A man who admits the manslaughter of his mother in Dundalk three years ago but denies her murder will stand trial later this week. Luke Donnelly, 29, of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Catherine Henry in May 2023 but admitted to her manslaughter. The charge against Donnelly is of murdering Ms Henry on a date unknown between 23 and 24 May, 2023 at an apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth. Donnelly answered 'Not guilty; guilty of manslaughter' when asked by the court registrar. Mr Justice Seán Gillane informed the jury pool that Ms Henry is the mother of the accused and swore in a panel of five women and seven men to hear the trial. The two-week trial is set to commence on Thursday, with the jury instructed to return to the court on that day.
A judge has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of a 35-year-old man, who is charged with the murder of his father at their home in Dublin nearly two years ago, after the accused did not respond at his arraignment. Seth Whelan was before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon and is charged with the murder of Michael Whelan (64) at their flat on Herberton Park, Rialto, Dublin 8 on a date unknown between February 19 and 27, 2024. When the registrar read the first count on the indictment to the accused man and asked him how he was pleading, he did not respond. Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the jury panel that his only option was to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of the accused man. Seth Whelan is also charged with damaging property, namely a Ring doorbell camera, on February 20, 2024. The judge swore in a jury of four men and eight women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow. The jurors were asked to make themselves available until February 20 next.
Dilzar Hamad, a 40-year-old barber from Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a woman who was a guest in his home in early 2021. A jury convicted Hamad in March 2025 following a retrial after a hung jury in 2024. He pleaded not guilty and continues to deny the offence, claiming it was consensual. Mr Justice David Keane set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to eight years, citing mitigating factors including Hamad's good character, cooperation with gardai, and good prison behavior. The judge noted that Hamad's refusal to accept the verdict meant he demonstrated no remorse or rehabilitation. A probation report indicated a high risk of re-offending in the next 12 months due to factors such as hostility towards women and sexual preoccupation. The judge ordered two years of post-release supervision with strict conditions to protect the public. The victim stated in her impact statement that the offence changed her life forever and she no longer feels safe. The prosecution argued the case fell into the 'more serious' band, while the defense submitted it was standard. Hamad has no previous convictions.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is deemed fit to stand trial by a State psychiatrist, despite suffering from a serious neurocognitive disorder. The psychiatrist stated that Bouchaker can understand the charges against him and can participate in the trial process, although he may require closed questions and an interpreter. The defense psychiatrist, however, argued that Bouchaker is unfit to stand trial due to his memory issues and inability to weigh choices. The court is assessing Bouchaker's fitness to stand trial, with the State psychiatrist concluding that he is capable of understanding the legal process. The case involves serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
William Kavanagh (67), a well-known musician, was given a total of 17 and a half years for repeatedly raping his former wife and her sister. Kavanagh was convicted of 59 offences, including anal rape, sexual assault, and vaginal rape, which took place between 1996 and 2006. His former wife and sister read victim impact statements, detailing the devastating impact of the abuse on their lives. Kavanagh does not accept the jury's verdict and maintains his innocence. The judge, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, said Kavanagh has a high degree of moral culpability and that the abuse had a profound ongoing impact on both victims. Kavanagh was sentenced to seven years for the offences against his former wife and 12 years and six months for the offences against his sister. The final 12 months of the sentence was suspended. Kavanagh's defence argued that he has no prior relevant convictions and has suffered from depression. William Kavanagh pleaded not guilty.
A Central Criminal Court judge has accepted that he cannot review the sentence imposed on Boy B, who murdered schoolgirl Ana Kriegel when he was 13 years old. The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, noted that the Supreme Court ruled that sentencing courts do not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention for child offenders. Boy B was sentenced to 15 years' detention with a review after eight years, but the Supreme Court found that life sentences for child murderers should only be imposed in exceptional cases. Boy B's lawyers withdrew his appeal against his conviction, and the court heard details of the murder, where Boy B lured Ana to a derelict house, knowing that Boy A intended to kill her. Boy A was sentenced to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years, and he will appeal his sentence in light of the Supreme Court's ruling.
The son of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly, who was shot dead over a decade ago, attempted to murder his former wife's friend, blaming her for the breakup of his marriage, the Central Criminal Court heard. Matthias Kelly (42) suffered a brain injury in 2016 and another head injury in a fall two days before the attack on Fiona Timmermans. His lawyers argued that a neuropsychologist report is needed to assess how his injuries affected his behavior, but none are willing to work for the legal aid rate. The judge requested the Minister for Justice to address the issue and adjourned the sentencing until February 16. Kelly sent threatening messages to Ms Timmermans before breaking into her home and attempting to stab her. She fought back and sustained serious injuries, but survived. Kelly expressed remorse and claimed he was not in his right frame of mind at the time. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
Two Slovak nationals have been convicted and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court following a sexual assault on two teenage girls on a disused railway line in County Mayo in March 2023. Rudolf Makula, aged 30, of Gleann Ard, Ballaghderreen, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one girl. Marian Peci, aged 29, of no fixed abode, was convicted following trial of sexually assaulting and falsely imprisoning a second girl. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a sentence of three and a half years on Makula and three years on Peci, with two years post-release supervision for both. The court heard the men had separated the girls from their friends after plying them with alcohol. The judge noted the girls had been entitled to feel safe when socialising and commended friends who intervened to assist them. Both men remain in custody since August 2025.
Darren Hayes, 50, was sentenced at the procedural stage of sentence for a series of offences in the Baggot Street area. The defendant pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary and seven counts of criminal damage committed between September 6 and October 15, 2023. The court heard that Hayes, who was on bail at the time, carried out these acts at unoccupied office premises, forcing entry and causing damage or stealing property. On September 6, he allegedly stole €21,929 worth of laptops and iPhones from a Haddington Road office with another man, who has since fled the jurisdiction. On October 15, he allegedly ransacked a hair salon and damaged other businesses, including a gym and doctors' offices. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hayes's extensive criminal history, including 140 previous convictions, one for rape, and two for failing to inform gardaí of a change of address under the Sex Offender's Act. She described the theft of devices and the destruction of equipment as requiring separate marking. The judge imposed a sentence of three years and four months, with the final year suspended, on those specific offences and took the remaining counts into consideration. Defense counsel highlighted Hayes's chronic drug addiction and housing difficulties, noting his intention to enter residential treatment upon release. Hayes is currently serving a sentence for other burglaries.
A 34-year-old man from Finglas has admitted to conspiring to murder a Dublin father-of-two who was fatally shot at his home in 2018. Joseph Richards, with an address at Lanesborough Square, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiracy to murder Robert Sheridan, aged 45, who died following a shooting at Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, on October 5, 2018. Richards was charged with the offence in 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 16 for sentencing.
Sabrina Fox, a young woman who was repeatedly raped and abused by her uncles from the age of nine until she was 13, spoke out in court about the lasting trauma of the abuse. James Joseph Jordan and Patrick Fintan Jordan pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault. Fox described how her uncles had intimidated her and told her to forget the abuse, leaving her feeling ashamed and isolated. Justice David Keane imposed a nine-and-a-half-year sentence on both men, noting the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge acknowledged the men's guilty pleas and their medical issues but emphasized the need for justice. The victims' impact statement highlighted the long-term effects of the abuse on Fox's life and mental health.
A 42-year-old man, Darragh Quinlivan, has pleaded guilty to shooting Noel Campion in Limerick City in 2007 as part of the Dundon McCarthy organised crime group. Quinlivan was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and participating in the criminal organisation to commit murder. The victim was shot while riding as a back passenger on a motorbike near St Munchin's Church. Quinlivan, who has lived in the UK, was remanded on bail until January 23 for his sentence hearing. The prosecution counsel indicated that the sentence hearing would take an hour. The court heard that Quinlivan had complied with bail conditions and was living in Ireland. The judge agreed to the bail conditions and remanded him until the hearing date.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal against the murder convictions of Michael Dooley, Thomas Dooley Jnr, and Patrick Dooley. The three men, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty by a jury in 2024 of murdering Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery in County Kerry on October 5, 2022. Prosecutors alleged the attack was an 'honour killing' carried out with 'focused and murderous ferocity' using bladed weapons. All three appellants received life sentences from Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in July 2024. During the appeal, counsel for Michael Dooley argued he was misidentified and the case should have been withdrawn from the jury. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr contended his arrest was unlawful, while Patrick Dooley's lawyers challenged the admission of evidence regarding a weapon. The DPP countered that circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of vehicles fleeing the scene and the discovery of Michael Dooley in a van, supported the convictions. The court heard that the misidentification issue was extensively addressed in the trial judge's directions. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved judgment.
A 20-year-old man has pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault and one count of anal rape of a child between January and August 2021. The accused, who was aged between 15 and 16 at the time of the offences, sexually abused his 11-year-old cousin over a period of months. The abuse ended when the victim's younger brother informed their mother of the incidents. The victim, now 20, described the impact of the abuse in a victim impact statement, stating it had a 'life-altering affect' on him, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD, social anxiety, and depression. He outlined the ongoing effects on his mental health, education, and social life. The accused admitted guilt and the injured party did not have to give evidence. The case is at the sentence stage, and Ms Justice Melanie Greally adjourned the sentencing hearing until March 2, 2026, when a probation report will be available and a plea in mitigation will be heard from the defence legal team.
The mother of a four-year-old boy, who was murdered by his stepmother, described her son as a "beautiful, clever, happy and caring" child. The stepmother, a woman in her 30s, pleaded guilty to the murder and two counts of child cruelty. The boy was found unresponsive after falling from his bed, with multiple bruises and injuries indicating non-accidental abuse. The father, who had previously pleaded guilty to endangerment and neglect, was sentenced to seven years. The stepmother will be sentenced to life imprisonment. The boy's mother expressed her devastation, recalling the child's love for his siblings and his kindness. The court heard that the boy had been physically abused for weeks before his death, with the stepmother admitting to shaking him and striking his head. The case has raised significant concerns about child abuse and the failure of the father to protect his son.
A young man who raped a 15-year-old girl in a field near a housing estate in north Dublin has been jailed for three years. The man, now 19, was found guilty of rape, attempted oral rape, sexual assault, and assault causing harm in March 2022. He was 16 at the time of the incident. The attack began with consensual kissing but escalated when he refused to stop touching the girl despite her repeated requests. He became aggressive, choking her and telling her, "You're mine," before proceeding to rape her. The victim reported the attack to her mother, who subsequently threw her out of the house. The girl ended up homeless and in hostels, suffering severe mental health issues. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the victim impact statement as harrowing, noting the catastrophic effect on the girl. He stated that if the defendant had been an adult, the sentence would have been eight years. However, considering his age, he imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final year to encourage rehabilitation.
A man convicted of raping a woman as she slept beside her boyfriend and newborn baby in County Donegal has failed in his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Shaun O'Donnell, aged 35, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in August 2024 following his conviction on one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offence occurred on 26 March 2021 at a home in Donegal. O'Donnell's appeal argued that the trial should have been stayed because two items of the victim's clothing were unavailable for DNA testing. Ms Justice Nuala Butler rejected the appeal, finding that O'Donnell had introduced a new argument not raised at trial. She noted that DNA testing on available items had proved negative and that substantial evidence remained for the jury to consider, independent of forensic analysis. The judge stated the law does not impose an obligation on crime victims to preserve evidence. O'Donnell has not accepted the verdicts nor expressed remorse.
The 40‑year‑old defendant, whose name is withheld to protect complainants, was convicted in December 2023 on nine counts of sexual assault under the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990. The offences, alleged to have occurred between March 1996 and July 2002, involved three women who were aged six, seven and 17 at the time. The defendant, aged 11 to 17 during the alleged acts, was jailed for four years by Mr Justice David Keane in April 2024. He appealed on two grounds: that the trial judge should have severed the charges relating to the third complainant from those involving the first two, and that a doli incapax defence should have been granted. The Court of Appeal dismissed both grounds, ruling that the judge's decisions were not erroneous and that sufficient evidence existed to rebut the doli incapax presumption. The appeal was dismissed by Mr Justice John Edwards. The case remains at the conviction stage.
Sarah Ryan, a victim of rape and coercive control by her former partner Nathan Grant McNulty, spoke out after he was jailed for eight years. Ms Ryan waived her right to anonymity, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse. She described the experience as 'pure evil' and expressed a desire to 'turn my pain into purpose'. McNulty pleaded guilty to charges of rape and coercive control. The court heard that Ms Ryan suffered years of physical and emotional abuse, including beatings and threats. She described feeling trapped in a nightmare and suffering from severe depression and anxiety. The judge noted the aggravating factor of the relationship being intimate and domestic. McNulty received a nine-year sentence with the final year suspended under strict conditions. Ms Ryan's family, friends, and support organizations were thanked for their support. The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Nathan Grant McNulty was convicted.
The brother of Michael Tormey, a man fatally shot by his brother-in-law Christopher Devine in his own front garden, described his sibling as a 'decent, honest man' who paid the ultimate price for meeting people involved in the drugs trade. Devine was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Tormey, who was shot five times in his front garden. The court heard that Devine had a history of drug-related activity with Mr Tormey and had previously been involved in moving drugs. The jury rejected Devine's claim of diminished responsibility due to cocaine intoxication, finding that he acted deliberately. Victim impact statements highlighted the devastation caused to the Tormey family, with Mr Tormey's brother describing the murder as 'coldly' executed. Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The trial revealed that Devine had a history of previous convictions, mostly under the road traffic act, and had been involved in drug-related activity with Mr Tormey. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
The Central Criminal Court sentenced three adults for offences against a 13-year-old girl during court-ordered access visits. A 34-year-old man, the aunt's partner, pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault between July and September 2023. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to ten years for oral rape and three years for sexual assault, to run concurrently. She suspended the final 12 months and placed him under probation supervision for 12 months. The girl's father, aged 41, pleaded guilty to child neglect (September 2022–September 2023) and intimidation of a witness. He was sentenced to six years for intimidation and four years for neglect, to run concurrently. The final 12 months were suspended, with 12 months of probation supervision. The girl's aunt, aged 40, pleaded guilty to child neglect. She received a three-year sentence, with the final two years suspended for 12 months, and was placed under probation supervision for 12 months. The court noted the defendants exposed the child to alcohol and drugs. The father allegedly intimidated the child into dropping her complaint. All sentences were pronounced at the sentencing stage.
A man from Castlefinn, County Donegal has been sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for rape. Kevin McGovern, aged 28, was found guilty by jury of one count of rape committed on 21 August 2021. Two further charges, comprising sexual assault and burglary, resulted in a nolle prosequi after the jury could not reach agreement on these matters. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a seven-year sentence with the final six months suspended. She identified grave aggravating factors, including breach of trust, the violation occurring in the victim's own home and bed whilst she slept, and the profound impact on the injured party. The judge noted McGovern's lack of previous convictions. He was directed to accept Probation Services supervision for twelve months following release. His sentence was backdated to 18 November when he entered custody. An earlier trial at Carrick-on-Shannon had been discharged following a procedural issue.
The Central Criminal Court jury trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has been adjourned until January 12 for the Christmas break. The accused, aged 32 to 55, have all pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 103 charges. The primary complainant, who is deaf, completed her evidence-in-chief via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary. She alleged that Accused F, her 32-year-old brother, raped and anally raped her between 2007 and 2010. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, is accused of one count of rape. Accused B, another uncle, faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C, 34, is accused of 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the primary complainant, plus further charges of sexual assault and rape against two other sisters, Complainant 2 and Complainant 3. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused G, 45, denied one count of rape. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury to return on January 12, noting that preparatory work would occur during the break. All allegations remain contested, and no findings or sentences have been issued.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is alleged to be unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder, according to his defence lawyers. A consultant forensic psychiatrist testified that Bouchaker, who has a complex medical history, suffered a brain injury during the incident and had prior brain surgery. The psychiatrist stated that if Bouchaker is deemed unfit, he would be reviewed every six months by the mental health criminal law review board. Bouchaker, 51, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and involved a chaotic scene with multiple stab wounds to children and a care worker. The psychiatrist noted that Bouchaker has a history of epilepsy, a brain tumour, and partial blindness in his right eye. She found that he has moderate dementia and impaired judgment, making it difficult for him to understand the charges or mount a defence.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted five men from Tipperary of colluding to inflate tender prices for school bus services in the south west of Ireland. The defendants—Raymond Heney, Andrew Walsh, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey and Anthony Flynn—were alleged to have coordinated bids for routes supplied by Bus Éireann, which handled 10% of school routes while contractors managed the remaining 90%. The prosecution argued that the men's concerted practice, led by Heney, aimed to prevent, restrict or distort competition, thereby affecting taxpayers and the Department of Education's €163 million budget for 2015. Each defendant pleaded not guilty. The court remanded all five on continuing bail pending a sentencing hearing on 23 March 2026. The case was brought by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The trial focused on the alleged coordination and exchange of information among the operators, rather than any formal agreement.
A man subjected his wife to a prolonged campaign of coercive control, sexual assault, and rape during the Covid-19 lockdown, leading to a nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The victim described the ordeal as a "prolonged campaign of domination" that culminated in a rape in June 2021. The court heard that the man threatened to expose her private matters, slapped her in front of her children, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. The victim suffered from PTSD and described the lasting psychological impact of the abuse. The judge noted the man's disregard for his wife's consent and the severe breach of trust. He imposed consecutive sentences and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions, including no contact with the victim. The man has 10 previous convictions for breaching barring orders and has since expressed remorse, though the judge was skeptical of his sincerity. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Karl Fish (53) was convicted on two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, all committed between November 1988 and November 1990 when he was 16 or 17 and the victim was 14 or 15. The victim, a woman who was raped as a teenager by her cousin, testified that Fish had twisted the truth and tried to conceal his actions. Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced Fish to ten years for the rape offences, reduced to five years because of his age at the time, and further to four years to account for the delay in prosecution. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and the impact on the victim, who expressed gratitude for the court's decision and her support network. No further legal outcomes are mentioned in the article. Karl Fish pleaded not guilty.
Seven men, aged 32 to 55, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. All defendants deny the charges. The complainant, giving evidence via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary, alleged that Accused E (32) anally raped her at two locations. Accused E faces 16 counts of sexual abuse, nine counts of anal rape, and seven counts of rape. Accused A (55) is accused of one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts including rape and oral rape; and Accused G (45) is charged with one count of rape. Three brothers are also accused: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of abuse, 22 counts of rape, and 23 counts of anal rape; Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape; and Accused F (32) denied five counts comprising anal rape and rape. Additionally, Accused C is charged with sexual assault of Complainant 2, two counts of rape and one count of anal rape of the same victim, and one count of anal rape of Complainant 3. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury.
Darragh Quigley, 26, of Carndonagh Road, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough, 64, on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. At the sentence hearing in the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Quigley followed Ms McCullough and her husband from the Powerscourt Centre before striking her from behind with a seven-inch knife. The blade passed through the back of her head, entering on the left and exiting on the right. Ms McCullough, who was watching the Christmas lights switch-on, removed the knife herself and handed it to her husband. She described the attack as random and unprovoked, stating it permanently altered her sense of safety. Quigley, who has no previous convictions but a history of mental health issues, told gardai the act was random and he had gone into town with a knife. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC submitted that Quigley had ceased taking his antipsychotic medication and suffered from bipolar affective disorder. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the incident as a truly shocking and extremely serious offence. He remanded Quigley in custody today until January 19, when he will be sentenced.
Two men, Philip Disney (30) and Sean Carlyle (32), who were sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Vincent Parsons during a Stag night in 2019, have failed in their appeal to overturn their convictions. The attack, described as 'extraordinarily savage,' occurred near the Killinarden Inn on August 24, 2019, after Mr. Parsons became 'messy' and irritated Disney during a night out. The trial heard that following an altercation, the two men followed Mr. Parsons in a van and fatally assaulted him on a nearby green area. During the sentencing, Mr. Parsons' wife, Clare, expressed how his death had 'fallen apart' the lives of their two children. The Court of Appeal dismissed all grounds raised by Disney and Carlyle, including claims that evidence was prejudicial or that the trial judge made errors in rulings. The court upheld the conviction, noting that the CCTV footage was properly admitted and that the jury was correctly not discharged. The appeal also failed to challenge the admissibility of evidence, including statements made by the defendants during searches and interviews.
A jury is set to return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Patrick Murphy (37), who is accused of stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home in what he claims was an act of self-defense. Murphy has admitted to stabbing Ronan but has pleaded not guilty to murder. The jury heard that Ronan suffered a single fatal stab wound to the chest during an encounter in the early hours of July 26, 2024. CCTV footage showed Ronan entering Murphy's van and then Mr Murphy's partner's BMW, where the fatal incident occurred. Gardai found a Revolut card belonging to Murphy on the deceased's body. The prosecution argued that Murphy's use of force was disproportionate, noting that he armed himself with a knife, ran out of his house, and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest, with the blade penetrating 18cm into his chest cavity. The defense, however, argued that Murphy acted out of panic in the heat of the moment after his home was invaded by an intruder.
A trial is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court involving seven men, aged 32 to 55, accused of 98 counts of sexually abusing a deaf woman between 1996 and 2013. The complainant, who gave evidence via video-link with interpreters, alleges abuse by her three uncles and four brothers. All accused deny the charges. Accused A (55) faces one count of rape; Accused B (48) faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape; and Accused G (45) faces one count of rape. Four brothers are also charged: Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape, plus separate charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault and rape. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F (32) denied five counts of anal rape and rape. The trial, set down for four months, continues before a 15-member jury after a pause due to the complainant's hospitalization.
A man described as a 'manipulative monster' with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and attempted murder of his partner. Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, was given a consecutive ten-year sentence for the attempted murder of his partner, Aisha Al Katib, which will be served before the life sentence. The court heard that Al Tamimi, who had previously held Aisha against her will and forced her to have sex without her consent, stabbed his daughter in front of Aisha, who was paralyzed and unable to move. Aisha described the moment as one of the most traumatic of her life, with Al Tamimi smiling directly at her as he cut his daughter's throat. The judge emphasized the domestic violence aspect of the case and the extraordinary level of violence, stating that the sentences were appropriate.
A man who stabbed his 'friendly and soft-hearted' father 18 times during a psychotic episode has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, who had a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath in 2022. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in just 29 minutes, with the judge describing the trial as 'extremely difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one.' Psychiatrists agreed that O'Rourke was suffering from a schizophrenic mental disorder at the time of the killing and met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial heard that O'Rourke developed a delusion that his father was mixed up with criminals and the IRA and that he posed a threat to his life. He stabbed his father to death and then drove to a hospital, where he told his grandmother he had killed her son.
A fire drill delayed jury deliberations in the trial of a man who stabbed his father to death during a psychotic episode. Ross O'Rourke, 31, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father. Psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a mental disorder and met the criteria for the special verdict. O'Rourke believed his father was involved with criminals and the IRA and heard voices telling him to kill him. He stabbed his father 18 times. His defense described his father as a kind and warm-hearted man. The prosecution argued O'Rourke intended to kill his father but the psychiatrists concluded he was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions due to his mental state. The jury was told to return on Monday after the fire drill.
A criminal who assaulted, raped and coercively controlled his partner during a six-week relationship in which she endured 'violence and extreme degradation' will remain in prison after a court today rejected his appeal against conviction. Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences, including four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward, who was jailed for 17 years, does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence. He was also jailed in 2016 for four years for falsely imprisoning and assaulting a young mother in November 2015. Survivor Ms Sinéad O'Neill, who was the victim in both cases, was also convicted in the trial. At Ward's sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me,' she said. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.
The trial of five bus operators accused of colluding to inflate school transport tender prices is ongoing at the Central Criminal Court. Raymond Heney, Andrew Walsh, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey, and Anthony Flynn have all pleaded not guilty to alleged offences under the Competition Act 2002. The single charge against each accused alleges that between November 1, 2014, and December 31, 2016, they engaged in a concerted practice to prevent, restrict, or distort competition in the provision of school transport services. The prosecution alleges the men coordinated their bids to drive prices higher, affecting public funds. In his closing speech, defence counsel Dermot B Cahill SC argued that Heney acted as a consultant to assist other operators with administrative processes, stating that without him, there would be fewer drivers available to transport children to school. He contended that the accused were not a faceless corporation but local individuals supporting their trade. Conversely, prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC argued that the evidence showed a concerted practice to distort the market and load the dice against taxpayers. The jury is instructed to consider the evidence against each accused separately while viewing the overall context. The trial continues before Mr Justice David Keane.
A 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity told his grandmother that he had killed her son when she was lying in her bed in a hospital ward. Ross O'Rourke (31) of Tullow, Carlow, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father, Stefan Nivelles Posschier (65). During the opening of the trial, Shane Costelloe SC said that expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defence are in agreement about the accused's mental state at the time of the murder. The court heard that Ms Kingston, the grandmother of the accused, was in her bed in the hospital ward on October 25, 2022, when O'Rourke told her that he had killed her son. Gardai found the body of the deceased under plastic tarpaulin held down with bricks. The prosecution's case is that the accused caused the death of his father, and the court will hear evidence from expert consultant psychiatrists about the accused's mental state at the time.
Suzanne Mangan, the accused in the murder trial of Maud Coffey, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. The Central Criminal Court jury heard that the 53-year-old man admitted to killing his girlfriend at the Horizon Building in Ashtown, Dublin 15, on January 13, 2023. Prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that the accused told gardai he killed Ms Coffey, referencing "the devil, the bible and to the killing of Lucifer." Ms Coffey, 41, died from asphyxia and sharp force trauma. The prosecution noted the accused had a history of non-compliance with medication for mental health conditions, including schizoaffective disorder. While the defense's psychiatrist argued the accused met criteria for insanity, the State's consultant forensic psychiatrist, Dr Richard Church, opined the disorder's severity entitled the jury to consider diminished responsibility rather than a full finding of insanity. The defense, represented by Patrick Gageby SC, made formal admissions that the accused killed Ms Coffey. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of seven men and five women.
Five school bus operators from Tipperary are on trial in the Central Criminal Court for allegedly colluding to distort competition in the provision of school transport services. The prosecution alleges that between 2014 and 2016, the accused engaged in a concerted practice to manipulate tender prices and allocate routes among themselves. Prosecution counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated that the accused discussed bidding strategies and pricing, which led to higher prices for taxpayers. The trial has heard that one of the accused arranged meetings to coordinate efforts, and that there was a degree of coordination among the parties. The prosecution argues that this was not a formal agreement but a form of collusion that distorted the market. The case is not about the importance of school transport for children but about the manipulation of public funds. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented.
A jury has viewed CCTV footage of the moment Patrick Murphy, a father of four, fatally stabbed Jordan Ronan outside his home in what he claimed was an act of self-defence. Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder, though he admitted stabbing Ronan. The trial heard that Murphy appeared slightly nervous when gardai arrived at his home shortly after the incident and muttered under his breath, calling the situation a 'load of bol****s'. Garda Dara Kelly presented CCTV footage from three houses on Drumcairn Avenue and a Ring doorbell, showing Murphy and Ronan between 3.07am and 3.13am. The footage indicated that Ronan approached Murphy's house, activating convenience lights in Murphy's van before moving to a BMW belonging to Murphy's partner. At 3.12am, Murphy was seen at the front door, and nine seconds later, he was seen standing back from the car. Garda James Cullen arrived at the scene and found Ronan being given CPR by firefighters. A Revolut card registered to Murphy was found on Ronan.
A jury has been sworn in to hear the trial of a 31-year-old man who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, from Tullow, Carlow, is accused of murdering Stefan Nivelles Posschier at The Stables in Rattin, Kinnegad, Westmeath, between October 24 and 25, 2022. The accused entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial will be presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott and will involve a jury of five men and seven women. The trial is expected to last up to four days. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions is Shane Costello SC, while Michael Bowman SC represents the defence. Evidence will be presented by Dr Ronan Mullaney for the defence and Dr Anthony Kearns for the prosecution. The trial will commence tomorrow.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment on appeals against the sentences of three men convicted of the gang rape of a 17-year-old student in December 2016. The defendants, Gabriel Gomes Da Rocha, Eduardo Dias Ferreira Filho, and Marcus De Silva Umbelino, were unanimously convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury. In June 2022, Ms Justice Tara Burns sentenced Da Rocha to 20 years, Ferreira Filho to 18 years, and Umbelino to 15 years, suspending the final year of each term. The appeals argue these sentences are excessive. Counsel for Da Rocha and Ferreira Filho contended the trial judge erred in categorizing the offending in the highest band, suggesting a 10-to-15-year range was appropriate given their ages and lack of prior convictions. For Umbelino, who was a minor at the time, counsel argued the reduction for youth was insufficient, citing UK guidelines. The Director of Public Prosecutions maintained the trial judge correctly applied the law and considered mitigating factors. The matter was adjourned pending the court's decision.
Nassar Ahmed, 45, of Ennis, is appealing his murder conviction for the killing of Eoin Boylan, 32, at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14, 2020. Ahmed had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claiming self-defence. However, a jury unanimously found him guilty of murder, rejecting his defence and accepting the prosecution's allegation that he stabbed Boylan three times in a "sneak attack" after inviting him to a fist fight while concealing a knife. In July 2022, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon sentenced Ahmed to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court. During the appeal hearing, Michael Bowman SC, representing Ahmed, argued that the trial judge erred in her ruling on how certain evidence was presented, contending that the verdicts should be set aside. Conversely, Lorcan Staines SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, asserted that the trial judge's ruling was entirely correct. The three-judge Court of Appeal, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment and will deliver its decision at a later date. The matter was adjourned.
A jury has unanimously convicted Christopher Devine of murder, rejecting his claim that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to heavy cocaine and alcohol use. Devine, who shot Michael Tormey five times in the victim's front garden, argued that his mental state diminished his capacity to control his actions. However, the court accepted the prosecution's argument that Devine acted deliberately. The trial revealed that Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The jury rejected the defense's claim that he was too intoxicated to form an intention to kill. The judge, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, adjourned the case until December 19, when Devine will face a mandatory life sentence. The Tormey family will be invited to make statements on that date. Devine had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard conflicting expert opinions on whether Devine met the criteria for diminished responsibility or cocaine intoxication. The jury deliberated for over four hours and found Devine guilty of murder.
Serial sex offender Philip Murphy has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother and two young girls over 30 years ago. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, noted that Murphy represents an ongoing danger to society and ordered that he remain under post-release supervision for 10 years. Murphy was convicted of 15 counts of rape and sexual assault, and his half brother, Michael Murphy, was jailed for four years for raping one of the girls. The victims, who were all young children at the time, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing. Murphy threatened the older girl that he would abuse her younger sister and kill her father if she did not comply with his demands. The judge emphasized that Murphy's actions were gravely wrong and that the victims were not at fault. Michael Murphy was also sentenced for raping a girl when he was around 16 or 17. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health issues and addiction.
Ruth Lawrence, a 46-year-old defendant, was sentenced to two mandatory terms of life imprisonment for the murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor. The Central Criminal Court jury had previously found that Lawrence and her boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, acted as a unit to lure O'Connor to their home, where he was shot. The panel also accepted that Keegan was shot by van der Westhuizen and that Lawrence was equally liable for the outcome under joint enterprise. Lawrence had pleaded not guilty to both counts of murder, which occurred between April 22 and May 26, 2014. Justice Tony Hunt handed down the concurrent sentences, backdating them to October 4, 2022, when Lawrence entered custody. The court heard four victim impact statements detailing the trauma suffered by the families, who noted Lawrence's lack of remorse and her decade-long flight to South Africa, where she changed her name and appearance. Van der Westhuizen is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for separate offenses, with an application to return him to Ireland for trial to be considered upon his release. The judge acknowledged the vindication for the families after a lengthy legal process.
The Court of Appeal has quashed the original sentence of David Hamilton and resentenced him to eight and a half years for the rape, oral rape, and sexual assault of two female relatives in Meath between 2004 and 2008. Hamilton, who pleaded guilty to the charges, had previously been sentenced to seven and a half years by Mr Justice Tony Hunt at the Central Criminal Court. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed on the grounds that the original term was unduly lenient. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy noted the prolonged nature of the abuse and the defendant's awareness of its wrongfulness. The new sentence includes a suspended final year, with the suspension remaining in place for life. Jonathan Hamilton, David's brother, was separately sentenced to three years for one count of rape and sexual assault of the older victim in 2005, with the final six months suspended for life. The younger victim stated she was happy with the additional year added to David Hamilton's term, expressing hope to begin healing without fear.
A 16-year-old boy who had unrestricted access to a smartphone from an early age has been sentenced to 15 months in Oberstown Detention Centre for raping a 13-year-old girl he had been dating. The boy was convicted of three charges of oral rape and one of rape. The incidents occurred in County Galway, where both children lived with their families. The boy denied the allegations but admitted to watching porn from a young age, which influenced his sexual knowledge. The judge noted the boy's difficult childhood and the impact of technology on young people's development. The boy was sentenced to three years in detention, with 21 months suspended, and placed under probation supervision. He was also ordered to have no contact with the victim and to be registered as a sex offender for three years. The unnamed 13-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A gunman who claims he was taking 'industrial quantities' of cocaine when he shot his wife's brother-in-law with a submachine gun can be found guilty of manslaughter if a jury determines he had a mental disorder or was so intoxicated that he did not form an intention to kill. Christopher Devine, 44, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder, but the prosecution argued he was not mentally ill but highly intoxicated. The judge explained that the jury could find him guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility or due to intoxication. The trial concluded with the jury beginning their deliberations, and the case will return to court on Monday.