A thief who threatened to shoot a taxi driver during a Christmas Eve hold-up has been jailed for an offence described as having a 'particular meanness' to it. David Delaney (26) pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 13 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the incident. The taxi driver was targeted in the early hours of December 24, 2023, when Delaney demanded €90 or threatened to shoot him. Delaney also took the taxi driver's dash cam. His defense highlighted his difficult background and current efforts in custody. The judge noted the impact on the taxi driver, who suffered anxiety and stress, and imposed a two-year sentence with six months suspended. Delaney's sentence will be consecutive to his current two-year term for robbery.
A knife-wielding burglar with over 200 previous convictions will be sentenced later this year for a series of break-ins across Dublin. Andrew Cleary (50), who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of burglary, theft, trespass, and criminal damage, as well as one count of aggravated burglary, between October 2024 and July 2025. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Sandymount, Killiney, Rathgar, Rathmines, and Ranelagh. Three gardai testified that Cleary entered homes and stole high-value items to sell and fund his drug addiction. In one incident in Ranelagh, a man was working from home when he heard creaking floorboards and saw Cleary entering the room with a knife, demanding money. The victim handed over his wallet and locked the door as instructed. In another incident in Killiney, a monitoring company alerted the homeowner to an activated security alarm. The homeowner viewed footage on his phone and saw Cleary and another man breaking into his home, smashing windows and taking keys. Gardai later apprehended Cleary with stolen items.
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
A 19-year-old man, Calum McDonagh, was jailed for two years and six months for being a passenger in a stolen car that struck and killed a pedestrian in Dublin. McDonagh, who has 91 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and unauthorized vehicle use, pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in the stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when the car hit Michael Farrelly, who died at the scene. Gardai pursued the car for 4.2km before stopping it, where they found the victim. McDonagh was identified through CCTV and forensic evidence, including glass shards on his clothing. He admitted to being in the passenger seat and attempted to get out of the car after the collision. The court heard from the victim's brother, who described the tragedy as destroying their lives. McDonagh's defense highlighted his neurodiversity and adverse childhood, leading to a suspended six-month portion of the sentence.
A 31-year-old man was jailed for assault causing harm and making threats to kill his pregnant partner during a brutal 20-minute attack. The victim, who was four months pregnant, described being kicked in the stomach, punched, and choked by the defendant, who repeatedly threatened to kill her and the baby. The assault occurred in July 2025, and the victim was found in a parked car with her children and a support worker, showing signs of severe bruising and swelling. The defendant, who had 98 previous convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, was arrested and later taken to a garda station, where he joked about not being able to stand up in court. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma she experienced and the loss of trust in her former partner. The defendant, who claimed to be in treatment for addiction, apologized and expressed a desire to stay away from the victim and her family. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded guilty.
A 39-year-old woman from Dublin pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and to the production of a samurai sword at her home in May 2021. During the incident, she threatened to cut the legs off of gardai and her former partner while waving the sword out of an upstairs window. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of her children, was in a highly distressed and agitated state, reportedly intoxicated and behaving erratically. She had a history of mental health issues, was prescribed antidepressants, and had a history of suicidal ideation. The court heard that she had 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences and one for a drugs offence and robbery. The woman's relationship with her former partner was described as volatile, and he was also taking drugs. The woman later left the property and went to live with her mother, while her two younger children are currently in care.
An on-bail criminal with 117 previous convictions has been jailed for robbing an iPhone after gardaí used the 'find my phone' feature to track him down. Carl McGuinness went to an ice-cream parlour in Ranelagh in South Dublin on the evening of February 11, 2025, carrying a hammer. He told the shop manager to open the till and banged the hammer on the counter several times. The injured party told McGuinness that she couldn't open the till. The defendant then leaned across the counter and tried to open the till, accidentally triggering the panic alarm. An investigating garda told Simon Donogh BL, prosecuting, that McGuinness then grabbed the woman's iPhone 13, worth approximately €550, before escaping on a bike. Gardai responded to the panic alarm, arriving at the shop quickly. They used the 'find my phone' feature to track the phone and found McGuinness nearby. The court heard that the defendant attempted unsuccessfully to flee and when searched, the iPhone and the hammer were found on his person.
An Afghan man, Rahimullah Hotak, who laundered €45,000 by making payments to accounts in six different countries while receiving social welfare in Ireland, has been given a fully suspended sentence. Hotak, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, made 45 separate payments totaling €45,208.53 between January 2020 and April 2021. The court heard that the amount was 'totally out of proportion' to the funds he would have had access to at the time as a 19-year-old. Hotak's defence counsel noted that he recognises Ireland's support and hopes to return to Afghanistan with his family. The court also heard that Hotak was arrested but made no admissions. Judge Orla Crowe noted the troubling features of the case, including the source of the money, and adjourned the case to assess Hotak's risk of re-offending. Hotak has no previous convictions and the Probation Service has deemed him to be at low risk of re-offending. Judge Crowe handed down a sentence of 18 months, which she suspended for a period of three years on a number of conditions.
Larry Connors (32) and Michael Connors (34), both of Newbridge, Co Kildare, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred in a pub restroom following a Tyson Fury boxing match, where the victim was assaulted after shouting "up Usyk." The victim sustained a chipped tooth, bruising, swelling, and cuts to his face. Both defendants were already serving sentences for affray imposed by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in February and had been due for release in November. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Michael Connors initiated the incident by pushing the victim, Larry Connors used the greatest force. Both men brought €1,500 each to court. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 months on each defendant, with the final year suspended on conditions. These conditions require them to hand over the total €3,000 to the garda to be offered to the victim or, if not accepted, donated to charity. The court acknowledged their apologies and good work histories, noting they would return to stable situations upon release.
Mohammad Rehman, a British national, has been jailed for helping serious criminals escape after they attacked a Tallaght home and beat a man with a hammer during a drug-related dispute. Rehman arrived in Ireland the previous day with plans to set up a mobile valeting business. He pleaded guilty to driving the vehicle involved in an aggravated burglary to and from the scene. The court heard that the attack was caused by a drugs transaction that went wrong. Rehman was not involved in the attack and did not get out of the car. He had no previous convictions and the judge noted that he had tested negative for drugs while in custody. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Rehman to three and a half years in prison, backdated to when he went into custody, for helping serious criminals escape.
A man who was found with €5,000 worth of drugs in his home five years ago has received a suspended 18-month sentence. Sean Hassett, who was 24 at the time, immediately admitted to the drugs when gardaí searched his home in June 2021. However, due to delays in processing the case, he was only charged this year. During the time between the search and his charge, Hassett moved to Spain, removed himself from negative peer groups, and turned his life around. He provided clean urine analysis to the court to prove he no longer uses drugs and is now engaged to be married. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hassett had not re-offended since 2021 and had fully cooperated with the investigation. She acknowledged his efforts to change his life and suspended his sentence for three years on certain conditions. The drugs involved included ketamine, cannabis, and cocaine, with a total value of just over €5,100. Hassett has four previous convictions, including one for a road traffic offence and three for drug possession. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
A 48-year-old man has been jailed for two and a half years for instigating a violent attack on two men in Balbriggan. Kevin Cox pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder that occurred on March 31, 2024. During the incident, Cox pushed and struck one of the victims multiple times, and the second victim was punched and kicked. Both victims sustained serious injuries, with one suffering from ongoing headaches and impaired vision, and the other suffering from a knee dislocation and fractures. Cox has 16 previous convictions, most of which are from the District Court. His defence argued that most of his previous convictions were historic and that he had not come to garda attention since the incident. He expressed remorse and offered €4,000 as a token of apology. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the CCTV footage showing Cox's aggressive actions and set a headline sentence of six years, which she reduced to four years. She suspended the final 18 months for 18 months under strict conditions.
A former haulage company owner has been given a suspended sentence for writing two cheques for green diesel that failed to clear. Kenneth Browne pleaded guilty to two counts of deception in 2019. He had agreed to pay for 2,500 litres of green diesel with a cheque, but the cheque bounced. He later ordered an additional 5,000 litres, which he also paid for with a cheque that also bounced. Browne had made some repayments to the supplier but stopped when he was told he would only receive a receipt upon full repayment. He attended a voluntary interview and admitted to making poor business decisions that led to his company's bankruptcy. His defence highlighted that he had no repeat offences in the past seven years and was now employed full-time. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted that Browne had made a dishonest decision to write the cheques and had relevant previous convictions. He set a headline sentence of two and a half years, which he reduced to 20 months in prison on each count to run concurrently.
A 22-year-old man, Wojtek Kulik, has been sentenced to two years in prison for money laundering and one year for possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Kulik received over €18,000 into his Revolut account through hundreds of transactions between January 2024 and January 2025. He was also caught with €7,272 worth of cannabis in October 2023. Kulik admitted to being an addict and said he was given €100 to deliver the cannabis to someone else. The court heard that he had a history of substance misuse since the age of 16 and that he had made full admissions. A probation report indicated that Kulik is at high risk of reoffending but is motivated to engage with services. Judge Orla Crowe noted the aggravating factor of the money laundering over a considerable period of time but took into account his guilty pleas, youth, and willingness to engage with services. She suspended the final six months of the two-year sentence on strict conditions and directed him to undergo supervision by the Probation Service for one year post-release.
A disqualified driver, Conor Warburton, narrowly avoided hitting two children in a double buggy while fleeing gardai in a stolen car. Warburton (36) was jailed for three years and disqualified from driving for ten years after pleading guilty to charges including endangerment, dangerous driving, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, when Warburton drove at high speed through a bus stop, narrowly missing the children and a garda who was about to exit a patrol car. The car had false registration plates and Warburton was not insured at the time. The pursuit lasted around 30 seconds over 800 meters before gardai lost sight of the car. Warburton has 66 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and no insurance. His defence highlighted addiction issues as the root of his offending, and he has been clean for seven months. Judge Orla Crowe noted the reckless and dangerous nature of his actions and the aggravating factors of his previous convictions and disqualification.
A 23-year-old man from Dublin was jailed for three-and-a-half years after gardai discovered nearly €280,000 worth of drugs in his van and home. Ben Murray was stopped by gardai in Dublin 8 after spinning his van's wheels at a junction. During a search, gardai found 1.16kg of cocaine in the van, and over 2.8kg of cocaine and 2,500 alprazolam tablets in his home. Murray admitted to possessing the drugs for sale and stated he was to be paid €200 for transporting them. He had five previous convictions for road traffic offences. The court noted the large quantity of drugs and Murray's role in moving and storing them. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, considering Murray's cooperation, his history of addiction, and his family's support. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the drug trade and the need for rehabilitation. Ben Murray pleaded guilty.
A personal trainer at a female-only gym, John Peters (33), has been jailed for two years and two months for assaulting his then-girlfriend. Peters pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm, and criminal damage to her phone. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors of the intimate relationship and the significant effect of the aggression on the victim. Peters' probation report indicated that he minimized his actions and claimed the victim provoked him. The judge highlighted the lack of evidence that Peters is addressing his aggression and the absence of contrition. She sentenced Peters to three years for assault causing harm, two and a half years for criminal damage, and six months for assault, all to run concurrently. The final 10 months of the sentence were suspended for 15 months, and Peters was placed under the supervision of the Probation Services for 10 months post-release.
Patrick Stokes, a 24-year-old with over 120 previous convictions, was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to assaulting a Dublin Bus passenger who objected to social-distancing breaches during the pandemic. Stokes and his co-accused attacked the victim on a bus, resulting in the victim's tooth being dislodged. Stokes admitted to kicking the victim, while his co-accused punched him in the face. The court heard that Stokes had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and his legal team argued that he had changed his life and was now drug-free, married, and a father. Despite this, Judge Martin Nolan noted the "thuggish" nature of the attack and the harm caused to the victim. Stokes expressed remorse and apologized for his actions, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the need for justice for the victim.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, was jailed for four months after sexually assaulting a woman and brazenly masturbating in public multiple times in Dublin. Mahajan pleaded guilty to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The court heard that Mahajan targeted vulnerable women working alone at night and that his behavior was brazen and public. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Mahajan had no entitlement to remain in Ireland and was subject to a deportation order. She imposed a total of 16 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mahajan was also registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Mahajan had arrived in Ireland to study but had used cannabis and alcohol, which affected his behavior. His family is not in Ireland, and he is now homeless. The court emphasized the need for Mahajan to address his risk factors and develop insight into his offending.
Thomas Grace, a serial criminal with over 250 previous convictions, was jailed for two on-bail offences, including breaking into a couple's home and ransacking it while they slept. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Grace's criminal history dates back nearly 25 years and includes a wide range of offences, from burglary and robbery to drug-related crimes and assaults. She acknowledged Grace's struggle with heroin addiction, which began at 18, but emphasized that many people have been directly affected by his actions. Grace was sentenced to concurrent terms of 18 months and three years and nine months for theft and burglary, with the final nine months of the second term suspended on strict conditions. Grace pleaded guilty to stealing from a café and burglarizing a family home. His legal team highlighted his troubled past, including leaving school at 13 and falling into addiction and criminality after returning home. Despite showing remorse, Grace's long history of offending and ongoing drug addiction were significant factors in the court's decision.
Ionel Rostas (20) has been jailed for two years and three months for assaulting his ex-girlfriend outside a nightclub. The incident occurred on April 21, 2025, at the Red Cow Inn, where Rostas was captured on CCTV headbutting and punching the 18-year-old woman. The victim required plastic stitches above her right eyebrow after the attack. Rostas, who has 30 previous convictions, was interviewed by gardai and made no comment during the interview. The victim did not wish to make a statement to the gardaí, and the prosecution relied on CCTV footage. Rostas was on a suspended sentence for a drug offence when he committed the assault. Judge Orla Crowe noted the deplorable violence and the vulnerability of the victim. She imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, suspending the final six months on the condition that Rostas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. She also ordered him to engage with the Probation Service for anger management programmes. Ionel Rostas pleaded guilty.
A repeat offender who caused the deaths of a married couple in a hit-and-run was jailed for five years. John Halpin, who had 43 previous convictions, was speeding and ran a red light, killing Anthony and Georgina Hogg Moore. His partner, Nicole Fallon, received a suspended sentence for impeding the investigation by moving the car and hiding evidence. The victims' children gave emotional impact statements, describing the trauma of losing both parents. Halpin claimed he didn't see the red light and was in a state of panic after the collision. The judge sentenced Halpin to five years in prison and disqualified him from driving for 10 years, while imposing a three-year suspended sentence on Fallon, considering the impact on her children. John Halpin pleaded guilty. Nicole Fallon pleaded guilty.
David Smyth (55) has been jailed for four and a half years for distributing and possessing child abuse material. The case came to light through an undercover sting operation by a US special agent who interacted with an alias believed to be used by Smyth on the Kik app. Gardai traced the IP address to Ireland and searched Smyth's home, recovering four images of child sexual abuse material from his phone. Smyth denied any involvement and claimed another person had access to his phone. The court heard that Smyth had a difficult childhood and had worked with various organisations to give back to his community. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the seriousness of the charges, the number of files, and the use of an alias to engage with the undercover agent. He imposed concurrent sentences totalling four and a half years, acknowledging Smyth's cooperation with the investigation and his previous good work history. The judge also highlighted the harm caused to the children in the images and the demand created by viewing such material. David Smyth was convicted.
Anthony Carroll, who impersonated a garda and stole €3,000 from two pensioners, could not attend his sentencing hearing due to an emergency. Carroll pleaded guilty to burglary and impersonating a garda in January 2024. The victims, both 71-year-olds, were awakened at 4:15 am by Carroll, who was wearing a monkey hat and a crowbar, claiming to be conducting a raid. He stole €3,000 from the victims, who had no connection to drugs. Carroll was arrested in February 2025 and admitted to the crime. He has 31 previous convictions, including robbery and criminal damage. His defense argued that he was under the influence of cocaine and had no prior criminal intent. Judge Martina Baxter noted Carroll's record of duplicity and required him to be drug-free and undergo a community service assessment. However, Carroll did not appear for his sentencing as he claimed there was an emergency, with his solicitor informing the court that someone had fallen down the stairs. The case was adjourned to the next court term in June.
Sean O'Rourke, an Offaly man, admitted to possessing 17 kg of cocaine worth €1.19 million to repay a €10,000 debt from his cocaine use. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply in November 2024. O'Rourke claimed he was the only person who knew about the drugs and feared for his family's safety if he revealed who gave him the drugs. He had minor previous convictions for road traffic offences. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the serious nature of the offense but considered his early guilty plea and cooperation. She imposed an 11-year headline sentence, reducing it to eight and a half years after taking mitigation into account. The sentence was suspended for 18 months, with conditions that O'Rourke remain under the supervision of the Probation Service and engage in victim awareness and drug counseling. O'Rourke's defense highlighted his addiction, family support, and work history. He apologized for his actions and expressed a desire to turn his life around.
Michael Macken, a serial offender with a deep sexual interest in children, was jailed for seven and a half years after being caught in a Facebook sting operation. In August 2024, Macken engaged in highly sexualised conversations with individuals he believed were young girls, but the accounts were operated by adults pretending to be teens. He was charged with nine counts of communicating with a person to facilitate sexual exploitation of a child and six counts of attempting to send sexually explicit material to a child. He pleaded guilty to sample counts. Judge Orla Crowe noted his previous convictions for sexual assaults on young children and described his actions as serious and deeply concerning. She imposed two concurrent sentences of eight years, suspending the final six months on the condition that Macken remains under the supervision of The Probation Service. Detective Garda Keith Alford explained that a vigilante group confronted Macken with evidence of his online activities.
A judge has given a 21-year-old man a second chance after he led gardai on a high-speed chase through Dublin with juveniles in his car. Judge Sinéad Ni Chúlacháin imposed a three-year sentence on Craig McKeon, with the final 18 months suspended on the condition that he complies with strict rehabilitation measures. The judge acknowledged McKeon's efforts to address his issues and noted that he has a supportive family and girlfriend. McKeon pleaded guilty to two counts of endangerment after a chase that involved driving on the wrong side of the M50, through red lights, and at excessive speeds. During the chase, other vehicles had to take evasive action, and gardai deployed a stinger to stop him. McKeon avoided the device by driving onto a curb and making a U-turn before continuing towards Ballymun. He was not insured and did not have a driving licence. The judge said McKeon's actions placed his passengers, the gardai, and the public at risk. She noted that McKeon had previous convictions for dangerous driving and that his evasive actions were impulsive.
Luke Gilligan was jailed for eight and a half years for participating in a feud-related attack that resulted in a 14-year-old boy being stabbed in the chest with a 'Rambo First Blood II zombie' knife. The attack was part of a tit-for-tat feud that has not yet abated. The victim suffered a collapsed lung but has since made a full recovery, though he still suffers from ongoing psychological problems. Gilligan pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, and the court heard that the feud involved shootings, IUDs on doorsteps, and attempts at arson. The judge considered the serious nature of the weapons used and the impact on the victim, but also took into account Gilligan's age and his own history of being attacked as part of the feud. She imposed a nine-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions.
A woman who was subjected to an extreme campaign of harassment by her garda partner has said she was "profoundly let down" after making a complaint about him to the ombudsman, which was "met with silence". Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Paul Moody (46) sent the victim thousands of messages while she was in hospital pregnant and threatened to send intimate images to her employer. Moody, formerly of St Rapheal's Manor, Celbridge, Kildare, pleaded guilty to harassment and coercive control on dates between March 2016 and November 2017. The court heard how Moody's offending continued while the woman was in hospital pregnant and after the birth of their child. Their relationship ended in early 2017. The defendant was previously jailed in 2022 for engaging in a four-year campaign of harassment, threats, assaults and coercive control of Nicola Hanney. He had pleaded guilty to a charge of coercion. The victim said she felt "profound anger" that Moody continued to serve – "wearing the uniform of protection" – but was an abuser behind closed doors.
Driver John Wrafter, 34, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for careless driving causing serious bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious bodily harm to Francine Winters at Davin Road, Drimnagh, on October 9, 2024. The court heard that Wrafter drove through a red light, striking Ms Winters on a pedestrian crossing. She suffered multiple fractures to her spine, ribs, pelvis, skull, and eye socket, along with a brain bleed, and woke from a coma five days later in Beaumont Hospital with no memory of the incident. Judge Elma Sheahan set a headline sentence of 16 months, reflecting the devastating physical and psychological impact on the victim, who described losing her independence and enduring chronic pain. Acknowledging Wrafter's genuine remorse, early guilty plea, and lack of previous convictions, the judge reduced the sentence to 12 months. This sentence was suspended on a number of conditions. Additionally, Wrafter was disqualified from driving for four years. The judge noted that while no sentence could restore Ms Winters' health, the disposal reflected the gravity of the offence and the defendant's contrition.
Jason Whelan and Vivian Hanley, a couple with drug habits, were sentenced to four years in prison for possessing over €230,000 worth of drugs at their home in 2022. The court heard that the couple had accumulated debts and were under threat, leading them to store the drugs. Both pleaded guilty and cooperated with the investigation. The judge acknowledged their vulnerability and the duress they were under but emphasized the significant role they played in the drugs trade. The court considered their personal circumstances and the efforts they had made toward rehabilitation, resulting in a suspended sentence for the final two years. Hanley was allowed to defer her sentence to make arrangements for a relative in poor health, while Whelan was required to start his sentence immediately. The garda agreed that the couple were preyed upon by others in the drug world and that they were not the primary organizers of the drug trade.
A 41-year-old manager at a multinational company was given a community service order after assaulting his teenage au pair in a moment of insanity. The man pleaded guilty to assault and had previously been ordered to pay €9,000 for sexual harassment. The court heard that the victim was evicted from the home and faced significant distress. The victim forgave the man, describing the incident as a mistake. The court noted the age disparity and the breach of trust. The judge imposed a headline sentence of five months, reduced to four months, with 80 hours of community service. The man expressed remorse and acknowledged his inappropriate behavior. The court emphasized the need for accountability and the impact on the victim.
A 31-year-old man from Killeshandra, County Cavan, has received a fully suspended two-year sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sexually assaulting a Ryanair cabin crew member during a flight to Dublin Airport. Aaron Brady pleaded guilty to the assault, which occurred approximately 40 minutes before landing. The court heard Brady had consumed approximately five bottles of wine before boarding and between 12 and 15 mini bottles during the flight. Judge Jonathan Dunphy imposed the suspended sentence on strict conditions, including probation service supervision, offence-focused work, addiction support engagement, and attendance at a residential alcohol treatment programme. Brady has paid €3,130 to cover the woman's out-of-pocket expenses and received a five-year ban from Ryanair, which Judge Dunphy noted should be for life. The woman resigned from her position following the incident and described experiencing severe emotional and psychological consequences in her victim impact statement.
A 26-year-old Dublin man has been jailed for eight years for his role in a brutal assault where he and three others attacked a victim in his home, cutting off most of his right ear with scissors and inflicting severe injuries. The victim was stripped, beaten with mirrors, ornaments, and the toilet cistern, and forced into a bathtub filled with water. The defendant, who was on bail for a previous assault, pleaded guilty to both assault causing serious harm and assault causing harm. Judge Orla Crowe described the attack as 'staggering brutality' and imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, which was reduced to eight years, with 18 months suspended. The court heard that the victim's injuries were extensive, including cuts to his face, limbs, and chest, and that the defendant was a willing participant in the attack. The ringleader received a longer sentence, while the other co-accused had already been sentenced. The victim did not wish to make a victim impact statement.
A 39-year-old mother of three has been jailed for a year after she and her 21-year-old daughter stole six designer jackets worth €12,615 from Brown Thomas in the run up to Christmas 2024. Cathriona Joyce and her daughter Caitlin Joyce of St Brigid's Lawn, Porterstown in Dublin pleaded guilty to the theft in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Garda Shane Quinn explained that CCTV footage showed the two women acting suspiciously on the day the jackets went missing. Three females and two males entered the store, loitered, and were surveilled. The females hid the jackets under their own clothing, while the males carried them out. Searches of the Joyce women's homes found three of the jackets, with one discovered under a Christmas tree in Cathriona Joyce's caravan and two in her daughter's caravan. Four days later, Cathriona Joyce handed over three more Moncler jackets in a black plastic bag. She had previously received suspended sentences for similar convictions.
A former missionary nun, Sister Julie Doran, has told a court that she no longer feels safe in her own home after an on-bail criminal with 346 previous convictions broke into her retirement community. Keith Delaney (41) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft, criminal damage, and burglary in Dublin between December 2024 and September 2025. Delaney, who has 346 previous convictions, including 142 theft and 50 criminal damage charges, was identified through CCTV footage and admitted to stealing items, including guitars and a phone, which he sold to fund his drug addiction. The court heard of multiple incidents, including breaking into a hotel room, stealing a laptop and tablet from a hotel, and entering a nursing home where he was seen in residents' bedrooms. Delaney was apprehended after several incidents, including one at a house where retired nuns reside. Sister Doran expressed her distress, stating that she no longer feels safe and has ongoing anxiety. Delaney is currently serving a nine-month sentence and is seeking rehabilitation. The court will consider a probation report before sentencing.
Lee Coleman, 38, of Tyrellstown, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery committed on August 23, 2020. The court heard that Coleman, who had arranged a meeting with a sex worker, demanded the return of €70 and took her phone, placing her in fear. He subsequently returned to the property, where he smashed windows and kicked the door. Coleman was later found severely beaten and bundled into a car, an incident initially reported as a possible abduction. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the frightening nature of the robbery but noted Coleman has not come to Garda attention since 2018 and appears to be getting his life back on track. She set a headline sentence of three years before imposing a two-year sentence. This term was suspended in full on the condition that Coleman keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years. The judge described this as a final chance, holding the suspended sentence over him as a penalty. Coleman has 15 previous convictions, including for assault and theft. Defence counsel highlighted his subsequent sobriety and business setup, while the prosecution noted the victim's phone and money were never recovered.
Paul Morris was sentenced to four years in prison for sexually exploiting a vulnerable teenager between 2009 and 2010. The victim, now 31, testified that he reported the abuse to social services when he was 17 but received no action. He described Morris as 'pure evil' and spoke of the lasting impact on his life, including strained relationships with his daughters. Morris had previously been jailed for eight years in 2022 for similar offenses. The court heard that Morris manipulated the victim, isolating him from his family and providing him with drugs and money. Judge Orla Crowe emphasized the violation of the child's innocence and the predatory nature of Morris's actions, with the sentence to be served consecutively to his existing prison term. Paul Morris pleaded guilty and was convicted.
A man who led gardai on a high-speed chase across Dublin and County Meath has been jailed for five years. Dziugas Odinas (25) was driving dangerously, including on the wrong side of the road and through traffic. The chase involved 12 patrol cars and an air support helicopter. Odinas was later found with drugs and a knife. He pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of drugs and dangerous driving. His previous convictions include road traffic offences. Judge Sarah Berkeley acknowledged his drug addiction and noted his efforts to turn his life around. She imposed concurrent sentences of five years, suspending the final 12 months on condition he engages with the Probation Service. He was also disqualified from driving for five years.
A 'high level' drugs offender has been jailed for seven and a half years after being caught with cannabis and cocaine twice within six months. Cillian Nolan (29) was found with €119,000 worth of cannabis and €7,774 worth of cocaine during a search of an apartment. He also had €4,125 in cash and drug paraphernalia. Nolan pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of drugs and possession of criminal proceeds. His previous convictions include drug dealing and harassment. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Nolan was working at a higher level and imposed a nine-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on condition he engages with the Probation Service. He was also backdated to October 2, 2025, when he went into custody.
A former accountant pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft and deception offences committed over six weeks in early 2025. Michelle Dillon, aged 59 and homeless, stole a bank card and medical card from an elderly patient at a Dublin hospital on 20 February. She subsequently travelled to Cork, Clare, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow, presenting herself as the legitimate account holder at various banks to withdraw approximately €8,000 in cash. She also made contactless payments totalling €133. Withdrawals occurred in Cork city, Bray, Dublin city centre, Navan, Athlone and Ennis. When presenting at an AIB branch in Navan on 4 March, a warning mark was active on the account, yet she convinced staff she was the genuine holder. She was arrested in October 2025 at Cavan General Hospital after presenting under a false name. The victim's bank refunded all monies. Judge Elma Sheahan described the initial theft as despicable and the subsequent deceptions as planned, premeditated and brazen.
A roads offender, Charlene Lawlor, tested positive for cannabis when she knocked down a three-year-old girl on a pedestrian crossing in Dublin 12, leaving the child with a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain. Lawlor initially blamed the child's mother for not keeping her daughter back on the scooter, but later expressed regret for her victim-blaming comments and acknowledged her culpability. The incident occurred on June 21, 2022, when Lawlor, driving at a speed exceeding the 30 km/h limit in effect due to nearby schools, collided with the child. The girl required emergency treatment and ongoing medical care, including regular MRIs and injections. Lawlor, who has eight previous road traffic convictions, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm and drug driving. Judge Martina Baxter ordered a urine analysis report and noted that Lawlor should pay for it herself. The court also heard that Lawlor had a difficult childhood and currently has stable housing. The case was adjourned for finalisation on October 20.
A random garda stop in Dublin city centre led to the discovery of €375,400 in cannabis and cocaine. The driver, Patryk Czajczynski (32), was not on the garda radar but raised suspicion due to nervous behavior. During the search of his vehicle, gardai found €6,500 of cannabis. A follow-up search of his address in Ratoath, Co Meath, uncovered small amounts of cannabis, cocaine, and amphetamines, along with a key to a storage locker in Finglas. The locker contained 13.9kg of cannabis and 1kg of cocaine. Further searches, including one at a property in Dublin 11, led to the seizure of an additional €4,000 in cannabis. Czajczynski was re-arrested but no evidence was obtained during the interview. He has previous convictions for road traffic offences and obstruction. His defense argued that he was not the owner of the drugs but was transporting them for payment. The court heard that Czajczynski had a serious spinal injury from an accident in 2018 and used cannabis for self-medication.
A garda detective testified that 3D-printed guns are becoming more prevalent in Ireland. Craig McKeever (21) pleaded guilty to possessing a 3D-printed .22 calibre pistol and three rounds of ammunition. The gun, made of polymer, is small, easy to conceal, and not detected by metal detectors. During a patrol in Inchicore, gardai found McKeever with a bulletproof vest and a 3D-printed gun. The gun was found to be functional and lethal. McKeever claimed he was carrying the gun for protection after receiving threats against his life. He has 14 previous convictions, including theft, drugs, and road traffic offences. His defense argued that he was in a dangerous situation due to threats from a third party. The court heard that McKeever's family had received notices of threats, and his home was firebombed. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offense and sentenced McKeever to four years and six months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
A data analyst and gambling addict who submitted fake claims to VHI, resulting in the insurance company paying him €40,770 over nine months, has received a fully suspended two-year sentence. Daragh Kennedy (33) falsified receipts and claimed he had attended medical consultations that did not occur. When VHI investigated, the medical professionals involved confirmed that Kennedy had not attended as claimed. He immediately admitted to the fraud and explained that he had a gambling addiction, having gambled away the money. His insurance policy was cancelled, and he began a repayment plan. Kennedy cooperated with gardaí and admitted to the fraud, stating he has struggled with gambling since the age of 21. He has a third-level degree and has worked as a data analyst. He has repaid €17,400 to date and is making monthly payments. He has the support of his partner, parents, and has received help from gambling addiction services. Testimonials were submitted to court, and he has not gambled for over a year. Daragh Kennedy pleaded guilty.
A 51-year-old man from Baldoyle, Stephen Comiskey, was jailed for two years and four months after being found in possession of 101 files of child sexual abuse material. He had been engaging in explicit conversations with minors over a social media app, and gardaí discovered that he had communicated with several juveniles under the age of 18. Comiskey admitted to the court that he had been conversing with these children and apologized for his actions. He claimed he had no intention of meeting them but acknowledged that children had been abused to create the images found on his devices. The court heard that Comiskey had been attending counseling since November 2024 and is on medication for depression and anxiety. His defense highlighted his difficult childhood and struggles with his sexuality, but the judge emphasized the severity of the offense and the need for protection of children. The sentence was imposed after the court determined that the threshold for custody had been exceeded. Stephen Comiskey pleaded guilty.
A former accountant has been sentenced to three years and nine months at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for laundering nearly €290,000 through his bank account. Cyril Keegan (54), with an address in County Cork, pleaded guilty to three counts of money laundering between 2017 and 2018. The court heard he acted as a conduit for convicted launderer Simon Gold, facilitating transfers including over €180,000 from a Canadian medical cannabis company. Funds were rapidly dispersed after arriving in Keegan's account. His partner, Ruth Kennedy (55), received a suspended two-year sentence after pleading guilty to failing to disclose information to gardaí. Judge Martin Nolan noted the substantial distress caused to defrauded parties. Gold, formerly of Athlone, County Westmeath, was previously jailed for seven-and-a-half years for laundering €1.6 million.
An offender who downloaded over 4,500 images and videos of child sexual abuse over an eight-day period before surrendering himself to gardaí has been jailed for 18 months. Aaron Catchpole, 32, admitted to contacting young girls on Instagram and requesting nude pictures. He pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography in September 2020 and has seven previous convictions, including drug possession. His former partner reportedly threatened him with losing contact with his child if he did not confess. Catchpole handed himself into gardaí and admitted to viewing the material. His phone was seized, revealing 4,483 images and 32 videos of child abuse, including infants as young as six months. The court noted that Catchpole had only owned the phone for eight days. A Probation Service report indicated a high risk of re-offending but noted his remorse. Judge Martin Nolan suspended the final year of his sentence on conditions, including probation supervision. Catchpole has a history of drug addiction but has been in custody since last October and is making progress.
A serial burglar who broke into a woman's apartment and took her belongings at knife point has been jailed for four years. Robert Hedderman, 41, forced a window into the apartment and threatened the victim with a knife, taking her work bag and other items. He was identified via CCTV and arrested, though no evidence was recovered during his interview. Hedderman has 65 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary and eight for possession of knives. His defence highlighted his heroin addiction and cooperation in custody, including methadone use. The court heard that the victim felt her sense of safety was 'utterly violated.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the impact of his addiction on his criminal history but emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. She imposed a four-year and six-month sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions, and directed him to be under probation supervision for 12 months. Robert Hedderman pleaded guilty.
A man who took part in a violent attack that left another man with life-changing injuries has been jailed for 10 years. Graham Dunphy, 31, pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm to Austin Doherty, who was attacked outside a Dublin casino. The attack, which lasted 45 seconds, left Doherty with serious head injuries, including seizures, spastic paralysis on his left side, and rigidity in his legs. He required extensive speech therapy and is now dependent on a powered wheelchair. Dunphy was a constant throughout the assault, adding to the menace and terror of the event. The court heard that the victim's life has been significantly impaired, with limited improvement four years after the attack. The Director of Public Prosecutions indicated that the offence fell within the serious range of offending, carrying a headline sentence of 10 to 15 years. Judge Martina Baxter noted the ferocity of the attack and the lack of effort to contact emergency services. She imposed a sentence of 10 years imprisonment, backdated to April 20, 2026.