A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV footage showing Mark Carroll running from a house in north Dublin clutching his chest, followed by Derek Boyd, the accused in his murder. The footage, presented by Garda Ronan Kelly, showed Carroll arriving at the house on June 8, 2024, and spending time with his girlfriend Megan Rock and Boyd. At 5:30 pm, all three were seen outside the house. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house, followed by Rock, and then 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. The footage also showed Boyd leaving the house, shouting, and running back inside. He was later seen climbing over the roof and into a back garden before boarding a taxi. Boyd and his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of seven men and five women.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
The jury in the trial of a former sports coach accused of abusing four girls over 40 years ago has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts of indecent assault. The 77-year-old accused man was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. He had pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 in various locations across the country. The judge, Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins, directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts following legal submissions and the absence of supporting evidence. The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons. The jury has been instructed to consider the remaining 41 counts after hearing closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. The prosecution, led by James Dwyer SC, emphasized the difficulty of proving older allegations and the importance of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A woman has denied allegations that she made a rape claim against her garda husband to get him out of the family home. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping her in 2009 and 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one of assault against his daughters. The complainant described two incidents of rape, stating she felt numb and ended the marriage. She said she only spoke to gardai after a Tusla investigation. Under cross-examination, she confirmed she was still living in the family home and that the marriage was not finalised. She denied that she made the criminal complaint to get her husband out of the house. The trial continues before a jury in Dublin.
During the trial of Riad Bouchaker, his lawyers argued that the judge should direct a not guilty verdict on two of the attempted murder charges. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the application, stating there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach a safe guilty verdict. The defence did not seek an acquittal for the girl who suffered the most serious injuries but argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the other girl and the boy. The judge said the jury could reasonably infer that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing the use of a knife towards a small child and the persistence of his actions. He also noted that the boy's injury was likely caused by Bouchaker. The judge agreed to introduce alternative verdicts on the attempted murder charges, allowing the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on attempted murder but guilty of causing serious harm.
A murder trial jury has been informed that CCTV footage shows the moment a man was fatally stabbed and ran from a house in north Dublin with his hand on his chest. Derek Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Mark Carroll, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The State alleges that Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with the intent to kill or cause serious harm. Ms Harcourt is accused of making an effort to clean the scene before gardai arrived, though not successfully. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Carroll and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Boyd. Prosecuting counsel Sean Guerin SC outlined that Mr Carroll was fatally stabbed on June 9, 2024, at the home of the two accused.
A garda has gone on trial accused of child cruelty and the rape of his wife. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the 48-year-old man was allegedly a violent and domineering father and husband who subjected two of his daughters to unreasonable chastisement for most of their childhood. Prosecuting counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, told the jury that the man is alleged to have neglected his eldest daughter for most of her childhood and is charged with child cruelty against her on an unknown date between 2007 and 2013, and again between 2013 and 2020. He is also alleged to have assaulted this complainant causing her harm sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, after she had turned 18. The man is also charged with child cruelty of another daughter on an unknown date between 2015 and 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on two occasions in June 2009 and November 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one count of assault causing harm.
The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court before requesting transcripts of evidence and barristers' speeches. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sent the jury home, instructing them to return the following day when the requested documents will be provided. Bouchaker, 52, of no fixed address, is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children using a 36cm carving knife, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and Frenchman Alan Guille. He is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. All incidents are alleged to have occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In his closing remarks, the judge outlined the legal standards for attempted murder, emphasizing that the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill. He noted that if the prosecution fails to prove attempted murder, the jury may consider alternative verdicts, such as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm for the first charge, or assault causing harm for the second and third charges. The judge urged the jury to apply a logical analysis, setting aside emotions, and reminded them that justice is determined in court, not by external actions. The matter remains ongoing as the jury awaits the requested materials to resume their deliberations.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The alleged offences occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Mr Bouchaker is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. During his charge to the jury of nine men and three women, Mr Justice Tony Hunt outlined the verdict options. Regarding the first charge, which alleges an attempt to murder a five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart resulting in severe brain damage, the judge stated that if the jury is not satisfied of an intent to kill, they may find him guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. He described a finding of not guilty of any criminal endeavour as a "theoretical option" that was not strongly argued by the defence. For the second and third attempted murder charges, the judge noted that if the prosecution fails to prove its case, the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm, while again characterizing a not guilty verdict as a theoretical possibility. The judge informed the jury that they would begin their deliberations that afternoon. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
A couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
A sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s told gardaí he had never heard of some of the complainants. During his trial, the accused, now 77, claimed that two of the complainants were never in his house and that he had never heard of a third. He was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. The prosecution alleges that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and attempted rape. The man has pleaded not guilty to the remaining 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981, and the complainants came forward to gardai between 2021 and 2022. The prosecution case has now closed, and the jury will reconvene the following day.
A sister of one of the four women allegedly abused by their sports coach around 50 years ago testified that her sister was a 'completely different person' the day after the alleged attempted rape. The complainant, who was around 12 years old at the time, described how she stopped wearing skirts and started wearing jeans to protect herself from the alleged abuse. The accused, now 77, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and attempted rape. The complainant denied the defense's assertion that she was lying about the abuse. The trial continues with the prosecution alleging that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. The defense has challenged the complainant's account, but she maintained that the abuse occurred. The jury has heard that the accused has pleaded guilty to some counts but remains not guilty to others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and the jury.
Ciaran Tate, 29, of Claremorris, Co Mayo, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in November 2024. Following a trial, a jury convicted Tate of aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm, and false imprisonment, while acquitting him of non-fatal strangulation and making threats to kill. The court heard that Tate, who has no previous convictions, assaulted a stranger in her hotel room after she rejected his advances. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight and a half years in mitigation for his lack of prior convictions, co-operation, and remorse. The final 12 months of the sentence are suspended on strict conditions, requiring Tate to engage with interventions addressing sexually harmful behaviour. He is also subject to three years of post-release supervision and a prohibition on contacting the injured party. The judge noted that while Tate expressed horror, his victim empathy was limited due to his tendency to distance himself from the events. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
A 30-year-old man from Carlow has been jailed for seven years after admitting to grooming, raping, and sexually abusing his partner's 13-year-old niece. The abuse occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 in the home they shared. The victim, who was 13 to 14 years old at the time, described the abuse as starting with inappropriate touching and progressing to oral rape. The court heard that the defendant sent the victim text messages, including one where he wrote, "I like what we have, it's weird I shouldn't really." The abuse ended when the girl confided in her mother. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The defendant, who has a history of addiction and violence, expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the victim's courage in coming forward, sentencing him to seven years for the oral rape and eight years and three months for the sexual assault, both to run concurrently.
A woman has told a Central Criminal Court jury that her sports coach attempted to rape her when she was 12 years old during a summer camp over 50 years ago. The now 79-year-old accused man is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old. The man pleaded guilty before the jury to a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976. The third complainant told the court that the man started paying more attention to her and offered her lifts. The first incident occurred while she was in the car alone with him, where he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.
Industrial action by criminal solicitors has led to the adjournment of numerous cases in the Criminal Courts of Justice due to a dispute over proposed legal aid reforms. Solicitors are protesting a shift to a flat fee model for legal aid cases, replacing the current system of payment per appearance. This has resulted in the adjournment of cases involving legally aided defendants on bail, with defense barristers not attending or being instructed. The impact was felt in multiple courtrooms, including Court 5 and Court 7, where cases were adjourned to October or November. In the Central Criminal Court, 13 sexual offense cases were affected, with solicitors unable to assist due to the ongoing dispute. The court acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the dispute but set trial dates for some cases, expressing hope that the issues would be resolved soon.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.
A woman described being in a state of panic and shame after allegedly being abused by a former sports coach in the 1970s and 1980s. The complainant, now 79, testified in the Central Criminal Court that she felt ashamed of her behavior and was confused about what she was doing to the coach's wife. The defendant, who cannot be named, is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls, with the complainant detailing incidents of inappropriate touching and abuse. The second complainant described being touched by the defendant in her bedroom and at a sports facility, expressing feelings of shame and confusion. The defense argued that the abuse occurred only in the office and that the complainant may have been consenting. The prosecution emphasized the prolonged nature of the abuse and the impact on the complainant's life. Additional witnesses, including the complainant's school friends, testified about the abuse and the lack of support from adults. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of consent and diminished responsibility. The unnamed 79-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The trial of Ahmed Abdirahman, a Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast, is set to proceed after a psychiatric issue in the case has 'melted away'. The court previously raised concerns about Abdirahman's mental health, but the prosecution now states the case is ready for trial. Abdirahman is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her home in south Belfast. The case was delayed due to the defense's failure to engage with a psychiatrist, but progress was made when Abdirahman spoke to a psychiatrist on one occasion. The defense now seeks a trial date, with the court listing the case for mention on July 3 and indicating an early trial date. The prosecution emphasized that there is no issue with Abdirahman's fitness to be tried, and the trial is expected to last three weeks. The case continues with the court preparing for the trial and addressing any remaining legal issues.
Aaron Connolly, who was previously convicted of murdering Cameron Reilly but had his conviction quashed on appeal, has been given a date for his retrial at the Central Criminal Court. The retrial is set for November 23, with a management date set for July 24. Connolly's original trial lasted three weeks, and the retrial is expected to extend into a fourth week. The Court of Appeal found that remarks made by the trial judge may have been perceived as disparaging of the defense case and advocacy for the prosecution. Connolly, who is now 26, was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including living with his parents and not leaving the house unaccompanied. The murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly occurred on May 26, 2018, in Dunleer, Co Louth. During his trial, Connolly admitted to performing oral sex on Reilly but claimed he left him alive. The original conviction was quashed due to concerns about the trial judge's comments influencing the jury. The retrial will address these issues and determine Connolly's guilt in the murder of Cameron Reilly. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
Gary Byrne and James Reilly, both convicted sex offenders, were jailed for 10 years each for drugging and attempting to rape a teenager in 2016. The men lured the victim to their home under the pretense of a house party before giving him an intoxicant, rendering him unable to move. They sexually assaulted him on the street and again in their home, with Reilly attempting to anally rape him. The victim suffered severe and lasting harm, leading to a loss of identity and self-worth. The court noted the aggravating factors, including the men's previous convictions and the use of an intoxicating substance. Both men were sentenced to 11 years with the final year suspended, and a three-year post-release supervision order was imposed. The victim expressed a desire for the men to be identified and encouraged others to come forward if they had been sexually assaulted.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and other assaults on children and a teenager at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. The jury heard evidence from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan regarding Bouchaker's first police interview on December 20, 2023, conducted with a French-Arabic interpreter and his solicitor present. During the interview, Bouchaker stated he did not want to kill and described the incident as a mistake, saying he found himself with a knife and blood. He expressed a desire for the gardai to do whatever they wanted, citing a belief that the outcome was in the hands of God. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan SC noted that Bouchaker was interviewed seven times in total. The trial is ongoing, with the jury scheduled to hear the second interview next, followed by the final interview and memos of other sessions. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
A young man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl and filmed her has been given a suspended 18-month sentence for defilement and producing child sexual abuse material. The 20-year-old from Limerick pleaded guilty to three counts of defilement and one count of producing child pornography. He claimed he thought the girl was 16 years old, but the victim maintained she told him she was 14. The court heard that there was no evidence of force, coercion, degradation, or humiliation. The judge set a headline sentence of three and a half years but reduced it to 18 months, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea, his youth, and his personal circumstances. The sentence was suspended for two years on conditions, including attending counseling. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting mental health effects of the incident, and the defendant's father testified about his son's traumatic childhood and caregiving responsibilities.
Almost 200 witnesses are involved in the case of Michael Kelley, a former US soldier charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine. A nine-week trial is set to begin in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in January 2027. Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Gaine, 56, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and 21, 2025. The court was told that there are 191 witnesses in the book of evidence, and the case is estimated to last up to nine weeks. Kelley is currently in custody in Cork Prison, and video arrangements have been made for his appearance on video-link. His defense team has informed the court that his solicitor, Patrick Mann, is applying to cease acting for him, and Frank Buttimer has been retained as his new solicitor. The trial was set for January 11, 2027, in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, as the court could not allocate a case of this length to Cork.
A 70-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of his daughter between 1994 and 1996. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse occurred in the child's bedroom while her mother was working nights. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, came forward with the allegations in 2023 after encountering her father unexpectedly. The accused denied all wrongdoing and attributed the allegations to the victim's mental health issues. The court heard that the family lived in fear of the accused, and the victim described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including panic attacks and isolation. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse, which occurred in the victim's home. The judge acknowledged the accused's cooperation with gardai and his efforts at rehabilitation but emphasized the need for a long prison sentence. The unnamed 70-year-old was convicted.
A 24cm carving knife recovered from the scene of a stabbing in Parnell Square was shown to the jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempted murder and assault. Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary testified that the knife was found in a backpack discarded at a bus stop near the scene. The knife was later retrieved from the Garden of Remembrance by a member of the public. Medical witnesses described the severe injuries sustained by a child who was stabbed and required emergency treatment. Dr Michael Boyle testified that the child was in critical condition and required immediate transfusion and transport to the hospital. The trial also heard that Bouchaker was arrested after a 28-day assessment for post-traumatic amnesia. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is expected to last up to five weeks. The jury was shown evidence including the knife, a jacket with bloodstains, and strands of hair from the alleged victims.
Luke Donnelly, an amateur fighter, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of his 62-year-old mother, Catherine Henry. The Central Criminal Court heard that Donnelly, who had a history of drug use and mental health issues, kicked his mother to death after she allegedly threatened him. The court was told that Donnelly had walked over his mother's lifeless body and showed no attempt to seek help. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the severity of the violence and the breach of a safety order that had been in place against Donnelly. Donnelly had previously been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. His family expressed deep divisions, with some members condemning his actions and others defending him. The judge emphasized the need for Donnelly to address his drug addiction and mental health issues, and the sentence included a suspended portion to allow for community supervision. Donnelly's criminal history included drug-related offenses, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation while emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
A consultant testified in the Central Criminal Court that doctors 'went against protocols and just ran with things' as they tried to save the life of a five-year-old girl who had been stabbed in the heart on a Dublin city center street. Dr Michael Boyle described the scene where the girl was found with no pulse and grey skin. He and other doctors worked to stabilize her before transporting her to the hospital. The girl was taken to Temple St Hospital despite the lack of a cardiothoracic surgeon there. Dr Boyle said he believed the girl was dead when he saw her. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder the girl and others, is ongoing. The doctors' quick actions were crucial in the girl's survival, and the case highlights the urgency and challenges faced in such emergency situations.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A man who raped a friend at an IPAS centre was jailed for five and a half years after the court dismissed his claim that he was 'not reading the signals correctly' as a 'very weak response'. The defendant, who has a wife and children in Nigeria, pleaded guilty to the rape that occurred in Co Westmeath on June 15, 2025. The victim had gone to the defendant's room after he told her he had brought clothes back from Dublin for her. During the attack, the victim protested, and the defendant later apologised and sent messages to her. The victim recorded their calls and shared them with the defendant's roommates, who then informed the centre manager and gardai. The defendant was transferred to a new IPAS centre and interviewed by gardai, where he falsely claimed a relationship with the victim. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing the severe emotional trauma she experienced.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of attempting to murder three children and assaulting others causing harm, including creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. Additional allegations include assaulting two other children and an adult male, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is currently at the evidence stage. Firefighter Brian Mulvaney described the chaotic scene, noting a girl in pink shoes receiving CPR and Ms. Flynn with a severe back laceration. Advanced paramedic David Hosback detailed emergency treatment for the girl, while Detective Garda Aaron Grattan described seizing Bouchaker's belongings. The jury was sent home for the day due to a juror's personal matter, and the trial was adjourned to continue tomorrow. No findings or sentences have been recorded, as the matter remains under active trial proceedings.
A man who claimed that his apologies after raping his girlfriend at work were for "poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules" rather than for sexual assault has been jailed for five years. The 29-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, was convicted by a jury at a third trial in the Central Criminal Court of raping the woman in January 2020. The court heard that the couple were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, and the victim had not felt ready for a sexual relationship. The accused man locked the door of a shower cubicle and raped her after she returned to work. The victim later confided in a colleague and gardai were called. The defendant made admissions to a colleague and was arrested. He later claimed that his apologies were for poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules. The victim described the adverse effects on her physical and mental health and relationships.
A doctor who was cycling in Dublin city centre shortly after a number of children were injured with knives described treating a five-year-old girl who had a stab wound over her heart and appeared to have no pulse. Peter Harper, a consultant anaesthetist at Temple St Children's Hospital, was directed by a member of the Dublin Fire Brigade to the child, who had been stabbed in the chest. Paramedics were already performing chest compressions, and Dr Harper inserted a breathing tube. He said the child needed to be taken to an operating theatre immediately because chest compressions would not achieve anything unless blood loss was stopped. The child had no pulse, looked pale, and it was likely her heart had been perforated, causing cardiac arrest. Dr Harper contacted his colleagues at Temple Street to prepare the theatre and find a cardiothoracic surgeon. Dr Lisa Corley, a paediatric registrar at the Rotunda Hospital, had already ordered blood, which Dr Harper used to perform a transfusion in the ambulance on the way.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. During cross-examination, defence counsel suggested to witness Catherine Carbery that Bouchaker's intention may have been to terrify and intimidate rather than stab, though she maintained she believed he was injuring a child. Another witness, Alison Carbery, stated she definitively saw the knife plunged into a child's torso. Carlos Antonio Lopes dos Santos testified that he saw Bouchaker strike a girl in the stomach or chest area. Former garda Adam Kealy described finding Bouchaker prone on the ground, restrained by a fire officer, and noted he was later sedated at Mater Hospital. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. The defence has not yet entered a final plea or received a sentence, as the matter is currently at the trial stage. The proceedings are expected to last up to five weeks and continue before the court.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident allegedly occurred on November 23, 2023, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is expected to last up to five weeks. Witnesses described Bouchaker as stabbing children before being restrained by members of the public. Siobhan Kearney, whose brother died in the Stardust nightclub fire, testified that she jumped on Bouchaker to stop him, kicking away his knife and protecting him from further blows by the crowd. Warren Donoghue stated he struck Bouchaker in the jaw to prevent him from killing or seriously injuring the children. Other witnesses, including Eileen O'Sullivan, Michael Healy, and Oisin Murphy, described seeing Bouchaker wield a knife against children and being struck by a motorbike helmet and a bicycle lock before being brought to the ground. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
Arthur Bradford, a Ghanian man, was jailed for six and a half years for raping an intoxicated woman he approached at a nightclub in Dublin. He was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last month. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described waking up in a house she had never been to, with her underwear inside out and feeling as if she had had non-consensual sex. CCTV footage showed Bradford approaching her while she was unsteady on her feet. Bradford claimed the encounter was consensual. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma and lasting effects of the rape, including on her relationships and education. Bradford, who has 21 previous convictions, including for theft and money laundering, was subject to a deportation order. The judge noted the traumatic impact on the victim and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, encouraging Bradford to engage in offence-focused work while in custody.
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
Noel O'Neill (30) was convicted of three counts of orally raping a child when she was between six and 12 years old. The abuse occurred at his former family home in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and involved a game called 'guess the finger' where he would place his penis in the child's mouth. The victim, now 19, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having taken her innocence and caused her PTSD. She stated that O'Neill's refusal to acknowledge the verdict broke her further and that the court process retraumatized her. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to 10 years considering mitigating factors such as O'Neill's lack of previous convictions and his role as a sole provider. O'Neill has not acknowledged the verdict and has never offered an apology. The victim expressed a desire to raise awareness and support other abuse victims. Noel O'Neill pleaded not guilty.
Tom White (76) was jailed for six years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over 50 years ago when they were neighbors in Limerick. White was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault between 1971 and 1976. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the abuse as having ended her childhood and shaped her life for 50 years. White had regular access to the girl's home and made lewd comments and physical abuse. The court heard that the abuse occurred several times a week and was described as 'opportunistic'. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to six years considering mitigating factors such as White's age, health issues, and the long intervening period since the crimes were committed. White has a long work history and has been married for about 50 years.
A 44-year-old man from Offaly was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping his best friend while she slept beside her grandchild in a Moses basket. The victim testified that she awoke to find the accused on top of her, having sex with her. She managed to push him off and left the room, only for the accused to return and attempt to re-enter the house. The victim later reported the incident to the gardaí and was treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she was found to have bruising and a small cut. The accused, who has eight previous convictions, claimed the sex was consensual. The victim described the emotional toll of the assault, including feeling like a "zombie" and losing quality time with her dying brother. She expressed that the rape had "shattered my sense of security in my home" and that she felt "dirty" despite scrubbing herself.
Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.
A mother who attempted to murder her eight-year-old daughter by strangling her with a phone cable and stabbing her more than 70 times has been jailed for nine years. The mother, a 49-year-old Russian national, claimed she was "out of her mind" when she attacked her daughter. The child, who is now in foster care, described the "tormenting" pain of the attack in her victim impact statement. The court heard that the mother had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar affective disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. She had previously been hospitalized for mental health treatment and had attempted suicide. The jury found her guilty of attempted murder, and the judge noted that her mental health significantly contributed to her actions. The mother was sentenced to 12 years, but the final three years were suspended, resulting in a nine-year custodial sentence. The victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and physical trauma the child endured, including scars and nightmares.
A childcare worker, Leanne Flynn, described a ferocious knife attack by Riad Bouchaker on a group of children in Dublin. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, allegedly stabbed a girl in the chest multiple times and threatened other children with a knife. Flynn intervened, grabbing Bouchaker from behind and pulling him away from the children. She was stabbed in the back during the struggle and later required emergency surgery for severe injuries, including a collapsed lung and a severed diaphragm. A Deliveroo driver, Ciao Benicio, struck Bouchaker with his helmet and punched him, helping to subdue him. The court heard that the attack was "ferocious" and that Bouchaker was "hell bent on getting the children." The trial continues with the accused denying all charges. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and the court has heard from multiple witnesses, including a nurse who described the horrifying nature of the knife used. Riad Bouchaker pleaded not guilty. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
A 42-year-old prisoner, Paul Clarke, who was originally charged with the murder of Eoin Boylan in November 2019, has pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Clarke, from Coolock Drive, Coolock, appeared before the Central Criminal Court and admitted to participating in the killing of Mr Boylan at Clonshaugh Avenue, Dublin, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation. The court heard that Clarke, between November 23 and 24, 2019, participated in the killing with the intent to enhance the ability of the organisation to commit serious offences. Clarke was initially charged with murder in March 2025. His defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, noted that Clarke is currently serving a lengthy sentence but is doing well and requested a probation report. Mr Justice Paul McDermott listed the case for October 5 and requested the probation report be prepared by that date. Eoin Boylan was shot six times outside his home on Clonshaugh Avenue on November 24, 2019, and later died at Beaumont Hospital.
Two 21-year-old twin brothers, Eric and Sean Farrell, who had no prior criminal history, were sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Nicolae Diaconu (45) during a domestic incident. The court heard that the twins stabbed Diaconu eight times and struck him with a blunt object after he became abusive towards their mother, leading her to seek refuge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that the incident occurred out of the blue and that the twins acted under a mistaken belief they were under threat. The judge imposed a seven-year and six-month sentence with the final 18 months suspended for the rest of their lives. The twins had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. CCTV footage showed them being amicable with Diaconu before the incident. The court considered mitigating factors such as their youth, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge emphasized the level of violence and the use of knives and a hammer as aggravating factors.
A receptionist at an English Language school in Dublin described the chaos that followed a knife attack on children. She heard a colleague scream 'the kid is dead' as she saw a girl being treated by paramedics and a man unconscious nearby. The witness, Luciana Yaya, recognized the man as the same individual who had earlier entered the school. She described the man as being chubby, wearing a brown coat and a beanie hat with a visible scar on his face. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder three children and seriously injuring a care worker, continues. Evidence presented included a bloodstained jacket belonging to the care worker and a 24cm carving knife found in a rucksack at the scene. The trial is expected to last up to five weeks, with the jury considering the testimonies of witnesses and the exhibits presented.
A witness testified that she heard a man speaking aggressively on the afternoon of a knife attack that left several children injured. Patricia Byrne heard the man say 'sh*t Irish, sh*t f***ing Irish' in an aggressive manner as he walked along Mary St in Dublin. She saw him approach two women with buggies and later identified him on CCTV footage. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to a care worker, continues. Gardai found a 24cm carving knife in a rucksack near the scene of the attack. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial before a jury of nine men and three women is expected to last up to five weeks.
A Lithuanian man with a history of violent convictions has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a woman and threatening to "cut her face off and eat her" shortly after they met. Tasas Ruzas (42) was found guilty of rape, anal rape, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred after a day of drug and alcohol use with the victim, who had initially met Ruzas in Dublin city centre. During the assault, Ruzas punched the victim, raped her without a condom, and then anally raped her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Ruzas has numerous previous convictions in Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK, including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The judge noted the extreme humiliation and degrading nature of the sexual offences and the violence inflicted on the victim, who suffered a fractured eye.
A family member of a 62-year-old woman who was killed by her son described the family as "severely divided" by the incident. Luke Donnelly, 29, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after claiming he was provoked by his mother, Catherine Henry. The court heard that Donnelly had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and that his mother had a history of violence. Donnelly claimed he was in fear for his life when his mother threatened to kill him. His family members gave victim impact statements, with some expressing that they felt the mother was on trial rather than the son. The court heard that Donnelly had a complex relationship with his mother and that he had been groomed into a life of drugs and violence. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued for a sentence of between 10 and 15 years, while the defense argued for a sentence in the medium culpability range. Donnelly was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing.