Barry Wheeler, a 49-year-old rickshaw operator formerly of Cabra Drive, Dublin 7, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the anal and oral rape of a teenage boy. Wheeler pleaded guilty to these charges, which occurred between August and October 2001 when the victim was aged 14 to 15 and working for Wheeler's business. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that Wheeler abused a position of trust and authority, causing profound and lasting effects on the complainant's adult life. Although the court set a headline sentence of 12 years, it reduced this to nine years in mitigation for Wheeler's guilty pleas and cooperation with the investigation. The judge suspended the final year of the sentence on strict conditions, specifically requiring that Wheeler have no contact with the injured party. During sentencing, defense counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC highlighted Wheeler's background and stated that if any part of the sentence was suspended, Wheeler intended to return to the United Kingdom, where he has recently resided. The court commended the injured party's fortitude in reporting the abuse, noting that the conclusion of the case would allow the victim to move forward. Wheeler had previously denied involvement to gardai, claiming the allegations were born of malice, but his guilty plea at trial resolved the matter.
A 72-year-old man who admitted to raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter and sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions between December 2020 and January 2021 has been sentenced to eight years in prison. The victim, now 20, described the severe emotional and psychological impact of the abuse, including anxiety, stress, and fear, which led her to leave home and abandon her education. The judge noted the significant age disparity, breach of trust, and the fact that the abuse occurred in the family home. The man pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, which the court considered as mitigating factors. However, the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the long-term harm caused to the victim. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 12 years due to the man's age and lack of prior convictions. The man will also be under post-release probation supervision.
James Greengrass, a 25-year-old British man with a significant mental illness, has been ordered to be released from Cork Prison into the care of his parents in the UK to serve the suspended portion of his sentence. Greengrass was found guilty of attempting to cause serious harm to a fellow psychiatric patient by putting him in a chokehold until he turned blue. The court heard that Greengrass believed the victim was a 'shapeshifting demon' who would kill him and his family. His defense argued that his mental illness and the support of his family made it more appropriate for him to be in the UK rather than in Ireland. The judge noted that Greengrass had been institutionalized for three-and-a-half years and that his mental health required ongoing support. The suspended sentence of five years and six months will be served in the UK, with strict conditions including medication compliance and regular contact with gardai.
Luke Caplice, a 29-year-old man from Knockane, Ballylooby, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a charge that he attempted to murder Patrick Williams at Knockane on October 11, 2025. The court noted that Caplice is currently being held in Limerick prison but is "anxious to be sentenced in Dublin." Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to November 2 and directed that a victim impact statement be prepared. The case is at the sentence stage, with the plea of guilty recorded. No final sentence has been imposed, and the matter remains adjourned pending the preparation of the victim impact statement and the scheduled hearing date.
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for 15 years and six months for drugging his daughter and her friends during sleepovers and recording himself raping one of the girls. The man pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, child cruelty, and possession of child pornography. The court heard that the man invited his daughter's friend on a sleepover, drugged her with sleeping pills and muscle relaxants, and then raped her in the woods. The man's phone was seized by gardaí, revealing encrypted footage of the rape and child abuse images. The victims, including the man's daughters and their friends, made victim impact statements detailing the severe emotional and psychological trauma they experienced. The judge noted the breach of trust and the deliberate recording of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man expressed remorse and the judge considered his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 17 years due to the man's cooperation and remorse.
At the Central Criminal Court, an unnamed 45-year-old man was sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of his young daughter. The defendant pleaded guilty to four charges of rape and eight charges of sexual assault, which the State accepted as sample charges representative of a pattern of abuse occurring in their County Wexford home between January 2022 and June 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of 17 years for each rape count and 10 years for each sexual assault count. In mitigation, the judge noted the defendant's early accountability, lack of previous convictions, and good work history. He was sentenced to 13 years for the rapes and seven years and six months for the sexual assaults, all to run concurrently. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended for three years, placing the defendant under Probation Service supervision to follow all necessary directions and treatments. The judge ordered no direct or indirect contact with the victim, including via social media, unless written permission is granted by the victim's mother until the victim turns 18, or by the victim herself thereafter. The defendant is also prohibited from unsupervised access to anyone under 18 and placed under post-release supervision for eight years. The court heard victim impact statements from the daughter and her mother, who described the abuse as a profound betrayal.
A 55-year-old man who raped and sexually abused his stepdaughter from the age of six has been denied permission to withdraw his guilty pleas and has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison. The man pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of attempted rape, and seven counts of sexual assault between 2007 and 2013 in Co Wexford. He initially entered his pleas during the first day of his Central Criminal Court trial in October of last year but later sought to resile from them, an application that was refused. The victim, who was aged between six and 12 at the time of the abuse, has been protected by not naming the defendant. The court heard that the man was in a relationship with the girl's mother and was her de facto stepfather. The abuse included acts such as masturbation, dry humping, and oral sex, and the man would buy the girl toys and sweets as gifts. The abuse stopped for a time before resuming in 2010.
A 31-year-old lawyer, Daire McCormack George, who stabbed his father 27 times during a psychotic episode, has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The trial heard that he suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which led to a delusional belief that his father intended to harm his mother and sister. This belief prompted him to commit the act, despite his love for his father. His family, including his sister Hillary and mother Goretti, attended the trial daily, showing unwavering support. Mr. McCormack George had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 2018 and had responded well to treatment, but a reduction in his antipsychotic medication led to a relapse. His journal entries revealed his paranoid thoughts. During the attack, he claimed his father told him he loved him, but he continued stabbing him. The court heard that psychiatrists agreed he was not responsible for his actions due to his mental disorder.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to pursue a re-trial and has dropped all charges against Chantelle Harcourt, the partner of double killer Derek Boyd. Harcourt was accused of impeding Boyd's prosecution by making a false statement to gardai. Boyd, who was jailed for life earlier this week, had previously been serving the suspended part of his sentence for killing his sister. Harcourt, who was on trial, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The State's case was that Harcourt knew about the events that occurred in Boyd's home and deliberately avoided telling the truth to officers. After a three-week trial, the 11 jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the single count against Harcourt. The trial judge remanded Harcourt on continuing bail. Today, the prosecuting counsel informed the court that the DPP was not seeking a retrial and that a nolle prosequi would be entered on the charge against Harcourt. Harcourt was then discharged from the indictment.
An unnamed boy, aged 15 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to a count of defilement at a home in April 2025. He was originally charged with rape and sexual assault. The Central Criminal Court heard that the boy defiled a 16-year-old girl while she was intoxicated and unwell at a house party. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced the now 16-year-old defendant to a period of detention of one year and six months. The judge noted that while all sexual offences are crimes of violence, this incident did not involve gratuitous violence beyond the act itself. A headline sentence of five years for an adult was reduced to two years and three months to account for the boy's youth and immaturity. After considering his personal circumstances, guilty plea, and mitigating factors, the judge determined that a fully non-custodial sentence was not appropriate. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the imposition of sentence until October, when the final six months of the 18-month period of detention will be suspended on strict conditions, including that the boy engage with the Probation Service.
A warm, engaging, much-loved and lovable young man', who stabbed his physically frail and housebound father to death during a psychotic episode, continues to enjoy the full love and support of his family, the Central Criminal Court heard. Detective Garda Ultan McIlroy gave evidence to the trial of Daire McCormack George that the accused's family told gardai that he had never harmed anyone nor shown any aggression prior to the attack on his father, Scott George, in December 2024. The family told gardai that Daire's mental health began to suffer in 2018. He was treated at Beaumont Hospital and appeared to respond well to medication. By the time of the stabbing, his dosage had been reduced to a very low level. A psychiatrist who diagnosed Mr McCormack George with schizoaffective disorder said the relapse of his psychosis "coincided with the reduction of medication". Mr McCormack George had developed a delusional belief that his physically frail, housebound father was going to kill the accused's mother and sister. McCormack George pleaded not guilty.
A 33-year-old man, Patrick Fitzpatrick, arranged a 'straightener' in a Wicklow playground during which a father-of-seven, William Moorehouse, was stabbed to death, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, which involved two armed groups. The court heard that Moorehouse, described as a 'loving son and devoted father,' sustained five stab wounds. Fitzpatrick, who had 28 previous convictions, was accused of arranging the fight following an earlier incident in which a youth was allegedly attacked. The 'straightener' was intended as a form of alternative dispute resolution, with members of two families involved. However, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation, with 14 people participating in the fight. Detective Sergeant Ger Brennan confirmed that Moorehouse was found unresponsive after the stabbing, and that weapons, including knives and firearms, were involved. Fitzpatrick's defence argued that the incident was not a Traveller feud but a misguided attempt at resolving a dispute. Victim impact statements were read by Moorehouse's sisters, who spoke of his popularity and the profound loss felt by the family.
A trial date has been set for a woman and a teenager who are accused of murdering Scarlett Faulkner, a mother of one, who died last March. Ms Faulkner, aged 29, passed away three weeks after an alleged assault that took place on the R494 at Birdhill, County Tipperary, on 21 March of this year. A 40-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl have been charged with her murder, and the charges were brought earlier this month. Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who is presiding over the Central Criminal Court case list, has scheduled the trial for October 27 next. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against the two accused individuals, who now face the prospect of a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim's death and the serious nature of the charges against the defendants.
A trainee pilot, Chris Brady, was jailed for six years after being convicted of raping a sleeping college student during a night out in Dublin. The victim described the incident as an 'ordinary night out' that turned into a traumatic experience, affecting her studies and mental health. Brady claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court found that the victim was asleep when the rape occurred. The victim's impact statement highlighted the profound emotional and psychological impact of the crime, including the feeling of being exposed and humiliated during the trial. Brady's defense argued that his character, including his involvement in charity and sports, should be considered, but the court emphasized the severity of the crime. The judge noted the 'intrinsically higher level' of the sexual violation of a sleeping person and the 'profound' impact on the victim. Chris Brady pleaded guilty.
Daire McCormack George, a 31-year-old lawyer, is on trial for the murder of his father, Scott George, after stabbing him 27 times. The accused told gardai that he believed he was doing the right thing, driven by paranoid thoughts that his father would harm his mother and sister. He claimed that his father showed him family pictures and spoke about Trump and China, which triggered his actions. McCormack George pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with psychiatrists testifying that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing. The court heard that the accused had a nervous breakdown and believed he was protecting his family. The trial continues with the accused's mental state being a central focus, as the prosecution argues that he intended to cause serious harm to his father.
A serving garda, who was found guilty of child cruelty against his two daughters, now accepts his guilt and acknowledges the serious impact the conviction will have on his career. The 48-year-old defendant was acquitted of two counts of raping his wife but convicted of child cruelty and assault causing harm against his daughters. The court heard that the accused subjected his daughters to 'unreasonable chastisement' for most of their childhood, leading to emotional and psychological trauma. The victim impact statements from both daughters highlighted the lasting effects of their father's behavior, including anxiety, depression, and insecurity. The judge acknowledged the father's acceptance of guilt but noted that the case was fully contested. The man is on bail pending sentencing and will undergo a psychological report as part of the process.
Two Westmeath brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in the mid-nineties have now been identified for the first time. John Owens (72) was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault against three teenage girls. His brother, Martin Owens (66), was also found guilty of sexually assaulting two of the victims. The victims, aged 14 to 17, were babysitting for Owens' children. During the trial, it was revealed that Owens groomed the victims and used alcohol to manipulate them. Martin Owens was sentenced to five years and six months, with the final six months suspended. The victims described the lasting trauma and emotional impact of the abuse. John Owens was sentenced to eight years, with a total headline sentence of 15 years reduced due to guilty pleas. The victims expressed relief in finally having their abusers identified and acknowledged their suffering.
A man who sexually abused and attempted to rape the 12-year-old daughter of his deceased friend has been jailed for nine years. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. The abuse occurred between January 2021 and September 2021. The victim's mother became friends with the accused after her husband's death. The court heard that the accused made the girl sit on his lap and asked her to kiss him and for sex. He also forced her to touch him and attempted to rape her on her birthday. The accused denied the allegations and claimed the girl was "ill in the head". The judge noted the age gap as an aggravating factor and the vulnerable nature of the victim. The accused has previous convictions and struggles with alcohol. The sentence was reduced from 11 years to nine years, taking into account mitigating factors. The unnamed 51-year-old was acquitted.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister and asked why the victim hadn't screamed has been jailed for six years. The 24-year-old Carlow man was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim described the emotional impact of the attack, including self-harm and feelings of disgust towards her body. The judge noted the age disparity and breach of trust as aggravating factors. The accused denied the allegations and did not express remorse, which limited mitigation. The sentence was suspended for six months, with conditions including good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service. The victim expressed hope for healing with the support of her family and friends. The accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has no previous convictions.
A Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast has been given a trial date. Ahmed Abdirahman (33) is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her house in south Belfast. The trial is set for January 11, 2027, with a case management date on October 30. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions noted the cross-border dimension of the case. The court previously heard that a psychiatric issue in the case had resolved, allowing the trial to proceed. The accused has not been previously convicted and is currently in custody. The case is expected to take around four weeks, with the court preparing for the trial after addressing any remaining legal issues.
Derek Boyd, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a north Dublin home on June 9, 2024. The jury unanimously rejected the defence of self-defence, finding Boyd guilty after a trial where he had pleaded not guilty. Justice Melanie Greally described the killing as senseless and motiveless, noting Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a prior manslaughter sentence for his sister's death when the offence occurred. The court ordered that Boyd's suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter be referred back to the Circuit Court for re-entry. The State entered a nolle prosequi on a separate charge of assault causing harm against Boyd. Chantelle Harcourt, 34, who pleaded not guilty to impeding Boyd's prosecution, remains subject to that charge; the jury recorded a disagreement on the related counts, meaning the matter was not concluded. The victim's family described Boyd as a monster in an emotional impact statement. Boyd's sentence dates from August 5, 2025.
A judge has spoken out against the toxic masculinity of social media influencers after sentencing a young man to six years in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl. The defendant, who is now 21, pleaded guilty to raping the girl at a house party in Co Clare in July 2024. The victim, who is now 16, was intoxicated and vulnerable when the defendant lured her into a bathroom and raped her. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the defendant's actions had a significant impact on the victim's life and warned against the influence of online pornography and toxic masculinity on young men. The judge reduced the initial sentence of 10 years to seven and a half years, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The sentence was suspended for 18 months, with conditions including no contact with the victim in perpetuity and a ban on sexual offences for 20 years.
A north African doctor has been jailed for 10 years for the rape, coercive control, and assault of his wife over a three-year period. The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm but denied two charges of rape and one of coercive control. He was convicted of these charges following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo. The couple met in north Africa and married in 2010, later having three children. They moved to Ireland in 2017, where the woman did not qualify to work as a doctor and stayed at home. The man worked in various regional hospitals, and the family moved frequently according to his work. The woman testified that her husband used abusive language, isolated her, and imposed financial control. She experienced anxiety and panic attacks due to his behavior. The rape counts relate to two incidents between 2018 and 2019, including one during Ramadan. The court also heard about multiple assaults, including one where the man used a laptop to beat her.
A former solicitor, Daire McCormack George, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father in north Dublin nearly two years ago. The accused, who previously worked at a prestigious law firm, is charged with the murder of Scott George in Balbriggan in December 2024. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused has a history of mental health issues and that the trial will focus on psychiatric evidence and his state of mind at the time of the alleged crime. The prosecution is led by senior counsel Vincent Heneghan, while the defence is headed by Michael Bowman SC. A jury of ten men and two women was sworn in to hear the trial, which is set to begin tomorrow. The court will assess whether the accused was legally insane at the time of the murder and whether he can be held responsible for his actions.
A 25-year-old man, Jakub Rybar from Dublin 16, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Central Criminal Court. He was originally charged with the murder of Michael McCann in Dublin on or about July 2, 2025. Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the court that Rybar could be arraigned on a second count for the offence of manslaughter. The trial date of October 26 was vacated by the judge. Michael Lynn SC and Carol Doherty BL, defending Rybar, requested a sentence hearing date around December 1 to obtain a psychological report. Ó Dúnlaing mentioned he would make an application regarding the first count in due course. Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter until December 7 and ordered the preparation of a victim impact report. Rybar was remanded in custody until that date.
Tracey Jessop, a victim of marital rape, described how she had to defend her reputation against false allegations made by her former husband, Joseph Jessop, during a sentencing hearing. Jessop was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of rape and assault. The court heard that Jessop had a history of violence, including punching and headbutting his wife, and raping her on multiple occasions. Jessop initially claimed that someone else had carried out the assault and later denied the charges, claiming consensual sex. Jessop made false allegations to Tusla and the gardaí, which caused Ms Jessop to live in fear of not being believed. In her victim impact statement, Ms Jessop described the emotional toll of the attacks and the stress of defending herself against false allegations. The judge noted that Jessop used demeaning language and belittled Ms Jessop throughout the trial. He sentenced Jessop to 10 years, reducing the headline sentence of 11 and a half years due to mitigating factors.
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of the murder of Robert Robin' Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in Donegal, have appealed their convictions to the Court of Appeal. The trial heard that the pair allegedly beat Mr Wilkin with a rock and threw his body over the cliffs. Vial's counsel argued that his client was prejudiced by hearing his co-accused's admissions, which blamed Vial for the fatal blows, and contended they should have been tried separately. He maintained Vial denied striking the victim and lacked independent evidence of guilt beyond his co-accused's statements. Burns's counsel argued her incriminating statements were involuntary due to intoxication and should have been excluded. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that there was ample evidence of Vial's guilt and that private statements are admissible. The prosecution noted the trial judge's warnings to the jury were impeccable. The court, comprising Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Ms Justice Tara Burns, and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
Derek Boyd was found guilty of murder by a Central Criminal Court jury after fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in his north Dublin home. The prosecution argued that Boyd's actions were not in self-defense, and the jury rejected the defense's claim that Carroll had returned to the house to make peace. Boyd fled to Scotland shortly after the killing and later returned to Ireland to surrender. The court heard that Boyd had previously been convicted of manslaughter for the death of his sister and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the murder. Judge Melanie Greally will sentence Boyd to life imprisonment, with the trial set to continue on July 28. The case also involved Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, who was accused of obstructing the prosecution. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the assault charge against Boyd and Harcourt, but they unanimously found Boyd guilty of murder. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a man in Tipperary last year when he was just 15. At the Central Criminal Court, the teenager, who cannot be named due to his juvenile status, was charged with murder on March 10, 2025, but pleaded not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, stated that the plea was acceptable to the State and noted that the boy was 15 at the time of the offence. He requested that a probation report be prepared and asked the court to set a sentencing date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the sentencing for September 28, with the defendant remanded on bail to appear back before the court on July 29. The judge also directed that victim impact reports be prepared in the case. The court may review the sentencing date on July 29.
Derek Boyd, 31, of Finglas, Dublin 11, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, of Darndale, Dublin 17, are currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Boyd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at his home on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the person who committed the murder. The jury, comprising seven men and five women, began deliberating on Monday afternoon and has spent five hours over two days in the jury room. On Monday evening, the foreman reported that the jury had not reached a verdict on any of the three counts. Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the deliberations, instructing the jurors to return to court at 10.30am the following morning. In her charge, the judge warned the jury against using Boyd's previous conviction for the manslaughter of his sister to infer a propensity for violence, labeling such reasoning impermissible. She clarified that this prior conviction, for which Boyd was sentenced to five years with three suspended, may only be considered if relevant to the evidence, such as his state of mind or flight from the jurisdiction. The judge outlined the legal framework for self-defense under the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, emphasizing the requirement for proportionate force. The jury may return verdicts of guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty for Boyd, and guilty or not guilty for Harcourt.
Paolo Nascimento, who murdered Grainne Dillon in 2002, is challenging the State's refusal to transfer him to Portugal to care for his ill mother. Nascimento, currently on parole, seeks an order from the High Court to quash the Parole Board's refusal to transfer his sentence. Portugal imposes a fixed 25-year sentence for murder, as opposed to Ireland's life sentence with potential for parole. The Parole Board has refused the transfer three times since 2006 due to Portugal's lack of post-release monitoring. Nascimento's legal team argues that the refusal violates his rights as an EU citizen and prevents him from reuniting with his family. The High Court granted leave to challenge the refusal and adjourned the matter to November. Nascimento's mother, his closest living relative, is too sick to travel to Ireland, and he seeks a declaration that the Parole Board unlawfully fettered its discretion. Paolo Nascimento pleaded guilty.
The defence for Derek Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, argued that there is no evidence she was aware of the severity of the injury to the deceased, Mark Carroll, when she gave a statement to gardai. Harcourt faces charges of impeding Boyd's prosecution, with the prosecution claiming she knew about the events and lied to gardai. Boyd testified that he used a knife in self-defence after Carroll threatened him, but the prosecution claims it was a premeditated attack. Defence counsel John Byrne SC stated that lying to gardai is not a crime unless it impedes the arrest of the principal offender. He argued that there was no evidence Harcourt witnessed the altercation or knew the extent of the injury. The defence also highlighted CCTV footage supporting Harcourt's claim that she was upstairs during the incident. Byrne questioned the prosecution's assertion that Harcourt and Boyd conspired to cover up the events, stating there was no evidence of this. He concluded that the jury should acquit Harcourt if they could not be satisfied she was trying to frustrate gardai's actions. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
An Algerian national, Mohamed Hallam, has been jailed for six years for a violent predatory sexual attack on a young woman in Donegal. Hallam, who moved to Ireland in 2023, was convicted of sexual assault, assault causing harm, and non-fatal strangulation. The victim, who was heavily intoxicated, was attacked in a dark alleyway after meeting Hallam in a nightclub. She described being choked, pinned down, and sexually assaulted. The court heard that she had bruises and a possible bite mark on her stomach. Hallam initially denied the charges but later accepted the jury's verdict. The judge reduced the headline sentences due to mitigating factors, including Hallam's acceptance of guilt. The victim's impact statement detailed the lasting trauma she experienced. Hallam was ordered to undergo post-release supervision and engage in psychological counselling and a sex offender treatment programme.
A 59-year-old man from Co Galway was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping and indecently assaulting his younger sister when she was a child. The victim, now in her late 40s, described the abuse as 'torture' and told her brother he 'ruined her life'. The jury convicted him on two counts, but could not agree on 21 other charges, which the DPP will not retry. The man denied all charges and has 24 previous convictions. The court heard that the abuse occurred in their family home, and the brother told the victim her mother would die if she told anyone. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and shame she experienced. The judge sentenced him to seven years for rape and five years for indecent assault, with both sentences to run concurrently. The defence argued the man should be treated as a minor at the time of the offence and that the jury's inability to agree on most charges should be considered.
The trial of Derek Boyd, 31, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, continues before the Central Criminal Court. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at his home in Finglas on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to an offence of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of a person. In closing submissions, the prosecution alleged that Mr Boyd carried out a determined, murderous attack on Mr Carroll, who had returned to the house to resolve a previous row. The defence argued that Mr Boyd acted out of instinct to protect himself against a trespasser who was threatening him. The jury heard that Mr Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a sentence for the manslaughter of his sister at the time of the alleged offence. The defence counsel suggested that Mr Boyd's subsequent departure to the UK was motivated by the threat of returning to prison for that prior conviction. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised; it is scheduled to continue on Monday before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Derek Boyd, 31, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a Finglas home on June 9, 2024, and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. His partner, Chantelle Harcourt, 34, pleaded not guilty to impeding the prosecution of an arrestable offence. The Central Criminal Court trial heard that Boyd was serving a suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter of his sister, Sandra Boyd, and unlawful possession of a firearm. He received a four-year sentence for manslaughter, with the final two years suspended, and a concurrent five-year sentence for firearm offences, with the final three years suspended. The court noted he was under active supervision when Carroll died. The prosecution alleges Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Boyd claimed self-defence, stating Carroll lunged at him. Evidence detailed Carroll's history, including a guilty plea to assaulting Rock in Ashbourne, Co Meath, where she was found bruised and shaking, and a pending charge for assaulting a man in Dublin 7 in 2022. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Seamus O'Callaghan, a retired Franciscan brother and convicted sex offender, has been jailed for 11 years for raping a teenage boy while working as a teacher in Offaly almost 30 years ago. O'Callaghan, 82, was convicted of one count of anal rape following a Central Criminal Court trial in May. The victim, who was 13 years old at the time, stated that the incident took his childhood away and caused long-term psychological damage. O'Callaghan has 11 previous convictions for indecent assault, all involving teenage boys. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo noted the significant, long-lasting impact of the abuse on the victim's life and imposed a headline sentence of 13 years, which was reduced to 11 years due to O'Callaghan's age and medical issues. The court heard that O'Callaghan had cooperated with the investigation but his statements were found to be false self-serving denials. The case highlights the long-term consequences of sexual abuse and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
A 39-year-old man has been sentenced to four years in prison for repeatedly raping his niece over a two-year period when he was a teenager and she was a child. He pleaded guilty to four charges, including rape and oral rape, between July 2000 and July 2002. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, described the abuse as physically painful and emotionally traumatic. She began drinking at 12 and experienced anxiety and panic attacks as a teenager. She later attempted suicide and required hospitalization. The man expressed deep regret in a letter, acknowledging the severity of his actions and suggesting he had been abused as a child. The judge noted the breach of trust and the man's remorse but reduced the headline sentence of seven years to five, with the final year suspended. The victim encouraged others who have been abused to come forward.
A profoundly deaf woman who was sexually abused by several male relatives over an 11-year period has expressed relief after four of her family members were convicted of 13 counts of abuse. The trial, which lasted 131 days, was the longest in the country's history. The woman, who suffered from severe language deprivation and lived in a dysfunctional family, described feeling trapped and controlled by her relatives. She said she only felt safe in her grandfather's company and at school. In her victim impact statement, she expressed a desire to be taken away by Tusla and given a new family. She credited her partner for making her feel safe and helping her escape the trauma. The court heard that the woman has complex PTSD and experienced suicidal ideation. The convicted men, including her uncle and three brothers, received sentences ranging from seven to 15 years. One brother is on the run, and his sentencing was postponed due to his absence.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and of child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations for a fourth day, after being given the option of returning a majority verdict. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of child cruelty of his now 17-year-old daughter on dates between 2015 and 2024. He has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He has further pleaded not guilty to two counts of child cruelty of his now 24-year-old daughter on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020. He also denies a charge of assault causing harm to this daughter on an unknown date in late 2021 to early 2022, after she had turned 18. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity. The alleged offending took place at two locations in the north-west of the country where the family was living at the relevant times.
An Offaly man, Patrick Killally, who was jailed for 11 years for the sexual abuse of two children, argued that his trial was unfair due to the admission of evidence about a third party confronting him after hearing him "roaring" at a child to come into a bedroom. Killally was convicted of multiple counts of sexual assault and rape of two boys over different periods. His defense claimed the evidence was more prejudicial than probative, as it was not related to the charges against him. The prosecution argued the evidence had probative value in discrediting Killally's claim that he had never been left to babysit the injured party. The court reserved judgment on the appeal, with the defense emphasizing the lack of evidence that Killally called the child into the bedroom and the other child's testimony that she was not abused.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and committing child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations tomorrow. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including one count of child cruelty against his 17-year-old daughter and two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He also denies charges of child cruelty against his 24-year-old daughter and assault causing harm. The alleged offenses took place in the north-west of the country, and the defendant is a serving member of the gardai on suspension. After a second day of deliberations, the judge instructed the jury to suspend their discussions for the evening and resume tomorrow. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity.
Derek Boyd, 31, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where both have pleaded not guilty to charges arising from an incident at a home in Dublin on June 9, 2024. Mr Boyd faces charges of murdering Mark Carroll, 34, threatening Megan Rock, and assaulting her. Ms Harcourt is accused of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person at the scene and later at Blanchardstown Garda Station. The jury heard from Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster that Mr Carroll died from a fatal stab wound to the chest, which penetrated the pericardial sac and right ventricle. She stated the injury was unsurvivable and caused haemorrhage and shock, with no contributory factors from alcohol or cocaine. Minor injuries consistent with a fight were also noted. The prosecution alleges Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. The jury was informed that Mr Boyd was on a suspended sentence for previously shooting his sister dead in a tragic accident. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Derek Boyd, a garda accused of murdering his partner Mark Carroll, was on a suspended sentence for the manslaughter of his sister when the alleged killing took place. The Central Criminal Court heard that Boyd and his partner Chantelle Harcourt are accused of impeding the prosecution by cleaning the scene. Megan Rock, Carroll's partner, testified that the evening was initially peaceful but turned violent when Boyd and Carroll had an argument. Rock said that Boyd threatened her and tried to set his dog on her, but she managed to escape. She denied that Carroll was a violent person and said that Boyd had previously shot his sister in a tragic accident. Boyd's legal team argued that he had a suspended sentence and was aware of the consequences of any physical altercation. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented, including the alleged threats and the circumstances surrounding the murder. Derek Boyd pleaded guilty.
George Gibney, the former Irish national swimming coach, has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls over 50 years ago. A Central Criminal Court jury found Gibney, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 74 charges, with five counts admitted by Gibney at the outset. The jury deliberated for over seven hours and returned 40 guilty verdicts. Gibney was extradited from Florida to face the historic allegations. The abuse occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and in his car. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered. Gibney will face a sentence hearing on July 29, with victim impact statements to be prepared for the sentencing.
A man who raped and sexually abused his 10-year-old niece while babysitting her has been jailed for 11 years. The now 35-year-old defendant was convicted of two counts of rape, 10 counts of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The abuse occurred between May 2019 and April 2021 at the family home in Dublin. The man, who is the girl's uncle, would occasionally stay with the family while homeless. The victim, in a victim impact statement, described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, stating that the man used her age and innocence against her. The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl's parents were out, and the man was in loco parentis. The victim expressed that she had to live with the consequences of the abuse every day, including suicidal ideation and self-harm. The man, who has no previous convictions, was originally from Romania and has lived in Ireland for many years.
A 48-year-old garda has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape, during his Central Criminal Court trial. His 17-year-old daughter testified that she grew up fearing physical punishment if she didn't finish her dinner, with her father using objects like sticks and spoons to enforce compliance. She described several incidents, including one where her father forced her hand into a door after an accident, and another where he hit her with a hairbrush after she refused to brush her hair. The girl also recounted being strangled during a tickling incident and witnessing her father allegedly choke her younger sister. She said her father showed photos of her weight loss to friends and family, making her feel uncomfortable. During cross-examination, she confirmed she had sought therapy and written a journal, but did not discuss it with her mother or grandmother. The trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and the jury.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for three years after being convicted of sexually assaulting and raping his young cousin between 2005 and 2008. The victim, who was aged between five and eight at the time, described repeated instances of abuse, including a final incident of oral rape. The court heard that the victim had kept the abuse secret for years before making a formal complaint in 2021. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's young age and the power imbalance. She acknowledged the accused's youth at the time of the offences but imposed a three-year sentence. The victim expressed that the abuse had a lasting impact on her life and that she had to remind herself that the family fallout was due to the abuse, not her speaking out. The accused's defence highlighted his stable relationship and positive testimonials from family and friends, but the court found no remorse. The trial concluded with the judge emphasizing the importance of the victim's courage in coming forward.
A murder accused, Derek Boyd, boarded a ferry in Belfast just hours after allegedly fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in their shared home in north Dublin, according to a garda CCTV examiner. Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with Carroll's murder, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The prosecution claims Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Harcourt is alleged to have attempted to clean the scene before gardai arrived. CCTV footage showed Carroll, his girlfriend Megan Rock, and the accused spending time together on June 8, 2024, at their home. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house clutching his chest, followed by Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. Garda Ronan Kelly detailed Boyd's movements, including his boarding of a ferry in Belfast. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty has testified that she "probably" showed a journal she was keeping to her mother. The daughter, now 24, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of her father, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of child cruelty against her and two counts of raping his wife. She described the family home as having an atmosphere of violence and threats, and she recounted an incident where her father ripped her earrings out when she was 10. She began keeping a journal in June 2024 after starting therapy with Jigsaw, which she titled "the story of my life – trauma edition." Under cross-examination, she said she was certain she did not show her mother the journal before making her statement, but admitted that if her mother had asked, she probably would have. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women and Mr Justice Sean Gillane, with the case expected to last two weeks.