During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Brian McHugh, 40, denied murdering Lisa Thompson, 52, who was found stabbed 11 times in the chest with a blind cord wrapped around her neck. McHugh claimed he had been "in and out" of Thompson's Ballymun home for the last three years, a statement he repeated when asked to explain the presence of his DNA on the cord and on jewellery seized from his Cairn Court residence. Forensic evidence showed a mixed DNA profile on the cord that could not exclude McHugh as a minor contributor, and DNA from the jewellery matched Thompson's. The prosecution also presented evidence that Thompson had been dealing prescription drugs and that she and McHugh had a brief affair the year before her death. McHugh pleaded not guilty and the trial continues before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor with a jury of four men and eight women.
Sean Kinneavy, 74, was sentenced to nine years' imprisonment for 47 counts of sexual assault and two rapes involving a girl aged 10‑15, who was 50 years his junior. The offences occurred between January 2013 and June 2018 in Dublin and Galway. Kinneavy was directed to pay €38,000 in compensation to the victim and her mother for financial losses incurred while caring for the victim. He maintains his innocence and has no prior convictions. The judge noted the persistent nature of the abuse, the breach of trust, and the impact on the victim, describing the crimes as "deplorable". A two‑year post‑release supervision order was also imposed. The sentence was back‑dated to the date he entered custody in November last year. The court considered Kinneavy's age and good character as mitigating factors, but found the repeated offences outweighed them. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and financial burden she endured.
A Spanish tourist, aged 33, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court that she was raped on January 1, 2019, in Dublin's city centre. She described feeling "like a doll" and having no strength, and that she was unable to consent due to alcohol or another drug. She recalled walking with the accused, a 33‑year‑old Louth man who is anonymous until the trial ends, and that he held her arm and waist tightly. She said he penetrated her vagina, though she has no clear memory of the act. She later claimed a second rape occurred in a B&B, where she was forced into anal sex. The accused denies any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to one count of rape. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.
During the trial, a forensic scientist presented evidence that a blood‑stained blind cord wrapped around the neck of 52‑year‑old mother‑of‑two Lisa Thompson contained a mixed DNA profile. The profile could not exclude Thompson as a major contributor and could not exclude 40‑year‑old accused Brian McHugh as a minor contributor. DNA from jewellery seized at McHugh's home also matched Thompson's DNA. The jury heard that Thompson had been dealing prescription drugs from her home and that she and McHugh had a brief relationship in the year before her death. Thompson was found dead in her home with multiple stab wounds and ligature strangulation. McHugh pleaded not guilty to her murder. The trial continues before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 20 February 2025, Raul‑Cosmin Tache, the brother‑in‑law of Daniel Blanaru, gave evidence about statements he made to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Tache confirmed that he had recorded Blanaru's claims that the accused had "beat her" and "cut her with a knife" and that he had been "desperate and crying" when he arrived at the house. Tache also stated that Blanaru said he had "beat up his wife" and was unsure whether he had killed her. Tache admitted he could not recall all the words spoken at the time, citing stress and panic, but acknowledged the statements were written down. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, continues with an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court heard that Brian McHugh, 40, allegedly tried to sell jewellery linked to Lisa Thompson, 52, to a cashier at an Applegreen service station in Swords on the night of Thompson's murder. The cashier, Staven Kadar, described McHugh as having dove tattoos, a sinister vibe, and offering a gem‑ring and other bands for €800, claiming they were worth €3,000. CCTV showed a Hyundai Tucson driven by a woman and McHugh into the station at 3:04 am on 9 May 2022. Garda searches recovered Thompson's house keys and medication from the wasteland beside the station, and jewellery from McHugh's bedroom. McHugh pleaded not guilty to Thompson's murder. The trial focused on these alleged attempts to sell the jewellery and the recovered items.
In a hearing at the Central Criminal Court, 70‑year‑old Zbigniew Bednarczyk was found guilty of manslaughter after fatally stabbing his 36‑year‑old son, Rafal Bednarczyk Jacyna, in the leg on 27 February 2023. Bednarczyk had originally been charged with murder but entered a plea to manslaughter, which the State accepted. The court heard that Rafal had serious mental health problems and had been admitted to hospital; Bednarczyk claimed he was trying to ensure his son took his medication, saying that if the son did not take it he would "go crazy". A witness described a physical altercation in which Bednarczyk allegedly pushed and kicked his son, who then struck him with a knife. The wound was a 11‑cm puncture that severed the femoral artery, causing hypovolemic shock. Bednarczyk's mother, Beata Przybylska‑Block, gave a victim impact statement describing the devastating effect on her life.
During the Central Criminal Court trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, accused of murdering his partner Larisa Serban, 26, his sister Simona Terezia Ciurar gave evidence. She stated that she does not remember her brother saying "I killed her" or "I put a knife in" the victim, despite earlier statements to Gardaí on 12 and 16 August 2022. Ciurar explained that she was crying and stressed when she made those statements and could not recall all the words. She confirmed that she had signed the statements and that she had called her brother Leon to check Serban's house after an argument. The jury heard that Ciurar's memory of the brother's words was uncertain, and the trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Central Criminal Court trial, a 33‑year‑old man, whose identity is protected for the duration of the proceeding, pleaded not guilty to a single count of rape committed on 1 January 2019. The alleged victim, a Spanish tourist, was in Dublin to celebrate New Year's Eve and, after a fireworks display, became separated from a companion. She later recalled being in a shop, feeling ill, and being approached by the defendant. She claimed the man held her tightly, kissed and touched her, and that she did not consent to sexual activity, which she said occurred around 2 a.m. The prosecution presented CCTV footage of the encounter and the subsequent walk to Dublin Castle, where the alleged rape took place. The jury was informed that the Director of Public Prosecutions had only charged the defendant, with no charges yet brought against a second man who was also alleged to have been involved.
The trial heard that the accused, Brian McHugh, 40, was identified on CCTV footage near Lisa Thompson's home by two Gardaí who noted his large stature, protruding ears and distinctive gait. A Detective Inspector denied that the identification process lacked impartiality. The jury was told that McHugh and Thompson had a brief relationship the year before her death. Gardaí found thousands of prescription tablets worth nearly €50,000 in Thompson's attic. McHugh, who lives at Cairn Court, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Thompson, 52, at Sandyhill Gardens on 9 May 2022. Evidence described Thompson's body with multiple stab wounds and a cord strangulation, and a mixed DNA profile on the cord. The trial continues before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury.
In the Rathmore murder trial, Narcisa Serban, sister of the victim Larisa Serban, denied that her husband Marcus Cranus had any sexual or violent involvement with Larisa. She called the defence's suggestion that she was "covering up" for her husband "nonsense" and described the claim of a prior sexual relationship as "disgraceful." Marcus Cranus, through a Romanian interpreter, denied any sexual relationship with Larisa and denied having performed chest compressions on her, stating he had only attempted cardiac massage because he was trained in first aid. He also denied any physical or violent struggle with Larisa. Witness Simona Terezia Ciurar confirmed that Daniel Blanaru had come to her house on the morning of the murder, claimed an argument with Larisa, and later tried to jump out of the car, an action stopped by her husband Raul. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) was described as sounding "desperate" and "panicked" when he spoke to his brother on a phone call, telling him to "go quick" to his home because he believed he had stabbed his partner, Larissa Serban (26). The court heard that the accused had also mentioned catching Larissa in bed with someone else. Narcisa Serban, Larissa's sister, testified that she arrived at the scene with her partner at about 5:30 am, finding Larissa in a "pool of blood" with "foam" at her mouth and a stiff body. She reported that Gardaí initially denied entry and later searched the house. The evidence will continue before Justice Eileen Creedon and an enlarged jury. Daniel Blanaru pleaded not guilty.
A 20‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to defilement after engaging in sexual activity with a 15‑year‑old girl in Co. Westmeath on 25 September 2021. The girl repeatedly said "No" but later gave "OK", and the defendant continued to have sex against her will. She reported the incident to Gardaí in October, after the defendant was arrested in May 2022 and denied the allegations. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing ongoing physical, emotional and educational harm. Mr Justice Paul McDermot noted the defendant's persistent refusal to accept responsibility and imposed a three‑year sentence, suspending 20 months on strict conditions, including probation, treatment programmes and no contact with the victim or her family. The defendant's letter of remorse was considered late in the process. The case was adjourned for updated reports. The defendant had no prior convictions.
Damian Szatkowski, 38, of Peachville, Kilshane, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty in October to the manslaughter of Marcel Kusenda, 48, in Newbridge, Co Kildare, on 8 March 2023. Szatkowski had moved into Kusenda's house shortly before the fatal incident and had previously assaulted the victim twice. He prevented a witness, Marytn Najder, from calling an ambulance and threatened her not to do so. The court heard that Szatkowski struck Kusenda twice in the nose and then kicked him three more times, leaving him unconscious in the bedroom for hours. Kusenda was later found with a large subdural hematoma and died on 10 March. The judge, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon, set a headline sentence of ten years, reduced to six and a half years after mitigation, including Szatkowski's guilty plea and apology. The sentence was backdated to his first custody in April 2023. The hearing included victim impact statements from Kusenda's son and sisters.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Cashen, a 12‑year‑old victim in 2004, recounted how Anthony Lynch, 75, repeatedly abused him at Lynch's Rathsallagh Park home. Lynch, already serving a long sentence for similar offences, was found guilty of anal rape, oral rape and two sexual assault counts between 2004 and 2007. Cashen, who has since struggled with trust, friendship, and substance addiction, gave a victim impact statement describing Lynch's ongoing psychological torment. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, imposed a global headline sentence of 12 years, but ruled Lynch would serve an additional three years consecutively to his current term, extending his release to 2033. Lynch was also ordered to be supervised by the Probation Service for two years after release. The sentencing considered Lynch's age, medical conditions, and lack of a guilty plea.
Martin Burke, 28, of Ballinorig Estate, Tralee, was on bail when he strangled a woman at 3 am on 18 December 2022 and then repeatedly raped her. He pleaded guilty to four counts – rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault – and was sentenced by the Central Criminal Court to 17 years, with the final two years suspended. The sentence was reduced from an initial headline of 22 years after mitigation. Burke is to remain under Probation Services supervision for five years post‑release, must keep the peace and be of good behaviour, and is prohibited from any contact with the victim. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the attack as an unspeakable ordeal and expressed ongoing fear and trauma. The judge noted Burke's history of 17 prior convictions and that he was on bail for similar offences at the time of the attack.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Daniel Blanaru (37) denied murdering his partner, Larisa Serban (26). A witness, Adriana Kovaciu, testified that she overheard Blanaru on a phone call with his brother, claiming he had caught Serban in bed with another man and stabbed her. She and her family rushed to the Athboy house where Serban lived, finding her on the floor with a large blood pool and a chest cut. Serban was declared dead after no pulse was found. Kovaciu also recalled a prior argument where Serban had a bruised elbow and was frightened. Blanaru has pleaded not guilty to the murder, and the trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury. The prosecution maintains that Blanaru intended to kill or seriously injure Serban.
Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, denied during cross-examination at the Central Criminal Court that he fabricated allegations against his co-accused to evade responsibility for the death of Robert Robin Wilkin, aged 66. Mr Vial, who has pleaded not guilty to murder, maintains he did not strike the deceased with a rock. He claims his co-accused, Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, struck Mr Wilkin twice on the back of the head with a rock during an altercation in a vehicle near Roshine on 25 June 2023. Ms Burns has also pleaded not guilty to murder. During cross-examination, Mr Vial acknowledged providing false accounts to gardaí during interviews but insisted his current testimony is truthful. He confirmed wading into Teelin Pier to wash blood from his clothing but denied this indicated culpability. The trial continues.
Damien Donnan, serving a life sentence for the manslaughter of his mother Jennifer in 2000, is seeking to quash a decision that refused him parole. Donnan, who was 18 at the time of the offence, was convicted after a trial in February 2002. He had originally been charged with murder but was found guilty of manslaughter. The offence involved a dispute over a cigarette, during which Donnan broke his mother's neck and strangled her. In 2006 he received a suspended life sentence, but the suspension was removed in 2007 after he failed to comply with medication and drug‑abuse conditions. The High Court is hearing his application to overturn the parole board's refusal, which was made in September 2024. Donnan's lawyers argue that the board conflated Sections 13 and 30 of the Parole Act, creating an error in law. The court has adjourned the application for leave to seek judicial review to the following month.
A jury has been empanelled to hear the trial of Daniel Blanaru, 37, who is accused of murdering his partner, 26‑year‑old Larisa Serban, in Rathmore, County Meath, on 12 August 2022. Blanaru pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court. The trial will begin tomorrow before Justice Eileen Creedon, with a jury of seven men and five women. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Eilis Brennan SC, and Blanaru's counsel is Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC.
A 17‑year‑old pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Defence Forces chaplain Fr Paul Murphy, who was stabbed on 15 August 2024 at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore Barracks, Galway. The teenager was 16 when the attack occurred and is not identified because of his age. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered a probation report from Oberstown Detention Centre and adjourned the case to 7 March for a sentencing hearing. Fr Murphy, aged in his 50s, will be invited to give a victim impact statement. He received treatment for multiple stab wounds at University Hospital Galway.
A geologist has given evidence at the Central Criminal Court that a bloodied rock allegedly used in the murder of a pensioner near Sliabh Liag in Donegal was most likely transported to the scene by human activity rather than occurring naturally there. Dr Sophie O'Connor of the Geological Survey Ireland told the trial she used Google Street View to trace a rock matching the alleged murder weapon to a wall on Roshin Road between Sliabh Liag and Killybegs. The 3.5-kilogramme quartzite rock bore strong similarities in shape, size and lichen staining to the rock recovered by gardaí, she said. DNA evidence previously heard matched the rock to the deceased, Robert Robin' Wilkin, aged 66. Alan Vial of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs and Nikita Burns of Carrick both deny his murder on 25 June 2023. The prosecution case has now concluded, with closing speeches to begin on Monday. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty. Nikita Burns pleaded not guilty.
The jury that had been sworn to hear the murder trial of Brian McHugh, a 40‑year‑old accused of killing Lisa Thompson, was discharged by Justice Karen O'Connor after an issue arose. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, had been sworn in earlier this week and the case had opened the following day. Justice O'Connor thanked the jurors for their service and announced that a new panel would be sworn in at the Central Criminal Court on Monday. The trial remains ongoing. Brian McHugh pleaded not guilty.
Calvin Dunne, 24, was convicted of the manslaughter of Dylan McCarthy and violent disorder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned a 10-2 majority verdict for manslaughter and a unanimous guilty verdict for violent disorder, acquitting Dunne of murder. Dunne had pleaded not guilty to all charges, alleging self-defence during a melee outside a pub in Monasterevin on August 21-22, 2022. Co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, with a charge of violent disorder taken into consideration. Following a defence application, Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of murder, a charge he had denied. After the verdicts, Ms Justice Biggs remanded Dunne in custody, rejecting his request to remain on bail. Kavanagh was permitted to continue on bail. The matter was adjourned to May 12 to allow time for the preparation of probation reports for both defendants, a Governor's report for Dunne, and Victim Impact Statements from the McCarthy family.
The murder trial of Brian McHugh, 40, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury. McHugh, of Ballymun, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Lisa Thompson, 52, at Sandyhill Gardens on May 9, 2022. Prosecution counsel Fiona Murphy SC outlined that Ms Thompson's body was found with multiple chest stab wounds and a window blind cord around her neck. A mixed DNA profile on the cord could not exclude McHugh as a minor contributor. Witness Sandra McMahon testified that Ms Thompson dealt prescription drugs, including Zimovane, from her home and had given a neighbour €20,000 to hold in case of a Garda raid. Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan stated the cause of death was a combination of ligature strangulation and eleven stab wounds to the left chest, including six penetrating the heart. She noted it was impossible to determine which injury occurred first or if both were inflicted by the same person. Detective Garda Janette O'Neill reported the property was ransacked with no signs of forced entry. The trial continues tomorrow.
Martin Hayes, aged 34, was convicted of manslaughter for the 2017 death of Amadea McDermott, aged 27, after a domestic‑violence relationship. He was found not guilty of murder by a majority verdict in the Central Criminal Court. Hayes admitted using violence against McDermott and was sentenced to 12 years and six months' imprisonment. He appealed, arguing that evidence from a subsequent partner, Niamh Higgins, was highly prejudicial. Higgins had testified that Hayes had helped her stab herself and that she feared he might be released on bail. Hayes' counsel claimed this evidence should have led to a jury discharge, while the prosecution contended it was irrelevant and outweighed by other evidence. The Court of Appeal will decide the appeal at a later date.
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness told how he harboured growing concerns about his sister's wellbeing in the period preceding an alleged murder in Donegal. The brother of Nikita Burns said he was worried that she had ceased taking prescribed medication for her bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety, and that she appeared to be consuming alcohol during daylight hours. Burns and Alan Vial, both of Co Donegal, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Wilkin, a 66-year-old whose body was recovered from the sea beneath Sliabh Liag in June 2023. State Pathologist Dr Margot Bolster informed the jury that whilst the fall down the cliff complicated her assessment, she identified two depressed fractures to the back of the deceased's skull inconsistent with cliff-fall injuries and consistent with blunt force trauma. A rock recovered from the cliff top bearing blood and hair matching the deceased was presented as evidence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
The jury in the trial of 24‑year‑old Calvin Dunne, charged with the murder of 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy outside the Bellyard pub in Monasterevin, has been informed that a majority verdict is now permissible. The case, heard at the Central Criminal Court, involves an incident on 22 August 2022 in which McCarthy was struck on the head by Dunne, who claims he was acting in self‑defence. Witnesses described a "loud thud" when McCarthy was hit, and the State alleges that Dunne delivered a punch and a "vicious kick" to the head. Dunne denies the murder charge and has pleaded not guilty to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Justice Caroline Burns explained that the jury can now return a ten‑to‑two majority verdict if unanimity cannot be achieved, and the deliberations will continue for a further 30 minutes before the next day's session. The jury remains at its fourth day of deliberation.
The body of Lisa Thompson, aged 52, was discovered inside her home in Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun, with multiple stab wounds to the chest and a window blind cord wrapped around her neck. A mixed DNA profile was found on the cord, indicating that Thompson could not be excluded as a major contributor and the accused, Brian McHugh, could not be excluded as a minor contributor. Gardai recovered jewellery linked to Thompson from McHugh's home and found her medication and house keys during a search of the wasteland. CCTV footage shows a Hyundai Tucson, owned by a named woman, arriving at the scene, with McHugh exiting the vehicle and later returning to refuel it. The prosecution will present evidence of a neighbour's testimony, CCTV, DNA, and forensic findings, while McHugh has pleaded not guilty to Thompson's murder. The trial is set to continue before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, has continued its deliberations for a third day. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy, 29, on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. The State alleges Dunne punched and kicked McCarthy in the head while he was on the ground. Dunne maintains he acted in self-defence, claiming he lightly kicked McCarthy in the chest. Eyewitness David O'Neill testified that he heard a loud thud and saw McCarthy's eyes roll back after being struck in the head, though he admitted being highly intoxicated and acknowledged it was possible Dunne hit the chest. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury that they could find Dunne guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. In a separate matter, co-accused Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, at the same location and date. A charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. Kavanagh had previously denied a charge of murder, to which Ms Justice Biggs directed the jury to find him not guilty. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, was requested to review the transcript of O'Neill's evidence and will continue deliberating tomorrow.
A judge has warned that the governor of the Midlands Prison will be summoned to the Central Criminal Court to explain why a psychiatrist hired by defence lawyers was denied access to a prisoner awaiting a murder trial on two separate occasions. The prisoner, who is in custody, is seeking a psychiatric assessment to determine whether he qualifies for a defence under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act, which allows a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity or manslaughter due to diminished responsibility. Mr Justice Paul McDermott has repeatedly highlighted that the lack of psychiatric services in Ireland forces lawyers to seek experts abroad, causing significant trial delays and increasing trauma for victims' families. The defence team, represented by Morgan Shelley BL, secured a UK psychiatrist who was scheduled to meet the prisoner twice, only to have the meetings cancelled by the prison without explanation.
A 50-year-old woman, November Phelan, was remanded in custody until March 3, when she will be sentenced, following a sentence hearing at the Central Criminal Court. Phelan pleaded guilty to manslaughter when she was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court, admitting to the charge of manslaughter when she fatally stabbed her partner, David Ennis (36), in a Dublin apartment. The court heard that Phelan used excessive force in self-defence, claiming she was in 'total fear' and did not intend to kill him. The incident occurred in the early hours of November 8, 2022, at Claddagh Court in Ballyfermot. The court was informed that Phelan and Ennis had been in a relationship for two to three years, during which drugs were a significant factor. The deceased had a history of drug use and had suffered a fall from a balcony a few days before the incident. CCTV footage showed Ennis arriving at Claddagh Court at 11.30pm on November 7, and Phelan arriving around 1.20am on the morning of November 8. The court heard that Phelan had a history of 26 previous convictions, mostly for public order offences and non-appearance before court. The matter was adjourned and will be finalised on March 3, when the sentence will be determined.
Brian McHugh, aged 40, is set to stand trial for the murder of Lisa Thompson, aged 52, who was found dead in Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun, Dublin 11, on 9 May 2022. He was arraigned at the Central Criminal Court and pleaded not guilty. Mr Justice Paul Burns has convened a jury of eight men and four women, and the trial is scheduled to commence tomorrow and is expected to last three weeks.
Alan Vial, aged 39, of Drumanoo Head, Killybegs, County Donegal, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Robert Robin Wilkin, a 66-year-old pensioner, on 25 June 2023 in Donegal. Mr Wilkin's body was recovered eight days later in the sea below Sliabh Liag cliffs. During interview at Ballyshannon Garda Station, Mr Vial acknowledged a physical altercation at the cliff-top location but maintained that Mr Wilkin was alive and breathing when he last saw him. He denied striking the deceased with a rock or throwing him from the cliff, though he acknowledged placing Mr Wilkin over a fence approximately four metres from the cliff edge. Nikita Burns, aged 23, of Carrick, County Donegal, has also pleaded not guilty to the charge. The trial is proceeding before the Central Criminal Court.
Edmund O'Sullivan, 32, was sentenced to 15 years in prison with an eight‑year post‑release supervision order after the Central Criminal Court heard that he had stabbed and raped a woman in her bedroom just ten days after his release from a three‑year sentence for a knife attack. The court noted O'Sullivan's 108 previous convictions, including four for assaults on women, and that his prior partly suspended sentences had failed to change his behaviour. The judge emphasised the need for close monitoring and protection of society, particularly women, and highlighted the victim's traumatic impact statement. O'Sullivan pleaded guilty to rape, anal rape and threats to kill, and the court set a headline sentence of 23 years before imposing 16 years, suspending the final year on strict conditions. The case was placed in the 15‑years‑to‑life category.
The trial of Calvin Dunne, 24, accused of the murder of Dylan McCarthy, is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Dunne, of Monasterevin, Co Kildare, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr McCarthy on or about August 22, 2022, and to violent disorder on August 21, 2022, at Dublin Road, Monasterevin. His co-accused, Sean Kavanagh, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on Eamon McCarthy, the deceased's father, on the same date and location; a charge of violent disorder was taken into consideration. The judge directed the jury to find Kavanagh not guilty of the murder charge he had denied. Defence counsel argued that Dunne acted in self-defence and that the jury must acquit if there is any doubt regarding whether Dunne kicked the deceased in the face or chest. The State alleges the kick to the head caused death, while the defence cites pathologist evidence that the cause of fatal injury is indistinguishable. The judge outlined three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The matter is currently at the trial stage, with the judge's legal charge to the jury continuing.
The jury has begun deliberations in a trial involving three men accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman they met at a Dublin nightclub nearly six years ago. The defendants, aged 39, 42, and 34, each pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of rape, oral rape, and sexual assault, with alleged incidents occurring in a car and a Dublin house on 31 August 2019. Mr Justice Paul Burns delivered his charge to the jury at the Central Criminal Court and, after about an hour of discussion, instructed the jurors to pause for the day and resume tomorrow.
Sean Kavanagh (26) was found not guilty of murder by direction of the trial judge, but remains in the case until the jury gives a verdict. He and co‑accused Calvin Dunne (24) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy (29) and to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Kavanagh pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Eamon McCarthy. He claimed he was defending himself after a fight spilled onto the street from the Bellyard pub, stating a large man in his 50s had attacked him and he responded to protect a friend. The prosecution argued that McCarthy died after punches and a "vicious kick" from Dunne, citing CCTV and a pathologist's report of a tear to the vertebral artery. The trial continues tomorrow.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a woman alleged she was raped and sexually assaulted by three men she met at a nightclub. The prosecution presented her testimony as "dignified and credible," emphasizing that she did not consent. Defence counsel argued her memory was unreliable and that the men's accounts were more consistent with the evidence. The three accused, aged 34 to 42, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape, oral rape and sexual assault, involving incidents in a car and a Dublin house on 31 August 2019. The trial examined CCTV footage, WhatsApp messages, and video clips recorded by the accused, with counsel from each side questioning the reliability of the woman's statements and the interpretation of the evidence. The case remains ongoing.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, DNA profiles matching two of the three men accused of raping a woman at a Dublin nightclub were found on her clothing. The forensic examiner reported saliva and seminal fluid on the bra and underwear, with DNA from the first and third accused identified, while the second's DNA was not found. Whatsapp exchanges showed the men arranged to meet the day before their September 2020 Garda interviews. The accused, aged 34 to 42, pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape, oral rape and sexual assault at an unknown location, a car and a Dublin house on 31 August 2019. The prosecution's case has rested; the trial continues before Mr Justice Burns and a jury.
A 36‑year‑old man was sentenced to a global term of nine years, with the final year suspended for the rape and sexual assault of his younger sister. The victim, now 30, disclosed the abuse to her family on the night of the Late Late Toy Show because she could not face another Christmas with him at the table. She was about seven when the abuse began in 2001, and the man was 14, with the abuse continuing until 2008 when he was around 20. The court found him guilty of two counts of anal rape and two counts of sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault before the trial and to two counts of oral rape during the trial. The judge noted the abuse escalated and included violence, and imposed the suspended year on strict conditions. The unnamed 36-year-old was convicted.
In a Central Criminal Court jury hearing, State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers confirmed that 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy died from a traumatic head and spinal injury caused by blunt force trauma, but she could not identify whether a punch or a kick caused the fatal blow. The State alleges McCarthy was assaulted outside a pub in Kildare by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24), who claim self‑defence, and that McCarthy was also involved in the violence that night. Both men pleaded not guilty to murder, violent disorder and, in Kavanagh's case, assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. Dr Okkers described extensive haemorrhaging, brain swelling, and spinal cord damage, noting that CCTV made it impossible to determine the specific blow that caused the fatal injury. The trial will resume next Monday before Justice Caroline Biggs and a 12‑person jury.
During the sentencing of Robert Murphy, 42, at the Central Criminal Court, the mother of 23‑year‑old Jamie Kavanagh, Niamh McGuinness, spoke of her grief, describing her loss as a "wound that is wide open." Murphy had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but was found guilty of murder after a jury deliberated for almost five hours. He was sentenced to life in prison, back‑dated to the date he entered custody on 19 April 2023. The court heard that Murphy had 66 previous convictions, including for knives, firearms and arson, and that he had been found with blood‑stained clothing, a balaclava and knives. McGuinness's victim impact statement detailed the emotional devastation she and her family endured, while the judge expressed regret at the harrowing nature of the trial.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, an eyewitness described a violent incident in Kildare where 29‑year‑old Dylan McCarthy was struck in the head, leading to his death. The State alleged that McCarthy was punched by Sean Kavanagh (26) and Calvin Dunne (24) before Dunne delivered a "vicious kick" to McCarthy's head while he was attempting to rise. Both men claim self‑defence and that McCarthy was involved in the violence that night. They have pleaded not guilty to murder and to violent disorder, and Kavanagh also pleaded not guilty to assault causing harm to McCarthy's father. The witness recounted hearing a "loud thud" like a football kick and observed McCarthy lying flat on the ground when struck. The trial continues before Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury of ten men and two women.
The trial of three men accused of raping a woman in Dublin and Wicklow in August 2019 continues at the Central Criminal Court. The accused, aged 34, 39, and 42, have all pleaded not guilty to a total of seven counts of rape, oral rape, and sexual assault. The 42-year-old second accused, with a Wicklow address, faces two counts of rape, allegedly occurring in his car and a house. The 39-year-old first accused, from Dublin, is charged with one count of rape at his home, one count of oral rape, and one count of sexual assault in a car. The 34-year-old third accused, also from Dublin, faces one count of oral rape in the house and one count of sexual assault in a car. During testimony, the second accused told gardai the complainant was 'in control' and that the group 'had a laugh.' He denied the woman was intoxicated or forced, stating she was 'conscious and allowing.' The court heard video clips where a female voice says 'no,' which the accused claimed were refusals of specific acts rather than rape. The men deny all wrongdoing, and the trial is ongoing.
A pensioner had engaged in an aggressive altercation with the man accused of his murder just three days before he was allegedly beaten with a rock and thrown from Ireland's highest cliffs, the Central Criminal Court heard today. Bruce Vial, brother of the accused Alan Vial, testified that on 22 June 2023 the defendant and his co-accused Nikita Burns visited his home with the deceased Robert Robin' Wilkin. During that visit, an altercation occurred between Vial and Wilkin, with both men shouting aggressively at each other. The following Sunday, after Wilkin's alleged death at Sliabh Liag in County Donegal, Vial and Burns returned to clean Vial's car using his vacuum cleaner. The vacuum was later found to contain what the witness believed was "red wine vomit". The trial also heard evidence from the manager of Mac's Bar in Dunkineely, who witnessed Wilkin strike Burns on the arm during a minor argument on the night in question. Alan Vial pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed Ian Connaghan's appeal against the severity of his sentence for the manslaughter of Michael Mulvey. In July 2023, a Central Criminal Court jury acquitted both Ian and his brother, Daniel Connaghan, of murder but convicted Ian of manslaughter and Daniel of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. In December 2023, Mr Justice Burns sentenced Ian to nine years' imprisonment with the final year suspended, while Daniel received five years with the final year suspended. Appealing on the basis that the sentencing judge erred by placing the offence in the high culpability band, counsel for Ian argued the case fit the medium range. However, Mr Justice Edwards, delivering the judgment, upheld the original sentencing. The court found that the second attack involved significant premeditation, as the brothers had "lain in wait" for the victim. Citing the "sheer viciousness" of the assaults and the victim's inability to defend himself, the court determined these aggravating factors justified the high culpability classification. The appeal was rejected, confirming the validity of the sentences imposed.
At the Central Criminal Court, a witness has testified that a woman accused of murdering a 66-year-old man told him she had "battered" the victim with a rock and "liked it". Chris Quinn recalled that Nikita Burns, aged 23 of Carrick, County Donegal, arrived at his home around midnight on the night after the alleged offence in June 2023. She told him and others present that she was a "murderer" and recounted an incident involving an argument with the deceased, Robert Robin Wilkin. A separate recording of a phone conversation with another witness captured Ms Burns stating that she and her co-accused Alan Vial, aged 39 of Killybegs, had driven until 3am before pushing Mr Wilkin off Sliabh Liag cliffs. She also mentioned blood on the car roof. Both Ms Burns and Mr Vial have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Ms Burns pleaded guilty to impeding prosecution but the prosecution did not accept this plea. The trial before Mr Justice Paul McDermott continues.
Kielan Mooney, a 30-year-old Defence Forces member from Derry, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to eight and a half years' imprisonment for the repeated rape of a fellow soldier. Mooney, who pleaded not guilty to six charges including two counts of rape, two of oral rape, one of anal rape, and one of sexual assault, was convicted by a jury on three counts: rape, oral rape, and anal rape. The jury failed to reach a verdict on the remaining three charges. Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed a global sentence of eight and a half years, backdated to Mooney's initial custody in December. The judge also ordered a two-year post-release supervision period, requiring Mooney to engage with the Probation Service. Mr Justice Hunt stated he had intended to reduce the headline sentence by two years but withheld this reduction after finding he was "significantly misled" by mitigation material describing Mooney as a "dedicated father." The judge labelled these claims a "false prospectus" and a "gross overstatement," noting evidence that Mooney had no meaningful contact with his children. The victim, a serving soldier, read a statement detailing the impact on her life and career. Mooney's legal team argued the initial encounter was consensual, but the judge rejected suggestions of false allegations, describing Mooney's actions as "selfish, arrogant and forceful."
The Central Criminal Court has set a trial date for a 17‑year‑old boy accused of attempting to murder Fr Paul Murphy, a 52‑year‑old army chaplain, at Dún Uí Mhaoilíosa, Renmore, Galway, on 15 August 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott scheduled the trial for 6 May 2025. The case will be revisited on 12 February to report on the progress of evidence disclosure.