The jury in the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel has spent 11 hours and 24 minutes deliberating and will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to continue. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the eight men and four women to return at 10 am and reminded them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury. The accused, who cannot be named because they are minors, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ana Kriegel at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan on 14 May last year. Boy A is also charged with Ana's aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence and has pleaded not guilty to that charge as well. Mr Justice McDermott explained that the jury must consider each count separately, with possible verdicts of guilty or not guilty for each murder charge and for the aggravated sexual assault charge.
The jury in the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel has paused its deliberations for the week and will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday. After spending seven hours and fifteen minutes over three days, Mr Justice Paul McDermott told the eight men and four women that they could go home for the weekend, warning them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury or to follow media reports. The foreman of the jury sent a note to the judge requesting seven discs containing videos of Boy B's interviews with Gardaí in May and July 2018, and asked for a larger screen for viewing the DVDs on Monday. Mr Justice McDermott agreed to provide a larger screen. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a trial for the murder of Ana Kriegel, Judge Paul McDermott instructed the jury that the prosecution's case hinges on the injuries inflicted on Ana, which they argue demonstrate the accused's intention to kill or cause serious injury. The jury, after more than four hours of deliberation, has been shown various exhibits, including a blood‑stained stick, gloves with Ana's blood, Tescon insulation tape found around her neck, and CCTV footage. Mr Justice McDermott explained that intent can be inferred from preparation, citing Boy A's bringing a mask and other items to the scene. He emphasized that the prosecution believes intent is established through pathology and forensic evidence, and that the natural consequence of such injuries is serious injury or death. The accused, both 14, have pleaded not guilty to murder and to an aggravated sexual assault charge. The jury will return tomorrow to continue deliberations.
The jury in the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court on 12 June 2019. Eight men and four women were sent out at 12.35pm, returned thirty minutes later, and were instructed by Mr Justice Paul McDermott to suspend deliberations for the day and resume at 10am the next day. The judge explained that each of the three murder counts against Boy A and Boy B must be decided unanimously, with only two possible verdicts per count: guilty or not guilty. For Boy A's aggravated sexual assault charge, the jury could return a guilty or not guilty verdict. Mr Justice McDermott emphasized that each count must be considered separately, that reasonable doubt requires acquittal, and that the jury should focus on the evidence relating to the events of 14 May, the day of the murder.
In a 2019 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned a jury that people may lie for reasons such as shame or to hide disgraceful behaviour. He explained that the jury could rely on alleged lies only if the prosecution proved there was no innocent explanation. The case involved two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy A was also charged with aggravated sexual assault; Boy B was charged with aiding and abetting the murder. The judge instructed the jury to consider each boy's case separately, to assess intent to kill or cause serious injury, and to evaluate circumstantial and forensic evidence. He emphasised that presence at a crime scene does not equal participation, and that the jury must acquit if any reasonable doubt about intent or knowledge remains. The judge concluded his charge the following morning. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Brendan Grehan SC presented the prosecution case against two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. He argued that Boy A was the principal perpetrator, citing an "overwhelming forensic case" linking him to the scene, including DNA from Ana's body and items found in his home. Grehan described Ana's violent death, detailing injuries, blood spatter, and forensic evidence that she fought for her life. He contrasted this with Boy B, for whom he said there was no forensic evidence but relied on Garda interviews that he had assisted the killer and helped conceal the crime. Grehan emphasized that both boys lied to Gardaí and that Boy B's statements were inconsistent, concluding that the evidence warranted conviction for murder and aggravated sexual assault. The case was set to proceed with Patrick Gageby representing Boy A. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 6 June 2019, the family of Bryan Cassidy, who was stabbed to death by his 21‑year‑old stepson Adam Nolan, presented a victim impact statement. The statement criticised the Irish mental health system for failing two families, noting that Nolan had been sent home from Tallaght Hospital after an A&E visit where he claimed he had to kill Cassidy. Despite a family history of mental illness and a diagnosis of drug‑induced psychosis, Nolan was discharged and later stabbed Cassidy on 7 February 2018. Nolan pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and was committed to the Central Mental Hospital pending a report. The court, with counsel Sean Gillane SC and defence Brendan Grehan SC, heard statements and medical testimony, and Justice Eileen Creedon ordered Nolan's commitment under the Criminal Law Insanity Act.
A 50‑year‑old woman, Grace Miano, was found unfit to stand trial for the murder of 27‑year‑old Limbani "Robert" Mzoma, a Malawian national, who was killed on 1 November 2018 at Miano's home in Foxrock, Dublin. Miano, originally from Kenya, has schizophrenia and was admitted to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) on 15 November 2018 after earlier treatment at Tallaght Hospital in July 2017. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr Ronan Mullaney and Dr Paul O'Connell, examined her and reported that she suffers from schizoaffective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, with persistent auditory hallucinations, delusional beliefs and poor insight. They concluded she could not plead, instruct counsel or form a proper defence. Judge Eileen Creedon therefore committed Miano to the CMH until 20 June, ordering a further psychiatric assessment by an approved medical officer.
In a 2019 Central Criminal Court hearing, Richard O'Mara, aged 31, was convicted of two counts of rape against a 17‑year‑old schoolgirl who attended his sister's eighteenth birthday party. The first rape occurred in a field where O'Mara forced the victim onto the ground, removed her clothing and raped her. The second rape took place in his family house, where he again forced her to lie on a couch, removed her jeans and underwear and raped her. O'Mara pleaded not guilty but was found guilty by a jury after a two‑and‑a‑half‑week trial. Justice Tara Burns sentenced him to 14 years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on strict conditions. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the offences, the victim's young age, the two separate rapes and the lack of remorse shown by the accused. No prior convictions were recorded for O'Mara.
A man from Dublin, whose name is withheld to protect the child's anonymity, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping his daughter, who was nine when the first assault occurred. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of rape spanning from October 2011 to April 2017. The daughter, who was 14 at the time of the last assault, testified that the rapes happened twice a week and that she was too frightened to report them. She described her father as controlling and said she did not understand the wrongness of the acts until she grew older. The defendant claimed the daughter had initiated the sexual activity and denied providing pregnancy test kits. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 15 to 13 years, suspended two years on the condition of sex‑offender treatment, and imposed an 11‑year custodial term.
Bogdan Timorte, 37, was jailed for eight years after a late‑night street attack on a woman on Parnell Street. A resident recorded the assault on his phone and called Gardaí, who later used CCTV footage to identify Timorte. The victim, intoxicated, described being in fear for her life during an "extremely violent" attack, sustaining injuries to her head, neck, shoulders, knees and bottom. Timorte pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault on 9 October 2017. Mr Justice Michael White set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to nine years, and suspended the final year on the condition of sex‑offender treatment. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of the attack, as Timorte had been in custody since then. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing her fear, depression and post‑traumatic stress disorder. The case highlighted the victim's loss of safety and the offender's remorse.
A 12‑year‑old girl told the court she wants her cousin, a 22‑year‑old man, to be named in the case because she believes he is in the wrong. Prosecutor Alice Fawsitt informed the judge that the DPP advised that naming him would not be in the child's best interest, citing potential complications and the small community context. The man pleaded guilty to six charges, including rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault, committed between 2011 and 2016. He was remanded in custody and a substantial custodial element was anticipated. The judge acknowledged the girl's anger and courage but declined to name the accused, citing a duty to protect the injured party's identity. The mother delivered a victim impact statement describing the abuse, its effects on the family, and her daughter's ongoing trauma. The defendant's defence highlighted remorse and a willingness to engage in treatment. The case remains pending sentencing.
During sentencing at the Central Criminal Court, 23‑year‑old Dylan Higgins read a victim impact statement after Anthony Moynihan pleaded guilty to two counts of anal rape and two counts of sexual assault. Higgins, who was 11 and 12 at the time, described how Moynihan lured him to his home, offered cigarettes, and raped him twice between 2006 and 2008. He recounted the first assault, the disposal of his blood‑stained underwear, and the second assault where Moynihan pretended to apply cream before raping him. Higgins urged other abuse victims to come forward, saying it may save lives, and expressed relief that Moynihan had pleaded guilty. The judge remanded Moynihan on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to June 21, noting his medical reports on cancer treatment for consideration before any custodial decision.
In a Dublin laneway on 9 October 2017, Bogdan Timorte (37) attacked an intoxicated woman, putting his arm around her and later choking her. The victim, who had been drinking, screamed for help; a nearby resident recorded the assault and alerted Gardaí. Gardaí arrived about 15 minutes after the call, found Timorte on top of the woman, and physically removed him. Timorte was arrested but too intoxicated for immediate interview. He pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing injuries, fear, and post‑traumatic stress. Timorte, a Romanian father of three, has been in custody since the offence. The judge adjourned finalisation to the following week, noting the victim's courage and the long‑term effects of the assault.
Faisal Ellahi, 37, from Haripur, Pakistan, was convicted of raping a young woman with Down syndrome after a five‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court. He denied the charge, claiming the victim had actively participated and that he was unaware of her mental impairment. The judge described the offence as "frightening, appalling, disgusting and depraved" and sentenced him to 13 years' imprisonment. Ellahi attempted to appeal after 19 months, beyond the 28‑day deadline, citing emotional distress. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, refused him extra time, noting the lack of a realistic prospect of success and the compelling prosecution evidence. The court highlighted the victim's dignity and the impact on her independence, while acknowledging the delay in the appeal process. The case remains at the conviction stage.
In a Dublin murder trial, Adam Nolan, aged 21, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing Bryan Cassidy, 52, to death on 7 February 2018. The prosecution argued that Nolan, who had previously been taken to A&E after claiming he had to kill his stepfather, was diagnosed with drug‑induced psychosis and later schizophrenia. Nolan had a history of illicit drug use, including cannabis from age 15, and had been treated for drug misuse. He was found at the scene, covered in blood, and behaved erratically, claiming voices told him to kill the deceased. A forensic psychiatrist testified that Nolan was genetically vulnerable to schizophrenia and that his delusions prevented him from understanding the wrongfulness of his act. The case is before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a minor witness, referred to as Boy B, claimed that his co‑accused, Boy A, was attempting to set him up for the murder of 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy B described seeing Boy A place Ana in a headlock and attempt to force her to the ground, while Ana fought back by punching and kicking Boy A's arms and legs. Another child witness recalled that Boy A was "agitated and fidgety" after Ana's disappearance, whereas Boy B appeared calm. Both accused boys, aged 14, have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to Boy A's additional charge of aggravated sexual assault. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The court heard five child witnesses in total.
Slawomir Gierlowski, a 34‑year‑old Polish roofer, was found guilty of sexual assault, attempted rape and assault causing harm for an attack that took place on 18 December 2010. The victim was walking home from a night out when Gierlowski followed her into a courtyard, pushed her to the ground, punched her, choked her, touched her genitals, attempted to rape her but was not erect, and ejaculated on her skirt. DNA from the victim's skirt matched a profile taken from Gierlowski in 2016, linking him to the 2010 incident and to earlier assaults in Clondalkin. A jury of three women and nine men returned unanimous guilty verdicts after just under three hours of deliberation. Gierlowski was remanded in custody pending a sentence hearing on 23 July. The trial also addressed a request to remove his name from the internet, which the judge denied. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court. Slawomir Gierlowski pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a copybook found in the home of one of the 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel was presented. The book, titled "Drawing," contained a "Satanic pledge drawing," pentagrams, and a list of names that included the two accused. Rules in the book forbade speaking of Jesus or God, allowed only pledge hosts to give pledges, and instructed members to act normally. Boy A, also charged with aggravated sexual assault, pleaded not guilty to both counts. Boy B was interviewed by Garda Donal Daly, who explained the book's contents and his reference to a "satanist" homework club. Daly denied that Garda procedures were disingenuous and stated that Boy B was given opportunities to speak truthfully. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women.
A 21‑year‑old man, Adam Nolan of Burgh an Ri Walk, Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Bryan Cassidy, 52, on 7 February 2018 at the same address. He stood in a navy suit and tie when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The judge, Justice Michael White, noted the plea was a special matter and that the trial would be brief. A jury of twelve was sworn in; Sergeant Declan O'Sullivan and two forensic psychiatrists were to give evidence.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010, will continue deliberating tomorrow. The accused denies the attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm charges. The trial, which lasted eleven days, included evidence that the accused's DNA matched semen found on the complainant's skirt. Defence counsel Orla Crowe SC told the jury that while the prosecution could not prove the woman was attacked, they could not prove the accused was the attacker. She argued the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the jury should not fill gaps with speculation. No fingerprints of the accused were found on seized clothing. Mr Justice Michael White, after 1 hour 40 minutes of deliberations, instructed the jury to suspend and sent them home for the night. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a two‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, aged 64, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, aged 73, after Ferris drove the prongs of a teleporter into O'Mahony's car on 4 April 2017. The jury, 10 to 2, accepted that the attack was deliberate and caused catastrophic injuries. Justice Carmel Stewart sentenced Ferris to six years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, and backdated the sentence to the day of the offence. The Director of Public Prosecutions has applied for a review, arguing the sentence was "unduly lenient", and the Court of Appeal has set a hearing for 2 December. Ferris's defence lawyer, Brendan Grehan SC, expressed remorse and cited cumulative provocation by O'Mahony. The O'Mahony family, represented by his niece Ann O'Carroll, has expressed that the outcome was insufficient and that a murder conviction would have been appropriate.
In a 2019 case, a 41‑year‑old Wicklow man was convicted of repeated sexual attacks on a victim who was nine when the first assault occurred. The man pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault between 1987 and 1989, and was sentenced to seven years. During the trial, Mr Justice Michael White ordered that the identities of both parties remain unpublished, a request made by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The 1981 Rape Act prohibits publishing the identity of a man accused of rape until conviction and also protects the complainant's anonymity. After the conviction, the victim asked a reporter to name the offender, prompting the State to bring the matter back to court.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old, told Gardaí that he witnessed his co‑accused, Boy A, raping Ana Kriegel, the 14‑year‑old schoolgirl who was murdered. Boy B said he fled when he realised what was happening. Both boys, who are minors, have pleaded not guilty to the murder. Boy A is also charged with aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, has been viewing video footage of Boy B's interviews from July 2018. In the second interview, Boy B described entering the abandoned house, observing the interior, and then seeing Boy A and Ana in a room where Boy A allegedly choked Ana while removing her clothing. Boy B claimed he ran away after witnessing the assault. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a Dublin Central Criminal Court hearing, a 34‑year‑old man was accused of attempting to rape a woman on 18 December 2010. He pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. Forensic scientist Dr Yvonne O'Dowd testified that semen stains were found on the complainant's skirt and that a DNA profile generated from those stains matched the accused's DNA. She noted the probability of a random match was less than one in a thousand million, but she could not determine when the semen was deposited. Garda Eoin Colbert provided photographs of the defendant in custody, and another Garda reported that the accused said "It's all lies" after his arrest. The trial was set to continue next week before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury.
A man who began raping his daughter when she was nine years old later claimed to gardai that the child had initiated the sex. The unnamed father, a Dublin resident originally from Nigeria, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to nine counts of rape committed between October 2011 and April 2017. In a victim impact statement read in court, the 14‑year‑old victim said she was controlled and too scared to report the attacks, and that she did not understand sex was wrong until she was older. She described the rapes as occurring twice a week until she was 14, saying she was used to it and that it was part of her week. She said her father was controlling, the boss of the house, and threatened her when she tried to refuse or report. The father told gardai that his daughter had initiated the sexual activity by tickling him and that he did not enjoy it.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 14‑year‑old boy (Boy B) testified that he witnessed his co‑accused (Boy A) assaulting Ana Kriegel at an abandoned house. Boy B described seeing Boy A "flip" Ana, choke her, and strip her of her clothes while Ana repeatedly cried "No, no, don't do this." He claimed he fled the scene after seeing Boy A's actions. Boy B drew a picture of the incident and signed it for detectives. The boy, who was arrested in May 2018, gave a changing account of the events, stating he had initially followed the pair but left when Boy A told him it was fine. The testimony was presented to a jury of eight men and four women, with the trial proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The accused boys, both 14, have pleaded not guilty to murder and to aggravated sexual assault. The case remains in progress.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel gave conflicting statements to Gardaí. One boy, who denies the murder, said he left Ana at an abandoned house with the other boy, fearing that the other would handle the situation because he was "big, strong, tall." He claimed to have heard Ana scream, ran away, and later returned to the house, where he heard a strong scream that was muffled. The other boy denied that Ana's blood was found on the first boy's shoes and insisted he was not in the house where Ana's body was discovered. Both boys remain in court, pleading not guilty, and the trial continues before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
During the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a witness testified that she once saw Ozolina's neck appear blue while she was still in a relationship with the deceased, Audrius Pukas. Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old mother of two from Mountrath, claimed she acted in self‑defence after Pukas died from a stab wound inflicted by a knife she was holding. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, also heard from Ms. Karina Sulinezee, who recalled seeing Ozolina's neck turn blue after removing a scarf and noted that Ozolina's ear had been scratched. Sulinezee further recounted that Pukas had previously struck her partner at a birthday party, an incident she said led to the partner's bleeding. Prosecutor Paul Murray closed his case and will cross‑examine Ms. Sulinezee before the judge and jury. The case remains ongoing. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A 46‑year‑old former journalist from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after pleading guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate, Tyrone McKenna, on 17 July 2014 in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, noted that both Peters and McKenna had histories of mental health problems and had first met in a psychiatric ward in 2010. Peters claimed voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna, and she was described as erratic and speaking of spirits during court appearances. Expert testimony from psychiatrists confirmed Peters suffered from schizophrenia and a severe episode at the time of the offence, meeting the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Following a unanimous jury verdict, Mr Justice White committed Peters to the Central Mental Hospital for further assessment and treatment.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old accused of Ana Kriegel's murder, told Gardaí that he viewed Ana as a lonely, outcast girl and a "weirdo" he should not be around. He described Ana as different, mature, taller, with a goth style, and said she was not popular because she was anti‑social. Boy B recounted that Boy A had called him to arrange a meeting with Ana in a park, but Boy A did not attend, allegedly because he was shy or feared negative backlash. Boy B also explained that Ana had shown him a "scary photo" of herself strapped to a chair and that they had walked together discussing vaccines. The court noted that Boy B's statements could only be used as evidence in his own case, not in Boy A's. The trial continues before Mr Justice McDermott and a jury. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In the trial of 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, charged with murdering 40‑year‑old Audrius Pukas in Co. Tipperary, a neighbour testified that Pukas was always the aggressor in their arguments. He described a fatal fight on 20 November 2016, after which he met a garda and asked if Ozolina was OK, having heard a scream of pain from her. Photographs of bite marks and other injuries were shown to the court. Ozolina claimed self‑defence. Mark Fletcher, a neighbour, recounted frequent late‑night shouting, usually by Pukas, and that the fight ended abruptly. Garda Maureen Finnerty testified about the injuries found on Ozolina's body. The case is proceeding before a jury of seven men and five women. The unnamed 48-year-old pleaded not guilty.
An African man aged 54 was sentenced to 13 years' imprisonment for raping and sexually abusing the intellectually disabled daughter of his former partner. The victim, aged 11 to 12 at the time of the offences, was raped and subjected to anal rape and sexual assault at the defendant's Dublin home between April 2015 and September 2016. The trial heard that the man had watched television with the child, pulled her trousers down, raped her and repeatedly told her "I love you". The mother of the child, who had been a reluctant witness, expressed a wish that the accused not go to prison and declined to submit a victim impact statement. The judge noted the defendant's lack of remorse, the vulnerability of the victim, the gross abuse of trust and the high risk of re‑offending. The unnamed 54-year-old was convicted.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, originally from Latvia, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016 at The Malthouse, Roscrea. Detective Garda Stuart Beatty testified that Ozolina claimed she had taken a knife to defend herself after Pukas began hitting and biting her, and that she had no intention of killing him. Beatty also reported that Ozolina was told the knife had penetrated Pukas' chest to 20 cm and his arm to 13 cm, and that she had washed the knife in a panic, claiming she did not think of removing DNA. The court heard that the knife was found in a kitchen drawer with three blood specks matching the deceased. Ozolina denied assaulting Pukas, stating she acted in self‑defence.
In the Central Criminal Court, a forensic scientist presented a mixed DNA profile from semen stains on a Penney's vest top found at the scene of Anastasia Kriegel's murder. The profile matched the DNA of one of the two 14‑year‑old boys accused of the killing, Ana's DNA, and an unidentified third person. The scientist argued it was a thousand million times more likely that the DNA came from Ana, Boy A and an unknown individual rather than from three unrelated people. The vest top was torn and could not be worn in its condition, and the scientist noted force was required to cause the damage. The court also heard Boy B's interview, in which he described his movements on the day of the disappearance, including a conversation with Boy A that led to him agreeing to call Ana's house. The hearing continued under Justice Paul McDermott. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court will continue the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin man accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010. He has pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The case proceeds before Mr Justice Micheal White, with a jury of three women and nine men scheduled to hear evidence on Wednesday.
In a Central Criminal Court trial in Co. Tipperary, a 48‑year‑old woman, Inga Ozolina, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The prosecution presented a 21‑cm knife seized from Ms Ozolina's kitchen drawer, showing three small specks of blood that, under magnification, matched the deceased's DNA. Ms Ozolina testified that she had grabbed the knife after Mr Pukas began hitting and biting her, and that he had tried to wrestle it away before retreating. She claimed she washed the knife in the sink without noticing the blood, saying she was concentrating on her hands. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, continues with a jury of seven men and five women.
Eamon Roche, 28, of Ballymorrough, was sentenced to six years in prison for raping his ex‑girlfriend after a high‑speed chase with Gardaí. Roche texted the victim hours after the rape, saying, "Sorry for being a bollocks." He denied the rape charge in a rural Cork court on 21 March 2015. The victim, who was in Roche's car, described a chase where Roche drove at "crazy, ridiculous" speeds, refusing to stop for a patrol. She was forced to climb onto a lay‑by, where Roche climbed on top of her and raped her. The case had gone to trial three times; a jury found him guilty. The judge set a headline sentence of seven years, reduced to six because of mitigating letters, and imposed no suspended portion. Roche was ordered never to contact the complainant and to remain under probation supervision for two years upon release.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, forensic evidence showed that blood matching Ana Kriegel's DNA was found on a backpack, mask, gloves and knee pads seized from the home of one of the two 14‑year‑old boys accused of her murder. John Hoade of Forensic Science Ireland presented the mask to the jury, noting that DNA on its inside matched both Ana and the accused known as Boy A. He also reported that DNA matching Boy A was found on Ana's neck and on tape wrapped around her neck when her body was discovered. The DNA evidence was collected from items in Boy A's bedroom, including a mask described as a "half mask" with a jagged mouth and simulated blood, as well as gloves, knee pads and a snood. Blood on the mask's inside and outside matched Ana's DNA, and a mixed profile of Ana's and Boy A's DNA was found in the mouth area. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident denied attempting to rape a woman on 18 December 2010 in Dublin city centre. The trial, before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury of twelve, included evidence that CCTV footage from the area had been seized, downloaded and preserved by Garda witnesses. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm, and neither he nor the complainant were identified during the proceedings.
In a trial before the Central Criminal Court, two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel were examined. Data from Boy A's i‑Phone 6 was presented, showing a search for "abandoned places in Lucan" and a video titled "15 most gruesome torture methods in history." The court heard that Boy A claimed his co‑accused was lying after a statement from Boy B was read to him. Boy A also faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. Both boys pleaded not guilty. The proceedings are being heard by Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women. The case remains ongoing.
A 32‑year‑old Dublin man, Gary Watson, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for assaulting Philip Woodcock and for producing a knife on 16 January 2010. Watson was acquitted of the murder of former soldier Warren O'Connor, who died from a stab wound that night. The Central Criminal Court heard that a noisy house party in Donaghmede led to a fight between two groups of men. Watson, who had a knife and was "prepared to use it", stabbed Woodcock in the shoulder after Woodcock had earlier punched him. The judge noted Watson had been subjected to "extreme provocation" and that Woodcock had acted "very badly". Watson's sentence of three years for each offence runs concurrently and was back‑dated to 18 December 2017. The court also directed compensation to Woodcock for the assault. The case was heard by Mr Justice Michael White. Gary Watson pleaded not guilty and was convicted.
In the Central Criminal Court, two 14‑year‑old boys are charged with the murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. Boy A, who is also charged with aggravated sexual assault, was questioned by Garda officers after they told him Ana's blood was found on his boots. He replied, "are you joking me?" and asked if they were serious. The court heard that Garda officers had shown him CCTV footage, discussed the definition of murder, and explained the difference between truth and lies. Boy A denied being in the room where Ana was assaulted and said he was not with her in the lead‑up to her disappearance. He also denied that the male in the footage was him. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 34‑year‑old Dublin woman testified that on 18 December 2010 a man held her hands around her throat while attacking her outside her apartment block. She described arriving after a night out, opening the security gate, and being followed into the courtyard. The man grabbed her from behind, pushed her to the ground, and choked her. She tried to scream but he kept his hand around her throat, punched her repeatedly, and shouted "shut up." She reported pain on the side of her face from the punches and that he ripped her tights, pulled her underwear down, and touched her genital area. She claimed he attempted to rape her but could not, and that he masturbated and ejaculated on her skirt while still choking her. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old woman from Laois, Inga Ozolina, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Mr Pukas, who died on 20 November 2016 from a stab wound to the chest. Ozolina told Gardaí that she had saved his number as "sadist" because of frequent fights. She claimed she took a kitchen knife to protect herself after he grabbed her by the hair, and that she only pointed the knife at him when he tried to take it away. Ozolina said she was afraid he might kill her and that she had not intended to kill him. She also stated that she had given him mouth‑to‑mouth after finding him on the ground. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury. The prosecution maintains that there is no question of self‑defence. The case is still at the trial stage.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 15 May 2019, forensic scientist John Hoade presented DNA evidence linking blood found on a pair of black Timberland boots to the murdered 14‑year‑old schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel. Hoade explained that the boots, allegedly worn by one of the 14‑year‑old accused boys, bore nine distinct blood‑stained areas that matched Kriegel's DNA. He described the stains as evidence of blood spatter and percussive contact, suggesting the wearer either assaulted or was in close proximity to Kriegel when she was attacked. Hoade also examined a charred stick and a concrete block recovered near Kriegel's body, noting blood transfer and percussive stains on the stick that matched Kriegel's DNA, while he declined to sample the block's stains as they were not considered weapon evidence. The trial, presided over by Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. Anastasia Kriegel pleaded not guilty.
A 34‑year‑old Dublin man was tried at the Central Criminal Court for attempting to rape a woman on the night of 18 December 2010. The alleged victim, a Polish native who had lived in Dublin for many years, was returning home after a night out and was opening the security gate to her apartment block when the accused approached from behind. He allegedly knocked her to the ground, choked her, punched her twice in the face, and told her to shut up. The prosecution claimed he sexually assaulted her, attempted rape, and masturbated, causing her skirt to become wet. DNA evidence from the victim's clothing matched a profile taken from the accused in 2016. The accused pleaded not guilty to attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Micheal White and a jury of twelve.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, a 48‑year‑old woman from Mountrath, Co. Laois, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who died from a stab wound to the chest on 20 November 2016. The accused, Inga Ozolina, claimed that she had been repeatedly assaulted by Pukas, who had previously beaten her and had a history of violence. She said that a doctor had warned her that she might be killed if he attacked her again and advised her to keep a sharp object for self‑defence. Ozolina described her life as a "living hell," noting that she had a safety order against Pukas, had sought a second order, and had been in a women's shelter.
Patrick Nevin, 37, will be sentenced next month after a Probation report is completed. He attacked three women in eleven days after meeting them on Tinder. Nevin met the first victim at her home, drove to a secluded spot in north Dublin, and after kissing her, forced sex when she refused. He verbally abused her and threatened her. The second victim, raped in Bellewstown, Co Meath, described terror and fear of being killed. Nevin pleaded guilty in July 2018 to rape and sexual assault. He is already serving a five‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for a 2014 sexual assault of another Tinder‑met woman, which he denies. The court noted his guilty pleas and apologies, and he remains in custody awaiting final sentencing by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon on 24 June. The case highlights the pattern of Tinder‑based attacks and the court's consideration of mitigation based on his pleas.
In 1979, Dan Flynn, then 36, raped a six‑year‑old girl in his home in County Tipperary. The victim, now a married mother, described the assault as brutal, noting Flynn's forceful entry of his penis into her mouth and vagina, spitting into her face, and stepping over her as she lay on the ground. She recalled being terrified and feeling that Flynn treated her as nothing. Flynn pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court. Judge Michael White set a headline sentence of nine years, then imposed six years with four years suspended, citing Flynn's lack of prior convictions, his guilty plea, and his serious health problems, including Parkinson's disease. The sentence was adjourned until 19 June to allow prison authorities to assess a suitable facility for Flynn. The court praised the victim's courage for coming forward. The judge noted the cruelty of the offence and the difficulty of imagining the brutality involved.