A Ukrainian national has been sentenced to six and a half years' imprisonment following a serious assault at a refugee accommodation centre in Dublin. The attack occurred on 31 March 2023 at Ballyogan Regional Temporary Rest Centre, when Vasyl Bolotnykov (57) struck another Ukrainian man in the face with a fire extinguisher in an unprovoked incident. The victim, in his late 50s, lost consciousness from the impact. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that medical assessment was delayed significantly, with a brain scan not conducted until nine days after the assault, revealing multiple brain bleeds and a skull fracture. The victim subsequently required surgery and spent eight weeks in intensive care. Judge Martina Baxter described the assault as ferocious and noted the victim has sustained permanent neurological effects, including memory difficulties and balance problems, preventing independent work. Bolotnykov pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm and production of an article capable of inflicting serious injury. The victim was later relocated to accommodation in County Roscommon during his recovery period.
A criminal with over 270 previous convictions has been jailed for robbing €10 worth of name badges from a Dublin city centre hotel. Gary Simpson, 38, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and was handed a sentence of three years and nine months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions. The court heard that Simpson entered the hotel in the early hours of June 26, 2025, and initially asked a staff member if there was a room available. After being told there were no available rooms, Simpson demanded money and threatened the staff member with a knife. He took €10 worth of blank name badges before fleeing the scene. Simpson has a troubled background, with a long-standing addiction to alcohol and drugs. His defence counsel highlighted his addiction issues and his desire to complete residential treatment. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the experience must have been frightening for the hotel staff member and imposed a sentence that would provide support on Simpson's release.
A delivery driver who caused the death of an 83-year-old man in a supermarket car park during a 'momentary lapse in concentration' has been given a fully suspended sentence. Colm Rooney, 54, pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, resulting in the death of Thomas Leeson. Dashcam footage showed Mr Leeson being hit by the van and suffering fatal injuries. Rooney was driving at 12km/h and had no alcohol or drugs in his system. The court heard that Mr Leeson was a devoted family man and had worked as a truck driver for over 40 years. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the impact on the family and the mitigating factors, including Rooney's guilty plea and good character. She sentenced him to nine months in prison, suspended for nine months, and disqualified him from driving for two years. Rooney expressed remorse and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Dubliner Michael Mooney (41) was sentenced to six years' imprisonment today by Judge Roderick Maguire for harassment between June 26, 2024, and January 18, 2025. Mooney pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm on January 15, 2025. The judge described Mooney's actions as 'pernicious offences that left a trail of devastation in his wake' in relation to his ex-partner Nicola Sweetman. Ms Sweetman, who is not a convicted person, alleged that Mooney harassed her during the specified period. The court heard that Mooney placed a complex tracking device on Ms Sweetman's car and sent her threatening texts, including messages about harming her family members and others. Ms Sweetman testified that she lived in constant fear and was terrified of Mooney's threats. She stated that she avoided stopping her car anywhere without lighting or cameras for fear of being seriously harmed. Mooney, who has 62 previous convictions, including multiple threats to kill and breaching barring orders, was noted by the judge to have limited insight into his offending. The judge set a headline sentence of seven-and-a-half years, which was reduced to six years, taking mitigating factors into account. The sentence will start from today, reducing Mooney's time in custody for a previous threat to kill sentence. The matter was not adjourned and is now at the validated procedural stage of sentence.
A couple was sentenced for drug dealing and money laundering after being found with cannabis, MDMA, tobacco, and €157,380 in cash in their home. Lukasz Cichocki and Julia Mossakowska pleaded guilty to having the proceeds of crime and possessing drugs for sale or supply. Cichocki was jailed for four and a half years, while Mossakowska received a three-year suspended sentence. The court heard that the couple had a significant amount of drugs and cash, with the cigarettes seized being well beyond what anyone might reasonably consume. Cichocki claimed the cash was made from his life savings and a gift from his family in Poland, while Mossakowska expressed shame and remorse for her behavior. The judge noted the seriousness of the case and the harm caused by drugs. Cichocki was cooperative and accepted responsibility, while Mossakowska has no previous convictions and is pregnant with her second child. The court considered the mitigating factors and the impact of a foreign sentence on Mossakowska.
Clayton McLoughlin, 19, of Ballymun, Dublin 11, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm. He pleaded guilty to acting as a lookout during an attack at the Applegreen Service Station in Santry on September 28, 2024. The court heard that McLoughlin, then 17, stood at the door holding a hockey stick while a co-accused, who remains at large, assaulted the victim with a hurley. The victim sustained a concussion, serious eye swelling, and permanent hearing loss. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted that while McLoughlin did not inflict the injury, he was charged on the basis of joint enterprise and armed himself, limiting the victim's chance of escape. The judge described the incident as a planned, cowardly attack linked to a drug debt, which subsequently sparked a local feud. Aggravating factors included McLoughlin's failure to assist the convulsing victim and his subsequent flight from the jurisdiction, for which he was later remanded in custody. Mitigating factors included his early guilty plea, his age at the time of the offense, and his self-reported detoxification. Judge Dunphy imposed a sentence of four years and six months, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions for two years. The sentence was backdated to October 2025, when McLoughlin entered custody.
Clive McCarthy has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service for attacking pub security staff with a hammer. McCarthy, 45, was identified and arrested after returning to The Bloody Stream pub in Howth with a friend, armed with a hammer. He had previously been refused entry and later assaulted a security guard and a female customer. McCarthy was intoxicated and had a history of 18 previous convictions. The court heard that the victims suffered superficial injuries and that McCarthy issued threats, claiming he would shoot and kneecap the staff. Judge Orla Crowe noted that McCarthy had taken tentative steps to address his addiction and was now caring for his brother. She imposed community service in lieu of a two-year sentence, giving him two years to complete it. The judge acknowledged that McCarthy's behavior was inexcusable but considered his probation report and current responsibilities in her sentencing decision. Clive McCarthy pleaded guilty.
Dylan Mills has been jailed for four years for burglarizing the home of an 80-year-old man and stealing vehicles. Mills, 23, has 16 previous convictions, including criminal damage, assault, and drug misuse. The court heard that Mills broke into the home of an elderly man, stole a carving knife, and later stole a car that was involved in a crash. Mills was in foster care from age 12 to 18 and has struggled with drug addiction. His defense highlighted his early guilty plea and his efforts in custody to address his issues. Judge Martin Nolan noted the mitigating factors, including Mills' remorse and his progress in custody, but warned that if he reoffends, sentences would increase. The judge suspended the final year of the sentence for one year and placed Mills under probation supervision for one year post-release.
A Ukrainian man with a significant history of violence, Mykola Kaznacheiev, was jailed for five and a half years after kicking his former partner outside her workplace and threatening to cut her head off. Kaznacheiev, who had served 21 years in prison in Ukraine, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage. The incident occurred in June 2025 when he approached his former partner outside her workplace, kicked her in the groin, and threatened her with violence. He was arrested after a colleague intervened. Kaznacheiev's legal team argued that he was homeless and in a psychotic episode, and urged the court to consider deportation instead of imprisonment. However, Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a five-and-a-half-year sentence, noting the seriousness of the offence, the breach of trust, and the victim's ongoing fear and distress. The judge declined to suspend any part of the sentence and ordered no contact with the victim for ten years.
A woman who drove over a cyclist, leaving him "tortured" by the sound of his breaking bones, has been given a fully suspended sentence. Izabella Aleksandrowicz, 50, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm to Andrew Brett in December 2023. Brett, an experienced marathon runner, suffered internal injuries, a fractured pelvis, and was left unable to return to competitive running. He described the accident as the worst day of his life and said he was "tortured" by the sound of his bones breaking. Aleksandrowicz, who remained at the scene and had no prior convictions, was given a 12-month suspended sentence and a two-year driving ban. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the devastating impact on Brett and his family but noted Aleksandrowicz's remorse and low risk of re-offending. Brett's victim impact statement highlighted the life-changing effects of the accident, including ongoing physical and emotional trauma.
Mirons Nekrasovs, 21, of Swords, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of money laundering and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The court heard that Nekrasovs, who had no previous convictions, was allegedly coerced by an international organised crime group into allowing his bank account to be used to extort €24,000 from 15 victims, aged 18 to 24, between November 2023 and July 2024. Prosecutors stated that CSAM was found on his devices during a search, though defence counsel argued the material was not distributed and that Nekrasovs was himself a victim of sextortion. Judge Jonathan Dunphy rejected a request for Section 100 treatment, citing the seriousness of the offences, particularly the exploitation of a child. He imposed a global sentence of two and a half years, suspended in full on strict conditions for three years. Nekrasovs was directed to place himself under probation supervision for three years. The judge also declined the defence application to anonymise the defendant, allowing his identity to be reported.
Alexander Crowley, 20, of Dalkey, Co Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for false imprisonment and stalking a woman in August 2024. Crowley pleaded guilty to both charges. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a sentence of three years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended. The suspension is conditional on Crowley having no contact with the injured party for 10 years, continuing to take psychiatric medication, and undergoing Probation Service supervision for one year post-release. The court noted Crowley was an involuntary inpatient who absconded from a mental health facility before the offence, during which he was described as acutely psychotic. The judge stated that absent his mental health difficulties, the headline sentence would have been six years. Crowley's offending was considered diminished by his condition, and his unreserved apology was accepted as genuine. He has no previous convictions. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Patrick O'Brien, 74, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after being convicted of indecently assaulting a girl in 1990. The victim, who was 15 or 16 at the time, reported the abuse to gardai in 2022 after reading media reports that O'Brien had received a fully suspended sentence for possessing child sexual abuse material. Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain acknowledged the offence as opportunistic but noted the significant age difference between the parties. She imposed a three-year prison sentence, with the final 12 months suspended for one year to incentivise rehabilitation given O'Brien's age. The judge directed O'Brien to undergo Probation Service supervision for one year post-release and to engage in offence or victim-focused work. The court heard that O'Brien accepted the jury's verdict. The victim stated that the ordeal changed the trajectory of her life and that reporting the crime was traumatic. Defence counsel noted that O'Brien complied with conditions of his previous suspended sentence and has no other pending matters. The judge expressed hope that the verdict would provide the victim with comfort, recognising the long-term impact of the assault.
A man who killed a pensioner with an MMA-style back spin kick has been jailed for five years. Joshua Rush (25) pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley (69) at Fairview Strand, Dublin 3 on June 7, 2021. The court heard that Rush delivered a deliberate kick to the victim, who later died from a traumatic brain injury. Judge Martina Baxter described the attack as unprovoked and called Rush's actions callous. She sentenced him to six-and-a-half years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended on conditions. Rush expressed genuine remorse and has no previous convictions. His sister, the victim's closest relative, did not want to see anyone jailed for his death. Rush's defence highlighted his difficult family background and mental health issues, asking the court to consider his culpability as low.
A hijacker who took part in the robbery of a taxi on the M50, which saw the driver try to escape on the busy motorway, has been jailed for three years. Judge Martin Nolan said it was lucky there was no collisions as a result of the incident, which took place close to the M50 Finglas junction on September 15, 2024. Robert Brogan (41) came forward on a signed guilty plea at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of hijacking on that date. His co-accused has taken a bench warrant. Garda Gavin Campbell told the court that he was on patrol on the date in question when he noticed the driver's seat of a car open on the M50. An articulated lorry had just overtaken the car immediately prior to this, the court heard. The gardai pulled up behind the vehicle in question and found Brogan and a co-accused in the process of trying to hijack a taxi driver.
A man known as a 'predatory thief' has been jailed for three years after stealing a tourist's bank card and withdrawing €220 from an ATM in Dublin. Viorel Rostas, who has 79 previous convictions, was convicted of theft and cash fraud. The court heard that the tourist was drinking and got into a taxi with Rostas, who watched him enter his PIN at an ATM and then stole the card. Rostas used the card to withdraw money and was later identified by gardai. Despite his criminal history and high risk of reoffending, the judge noted that Rostas had a work history and had apologized for his actions. The judge described Rostas's behavior as predatory and deliberate, emphasizing that he targeted the victim with intent. Rostas was sentenced to three years in prison, with the judge acknowledging his personal circumstances but emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.
Convicted killer Derek Moore, who was banned from driving and was involved in a serious collision that injured a grandmother, has been granted permission to travel abroad for a family holiday while awaiting sentencing. Moore, who has 44 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and drug possession, was involved in a high-speed incident in Dublin where he struck a grandmother, causing her serious injuries. Despite the severity of the case, a judge allowed him to travel abroad for one week. Moore has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and is awaiting sentencing, with the court considering his recent diagnosis of ADHD and his need for medication. The grandmother, who suffered facial injuries, a stroke, and a brain bleed, required extensive medical treatment and is now in constant pain. Moore's legal team argued that he would return to Ireland if allowed to travel, and the judge noted that he had previously complied with bail conditions.
A man who is serving a sentence for drug dealing has had his jail term extended by 15 months for further offences of drug dealing and money laundering. Colin Radburn (37) was jailed for four and a half years in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last November after he was pulled over at a garda checkpoint and found to have €350,000 worth of cocaine and £15,520 in cash in his van. He appeared before the court today on signed guilty pleas to one count of possessing cannabis, one count of possessing the drugs for sale or supply, and one count of money laundering. These charges relate to €19,218 of cannabis and €23,500 in cash which gardai found when they searched his van. Radburn made admissions in custody and told gardai he had a drug debt and was under pressure to transport the drugs and the cash. He now has 32 previous convictions, including the offences he carried out in February 2025.
Two criminals involved in a "very disturbing" assault in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground and kicked have been jailed for three years and three months. Aidan Daniels (30) and Adam Kelly (21) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault with intent to cause bodily harm at the Daybreak shop in Loughlinstown, Dublin, on June 23, 2025. Judge Martina Baxter handed both men a sentence of three years and three months, backdated to when they went into custody. Garda Sinead Whelan told the court that a member of the public anonymously called gardai after witnessing the attack outside the shop. The victim declined to make any statement to gardai, but the defendants were identified from CCTV of the attack. Viewing this footage in court, Judge Baxter said: "This is very disturbing." The footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim as he "slides to the ground." She said the victim was then defenceless on the ground and being dragged by his hoodie with one of the men dragging him by his leg.
Daniel Hutchinson was convicted of assault causing harm after attacking a stranger with a champagne bottle, leaving him in a coma for four days. The incident occurred on North Earl Street in Dublin City Centre, where Hutchinson struck the victim 12 times on the head and face. The attack was captured on CCTV, and Hutchinson was arrested 30 minutes later. The victim suffered multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and required surgery. A victim impact statement highlighted the ongoing effects of the attack, including anxiety, panic attacks, and an inability to work in crowded places. Hutchinson, who had 10 previous convictions, claimed he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident. His defense highlighted that his son had died three days before the attack, leading him to go on a bender. The court adjourned the case until July 24 to allow for further reports to be submitted. Daniel Hutchinson pleaded guilty.
Boxer Aidan Metcalfe, 30, pleaded guilty to robbing an Afghan national of an electric scooter in a late-night attack. The incident occurred on September 8, 2023, when Metcalfe and two accomplices wrestled the scooter from the victim while a third man held him in a headlock. The scooter, valued at €120, was not recovered. Metcalfe's defence argued the offence was spontaneous and that he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol before the incident. He expressed remorse and wrote an apology letter to the victim. The court heard that Metcalfe has since reduced his alcohol intake and is working as a coach and father to a child with special needs. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing until July to allow a probation report to be prepared.
A man with 193 previous convictions, John Maughan, was given a fully suspended sentence for an attempted robbery that was described as 'heartless and cruel' by the judge. Maughan, 39, pleaded guilty to attempting to steal from a victim who was knocked to the ground during the incident. The court heard that he had not committed any offences in the past six years and had made 'exceptional' efforts to turn his life around. Judge Orla Crowe noted that while Maughan had a lesser role than his co-accused, he was present and twice attempted to steal from the victim. The judge described the victim's experience as being 'set upon and swirled around' by the group, highlighting a 'lack of humanity' and 'heartless and cruel' behaviour. The victim's impact statement was submitted but not read aloud. The judge acknowledged Maughan's difficult background, health issues, and rehabilitation efforts. She noted that his record and being on bail at the time would usually warrant a custodial sentence, but his recent behaviour was 'exceptional'.
Declan Connolly, 42, of Dublin 9, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to attempting to make a gain by deception. The court heard that in May 2021, Connolly applied for a €20,000 loan from Ballygall Credit Union using false documents, including a Virgin Media bill, AIB bank statements, and pharmacy payslips. The loan was not granted, and no financial loss occurred. Judge Orla Crowe described the attempt as "ham-fisted" but deliberate, noting it required planning. Aggravating factors included Connolly's 12 previous convictions and the fact that he was serving a partly-suspended sentence for robbery at the time. Mitigating factors included his cooperation with the investigation, lack of further negative attention, and his role as a carer for his mother and part-time worker. Judge Crowe stated the court was "going to give this man a chance" and imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for three years on strict conditions.
A dentist, Lutfi Hamuda (54), was found guilty of assault causing harm after he spat at his neighbour and fractured his nose following a noise dispute. Hamuda had no previous convictions and claimed the injured party was the aggressor. The court heard that Hamuda told the injured party he was going to kill him and then spat in his face before punching him. The injured party was terrified and believed Hamuda when he said he was going to kill him. He was treated for a fractured nose, which required surgery. Hamuda's defence argued that he had mental distress and had moved away from the area. The judge described the case as 'inherently serious' and adjourned the case until July for the preparation of a probation report.
Thomas Dannevig, a 21-year-old from Donabate, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary during the Dublin riots in November 2023. He admitted to entering multiple stores, including Foot Locker and Lifestyle Sports, and stealing items. Dannevig claimed he was not involved in the riots and acted on his own, though he was part of a larger group of looters. He was not charged with criminal damage. The court heard that Dannevig had no criminal intent and described his actions as a stupid decision. He was given a suspended prison sentence of two and a half years, 100 hours of community service, and placed under probation for 18 months. Judge Pauline Codd noted that Dannevig's actions, though minor, contributed to significant losses for the retailers. CCTV footage showed Dannevig moving between stores and stealing items. The court was informed that the total losses from the stores were substantial, with significant damage and lost revenue. Dannevig expressed remorse and apologized for his actions. His mother and stepfather supported him in court, and he has started a pre-apprenticeship course.
A violent criminal with 123 previous convictions, Jordan Carroll, has been jailed for over three years for stabbing an English tourist in Dublin's Temple Bar. Carroll, who pleaded guilty to possession of a steak knife, assault causing harm, and violent disorder, was involved in an attack on a tourist celebrating a friend's birthday. The victim was stabbed after a verbal dispute, with Carroll retrieving a knife and lunging at him. Carroll's accomplices fled the scene, but a bloodstained knife was recovered. The court heard that Carroll had a traumatic upbringing marked by violence and criminal exposure. Despite his extensive criminal history, the judge reduced the headline sentence of six years to three years and nine months due to mitigation, including an early guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí. The victim's impact statement highlighted ongoing physical and psychological effects from the attack.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Andrew Cash Senior, aged 58, of Whitechurch Heights, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, was sentenced to two years imprisonment after pleading guilty to providing false information to Irish Passport Services. His daughter-in-law, Mary Cash, aged 35, formerly of Portlaoise, County Laois, received a fully suspended sentence of two and a half years for her involvement in the same offence, committed on 12 June 2019 at Balbriggan Passport Services office. The court heard that Cash Senior and Mary Cash assisted in obtaining a fraudulent passport application under a false name for Andrew Cash Junior, who has since fled the jurisdiction. Mary Cash travelled to Sligo using an assumed identity to acquire a birth certificate necessary for the application. Investigation revealed that a senior member of An Garda Síochána had also been implicated in stamping the false documents. Judge Roderick Maguire noted Cash Senior's 31 previous convictions but acknowledged his absence from garda attention since 2019 and efforts at self-improvement.
A man knocked his friend unconscious, put him in the recovery position, and continued socialising in a Dublin pub, a court has heard. Brian McKeown struck his friend four times, with the last blow hitting his head, outside the Swallows Pub in Clondalkin following the funeral of a mutual friend. McKeown put him in the recovery position and told others inside the pub what had happened. The injured party was taken to hospital, where he required emergency surgery for serious head injuries and spent several weeks in a coma. McKeown pleaded guilty to assaulting the other man causing him harm. He admitted striking the injured party, who he said had been threatening towards him. McKeown also said he believed the injured party had a knife. The injured party said he has lost confidence in crowded spaces and his way of socialising has changed. McKeown was remanded on continuing bail, and the court directed the Probation Service to carry out a risk assessment on him. The case was adjourned to July for finalisation.
A woman who participated in a €27,500 smishing scam after being contacted on Facebook has been given a suspended sentence and ordered to take part in restorative justice. When gardai asked Facebook to assist in the investigation, they were met with resistance. Mary Maughan pleaded guilty to processing the proceeds of crime through her bank account. The victim was scammed after clicking a link in a text message that appeared to be from An Post. The money was transferred into Maughan's account, and she was asked to make cash withdrawals with two men. She felt intimidated but did not face any threats. Facebook was said to have not assisted gardai in their inquiries. The judge noted the need for deterrence in such cases and sentenced Maughan to 12 months, suspended on conditions, taking into account her cooperation with gardai and genuine remorse.
A criminal attempted to rob three shops on the same Dublin street in under five minutes but left each one empty-handed. Michael O'Toole, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar on Talbot Street on October 17, 2023. He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and theft. O'Toole used an uncapped syringe during the robberies and fled each time without success. He has 86 previous convictions, 12 from the Circuit Court. Gardai found stolen items from an Airbnb in Dublin, including iPads and a laptop, which were traced to O'Toole via CCTV footage. He was arrested but refused to answer questions. His defence argued that he had drug addiction issues and was making progress in custody. Judge Martina Baxter ordered a probation report and additional urine analysis, adjourning the case until December 17, 2026.
A judge described an assault as "very disturbing" in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground, and kicked. Aidan Daniels, 30, and Adam Kelly, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm. CCTV footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim, who was then dragged by his hoodie and leg. The victim was kicked and stamped on multiple times while on the ground. Kelly has 38 previous convictions, including theft and drug dealing, and was on a suspended sentence. Daniels has 18 previous convictions, including possession of a flick knife and aggravated burglary. Both were arrested and bail was refused. Their defence argued that the assault was out of character and that they were remorseful. Judge Martina Baxter ordered reports from prison governors and adjourned sentencing to May 1 next.
A woman who gave her Revolut account details to two men at a rave has avoided a jail term for money laundering. Rebecca Williamson, 25, pleaded guilty to the offence between September 6th and 8th, 2023. She admitted she was intoxicated and did not think about the consequences of giving her details. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Williamson's actions facilitated criminal activity, but she played a lower-level role. A headline sentence of two and a half years was considered, but it was suspended for 12 months. The judge acknowledged her cooperation, remorse, and early guilty plea. Gardai found €13,900 deposited into her account via card top-ups, which was immediately transferred to others. Williamson said she received threatening calls and feared for her safety. Her counsel argued that the incident was an isolated event and that she had been employed since 16 and was reliable. The court ordered a €1,000 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
A pensioner who cultivated cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €50,000 has avoided a jail sentence. James Berkeley was caught growing cannabis in his Dublin home on two occasions in 2015 and 2017. The court heard that Berkeley had a sophisticated growing operation, including heating and water piping. He admitted cultivating the plants for his own use and said he used cannabis to help with his pain and depression. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis in the UK and has been self-medicating with cannabis. His defence highlighted his health issues and his good employment history. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Berkeley had set up a "sophisticated enough operation" but said there was no evidence he had profited from his actions. She suspended a three-year custodial sentence on the condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. James Berkeley pleaded guilty.
A driver who was stopped by gardai for using his phone was found to be carrying €108,000 in Alprozalam tablets. Robert Freer (39) was found with 54,000 tablets in the boot of his car and a small quantity of cocaine in his home. He had 15 previous convictions for public order and road traffic offences. His defence said he became involved in drug dealing to help a family member with a drug debt and that he was experiencing significant mental distress at the time. Judge Orla Crowe said Freer's reasons for getting involved in the offence were "utterly misplaced and reprehensible" and imposed a three-year prison term, which was backdated to when Freer first went into custody last month.
A 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to making serious threats against his girlfriend's ex-partner, including decapitation and dismemberment, during a series of calls in November 2022. The defendant, who had no previous convictions, identified himself on the calls and made the threats in Polish. He claimed he knew the complainant's address and could arrive within 20 minutes to carry out the threats. The injured party recorded the calls, which were later transcribed by gardai. The defendant admitted to the threats during an interview in September 2023 and expressed regret. The court heard that the threats were made while the defendant was drinking and were allegedly in response to the injured party allegedly harassing his girlfriend. The injured party stated he still feels intimidated and affected by the incident. The defendant's counsel requested non-custodial options, citing his guilty plea and apology. The court directed the preparation of a probation report and adjourned the case to July.
A tenant, Philip Lalor, was jailed for 12 months after assaulting his landlord and brandishing a knife in a dispute over leaving a shared accommodation in 2020. Lalor, a repeat offender with 20 previous convictions, was convicted of two counts of assault causing harm, one of producing a Stanley knife, and two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour. The landlord and his wife went to the house to ask Lalor to leave, leading to a confrontation where Lalor choked the landlord and later brandished a knife. Lalor fled through a window but was apprehended by gardai. He resisted arrest and was taken to a cell for his own safety. The landlord described the incident's lasting impact, including stress-related issues and a demotion at work. Lalor's counsel argued for mitigation, citing his regret and willingness to engage with Probation Services. The judge imposed a two-year global sentence, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions.
Josh Killeen, 19, of Tallaght, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of endangerment and possession of a stolen motorbike. The charges relate to incidents on November 3, 2024, January 31, 2025, and March 9, 2025. Prosecution evidence alleged that Killeen, a disqualified driver, led gardaí on high-speed chases, including one where his vehicle flipped on the M50, and another where he drove a stolen van at 120 km/h in a 50 km/h zone. He was also alleged to have been caught with a stolen motorbike. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as serious dangerous driving that endangered the public and gardaí. Acknowledging Killeen's remorse, family support, and developmental challenges, the judge imposed consecutive sentences totalling three years. She suspended the final 12 months of the term on strict conditions, resulting in an effective custody period of two years. Additionally, Judge Crowe disqualified Killeen from driving for four years. The matter was finalised with this sentencing.
A 15-year-old boy caught with over €80,000 worth of illegal tablets has been placed on a probation bond for six months. The now 17-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale and a mobile phone in connection with the offence. Gardaí found the tablets in a sports bag near Violet Hill Park after observing suspicious activity. The teenager's phone contained messages related to drug dealing, and he accepted responsibility despite not admitting to gardaí initially. His defence argued he was being used by others and that he had a supportive mother and was engaged with a youth service. The court ordered him to engage with the Probation Service and noted that the incident was isolated. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for six months and said the matter lies in his hands.
A payroll worker who stole €7,832 from a charity within two months of starting her job has received a 12-month suspended sentence. Denise McGreevy (32) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft by overpaying herself. Garda Jason O'Carroll explained that McGreevy was responsible for payroll and accounts for the charity's 12 staff. She claimed she had made a mistake in overpaying herself, but it was later discovered that there were four overpayments, including one that was reversed. McGreevy repaid the money and was fired in March 2023. It was also found that there was an irregularity in petty cash, which she also repaid. The court heard that McGreevy still maintains the overpayments were mistakes. Judge Orla Crowe noted that McGreevy had made a "huge breach of trust" and imposed a 12-month suspended sentence on strict conditions.
A paedophile who was repeatedly caught with high volumes of child abuse material, including violent images of infants being tied up and abused, has failed to have his five-and-a-half-year jail term reduced on appeal. David McGrath, 32, was jailed for five and a half years by Judge Elma Duffy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in February last year. She imposed consecutive sentences totalling eight-and-a-half-years but suspended the final three years for a period of six years on strict conditions. McGrath had appealed his jail term, arguing the sentence was "disproportionate" and represented an error in principle. Dismissing McGrath's appeal, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the sentencing judge had made no error and acted within her margin of discretion. He said the cumulative sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate and no error in principle had been identified. McGrath has two previous convictions for possession of child pornography from 2017 and is deemed as being at high risk of reoffending. The unnamed 32-year-old pleaded guilty.
A fraudster, Myles Connors, conned an elderly woman out of over €50,000 for substandard garden work, including €5,000 for power washing, according to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Connors charged the 82-year-old woman €48,000 for slabbing, weed removal, and cementing part of her back garden, with materials costing less than €3,000. Gardai assessed the work and found it should have cost no more than €20,000. The woman, who lives alone and has mobility issues, was left with uneven and unsecured slabs. Connors, who pleaded guilty to two counts of deception, had previously purchased the slabs for €1,200 and used them in the woman's garden. He also purchased a vehicle with a €1,000 deposit and later asked the woman to write a €35,000 cheque. The woman later complained about the work and was left feeling unsafe and vulnerable in her home. Connors was arrested and has one previous conviction for criminal damage.
Lisa Temple, 56, was given a one-year suspended sentence in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting two security officials during a home repossession. She refused to enter a good behaviour bond, leading Judge Martin Nolan to order her into custody, stating no one is above the law. Temple, who represented herself during the trial, was convicted of assault and possession of a taser. Her legal team argued the case was emotionally charged and a long-standing property dispute. During the sentencing, Temple protested and was taken into custody. The incident occurred in March 2022, where she punched one official and used a taser on another. Neither official required medical attention. Judge Nolan noted her behaviour was disgraceful but did not believe she deserved a custodial sentence. He allowed her legal team to reapply for a bond if she changed her mind.
A young man who killed a pensioner with an MMA-style kick which caused him to fall to the ground and suffer a fatal head injury, has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing next month. Joshua Rush (25) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley (69) at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3 on June 7, 2021. Shortly before the incident, Mr McCaughley ordered fish and chips from a takeaway where staff said he "was in good form", Detective Sergeant David Ennis previously told Diana Stuart SC, prosecuting. Another witness waiting for a bus told gardai that he saw three youths passing an older man as he walked along Fairview Strand. He said he saw one of the young men – Rush – employ a "back spin kick, like MMA" on the older man, causing him to fall on his back. The trio left the scene and were seen entering accommodation nearby. When the witness ran to his assistance, Mr McCaughley was unconscious and there was blood coming from his mouth.
An unnamed 30-year-old man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm in April 2025. The defendant, whose identity is protected to preserve the anonymity of the children involved, admitted to the charge following an incident where a dispute between two six-year-old girls escalated. Prosecution evidence, including door camera footage, alleged the man threatened to set a neighbour's house on fire and encouraged his daughter to stab the other child with scissors. The court heard the man had prior convictions for assault, theft, and road traffic offences, though he has not been in trouble with gardaí since this incident. Defence counsel David Fleming BL described the man's reaction as disproportionate and noted his client's remorse, anger management attendance, and voluntary work. Judge Orla Crowe remarked that the offence should not have taken place and that the reaction was completely disproportionate. She imposed a sentence of 18 months, which was suspended in full for two years. Strict conditions were applied, requiring the man to stay away from the injured party and their family. Additionally, the judge ordered that €1,000, brought to court as a token of remorse, be paid over to the injured party.
Harry Bamidele, 21, was sentenced in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm to two women. He pleaded guilty to assaulting the first victim at her home in Dublin on September 19, 2024, and the second victim at her home in the city on October 6, 2025. The court heard that Bamidele, who was on bail for the first offence, allegedly used an iron to strike the first woman over the head approximately 20 times. Regarding the second incident, the court heard that he allegedly strangled his pregnant partner for two to three minutes after breaking into her bathroom. Defence counsel David Fleming BL highlighted Bamidele's childhood trauma and psychological vulnerability, noting that violence had become normalised in his psychology. Judge Elma Sheahan described the offending as horrendous but considered his background. She imposed a total sentence of seven years and eight months, suspending the final 20 months on the condition that he come under the supervision of the Probation Services. Bamidele has 14 previous convictions. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Obaseki Gerald, 23, of Mulhuddart, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to transferring, handling, or using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that in September 2023, an elderly woman was defrauded of €4,212 in a smishing scam where she was tricked into believing she was paying her daughter. Gerald allowed his Revolut account to be used to receive €3,212, which was converted to cryptocurrency and withdrawn within minutes. A co-accused, who was 16 at the time, received a juvenile caution for the remaining €1,000. Defence counsel Jennifer Jackson BL stated Gerald has limited income and only €500 available, requesting three months to save for reimbursement. Judge Jonathan Dunphy criticized the lack of funds, describing the situation as "bordering on ridiculous" and warning that failure to reimburse could result in custody. The judge was not satisfied with a partial reimbursement and remanded Gerald on bail to allow him to work and save. The matter was adjourned to a date in May, with the judge stating he would finalise the sentence then, contingent on Gerald bringing the full amount to court.
A man has been jailed for two years for beating, slapping, and choking his former partner during the covid lockdowns. Toyatma Fedee, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, which occurred in March and July 2020. The court heard that the woman feared for her life during the attacks, and that Fedee had a history of possessive behavior. The judge noted that the second incident, which occurred after the couple had reconciled, was particularly concerning and warranted a custodial sentence. Fedee, who has since married and taken steps to address his aggression, expressed remorse and apologized. The victim described the emotional trauma she suffered, including night terrors, hypervigilance, and PTSD. She stated that she no longer feels safe and has struggled to rebuild her life. Fedee's defence argued that the assaults were isolated incidents and that he had made efforts to change his behavior, including attending counseling and anger management courses. The judge acknowledged these efforts but emphasized the need for a custodial sentence to address the severity of the crimes.
An 81-year-old huntsman, Maurice Mahon, was convicted of recklessly discharging a firearm and assaulting a man in his back garden during a deer cull. The victim, Innokenti Belaga, was meditating when a bullet from Mahon's rifle shattered his femur, leaving him with severe physical and psychological injuries. Mahon, a licensed gun holder and karate grandmaster, claimed he thought he was shooting a fox or a dog. The victim's life was drastically altered, with him losing his home, his ability to work, and his ability to engage in physical activities. He described the incident as a life-changing event, with the biggest impact being on his young daughter, who lost her father's presence. Mahon was found guilty after a trial and is awaiting sentencing. His defense highlighted his long-standing involvement in hunting and his good character, but the court heard that the victim's injuries were severe and life-altering. The case has also led to civil proceedings, and the court ordered a Probation Service assessment before finalizing the sentence. Maurice Mahon pleaded not guilty.
Cheryl Robinson, a 49-year-old accountant from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, has been jailed for two and a half years for stealing nearly €30,000 from Foxrock Golf Club between October 2018 and July 2020. She pleaded guilty to ten charges of theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Robinson has a prior conviction for similar offenses, having stolen €125,000 from a former employer in 2010 and serving two years in prison. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the theft was an unsophisticated series of actions, with Robinson routinely transferring money to pay bills. She acknowledged Robinson's difficult personal circumstances, including mental health issues, and suspended 18 months of the sentence on the condition that she engage with the Probation Service. Gardaí discovered the theft during a forensic investigation into the club's accounts, revealing that Robinson had redirected payments to her own account. Robinson's defense highlighted her role as the sole carer for her three children and her lack of financial support from her former husband.
Aaron Brady, 31, of Killeshandra, Co Cavan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting a Ryanair cabin crew member on an inbound flight to Dublin Airport. The matter is currently at the charge or pretrial stage. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case to June for finalisation to allow Brady to address the victim's expenses outlined in her impact statement. The court directed that €5,000, offered by Brady as a gesture of remorse, be paid within 24 hours for onward transmission to the woman. Judge Dunphy remanded Brady on continuing bail so he could continue working, noting the court's concern regarding the victim's financial losses, which exceeded €3,000 due to sick leave and her subsequent resignation. Brady admitted to consuming significant amounts of alcohol before and during the flight and stated he has no memory of the incident. He has one previous conviction for failing to report a hit and run. The victim described the assault as shattering her sense of safety, leading to her resignation from the job she loved. Brady's defense counsel highlighted his early guilty plea, good work record, and willingness to repay further expenses if given more time. The judge expressed a desire to finalise the case in a manner that allows everyone to move on.