · Dublin
Michael Poole was convicted of 14 counts of raping Lisa Brown and eight counts of indecent assault after abusing his niece while babysitting her. The court heard Brown tried twice to report the abuse and was rebuffed; Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced Poole to 12 years, with the final two suspended. Michael Poole pleaded guilty.
2022-12-13 · Dublin
In the ongoing appeal proceedings concerning the murder of David Byrne, ex-Sinn Fein councillor Jonathan Dowdall, a State's witness who pleaded guilty to facilitating the killing, denied being a "master manipulator" during cross-examination. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC alleged Dowdall told "two big lies" regarding Gerard Hutch's alleged confession and the collection of hotel keys. Dowdall, who admitted to falsely imprisoning and threatening Alexander Hurley, stated he deeply regretted torturing Hurley. He clarified that his father, Patrick Dowdall, was sentenced to eight years for the same offences, later reduced to four years on appeal, while Jonathan was re-sentenced to seven years and 11 months. The court heard that Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who pleaded not guilty to charges of participating in or contributing to Byrne's murder by providing access to motor vehicles, remain defendants in the case. Dowdall denied involvement in moving AK-47s or bomb-making, describing such claims as lies or bravado. He asserted that the feud between the Hutch and Kinahan families stemmed from an alleged attempt by the Hutch brothers to steal money from Daniel Kinahan, not from the Kinahans initiating violence. The matter remains at the appeal stage, with no finalisation recorded.
2022-02-22 · Cork
Kaitlin O'Driscoll, a 21‑year‑old mother from Cork, was arrested in Dublin after Gardaí discovered 200 g of heroin, worth €28,000, wrapped in a nappy in her bag at a house on Bride Street. She had travelled from Cork with cash given by an unidentified man and had taken her child with her to the house, claiming she was doing a favour for someone she could not identify. Gardaí also arrested a man in the house, finding €4,450 in envelopes that he said belonged to another man. O'Driscoll pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply. The court noted her 15 prior theft convictions but no drug‑dealing convictions. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced her to a three‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term, back‑dated to her arrest, and suspended the final 18 months on the condition that she engage with the Probation Service addiction support programme.
2021-07-05 · Meath
Jason Reed, a 40-year-old from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, was sentenced to seven years in prison by the Special Criminal Court for money laundering and possessing proceeds of crime. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described Reed as a trusted, mid-to-high level member of a transnational criminal organisation. Reed pleaded guilty to laundering €289,770 and £62,025 found in a car park in Drogheda, Co Louth, and to laundering €32,330 and £390 found at his home. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to seven years, running concurrently on both charges, citing Reed's guilty plea and lack of relevant convictions. The court noted evidence including an encrypted phone, luxury watches, and a cash-purchased mobile home. Co-accused Catherine Dawson, a 44-year-old care worker from Bettystown, Co Meath, who pleaded guilty to possessing the cash while knowing or being reckless as to whether it was criminal proceeds, was previously sentenced to three years and nine months. That term was fully suspended for five years. Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Willis stated that the sentencing reflects the Garda focus on the assets of major crime gangs.
2021-06-28 · Meath
Jason Reed, a 40-year-old from Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to money laundering and possessing the proceeds of crime. He admitted to having €32,330 and £390 at his home and €289,770 and £62,025 in a blue Nike bag at a Drogheda car park on May 11, 2021. Prosecutors alleged Reed was a high-level member of a transnational crime gang, noting he possessed five luxury watches, an encrypted phone, and had purchased a mobile home in cash despite having no source of income. His vehicle was found to have a remote-controlled false compartment. Catherine Dawson, 44, also pleaded guilty to possessing the cash while knowing or being reckless as to whether it was criminal proceeds. She was sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, a term fully suspended for five years. Mr Justice Hunt remanded Reed in custody to reappear for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court on Monday, July 5. The court acknowledged Reed's early plea, lack of previous convictions, and cooperation with gardaí, but deferred the final disposal until the scheduled sentencing date.
2020-04-24 · Wexford
Anthony Maguire, 30, of Courtown, Co Wexford, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to the charge relating to an incident at Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Co Dublin, on June 3, 2017. The court heard that during the Forbidden Fruit music festival, gardaí in plain clothes observed Maguire engaging in drug transactions. He allegedly resisted a search and attempted to flee before being arrested, at which point MDMA tablets with a total value of €3,468 were found in his bag. Judge Melanie Greally had previously adjourned the case for 12 months in March 2019, remanding Maguire on bail under Probation Service supervision. However, the judge noted that probation supervision "never got off the ground" and that Maguire experienced a complete relapse into drug use. She also acknowledged his guilty plea, expression of remorse, and the explanation that he had a significant drug debt at the time of the offence. Judge Greally sentenced Maguire to two-and-a-half years imprisonment. She suspended the final 12 months of the sentence on strict conditions, requiring him to follow all directions of the Probation Service for 12 months post-release.
2020-01-21 · Wexford
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017, continued with evidence of his voluntary statements to gardai. The jury heard that Greene alleged he killed Ms O'Connor after a physical altercation involving a hurl, subsequently burying her in a shallow grave in Wexford. He later claimed he returned to dismember the body to make it lighter, scattering the remains across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The court also heard allegations that Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston, all of whom have pleaded not guilty, agreed to or acquiesced in Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. These defendants are further alleged to have assisted Greene in purchasing implements in Tallaght, Dublin 24, for the concealment of remains. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded for any accused.
2018-10-19 · Dublin
Ryan Glennon, 28, of Dublin, was convicted by the second Special Criminal Court in 2016 for membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). The court found his fingerprints on a handcart and his DNA on gloves at his parents' holiday home in Courtown, Co. Wexford, where explosives and rockets were stored. He was sentenced to six years' imprisonment on 5 December 2016. In October 2018, the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and the sentence, ruling that Glennon was an "active service" member of an unlawful organisation and had engaged in activities that could endanger many lives. The appeal was dismissed, with the court noting that mitigation factors such as a guilty plea or cooperation were not present. The final sentence remained six years, with no reduction or suspension applied.
2018-06-28 · Dublin
The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of Ryan Glennon, a 25-year-old Dublin man, in the first recorded trial at the second Special Criminal Court. Glennon was convicted in 2016 of membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA. The appeal, heard by President Mr Justice George Birmingham with Justices Mahon and Hedigan, was dismissed as the court found the prosecution mounted a particularly powerful case. The original non-jury court, presided over by Mr Justice Eagar, relied on belief evidence from Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan, who stated he believed Glennon was an IRA member based on confidential information. The court also considered inferences drawn from Glennon's refusal to answer material questions during Garda interviews, including inquiries about his presence in a Courtown, Co Wexford house containing Semtex explosive, rockets, and improvised explosive device materials. Physical evidence linked Glennon to the scene, with his fingerprints found on a handcart holding a water butt used for storage and his DNA detected on gloves in the kitchen. Surveillance testimony further placed him at the premises, a holiday home owned by his parents, where bags were seen being transferred from vehicles. The Court of Appeal rejected all grounds of appeal, confirming the original finding of guilt.
2017-12-21 · Wexford
David Shanley, aged 48, was originally sentenced to five years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of John Lawlor, also 48, who died after a lower‑leg stab on Christmas Eve 2014. The sentence, with 2½ years suspended, was increased to six‑and‑a‑half years with three years suspended following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Shanley had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, and the Court of Appeal found the original sentence "unduly lenient." The case involved a dispute over a 10‑year‑old daughter, menacing text messages, and a confrontation at Lawlor's home where Shanley entered with a knife. Lawlor was struck in the lower leg, a wound that caused massive blood loss and death. Shanley accepted responsibility and was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The final sentence was imposed by a three‑judge court, including Mr Justice Alan Mahon.
2017-12-07 · Wexford
David Shanley, aged 48, was convicted of manslaughter for killing John Lawlor, also 48, who died from a knife wound to a varicose vein after a confrontation on Christmas Eve 2014. Shanley pleaded guilty and was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Butler on 24 October 2016 to five years' imprisonment, with the final two‑and‑a‑half years suspended. The judge noted Lawlor was a "much loved son, brother, father and grandfather" and that Shanley had accepted responsibility, though he had initially tried to deflect it by claiming the struggle was a "fight for survival". Shanley's sentence is now under appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argue the tariff is unduly lenient and the 50 % mitigating discount too high. The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on the appeal. The case remains at the appeal stage, with no further outcome reported.
2017-11-14 · Louth
Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth, was remanded in custody until December 7 for sentencing at the Special Criminal Court. He was convicted last month of directing the activities of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and of IRA membership between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. McGrane denied both charges. The court found he discussed an operation involving explosives in the run-up to Prince Charles's State visit. Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Maguire outlined evidence from audio recordings at The Coachman's Inn in Swords, where McGrane allegedly directed Donal O'Coisdealbha regarding explosives and a specific operation. McGrane is the second person convicted of directing terrorism in the State, following Michael McKevitt, who was jailed for 20 years in 2003. Defense counsel Michael O' Higgins SC argued the case is distinct from McKevitt's, noting McGrane's group was a splinter organisation with no fatalities. He highlighted that co-accused O'Coisdealbha received a five-and-a-half-year sentence for membership. Ms Justice Kennedy, sitting with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and Cormac Dunne, adjourned the matter, remanding McGrane in custody until December 7 when he will be sentenced.
2016-12-05 · Dublin
Ryan Glennon, aged 25, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court for membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA) after fingerprints and DNA were found in a Wexford house containing Semtex, rockets and other explosive materials. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Robert Eagar with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan, found him guilty based on evidence from Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan and the National Surveillance Unit. Glennon refused to answer questions about his IRA membership and involvement in the explosives, which the court interpreted as corroborative of the allegations. Physical evidence linked him to the scene, including fingerprints on a handcart and DNA on gloves. He was sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court, the first trial at its second instance after a two‑year delay in cases at the original court.
2016-11-28 · Dublin
During a sentencing hearing in the Special Criminal Court, Donal O Coisdealbha, a 25‑year‑old Dublin man, pleaded guilty to membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). He was arrested on 13 May 2015 after a Garda investigation that had followed him for months. The investigation uncovered explosive device components in his Maynooth University locker and in a house at Harbour Court, Courtown, Wexford. Items seized included improvised rockets, semtex, detonators, a time‑power unit, a broken circuit board, and a PIC chip. DNA evidence linked O Coisdealbha to the devices. Garda audio surveillance revealed discussions about building an artillery rocket and a planned event around the time of Prince Charles's visit. O Coisdealbha denied IRA membership during detention. He has no prior convictions and was remanded in custody until 6 December for sentencing. The maximum sentence for belonging to a dissident republican terrorist organisation is eight years.
2016-11-11 · Dublin
In the first trial at the new Special Criminal Court in Dublin, 25‑year‑old Ryan Glennon of Macken Villas was found guilty of membership in the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Glennon had pleaded not guilty on 13 May 2015. The three‑judge panel, led by Justice Robert Eagar with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan, heard evidence from Chief Superintendent Peter Kirwan who claimed confidential information indicated Glennon was an IRA member. The court noted that Glennon's refusal to answer questions during Garda interviews—about his membership, involvement in IRA activity, and the presence of his fingerprints and DNA in a Courtown house containing Semtex, rockets and other explosive materials—was "supportive and corroborative" of the superintendent's claims. Testimony from the National Surveillance Unit placed Glennon at the house four days before the Garda raid on 13 May 2015.
2016-10-27 · Dublin
In Dublin on 27 October 2016 the second Special Criminal Court held its first trial. The defendant, Ryan Glennon, 25, pleaded not guilty to membership of an illegal organisation that styled itself the Irish Republican Army (IRA). Prosecutor Tara Burns SC presented belief evidence from a Garda Chief Superintendent that Glennon was a member on 13 May 2015, supported by evidence from a search of a Courtown property on that date where a large quantity of explosives was found and items linked to Glennon were recovered. Burns also cited surveillance of Glennon and two others by Gardaí on 9 May 2015, and their appearance together in March and April 2015. After Glennon's arrest, he failed to answer material questions in interviews, allowing the court to draw inferences. The trial, presided over by Justice Robert Eagar with Judges Sinead Ni Chulachain and James Faughnan, is expected to last two weeks.
2016-10-24 · Wexford
John Lawlor, 48, died from a knife wound to a varicose vein below his knee after a dispute with David Shanley, 47, on Christmas Eve 2014 at Ballintray Lower, Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co Wexford. Shanley called the house, was confronted by Lawlor, and a struggle ensued. Shanley admitted to manslaughter but denied murder, pleading guilty in June. He was sentenced by Mr Justice Paul Butler to five years' imprisonment, with two-and-a-half years suspended, for manslaughter. The judge noted the wound's unusual location and that the offence was on the lower scale for sentencing. Shanley had been in custody since October 10 of that year. The case involved testimony from Detective Inspector Murt Whelan, State Pathologist Professor Marie Cassidy, and statements from relatives of both parties. The conviction was upheld as manslaughter, not murder.
2016-10-10 · Wexford
In a Central Criminal Court sentence hearing, a 48‑year‑old father of three was found to have died from a knife wound to a varicose vein in his leg on Christmas Eve 2014. The victim, John Lawlor, was stabbed by David Shanley, 47, who had pleaded guilty to manslaughter. Shanley, who was in a relationship with Lawlor's ex‑wife, claimed a struggle and that the knife fell from his pocket during an altercation. A post‑mortem confirmed death by hemorrhage and shock from the incised vein. The court heard victim impact statements from Lawlor's family, who described the loss and the emotional toll. Justice Paul Butler remanded Shanley in custody pending sentencing in two weeks. David Shanley pleaded not guilty.
2016-07-28 · Wexford
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 28 July 2016, Justice Paul Butler granted bail to David Shanley, 47, who admitted to a Christmas Eve killing. Shanley pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of John Lawlor, who died on 24 or 25 December 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour. The State accepted the plea. Shanley had previously been on bail from the High Court but was found to have breached conditions by living at his partner's address rather than his parents' home. His partner is the deceased's widow, who is receiving ongoing hospital treatment, and Shanley is her carer. The bail terms now require Shanley to reside with his parents. The case was adjourned to 10 October 2016.
2016-07-22 · Wexford
David Shanley, 47, of Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co. Wexford, admitted to killing a 42‑year‑old man on Christmas Eve 2014 and pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He has been on bail since the High Court charged him, with conditions that he reside at his parents' address. However, he has been living with the deceased's widow and daughter at the widow's house, a situation that has caused concern for the family. Shanley is a carer for his partner, who has serious health problems and is receiving ongoing treatment in hospital. The court heard that a probation report was not yet completed, so sentencing was deferred. The case was adjourned to next Thursday morning to consider a variation of the bail conditions. The judge expressed dissatisfaction with the current bail arrangement but deferred to the bail judge's decision. The matter remains pending. David Shanley pleaded not guilty.
2016-06-20 · Wexford
David Shanley of Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co. Wexford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the Christmas Eve killing of 42‑year‑old John Lawlor on 24 or 25 December 2014 at Ballinatray Lower, Courtown Harbour. He had previously pleaded not guilty to murder. The prosecution's counsel, John O'Kelly SC, accepted the guilty plea. Shanley's counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, noted a complex inter‑family relationship in the case. Justice Patrick McCarthy allowed Shanley to remain on continuing bail until a further hearing on 22 July, when a probation report will be produced. No objection to bail was raised.