The Court of Appeal has adjourned the finalisation of Garret Hevey's appeal, increasing his sentence from five years to six years imprisonment. Hevey, who pleaded guilty to dishonestly inducing investment in Arden FML and three counts of inducing payments by deception, was originally sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, sitting with President George Birmingham and Mr Justice Brian McGovern, found the original sentence unduly lenient, describing the company as an "engine of fraud" that sold the same forests repeatedly. The court determined that no portion of the new six-year sentence should be suspended. Hevey's co-accused, David Peile, also known as David Marshall, pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended. No appeal has been lodged regarding Peile's sentence. The appeal process for Hevey is now complete with the revised sentence imposed, while Peile's case remains unchanged.
A 23‑year‑old mother from Co. Wicklow pleaded guilty to two counts of allowing her two‑year‑old son to be ill‑treated, causing unnecessary suffering. The abuse occurred in an unknown location between 10 and 13 February 2017 and on 14 February 2017. Medical staff at Tallaght Hospital discovered extensive bruising on the child's face, ears, back, buttocks, thighs and genital area when the mother brought him in February 2017. The mother repeatedly lied about the cause of the injuries, claiming a fabricated visit from the boy's biological father and that he had fallen on a table or a slide. The child was removed from her care and is now raised by his maternal grandparents. The mother, a drug addict, is hoping to enter rehabilitation; her sentence was adjourned to 16 October to allow this. The man she was living with has been charged and is expected to stand trial later.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Greene, 34, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Louise O'Connor, 41, has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor, 22, disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. Stephanie O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Mrs O'Connor. Keith Johnston, 43, has pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for the concealment of remains and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. All defendants are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. Evidence presented includes testimony from Richard O'Connor, the deceased's son, who stated his sister Louise did not want to report their mother missing. He identified Stephanie O'Connor in CCTV footage closing the back door on the night of the alleged murder. The prosecution alleges Stephanie disguised herself as her grandmother to create a ruse that Mrs O'Connor had left the house. The court has heard that Mrs O'Connor's dismembered remains were found at nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
In a 2020 case, Berlin‑based W2 Filmproduktion Vertriebs GmbH sued Irish film producers Morgan O'Sullivan and James Flynn, alleging that €40‑50 million had been diverted from Octagon Films Ltd, a company in which all parties are shareholders. The claim, first brought before the court in 2016, was heard by Ms Justice Teresa Pilkington. Both producers deny the allegations and have offered to resolve the dispute through mediation. Counsel Bernard Dunleavy SC argued that public proceedings were damaging to his clients' businesses, especially after W2's claims that funds from a proposed TV series, 'Vikings Valhalla', would be diverted to the defendants. W2, which holds 49 % of Octagon's shares, seeks damages for alleged breach of duty, fraud and conspiracy. The judge accepted the mediation offer and adjourned the case to a date next month. The dispute remains a derivative action brought by a shareholder on behalf of Octagon.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continued with evidence regarding the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, which include murder, impeding prosecution, and concealing remains. The jury heard the final interviews of Mr. Johnston, who denied assisting Mr. Greene in purchasing implements at Woodie's, Mr Price, B&Q, and Shoe Zone in Tallaght on June 9, 2017, for the concealment of Mrs. O'Connor's remains. Mr. Johnston also denied refurbishing a bathroom at Mountainview Park to destroy evidence. He rejected claims that he helped dig a shallow grave in Wexford or that he was "sucked in" to the crime, stating he did not "put two and two together" regarding the DIY purchases. Forensic scientist Nora Lee testified that a black bag containing Mrs. O'Connor's head likely came from a roll found at Mountainview Park. Professor Anthony Hooper described injuries to Mr. Greene's wrist, temple, and torso, which the accused attributed to blows from a hurley. The trial is ongoing, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges. Mr Greene is accused of murdering Patricia O'Connor at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, on May 29, 2017. Mr Johnston, the deceased's ex-partner, faces charges of assisting Mr Greene in purchasing implements to conceal remains and refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. Ms Louise O'Connor is charged with acquiescing in her daughter Stephanie O'Connor disguising herself as the deceased, while Stephanie O'Connor is accused of the disguise itself. The jury heard evidence that Mr Greene initially claimed sole responsibility for the dismemberment but later alleged Mr Johnston planned the act. Mr Johnston told gardai he was fixing a broken shower step and re-grouting tiles, stating, "I know it looks bad but that's just the way it is," while denying he was clearing a crime scene. He admitted purchasing items with Mr Greene but maintained he was helping the family. The prosecution contends the bathroom work was intended to conceal blood. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, and Stephanie O'Connor continues at the Central Criminal Court. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the murder of Patricia O'Connor at her home in Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Greene is accused of murdering Mrs O'Connor, while Louise and Stephanie O'Connor are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. Additionally, Stephanie O'Connor is accused of disguising herself as her grandmother to conceal the death, and Louise O'Connor is accused of acquiescing in this act. The jury heard transcripts of garda interviews with Stephanie O'Connor from September 2017. During these interviews, she denied killing or assisting in the killing of her nanny. When shown CCTV footage of a person leaving the property, she stated she could not remember if it was her, suggesting it might have been her grandmother. The prosecution contends that Stephanie O'Connor dressed as Mrs O'Connor as a ruse to pretend the deceased had left the house, despite evidence that Mrs O'Connor was already dead. The court also heard that the deceased's body was dismembered into 15 parts found across Dublin and Wicklow. The trial is ongoing.
The trial of Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, Keith Johnston, and Kieran Greene is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including the murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Kieran Greene. The prosecution alleges that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to conceal the murder, while Louise O'Connor and Keith Johnston assisted in covering up the crime. Evidence presented includes CCTV footage showing a figure leaving the Mountainview Park residence with a suitcase, which the State contends was Stephanie O'Connor in disguise. Louise O'Connor denied to gardai that she left the house to obtain "permanent peace" and insisted her mother was alive when she returned. She also denied discussing the killing with family members. Stephanie O'Connor stated she was unaware of the incident until two weeks later when Greene confessed. The jury is currently hearing testimony regarding the interviews conducted with the accused in September 2017. No findings, sentences, or finalisations have been recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continued with the jury hearing evidence regarding interviews conducted with Louise O'Connor. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to their respective charges, which include the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding the investigation. In interviews played to the jury, Louise O'Connor stated she did not harm her mother and claimed Greene admitted to killing her. She also alleged her mother told her and her daughter they should have been aborted. Evidence presented included CCTV footage from a neighbor's camera showing movements at the Mountainview Park residence on the day of the alleged murder. Louise O'Connor identified herself in clips leaving for a park and returning from Tesco, and acknowledged a figure resembling her mother leaving the house. She disputed the significance of a person closing a rear door at 10:06 pm, stating she could not identify them. The court also heard that Greene initially confessed to dismembering the body but later claimed he was set up. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, though no final verdict or sentence has been recorded in the provided facts.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Mr Greene is charged with murdering Mrs O'Connor, while the other three are accused of impeding her apprehension or prosecution, including disguising themselves as the deceased and assisting in the purchase of tools to conceal her remains. Evidence presented includes testimony from neighbour Sam Lin, who described the family as good neighbours and stated he saw nothing unusual on the night of the alleged incident. Gardaí testified that CCTV footage from local stores in Tallaght showed Mr Greene and Mr Johnston purchasing items such as hacksaws, axes, and wellington boots on June 9, 2017. The court heard that Mrs O'Connor's body was dismembered into 15 parts and scattered across nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. The trial is ongoing and was not adjourned or finalised during this reporting period.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston, all of whom pleaded not guilty to charges related to the murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her home in Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017. Greene is accused of murdering Mrs. O'Connor, while the other three are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The jury heard a December 2017 interview in which Greene alleged he was "set-up" and "took the rap" for the killing. He claimed Gus O'Connor struck his wife with a crowbar and instructed him to assume responsibility. Greene stated Louise O'Connor told him to "get rid" of the body, and Keith Johnston "made a plan" to dismember the remains in Wexford and scatter them in the Wicklow mountains. Greene alleged Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her grandmother to conceal the death. The court noted that Mrs. O'Connor's body was found in 15 parts across nine locations. The matter is currently at trial stage, with no findings, sentences, or finalisations recorded.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Patricia O'Connor, 61, at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017, heard forensic evidence regarding the dismemberment of the deceased. Former Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis testified that Mrs O'Connor's body was cut into 15 parts, likely using a power tool, with her wrists and hands possibly removed by a hand-held saw. He stated the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, noting three full-thickness lacerations and bruising consistent with pre-death injury. The remains were discovered at nine locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between June 10 and 14, 2017. Greene is also charged with impeding justice. Co-accused Louise O'Connor, 41, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Keith Johnston, 43, have all pleaded not guilty to charges including impeding the apprehension of Greene, disguising themselves as the deceased to conceal her death, and assisting in the purchase of implements for concealment. Johnston additionally denies refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
The Central Criminal Court heard evidence in the ongoing 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. The jury listened to garda interviews in which Mr Greene alleged that the deceased had attempted to kill her husband by pushing him down the stairs and expressed a desire for the family to die. He claimed he let her die to protect his children and subsequently dismembered her body, scattering the remains across Dublin and Wicklow. Mr Greene also alleged his partner, Louise O'Connor, 41, had been diagnosed with Graves' disease and that the deceased had threatened to sign over the house if Louise killed her father. Louise O'Connor, her daughter Stephanie O'Connor, 22, and Louise's ex-partner Keith Johnston, 43, are all charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Greene. Louise O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to agreeing to Stephanie disguising herself as the deceased to conceal her death. Stephanie O'Connor has pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as the deceased. Mr Johnston has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in purchasing implements for concealment and to refurbishing the bathroom to destroy evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
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.
The trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before the Central Criminal Court. All four accused have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to the alleged murder of Patricia O'Connor (61) at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017. Greene faces a charge of murder, while the others are accused of impeding the investigation, including disguising themselves as the deceased and assisting in the purchase of implements to conceal remains. The jury heard a voluntary statement from Louise O'Connor, who alleged that Greene told her he was sorry for hurting her mother and intended to surrender. Evidence presented includes the discovery of the deceased's dismembered remains in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains, with her head and hands found in a black plastic bag on the Military Road. Garda Andrew Quinn testified to the missing person report filed on June 1, 2017, and subsequent inquiries. The prosecution alleges the victim suffered a violent death and that her body was dismembered using hacksaws and a hatchet. The trial is ongoing, with no final verdict or sentence recorded at this procedural stage.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor, and Keith Johnston continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. All four defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including the murder of Patricia O'Connor on May 29, 2017, and impeding her apprehension or prosecution. The prosecution alleges Mrs O'Connor suffered a violent death at her Rathfarnham home, with her remains subsequently dismembered and dispersed across the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Evidence presented by Detective Garda Janette O'Neill detailed the recovery of 15 body parts from nine locations, describing the sites as a "dumping ground." Forensic scientist John Hoade testified that DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to Louise O'Connor's mother. He reported finding a low-level male DNA profile in the bathroom where the alleged attack occurred, while no blood was found on seized hacksaws or the deceased's vehicle. The court heard that the defendants allegedly purchased implements to conceal the remains and that Stephanie O'Connor disguised herself as her mother to hide the death. The matter is ongoing, with the trial set to continue on Monday.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Kieran Greene, 34, has heard evidence regarding the discovery of human remains in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains. Prosecutors allege that 61-year-old Patricia O'Connor was murdered at her Rathfarnham home on May 29, 2017, and her body was subsequently dismembered and dispersed across nine locations. Witnesses described finding a torso near the Military Road in Enniskerry on June 10, 2017, while picnicking. Medical evidence confirmed the remains belonged to Mrs O'Connor via dental records. Mr Greene, of Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Louise O'Connor, 41, and Stephanie O'Connor, 22, have both pleaded not guilty to charges including disguising themselves as the deceased to conceal her death and assisting in the purchase of implements for concealment. Keith Johnston, 43, has pleaded not guilty to assisting Mr Greene in purchasing items and refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. The prosecution alleges the body was buried in Co Wexford before being dismembered. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury, with an expected duration of five to seven weeks.
The trial heard that 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor was murdered on 29 May 2017 at her Rathfarnham home. She was struck on the head with a solid implement, then her body was placed in the boot of her Toyota Corolla and taken to Wexford where it was buried in a shallow grave. After the body was exhumed, it was dismembered over three to four hours using hacksaws and a hatchet. Fifteen body parts were found at nine separate locations in the Dublin and Wicklow mountains between 10 and 14 June 2017, including Glencree, Glenmacnass Waterfall and Sally Gap. The prosecution alleged that Kieran Greene, Louise O'Connor, Stephanie O'Connor and Keith Johnston impeded the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, who pleaded not guilty to the murder. The case was presented to a jury by Roisin Lacey SC. The trial is scheduled to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
A retired salesman, Gordon Black, aged 70, received a suspended two‑year prison sentence for indecent assault of a boy while both were members of the Boys Brigade in the 1960s. Black was between 16 and 20 when he molested a victim aged 12 to 16. He pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault between 1965 and 1969. The judge noted Black's remorse, lack of prior convictions and the absence of a prison sentence, but suspended the term on the condition that he keep the peace. The court heard that one assault occurred after a youth group trip, when Black drove the boy home, forced him into the back seat, and attempted to have him kiss his penis. The victim, now 66, still feels anger and distress when recalling the abuse. Black admitted that he had been abused as a child by three different people.
The trial of Kieran Greene, 34, accused of murdering Patricia O'Connor, 61, at Mountainview Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on May 29, 2017, was delayed at the Central Criminal Court due to juror issues. Mr Justice Paul McDermott discharged one juror for health reasons and investigated another regarding a potential conflict of interest. The accused suggested the juror was a delivery man to Lower Gardiner Street, where Louise and Stephanie O'Connor had resided. The juror denied this, and the judge dismissed the inquiry. The trial, expected to last five to seven weeks, was scheduled to open later that day. Greene pleaded not guilty to murder. Louise O'Connor, 41, and Stephanie O'Connor, 22, both pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in Stephanie disguising herself as Patricia to conceal her death, and to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealment. Keith Johnston, 43, pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. All defendants are charged with impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene. The matter remains at the trial stage with no findings or sentences recorded.
John Shaw, aged 73 and Ireland's longest-serving prisoner, brought an appeal before the Court of Appeal challenging the Minister for Justice's refusal to grant him two days of temporary release annually. Shaw has been in custody since September 1976 following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court in February 1978 for offences including abduction, rape, torture and murder. The Parole Board had recommended limited escorted outings, a recommendation the Minister declined without providing written reasons. Shaw's counsel argued the Minister's discretion was exercised arbitrarily and that Shaw had no clarity on what might satisfy the Minister's requirements. The Director of Public Prosecutions' representative contended the refusal was grounded in a dynamic risk assessment determining Shaw posed a high risk of reoffending. The three-judge panel reserved judgement. Shaw was not present during the hearing at the Court of Appeal.
A Dublin man, Kieran Greene, 34, is set to stand trial for the murder of 61‑year‑old Patricia O'Connor on 29 May 2017. Greene pleaded not guilty. His daughter, Louise O'Connor, 41, and her ex‑partner, Keith Johnston, 43, along with Louise's daughter, Stephanie O'Connor, 22, were also arraigned. They face charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Greene, knowing or believing he committed the murder. Louise pleaded not guilty to agreeing to or acquiescing in her daughter's disguise as Patricia O'Connor to conceal the death. Johnston pleaded not guilty to assisting Greene in purchasing implements for concealing remains and to refurbishing a bathroom to destroy evidence. Stephanie pleaded not guilty to disguising herself as Patricia after the murder. The body was dismembered and parts were found scattered across the Wicklow mountains. The trial will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and is expected to last five to seven weeks.
In December 2019 the Court of Appeal upheld the conviction of Roy Webster for the 2015 murder of Anne Shortall, a 47‑year‑old mother of three. Webster, aged 42, had been found guilty of murder by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to life imprisonment by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy in March 2017. He appealed, arguing that the trial judge had not properly explained the partial defence of provocation and the required intent. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, stating the judge's charge was careful and focused. The decision means Webster will continue to serve his life sentence. The case involved Webster's admission that he had used a hammer to strike Shortall nine times on the head after she threatened to expose his affair with her.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 24‑year‑old Bruno De Melo pleaded guilty to two robberies. On 10 June 2019 he and an accomplice entered Mr Syed Shah's phone shop on Phibsboro Road, threatened him with a knife, and stole 53 mobile phones, iPads and tablets worth €14,300. Mr Shah, who was not insured, described the raid as a "last day of my life" and said the loss shattered his future plans. Two weeks earlier, on 29 May 2019, De Melo had robbed a €6,500 Rolex Submariner from Mr David O'Gorman at a Glasnevin service station, demanding the watch with a knife. The watch was never recovered. Judge Elma Sheahan remanded De Melo in custody and adjourned sentencing to 3 February 2020. The court heard that De Melo had no prior Irish convictions but had UK convictions for robbery, burglary and false representations.
Roy Webster, 42, of Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, was convicted of murder for bludgeoning Anne Shortall, 47, to death with a hammer on 3 April 2015. Webster claimed he was provoked after Shortall threatened to inform his wife of their affair. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court and sentenced to mandatory life imprisonment by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy on 24 March 2017. On 17 December 2019, Webster lodged an appeal in the Court of Appeal, challenging the trial judge's instructions on the defence of provocation. His barrister, Michael Bowman SC, argued that the test for provocation should be subjective, based on Webster's state of mind, rather than the objective standard used by the judge. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, is expected to deliver a decision on 20 December 2019. The appeal focuses solely on the provocation defence and does not address any other aspects of the case.
Two Irish film producers, Morgan O'Sullivan and James Flynn, deny that their plans to produce a sequel to the Vikings TV series breach any legal undertakings they previously gave to the High Court. The German company W2 Filmproduktion Vertriebs GmbH seeks an injunction against the producers, alleging that they have diverted €40 million from Octagon Films Ltd, a company in which all parties are shareholders. The producers, represented by Bernard Dunleavy SC and Eamon Marray BL, argue that the funds generated by the proposed spin‑off, Vikings Valhalla, should go to Octagon and that they have not diverted any money to themselves or to corporate entities they control. W2 claims the producers are not entitled to profit from the Vikings series without Octagon's permission and seeks damages for alleged breach of duty, fraud and conspiracy.
Sean O'Neill, a 72‑year‑old liquidator from Wicklow, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €28,530 that had been transferred into his bank account by the Department of Social Protection under the insolvency payment scheme. The money was owed to a former employee of a Galway restaurant that had gone into liquidation. O'Neill had transferred €15,000 to the employee but never passed on the remaining balance. He was charged in July and, after a guilty plea and cooperation, brought €18,000 to court. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the breach of trust and O'Neill's lack of prior convictions, imposed a two‑year custodial sentence, suspending all but the final five months. He ordered the €18,000 to be paid to the relevant party. The case highlights the duty of liquidators to act honestly and the consequences of failing to do so.
In a High Court hearing on 28 November 2019, Berlin‑based W2 Filmproduktion Vertriebs GmbH sought an injunction against Irish film producers Morgan O'Sullivan and James Flynn over plans to produce a sequel to the TV series 'Vikings'. W2 alleges that the producers diverted about €40 million from Octagon Films Ltd, a company in which all parties are shareholders, and that the funds from the proposed 'Vikings Valhalla' series should be paid to Octagon. The producers deny any diversion of funds to themselves or to corporate entities they control. The case, which began in 2016, was returned to Justice Theresa Pilkington after the defendants requested an extension to comply with discovery orders issued in June. The defendants argue the discovery, involving over 500,000 documents and estimated at €900,000, is voluminous and should be completed by December 2020.
In a hearing before the Disclosures Tribunal, Superintendent Noreen McBrien testified that she was concerned for the welfare of Garda Nicholas Keogh after he made a protected disclosure in 2014. McBrien, who had been the District Officer at Athlone Garda Station in 2014, recalled that Keogh had been treated for alcoholism but that this had not affected his work. She said she had a good relationship with Keogh and that she was surprised when she learned he was a whistleblower. McBrien explained that she had no prior experience with protected disclosures and that she had tried to support Keogh's welfare. She also noted that Keogh had raised concerns about whether a senior officer, identified as Garda A, should have access to a weapon during an investigation. The tribunal is still hearing evidence on whether Keogh was targeted or harassed after his disclosure.
In a case heard by the Court of Appeal on 22 November 2019, Brandon Power, aged 21, was found to have bitten Garda Thomas Devereux's finger so hard that the bone snapped during an incident at the Bray courthouse on 31 March 2018. Power had pleaded guilty to assaulting the Garda and was already being sentenced for a separate matter when he became aggrieved and tried to escape. While being restrained, he bit the Garda's finger, causing the injury. Judge Terence O'Sullivan had originally imposed a wholly suspended one‑year sentence on 11 April 2019. The Court of Appeal, with Mr Justice George Birmingham presiding, declared that sentence "unduly lenient" and ordered a re‑sentencing hearing on 10 March 2020. The court also requested an updated probation report and allowed Power to remain on bail pending the new hearing. The decision does not yet specify a custodial term, but indicates that a custodial sentence may be imposed.
Three Traveller families from Ballinteskin Halting Site in County Wicklow have lodged a legal challenge at the High Court after the council removed three houses from its Traveller Accommodation Programme. The families, represented by Eamon Galligan SC and Proinsias O Maolchalain BL, argue that the council had previously agreed to build the houses on a nearby vacant site under the 2014‑2019 programme, and that the 2019‑2024 programme's exclusion of the proposal was unlawful and made without notice. They claim the decision breaches a 1996 agreement, a 2018 ministerial circular, and their legitimate expectations, and that it was made in breach of fair procedures. The families seek orders to quash the exclusion, declarations of invalidity and breach of procedure, and a declaration that the decision contravenes the 2018 circular. Judge Charles Meenan granted the families permission to proceed, with the case to be heard in January.
A 49-year-old man from Co Wicklow was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted by a jury at the Central Criminal Court of four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. The offences, which occurred between 1987 and 1989, involved the sexual abuse of a child who was approximately nine years old at the time. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mr Justice Michael White set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to seven, citing the man's constructive life since the offending. The court noted the victim's exceptional courage, as she gave evidence six times across multiple trials, several of which collapsed due to witness unavailability or document issues before the final conviction in March. The judge ruled that an existing order preventing the publication of the victim's and the offender's names would remain in place. The victim, now a married mother, stated she came forward in 2013 to right a terrible wrong and finally achieved justice and closure. Defence counsel highlighted the defendant's good character and the impact a custodial sentence would have on his son with special needs.
In a High Court decision on 14 November 2019, Mr Justice Michael White upheld an order that kept the names of a convicted child rapist and his victim anonymous, despite the victim's request to waive her anonymity. The judge explained that the order had been made at the request of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) during the trial and that the court had no mandate to alter it after the trial concluded. The DPP later applied on the victim's behalf to waive her anonymity, but the defence argued that no legal basis exists for a victim to do so. Mr Justice White noted that while a victim may disclose the offender's identity to third parties, publishing or broadcasting such information remains a criminal offence under the relevant Act.
Martin Connors, 18, was caught on CCTV wearing flip‑flops and white socks while breaking into a family home on Versoy Avenue, Citywest. He later joined a robbery of a pizza delivery man that night. After fleeing the robbery in a Fiat Punto, his flip‑flops were found in the getaway car. Connors pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary and robbery, with 42 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to five years, suspending the final 18 months on probation. The judge noted the burglary was swift and frightening for the family, and that Connors had learning challenges and a desire to reform. The case involved a group that used a golf club to break in, and the pizza delivery man was threatened and robbed before the car crashed into hedging. Connors was arrested and identified as Micheal McDonagh, 12, during the pursuit. The prosecution and defence highlighted Connors' background and his wish to change.
David O'Brien, aged 67, was sentenced by Judge Karen O'Connor at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a total of eight years' imprisonment for indecent assault on four boys between 1972 and 1981. The sentence was imposed on four separate counts, each carrying two years, and the final 18 months were suspended on the condition of 12 months' probation. O'Brien pleaded guilty to eight counts of indecent assault and had previously been jailed for six and a half years in 2015 for similar offences. He admitted to molesting a number of boys while a scout leader, including fondling and non‑penetrative acts, and claimed he had abused between 30 and 40 children. The court noted his guilty plea and expressed remorse, but emphasised the breach of trust and the victims' loss of childhood innocence. The victims gave impact statements describing lasting physical and emotional harm, and the judge praised their courage.
Ciaran McGuire, aged 21, was sentenced by Judge Martin Nolan to a fully suspended three‑year prison term for assault causing harm after he mistakenly struck Stephen McQuillan, believing McQuillan had insulted his girlfriend. McGuire's attack left McQuillan with a fractured jaw, a cut to his face, loss of three teeth and €20,000 in dental costs. The court imposed strict conditions, requiring McGuire to pay €3,000 in compensation to the prosecuting Garda and an additional €10,000 within 18 months, with the possibility of the money being transferred to charity if McQuillan declined. McGuire pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, had no prior convictions, and expressed contrition, apologising for his actions. The judge noted McGuire's cooperation and the court's willingness to enforce the suspended sentence under the stated conditions.
In the Court of Appeal, state lawyers argued that the right to privacy is subordinate to the State's right to investigate crime, citing the €2m tiger kidnapping of the Richardson family. The case involves Mark Farrelly (48), David Byrne (46) and Niall Byrne (37), who pleaded not guilty to false imprisonment and robbery of Securicor. Farrelly, deemed the gang's mastermind, was sentenced to 17½ years; Byrne to 13½ years; Byrne to 10 years. Christopher Corcoran (72) received 12 years for scouting the kidnapping. The appeal, opened in January 2018, challenges the constitutionality of evidence gathered by Gardaí under 1993 legislation, now superseded by 2005 law. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions contended that the breach did not affect evidence quality, as the same data would have been obtained under the newer law. The Court reserved judgment.
Michael Ward, 30, was jailed for two years after a drunken burglary of Mary's Bar on Wicklow Street. He entered the unoccupied bar early on November 5, broke three cash registers but found no money, and stole bottles of vodka, whiskey, gin, rum and three boxes of salt sachets. CCTV footage identified him; he did not conceal his face or wear gloves. Ward pleaded guilty and had 145 prior convictions, including theft, burglary and criminal damage. The court noted his homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, and a difficult childhood, as well as his remorse. Judge Melanie Greally described the offence as opportunistic and carried out under the influence of alcohol, and said the damage disrupted business operations. She imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending the final 12 months on conditions, and the effective custodial term is two years.
David O'Brien, a former scout leader, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to eight counts of indecent assault relating to four boys between January 1, 1972, and December 31, 1981. The court heard that O'Brien admitted to gardaí in 1997 that he was "molesting" young boys in the scouts, yet a direction was made not to prosecute. He was previously jailed for four-and-a-half years in October 2015 for sexually abusing six young boys on camping trips in the late 1970s and 80s. Prosecution evidence detailed allegations of fondling and non-penetrative abuse during scouting trips in Wicklow and Meath. Victim impact statements described lasting psychological and physical effects, including trust issues and stress-related health problems. Defense counsel noted that O'Brien accepted he committed grave wrongs and apologized for his behavior. Judge Karen O'Connor remanded O'Brien in custody and adjourned the matter for sentencing on November 7.
David O'Brien, aged 67, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of indecent assault on three boys under 15 between January 1972 and December 1978, including incidents in Larch Hill, Roundwood, Co Wicklow, and an unknown location. He also pleaded guilty to three counts of indecent assault on two of the same boys in Powerscourt, Co Wicklow, and two unknown locations between January 1976 and December 1978, involving fondling of the boys' penises. O'Brien, who is currently in custody and appeared frail, was previously jailed for four-and-a-half years in October 2015 for sexually abusing six boys on camping trips in the late 1970s and 1980s. Reporting restrictions were lifted today by Judge Karen O'Connor. The case remains pending sentencing, with the judge adjourned the matter for a hearing on Thursday. The prosecution noted the sentence could take up to a day.
In 2017, Mark O'Sullivan, 29, struck David Kirwan with a single punch to the back of the head near James Everett Park, Bray. Kirwan suffered catastrophic injuries, including brain damage, seizures, memory loss and hearing loss, and was in a medically‑induced coma for days. O'Sullivan pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm. The Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, suspending the final two‑and‑a‑half years, after describing the assault as unprovoked, cowardly, vicious and violent. The Court of Appeal later reduced the net term to two years and three months, citing mitigating factors such as O'Sullivan's community service and the fact that he had no prior convictions. The appeal judge noted O'Sullivan's remorse and his actions after the assault, including calling an ambulance and keeping Kirwan in the recovery position.
Two men were jailed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 29 July 2019 following their convictions for defrauding over 140 foreign investors of approximately €5.5 million through Arden Forestry Management between January 2014 and mid-2016. Garret Hevey, described by the court as the scheme's architect, pleaded guilty to dishonestly inducing investment and making deceptive payment requests. David Peile, who joined the company in 2015, entered similar guilty pleas. The fraud involved misrepresenting forestry investment opportunities, with investors led to believe their funds would purchase land generating returns through government grants and forest harvesting. In reality, the company owned only 30 acres when investigated, insufficient to service the claimed 858 acres of investor holdings. Judge Melanie Greally characterised the offence as calculated fraud, noting significant harm to victims, many of whom had invested for their children. Hevey received five years imprisonment with the final year suspended, while Peile was sentenced to four years with one year suspended. The court heard that €1.98 million remained in company accounts when frozen by gardaí.
A father‑of‑three, Alan Lyons, aged 12 to 17 during the offences, was jailed for five years for the sexual abuse of a 12‑year‑old boy by Dirk Jager, a 57‑year‑old former prisoner serving a life sentence for murder. Jager pleaded guilty to six charges – three of sexual assault and three of gross indecency – committed between December 1992 and December 1997. The abuse began when Jager, then 31, convinced the child that a relationship was desired, escalating to full penetrative sex. Jager admitted the abuse in January 2017 and expressed remorse in a letter to the victim. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three and a half years, and a total of six years with the final year suspended for five years on condition that Jager engage with the Probation Service. Alan Lyons was convicted.
In a High Court hearing on 16 July 2019, Justice Leonie Reynolds granted an injunction requiring the occupants of a three‑storey Georgian building at 42 and 43 Blessington Street, Dublin 7, to vacate by 6 pm that evening. The building, owned by Deck Building Services DAC, KDM Construction Ltd and Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, is slated for conversion into an apart‑hotel. The judge cited health and safety concerns, noting the property lacked a fire safety certificate and was uninsured because of the illegal occupation. No occupants appeared in court and no representations were made on their behalf. The owners, represented by Padraig D Lyons BL, argued that the occupants were aware of the proceedings and that the owners were entitled to the injunction. Earlier that month the premises had been unlawfully occupied, with occupants such as 'Oliver Rabbite' and 'Mouse' refusing to leave despite being asked by the owners' agents.
In a High Court hearing on 11 July 2019, Mr James Carney, a part‑owner of a horse sold in 2011, apologised to the court for social‑media posts about Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd. He admitted the posts were unfounded and pledged not to repeat such conduct. Carney withdrew complaints he had made to professional bodies, including the British Horseracing Authority. Goffs, represented by Robert J. Goff and Co, Goffs Bloodstock Sales Ltd, Goffs UK Ltd, and CEO Mr Henry Beeby, had sued Carney for defamation, claiming the posts damaged the firm's reputation and sought damages. The parties reached a settlement, with Carney agreeing to delete all relevant posts, remove a Twitter account, withdraw complaints to regulatory bodies, and refrain from future complaints. The judge adjourned the case with liberty to re‑enter.
The owners of a three‑storey Georgian building at 42 and 43 Blessington Street, Dublin 7, have filed a High Court application to remove unknown alleged trespassers. The property, owned by Deck Building Services DAC, KDM Construction Ltd and Clonmel Enterprises Ltd, had been vacant and is now intended to be converted into an apart‑hotel. Earlier this month, the owners claimed the premises was unlawfully occupied by several unknown persons. The locks were changed, and two occupants identified themselves as 'Oliver Rabbite' and 'Mouse'. They were asked to leave but asserted they had permission to stay, had no alternative accommodation and would not vacate. The owners argue the building is unsafe, does not meet building regulations, and planned works are needed for fire safety compliance. The court granted the owners permission to serve short notice to the occupants and the matter will return next week.
In a High Court hearing on 5 July 2019, Mr Justice John Jordan dismissed the injunction application of Abu Dhabi businessman Abdullah Rashid Ahmed Almana Mansoori against Wicklow falcon breeder Kenneth Smith. Mansoori sought to stop Smith from supplying falcons to any other party pending the outcome of their dispute over a 2014 agreement. Smith's lawyers said he had entered a contract to supply falcons to the Crown Prince of Dubai, though they could not confirm the identity of the third party. Smith claimed he had terminated the agreement in January 2019 due to unpaid invoices, while Mansoori denied termination and alleged quality issues with birds supplied in September 2019. The judge found the injunction unsupported, citing Mansoori's delay in bringing the case, the mandatory nature of the order, and animal welfare concerns. He awarded Smith the costs of the proceedings and urged a full hearing of the dispute as soon as possible. The case remains pending for further adjudication.
Pawel Buc, 24, was caught with €19,000 worth of cannabis and handed a four‑year suspended sentence. Gardaí found just under a kilogram of cannabis in his apartment, along with weighing scales, mobile phones, a tick list and €645 in cash. Buc had previously pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for sale or supply in 2017 and had one speeding conviction. He claimed financial hardship and that he was merely transporting the drugs for €200. The court, after considering his cooperation and lack of prior serious offences, deemed his culpability low and imposed a suspended four‑year term, with no custodial time to be served. The sentence was fully suspended, meaning no immediate imprisonment was required. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Sarah Doran, aged 66, was convicted of assault causing serious harm and false imprisonment against an 84‑year‑old woman she was caring for. The incident occurred at Violet Hill, Bray on 28 December 2015. Judge Michael O'Shea sentenced her to eight‑and‑a‑half years, suspending the final three‑and‑a‑half years. Doran, with no prior convictions, appealed the severity of the sentence after the normal 28‑day period had passed. The Court of Appeal granted her an extension of time to lodge the appeal. Her barrister, Mark Lynam, described the offence as "inexplicable" and argued that mental health issues may have influenced her behaviour. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, acknowledged the seriousness of the assault and the unusual circumstances, and agreed to allow the extended appeal period. The case remains at the appeal stage. Sarah Doran pleaded guilty.
In a 2019 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jack Hall Ellis, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing his friend Luke O'Reilly, 20, in a drunken "one punch" assault on Halloween night 2017. Ellis admitted he was acting in drunkenness and anger, having consumed seven to ten double shots of Captain Morgan rum, and punched O'Reilly from behind as they left a pub. O'Reilly fell, hit his head, suffered traumatic brain injuries and died in hospital two weeks later. Ellis was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The judge noted the unprovoked nature of the assault, Ellis's early guilty plea, lack of prior violent convictions, remorse, and supportive family as mitigating factors, while emphasizing the seriousness of one‑punch attacks and the need for deterrence. The sentence reflected the low‑middle range of offending for the offence.