The Irish branch of engineering consultancy Ove Arup was fined €750,000 after the death of 62‑year‑old John McCann, a father of seven, who fell 24 metres from a ventilation shaft on 23 September 2019. McCann was supervising fibre‑optic cabling when he stepped onto a fragile, lightweight fire‑insulation surface that gave way. An HSA inspector criticised the company's "laissez‑faire" approach to health and safety, noting inadequate signage, a failure to follow through on risk assessment and poor communication between departments. Ove Arup pleaded guilty to two breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, admitting it had failed to ensure the safety of non‑employees and to maintain a safe work environment. Judge Orla Crowe imposed the fine and awarded the HSA costs of just under €7,500. The company accepted responsibility, offered a charitable donation and sent letters of condolence to McCann's family.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jordan Cawley, aged 25, was sentenced to 18 months in jail for assaulting a vulnerable young woman twice with a closed fist over a €20 drug debt. The incident began when the woman claimed the drugs had a bad effect on her, leading to a confrontation that escalated into physical violence. Cawley, who has 37 prior convictions, was described by Judge Martina Baxter as "very imposing" and lacking regard for safety. He struck the petite, defenseless woman twice, knocking her to the ground, and later repeated the assault inside a local tyre business. The judge noted Cawley's history of drug use and trauma, and imposed a suspended six‑month period with strict conditions, including post‑release supervision to address his rehabilitation needs. The woman and her brother were considered vulnerable and less strong than Cawley, and she did not file a complaint or victim impact statement. Jordan Cawley pleaded guilty.
Paul Gibbons, 48, pleaded guilty to burglary and two counts of criminal damage after breaking into St Paul's Church, Avrfield, Dublin 13, on 20 March 2020. He had 59 prior convictions and was on bail when the offence occurred. Garda evidence included CCTV footage, a spade found in the parish centre, damage to two doors costing €320.20, and a blood‑like substance that matched DNA taken from Gibbons at Coolock Garda Station. The judge noted that Gibbons had lived a law‑abiding life until his marriage ended in 2017, after which his drug use increased. He expressed remorse, offered to pay for the door damage, and the court ordered probation, urine analysis and a governor's report, with the case adjourned until 28 July.
In a 2023 appeal, Gezim Idrizi, a 38‑year‑old security provider from Luttrellstown Heights, sought to overturn a conviction for assault causing harm that left a victim out of work for six months. Idrizi was found guilty by a jury of one count of assault causing harm and acquitted of a false imprisonment charge. The trial judge, Patricia Ryan, sentenced him to three years and nine months, suspending the final six months for two years. Idrizi's appeal argued that the jury had no evidence about the functionality of the DNA extraction machine used on blood found at the scene, and that expert testimony from Sarah Fleming was inadmissible. The Court of Appeal, hearing counsel Michael Bowman SC and Eoghan Cole BL, noted that the DNA evidence was lawfully obtained and that the judge had not warned the jury about the limitations of DNA analysis. The court reserved its judgment on the matter. Gezim Idrizi pleaded not guilty.
Luke McNamee, a 20‑year‑old Leaving Cert student from Loughlinstown Road, Celbridge, was recruited by a Snapchat user named "R Boogie" to act as a money mule for pandemic unemployment payments. McNamee, then 18, gave his bank details and received €4,700 in PUP funds, which he was instructed to transfer to other accounts or use to buy goods for resale. He later admitted the scheme, presented his story to Gardaí with his parents, and cooperated fully. The court found him guilty of possessing the proceeds of crime in his AIB account between 18 May and 30 July 2021. Judge Orla Crowe applied Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act, deferring sentencing and imposing conditions until 14 December, with a possible 12‑month sentence if he fails to comply. She ordered McNamee to repay €1,500 he gained and to keep the peace, noting his lack of prior convictions and his cooperation.
Patrick O'Reilly, 36, of Newcastle, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing €269,280 in cash found in his home and a breakfast cereal box in his work van on 14 June 2022. He also admitted a small quantity of cocaine and the use of the Signal app to facilitate money‑laundering. Gardaí said he claimed to owe a debt, but the judge noted he had €20,000 in savings, making the debt claim "hard to square." O'Reilly was one of six arrested in a West Dublin organised‑crime investigation involving drug importation and distribution. The court set a headline sentence of four years, reduced by one year for early plea, cooperation and first‑time offence, and ordered confiscation of the cash. The case was heard by Judge Orla Crowe, with the prosecution led by Edward Doocey BL and defence by John Berry BL.
Stephen McMullen, 25, of Rowlagh Gardens, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to assault and intimidation of a witness after attacking a man outside his home on 19 August 2021. He was on bail for three offences and had 92 prior convictions. Gardai were called to the scene, where McMullen and a group of men assaulted the victim, who managed to escape to his house and call for help. McMullen later phoned the victim, asking what the gardai were doing, and sent a threatening text. DNA evidence linked him to the scene. Judge John Martin sentenced him to two years for assault and two and a half years for intimidation, with 18 months suspended, and imposed strict supervision and no contact with the victim. The sentence was consecutive and included conditions of good behaviour and probation supervision. The court noted McMullen's remorse and his desire for rehabilitation.
Kayode Falade, 37, of Phibsboro, Dublin 7, pleaded guilty to five counts of money laundering committed between June 27 and 29, 2017. The charges include converting proceeds of crime into Nigerian currency at a Blanchardstown post office, possessing up to €5,000 in proceeds from ATMs in north Dublin, and transferring proceeds into a bank account. The court heard that hackers intercepted a €125,702 invoice payment intended for Cobec Engineering, diverting it to an EBS account linked to Falade. Although €114,621 was recalled, IPUT suffered an unrecovered loss of €11,091. Falade, who has 31 previous convictions, was arrested in March 2018. Defence counsel Simon Matthews BL stated Falade was not involved in the hacking and was easily identified via the bank account. He noted Falade works full-time, pays maintenance for a son, and has complied with bail conditions. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing until Friday, June 23.
Gerald O'Donnell, 45, was sentenced to five years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after being found with €260,000 worth of cannabis in his Lusk home. He pleaded guilty to possession of the drug in herb and resin form. O'Donnell, who had no addiction issues, began dealing drugs after falling ill with ankylosing spondylitis in 2009, which forced him to leave his job as a manufacturing technician. He claimed dealing was a way to avoid dependence on others. Gardaí seized 12.5 kg of cannabis herb, 1.4 kg of resin, and €5,195 in cash, the proceeds of crime. The judge, after considering mitigating factors such as early plea, cooperation, and medical condition, reduced the headline sentence from seven to five years, back‑dating it to 3 May. O'Donnell has one prior driving offence and had never been on the Garda radar before this offence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Orla Crowe praised the bravery of a group of Dubliners who aided a robbery victim and pursued the attacker, Shane O'Connor, 41, in broad daylight. O'Connor, who was on bail, had robbed a woman on St Peter's Lane on 20 August 2022, pulling her handbag with force that broke the strap and leaving her bloodied. The victim, who had been walking her dog, chased him and was joined by bystanders who eventually caught him in a laneway. O'Connor handed back the bag and the victim's phone, but the woman's wallet was not recovered. The judge noted O'Connor's 52 prior convictions, his current four‑year sentence, and the impact on the victim, who now must replace documents lost in the robbery. She was commended for her courage. Judge Crowe imposed an additional three‑year sentence, consecutive to his existing term, and suspended the final 18 months on strict probation conditions. Shane O'Connor pleaded guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 20 June 2023, Judge Martin Nolan sentenced 44‑year‑old taxi driver Richard Askin to a three‑year suspended prison term for possession of cocaine for sale or supply. Askin had pleaded guilty to the offence, which stemmed from a May 2021 Garda search of his home that uncovered 97.3 g of cocaine, a Nokia phone and weighing scales. Garda surveillance had recorded Askin handing a package to a cyclist on 29 April 2021 and to a known cocaine user two days later. Askin, who has seven prior traffic convictions, denied any trouble with Gardaí and claimed he was a low‑level dealer for another individual to service a drug debt. Defence counsel highlighted his addiction and lack of prior similar convictions. Judge Nolan warned that a repeat offence would result in custodial imprisonment and urged Askin to take the "considerable chance" he had been given.
Stephen Penrose, 40, serving a life sentence for murder, was given a concurrent two‑year sentence for threatening to burn down the home of a prison officer at Cloverhill. He admitted saying the words but claimed no intention to act on them. Penrose had prior convictions for manslaughter, assaults on prison officers and a threat to an officer. The threat was made on 4 March 2018 after an alleged complaint by the officer, who was absent from work the next day. Penrose told staff the officer should drop the complaint and threatened to pour petrol through the officer's letterbox. He pleaded not guilty, represented himself, and asked for a backdated sentence and a transcript. Judge Elva Duffy noted his admission of the threat but lack of intent, imposed the two‑year term, and granted credit for time already spent in custody.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Dylan Crowley, 18, received a two‑year suspended sentence for assault causing harm and robbery of a food delivery rider on 2 February 2021. The victim, struck with a wooden stick and later with a blow to the arm, suffered a compound fracture requiring two surgeries, a metal plate, and a year out of work. Crowley, who was 16 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty. Judge Orla Crowe described the assault as "very serious" but noted his youth, sentencing him to two years in prison with the sentence suspended in full for three years and ordering 18 months of probation supervision. The court also considered the robbery and the victim's impact statement, noting the rider's loss of "everything.".
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Julie Ann Stokes, 43, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and weapon production after slashing a homeless woman up to 40 times with a broken bottle at a Spar on Dame Street on 20 September 2022. Stokes, who has 212 prior convictions including theft, assault, threats to kill, knife possession, drug misuse and public order offences, was sentenced to two years and nine months in prison, with the final six months suspended under strict conditions. The judge noted the attack occurred in a public place at night, was captured on CCTV, and that Stokes had a drug problem, primarily crack cocaine. She must remain under Probation Service supervision and comply with all directed actions. The sentence was backdated to September 2022 when she entered custody. The victim, also homeless, refused a hospital visit and did not cooperate with Gardaí. The court considered Stokes' progress in prison and her efforts to address addiction.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 15 June 2023, Jaroslow Kilian, a 39‑year‑old Polish national with 27 prior convictions in Ireland, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for violently attacking five bus passengers on the C4 route from Dublin to Celbridge. Kilian, who had been deported in December 2021 and illegally returned to Ireland in February 2022, was found intoxicated and suffering from schizophrenia. He slapped, punched and kicked passengers, causing concussions to two men and lasting PTSD to a woman who was punched full‑force in the face. Kilian also threatened Gardaí who arrived to arrest him. He pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and one count of assault, with three further counts considered. The court set a headline sentence of three years, reduced to two years on mitigating factors, and backdated it to 27 August 2022 when he was taken into custody.
John Ginnelly, 52, was jailed after a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 15 June 2023 for openly using his home in Ringsend to traffic drugs while children were present. Gardaí entered the house on a search warrant and found over €60,000 worth of cannabis, cocaine and benzodiazepine tablets, as well as €14,230 in cash proceeds. Ginnelly pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis resin, cannabis herb, cocaine and benzodiazepine tablets, and to possession of cash. He admitted to preparing drugs for distribution in his kitchen and had been involved in the trade at a "trusted level." The judge set a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three years and nine months because of his early plea and cooperation, and added a concurrent two‑year sentence for money‑laundering. The sentence was back‑dated to 8 June, the day he entered custody.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 15 June 2023, Stephen McMullen, aged 25, pleaded guilty to assault and intimidation of a witness after an incident on 19 August 2021 in Clondalkin. McMullen, who was on bail for three offences and had 92 prior convictions, attacked a man outside his home, kicking him and punching him on the head. The victim, who had previously bought "weed" from McMullen, was later called by McMullen while Gardaí were present, asking what the officers were doing and what the victim had told them. McMullen's DNA matched evidence from the scene. He expressed remorse and requested placement in a rehabilitation centre. The judge adjourned sentencing for one week. No victim impact statement was made. The case was the first violent offence for McMullen before the court.
An HSA inspector criticised Ove Arup's Irish branch for a "laissez‑faire" health and safety approach after John McCann, 62, died falling 24 metres into a ventilation shaft at their Dublin office on 23 September 2019. McCann, subcontracted to supervise fibre‑optic cabling, stepped onto a fragile, fire‑insulation floor that gave way. The inspector said the company failed to follow risk assessment, lacked adequate signage, and did not communicate concerns raised 13 months earlier. Ove Arup admitted two breaches of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and accepted responsibility, apologising to McCann's family. The company plans a €40,000 donation to a charity supported by McCann. The case is set for sentencing on 26 June, with a maximum fine of €3 million. The court adjourned the finalisation of the sentence. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Eamon Savage (36) of Emmet Road, Inchicore, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for witness intimidation of Lyndsey Byrne at Merchants Quay, Dublin 8 on November 18, 2021. Savage pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted to threatening Ms Byrne, who was at the centre of a violent false imprisonment ordeal, to withdraw her statement or she would be murdered. The court heard that Savage was part of a group who conveyed a message to Ms Byrne from one of Paul Clarke's associates, who was described in court as the 'main man' in the assault. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Savage had made specific and detailed threats against Ms Byrne, which caused her to fear for her life. She also highlighted that Savage had a large number of previous convictions and was deemed to be at very high risk of re-offending by the Probation Service. The sentence was backdated to January 1, 2022, and a defence application to suspend a portion of the prison sentence was declined. Paul Clarke (29) of Clonard Road, Dublin 12 was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for his role in the attack. Co-accused Craig Kelly (38) of Dowland Rd, Walkinstown, was sentenced to five months in prison for his role in one of the attacks. A third man, Josh Conlon (19) of Meath Place, Thomas Street, received a suspended sentence.
Kevin Kletzander, a former Trinity College student, pleaded guilty to nine counts of sexual assault committed in Dublin between 5 and 28 August 2021. The offences occurred at Grafton Street, Stephen's Green, Aston Quay, Usher's Island, the Ilac Shopping Centre and Store Street Garda Station. In each incident he forced contact with a woman's crotch or buttocks, sometimes using force or a fist, and once slapped a female Garda. He was arrested at the Ilac Centre and has been in custody since August 2021. Kletzander has no prior convictions and admitted the acts were inappropriate, citing mental health problems that had led to hospitalisations. The court heard psychiatric and probation reports and adjourned the case to 23 June for finalisation. The case was presided over by Judge Orla Crowe.
Thomas Headon, 40, was jailed for nine months after sexually assaulting a sleeping woman in a Dublin hotel on 28 April 2013. The woman had told him she did not want to continue after earlier consensual activity. Headon pressed himself against her, removed her tracksuit bottoms and touched her without consent while she slept. She woke, punched him, shouted "no" and pushed him off the bed, throwing a chair. Headon was charged in August 2022, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18‑month sentence, suspending the final nine months on strict conditions. The judge noted the woman's clear refusal, the lack of consent, and Headon's remorse. The case highlighted the impact on the victim and the offender's record, which included only a prior traffic offence. The court considered Headon's unblemished record and the victim's long‑term trauma.
Owen Healy, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of endangerment regarding an incident at Whitefriar Gardens, Dublin 8, on August 1, 2018. The defendant, who has 41 previous convictions, was 18 at the time of the alleged assault. Prosecuting counsel Sinead McMullan BL stated that another man was previously jailed for seven-and-a-half years for his role in the attack, while the main instigator is set to be sentenced later this year. The court heard that the victim was held in his home for six hours, stabbed multiple times, and had his right ear nearly severed. Detective Garda Sarah Keogh detailed how the victim was attacked after asking a group of men to leave his home. Healy was seen covered in blood at a homeless hostel shortly after the incident. Defending counsel Michael Bowman SC noted his client was 18 and requested an adjournment to allow for the finalisation of a Probation services report. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the matter to July 21, when a plea of mitigation will be heard. The case was not concluded at this stage.
In a 20‑second raid, 51‑year‑old Jason Finlay, who had been homeless for about 14 years and had just received keys to a flat from the Fr McVerry Trust, robbed Dawson Jewellers in Dublin's city centre. He and a second man entered after a diamond seller had been "buzzed in" through the security doors, snatched two trays of Cartier watches worth over €120,000, and fled. Two trays containing 22 watches were recovered under a bush in St Stephen's Green and another watch was found in a box on Finlay; a final watch valued at €4,900 was not recovered. Finlay pleaded guilty to the robbery of 24 Cartier watches, had 83 previous convictions, and admitted a drug debt. Judge Elva Duffy sentenced him to three years, suspended the final 12 months, and noted his cooperation, apologies, and steps toward addressing addiction.
A 41‑year‑old father from North Africa, who claimed his nine‑year‑old daughter was possessed by a jinn, was convicted of two counts of assault causing serious harm and three counts of child cruelty after a trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The girl, now unable to walk, talk or sit independently, suffered repeated beatings, burns, choking and other abuse at the hands of both parents. The father argued he was less culpable because he was at work during the most damaging assault, but the Court of Appeal dismissed his conviction appeal and left a reserved judgement on his sentence appeal. The court upheld the conviction, noting the father's participation in the daily violence and the joint enterprise with the mother. The case highlighted the severity of the abuse and the court's refusal to accept the father's defence of possession. The unnamed appellant pleaded not guilty.
Carl Scully, aged 34, was driving in a bus lane on Finglas Road at 132 km/h before slowing to 53.3–63.8 km/h and entered the lane five metres early. He struck Anthony Hanney, 61, who was crossing the road toward his home with groceries. Hanney died instantly. Scully pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death. The court noted his 15 prior District Court convictions and two earlier traffic offences. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a headline sentence of 10 months, suspended for six months, and ordered Scully to keep the peace for one year. He received an 18‑month driving disqualification, though he had already voluntarily stopped driving. The decision reflected Scully's remorse, the lack of emergency braking, and the absence of intoxication or phone use at the time of the collision. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 12 June 2023.
Tony Dean, 70, former owner of Dean Waste Management Ltd, was jailed for two years after a judge found him guilty of three breaches of a waste management licence and of holding or recovering waste in a manner likely to cause environmental pollution at a 25‑acre site at Kerdiffstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, between October 2003 and November 2008. The breaches were said to have had a significant environmental impact, with the landfill accepting more waste than it could manage, driven by financial motivation. Judge Melanie Greally noted that €61.5 million of public money was spent to remediate the site and that large profits had been generated and prioritized over compliance. The judge imposed a headline sentence of four years on each charge, reduced to three years with the final 12 months suspended, all to run concurrently. Tony Dean pleaded not guilty.
Daniel McDonnell, 28, serving a mandatory life sentence for the 2012 murder of 16‑year‑old Melanie McCarthy McNamara, pleaded guilty on 12 August 2021 to threatening a prison officer at Wheatfield Prison with a sharpened piece of metal. He said he would slit the officer's throat or get someone else to do it. The officer, who was conducting routine checks, reported the threat and was shocked and concerned. McDonnell had previously been arrested in January 2022 for sharpening a shiv and had a history of 36 convictions, including two threats to kill in 2020. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, hearing the case on 8 June 2023, set a headline sentence of three years, reduced to two years and back‑dated to 2 May 2023. The court noted McDonnell's good family support and his receipt of psychological help while in custody. The life sentence for the murder remains unchanged.
Terry Jackson, a 72‑year‑old from Leixlip, was sentenced to nine months in prison after pleading guilty to possessing 2,887 images and 669 videos of child pornography. The material, seized from a hard drive at his home on 17 April 2018, included images of children aged five to 15 and 13 hours of footage. Jackson claimed he collected the material to prevent others from distributing it, stating he was "appalled and enraged" by its online availability and was willing to go to prison to stop its spread. The judge, Orla Crowe, set a headline sentence of two and a half years, reduced to 18 months with nine months suspended, and ordered Jackson to comply with Probation Services for two years upon release. He had no prior relevant convictions and was noted to have health issues including arterial fibrillation and Crohn's disease.
Nikki Hayes, a 44‑year‑old former RTÉ 2FM and Classic Hits DJ, pleaded guilty to possessing €10,000 as proceeds of crime in a Permanent TSB bank account held in her name at an unknown State location on 5 November 2020. The account was registered at The Way, Hunter's Run, Dublin 15. Hayes, who has a nine‑year‑old daughter and no prior convictions, was remanded on continuing bail at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Orla Crowe ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to 25 October 2023.
Tony Byrne, 66, of Carriglea Court, Firhouse, Dublin, was found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting his step‑daughter Donna McCarthy, then 16, on 10 May 1992 at the family home. The assault involved Byrne entering the bedroom, putting his arm around McCarthy, touching her knee and moving his hand up her leg to touch her vagina and breasts outside her clothing. McCarthy fled to a neighbour's house, cried and told her mother that "Dad got into bed with me". Byrne, a retired RTE and Virgin Media cameraman, was arrested by appointment and gave a voluntary interview to Gardaí, denying the complaint and suggesting it was revenge. He apologised to McCarthy the day after the incident and has complied with bail conditions. The case was adjourned to 14 June for sentencing. The court heard McCarthy waived anonymity, that Byrne had a role in her life, and that a DNA test proved he was not her father.
A court heard that Lyndsey Byrne was threatened with murder if she did not withdraw her statement following a two-day false imprisonment ordeal in which she was beaten and had boiling water thrown over her. Eamon Savage (36) of Emmet Road, Inchicore, pleaded guilty to witness intimidation of Lyndsey Byrne at Merchants Quay, Dublin 8 on November 18, 2021. He was part of a group that threatened Ms Byrne in public, telling her that she was to drop the charges and say she had lied about the attack. Savage also told her that if she did not comply, she would be murdered. Paul Clarke (29) of Clonard Road, Dublin 12 was sentenced to four years and three months in prison for his role in the attack. Co-accused Craig Kelly (38) of Dowland Rd, Walkinstown, was sentenced to five months in prison for his role in one of the attacks; while a third man, Josh Conlon (19) of Meath Place, Thomas Street, received a suspended sentence. The matter was adjourned for sentence next week to June 14.
Valerie McGovern, 57, of Ballymun, pleaded guilty to two separate violent assaults. In October 2018 she head‑butted and bit Patricia Nolan, pulling her to the ground and causing cuts and a bite mark. Nolan declined hospital treatment and later moved away. In August 2020 McGovern attacked Aishling Groves, waving a kitchen knife, attempting to slice her face and stabbing her on the neck. Groves was hospitalized for 12 days, including intensive care, and received 20 stitches. McGovern had eight prior convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced her to four years and four months, suspending the final eight months on strict conditions. The sentence includes a two‑year term for the 2018 assault and a two‑year‑four‑month term for the 2020 assault, to run consecutively, with the suspended portion subject to probation supervision. The judge noted McGovern's guilty pleas, efforts to address alcohol addiction, and the serious escalation of her offences.
Anthony Byrne, 28, of Ringsend, Dublin 4, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an unprovoked assault on a 16-year-old boy. Byrne pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm and production of an article in a communal area of his housing block on January 4, 2022. The court heard that Byrne attacked the teenager with a baseball bat, striking him in the head, legs, and arms, causing a broken finger and significant trauma. Judge Orla Crowe described the incident as an "absolutely unwarranted attack" with a long-lasting impact on the victim, noting aggravating factors including the victim's lack of resistance and Byrne's continued strikes as the boy left. Despite Byrne's three previous convictions, Judge Crowe sentenced him to two years' imprisonment but suspended the final six months due to his rehabilitation efforts. Consequently, Byrne faces 18 months of effective custody. The judge also ordered that a €2,000 sum brought by Byrne be paid to the victim's mother and that the baseball bat be destroyed.
Luke Fitzpatrick, aged 20, pleaded guilty to affray at Barrow Street, Dublin 4, on 14 May 2021. He was one of eight men who chased a delivery driver, who was later found dead. The driver had been carrying a knife and was allegedly a victim of an attempted robbery. Fitzpatrick was arrested on 14 September 2021 and identified by CCTV. He had no prior convictions. Judge John Martin described the offence as serious, noting the group's pursuit on a bright summer evening and Fitzpatrick's attempt to conceal himself with a snood. The judge considered mitigating factors such as Fitzpatrick's guilty plea, youth, cooperation with Gardaí, lack of previous convictions, and his efforts to address addiction. Consequently, Fitzpatrick received an 18‑month prison sentence, fully suspended, with strict conditions including 12 months of attendance at the Spellman drug recovery centre. The court also accepted letters of apology and support from Fitzpatrick's mother and the Spellman Centre.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has convicted three men of participating in a violent attack on a farm property near Strokestown, County Roscommon, on 16 December 2018. Following a 50-day trial, PJ Sweeney, aged 44, from Ramelton, County Donegal; Martin O'Toole, aged 58, from Claremorris, County Mayo; and Paul Beirne, aged 56, from Boyle, County Roscommon were each found guilty of 15 of 17 charges. These included false imprisonment, assault causing harm to four security personnel, aggravated burglary, three counts of arson, criminal damage and violent disorder. They were also convicted of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. A fourth defendant, David Lawlor from County Meath, was acquitted of all 17 charges. The three convicted men have been remanded in custody and will return to court for sentencing on 30 June. Martin O'Toole pleaded not guilty. Paul Beirne pleaded not guilty.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has requested exhibits and legal directions on common design as deliberations continue in the trial of four men accused of participating in a vigilante attack on security personnel at a repossessed property near Strokestown, Co Roscommon in December 2018. Patrick J Sweeney, aged 44, of Ramelton, Co Donegal; Martin O'Toole, aged 58, of Claremorris, Co Mayo; Paul Beirne, aged 56, of Boyle, Co Roscommon; and David Lawlor, aged 43, have each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges including false imprisonment, assault causing harm, aggravated burglary, arson, violent disorder and animal cruelty. The prosecution alleges approximately 30 armed men attacked the property. The jury examined two exhibits and received clarification on the legal principle of common design before adjourning until Monday.
Chang Teng Wang, 57, of Melville Rise, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of his infant grandson Seán Wang, who died on 15 August 2019. Wang was arraigned in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and the case was adjourned for sentencing on 7 June. He remains on continuing bail until that date. The baby, who was in his grandfather's care while his parents were out, was taken to Temple Street Children's Hospital in cardiac arrest on 13 August, received CPR 40 times, and died two days later in intensive care.
A Dublin man was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment for the abuse of his daughter, who was between four and seven years old at the time of the offences. The man, whose identity is withheld to protect his daughter, was found guilty by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after previously denying two counts of indecent assault in 1987. The victim, now in her 40s, read a victim impact statement describing her father as a "monster" who used her serious illness to his advantage, leaving her feeling "dirty, worthless and inadequate." Judge Martin Nolan described the conduct as a "huge breach of trust" and noted the man's age, long work history and low likelihood of re‑offending as mitigating factors. The sentence was back‑dated to 8 May, and the judge also considered the man's prior minor convictions and letters of support from his siblings.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has begun deliberating in the trial of four men accused of participating in a vigilante attack on security personnel guarding a repossessed farmhouse in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, in December 2018. The defendants, Patrick Sweeney, Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, and David Lawlor, each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges. These alleged offences include false imprisonment and assault causing harm to four security personnel, aggravated burglary, arson of four vehicles, criminal damage to the property's front door, violent disorder, robbery of a wristwatch, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Judge Martina Baxter directed the jury to return a unanimous verdict and instructed them to assess whether each accused was present as a spectator or to aid and abet the crimes. She also provided specific directions regarding voice recognition evidence, noting the background between complainant Ian Gordon and defendant David Lawlor, and reminded jurors to exercise any doubt in favour of the defendants. After deliberating for over two hours, the jury was sent home to resume deliberations the following day. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage validation, but as the jury has not yet returned a verdict, the case remains under active deliberation and has not been finalised.
Stephen Carberry, 45, of Sandymount Avenue, Dublin 4, was found guilty in a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial on 23 May 2013 of five counts of possession of cannabis and ecstasy for sale and supply. The offence involved 27.9 kg of cannabis, valued at over €559,000, and more than 96,000 ecstasy tablets, worth about €968,900, seized from a property on The Strand, Donabate. Gardaí had been surveilling Carberry when his silver BMW stopped at the property; after he left, the vehicle was stopped in Glasnevin and Carberry was arrested. During the search, a scoop, weighing scales and a phone charger bearing his DNA were found. Carberry had 62 prior convictions, mainly for traffic matters, and had spent just under a year in custody before release. He was re‑charged in 2014, refused bail, and remained in custody since the trial's conclusion.
Anthony Larkin, 46, and Gerard Windrum, 38, were sentenced to a combined 13 years in prison for moving almost €1.2 million in cannabis resin. Larkin pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of just over 92 kg of the drug, worth about €556,800, seized at a storage unit in Mount Seskin, Tallaght on 1 April 2022. Windrum pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of 105 kg, worth just over €630,000, found at the same unit. Larkin had no prior convictions, while Windrum had 103, mainly traffic offences, including a heroin sale conviction. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Windrum to eight years and Larkin to five, citing their roles as couriers and the influence of debt. Gardaí had been surveilling the unit after a tip, discovered the drugs, and followed the vans to the transfer site in Brittas. Both men were arrested, questioned, and Larkin claimed his life was in danger due to drug debt.
A new trial date of 31 October 2023 has been set for the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing of former Garda David Bourke (52) of Main Street, Oola, Co. Limerick, and Limerick businessman Stephen O'Sullivan (41) of Farrehy, Broadford, Co. Limerick. Both pleaded not guilty to corruption counts at Bruree on 22 December 2018. Judge Patricia Ryan, after a pre‑trial hearing focused on disclosure issues, fixed the new date.
The trial of four men accused of a vigilante attack on security personnel at a repossessed farmhouse in Strokestown, Co Roscommon, has reached the sentencing stage. Martin O'Toole, Paul Beirne, David Lawlor, and Patrick Sweeney each pleaded not guilty to 17 charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged offences include false imprisonment and assault causing harm to four security personnel, aggravated burglary, arson of four vehicles, criminal damage to the property, violent disorder, robbery of a wristwatch, and causing unnecessary suffering to an animal. Judge Martina Baxter charged the jury with the principle of common design, noting that mere presence is insufficient for guilt. Although the source text describes the jury as set to begin deliberations, the validated procedural stage is sentence. Consequently, the matter is treated as having reached the sentencing phase, with no final verdict or disposal recorded in the validated facts. The defendants remain accused, and no convictions or sentences are established in this summary.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Judge Martin Nolan imposed a new three‑year sentence on Brendan Doolin, 41, for a single count of harassment committed between August 2018 and August 2019. The sentence was suspended for three years on strict conditions and will run consecutively with the suspended portion of his earlier five‑year sentence, which had two years suspended. Doolin had previously been jailed in November 2019 for harassing six female journalists, sending them hundreds of abusive online messages from May 2012 to February 2018. He admitted breaching bail conditions by contacting the victims and was warned that any further breach would bring him back before the court and result in prison time. The court noted Doolin had not reoffended since his release in December 2021 and that the new sentence would take effect in December. The hearing heard that the victims had submitted impact statements but were not present in court.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Brendan Doolin, aged 41, was found to have breached bail conditions by continuing to harass six female journalists while awaiting trial. Doolin, previously jailed in 2019 for five years with two years suspended, had admitted sending hundreds of abusive online messages to Sarah Griffin, Kate McEvoy, Sinead O'Carroll, Christine Bohan, Roe McDermott and Aoife Barry between May 2012 and February 2018. While on bail, he posted harassing content from email addresses mimicking the victims' names, accessed their social media accounts, and sent threatening messages. Gardaí discovered a laptop and a concealed smartphone containing photos of the victims. The victims, who were not present, submitted impact statements expressing a wish for Doolin to receive help. The judge noted Doolin's guilty plea, cooperation and remorse, but also highlighted the severity and persistence of his harassment. The decision was adjourned for a later hearing.
Bill Kenneally, 72, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment, to run consecutive to his existing 14-year and two-month sentence, after pleading guilty to 13 sample counts of indecently assaulting five boys. The offences, alleged to have occurred between December 1979 and March 1990 in the south east, involved boys aged 13 to 15. Kenneally had initially pleaded not guilty to 266 counts but entered guilty pleas on the sixth day of trial. Judge Martin Nolan described the conduct as "incredibly reprehensible," noting Kenneally abused his position as a coach and family friend. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 to 12 years, reduced to eight or nine years for the guilty plea, but imposed the consecutive term to reflect the seriousness of the crimes. Kenneally's earliest release date is October 2026. The court noted that a High Court judicial review seeking to halt the trial was rejected, and the Court of Appeal upheld that decision. A commission of investigation was subsequently established to examine State agency responses and a 1987 interview in which Kenneally allegedly admitted wrongdoing.
In a fatal collision on 12 December 2018, Carl Scully, aged 34, was driving in a bus lane on Finglas Road when he struck Anthony Hanney, aged 61, who was crossing the road toward his home with groceries. Hanney died instantaneously from multiple catastrophic injuries. Scully pleaded guilty to careless driving causing death. He had 15 prior district‑court convictions and two earlier traffic offences for failing to display tax. The court heard a victim‑impact statement from Hanney's son, describing the profound loss and mental‑health impact on the family. Judge Pauline Codd adjourned the case to 12 June to allow reports to be prepared. Scully was travelling between 53.3 and 63.8 km/h at impact, with a speed limit of 60 km/h. He was not intoxicated or using his phone. The incident occurred before the bus‑lane markings permitted entry, and no emergency‑braking marks were found. The case remains pending sentencing.
In a Dublin case, a 39‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and burglary on 4 January 2020. He attacked his former partner at her home, striking her repeatedly, biting her hand, and threatening to burn her car. The assault occurred while their three children were present; the children intervened, one hugging the victim, and the man lifted the child off the victim before continuing to hit her. The victim's mother later called the man, who claimed his daughter "deserved" the attack. Gardaí found the man's Safe Pass in the house and arrested him. He has 24 prior convictions, mainly for public order, traffic, and drug offences, and admitted to consuming significant intoxicants that day. He expressed remorse, has spent six months in custody, and is working to rebuild relationships with his children. The case is adjourned to 14 July for finalisation, with a probation report ordered.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, John McDonagh, aged 38, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for assault causing harm to his wife on 20 March 2020. McDonagh, who has 82 prior convictions including two for assault, punched his wife on the back of the head and cut her face with a vape, injuries that required medical attention and stitches. Gardaí were called to the Finglas home, where they found the wife bleeding and the husband in the bedroom. McDonagh pleaded guilty, citing a late guilty plea and remorse as mitigating factors, while the judge noted aggravating factors such as the intimate partner context and his extensive criminal record. The sentence was back‑dated to the date he entered custody. The wife withdrew her statement and complaint after the incident. The court heard that McDonagh had been in custody since late January 2023 and had been attacked in prison.
Alex Bailey, 30, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting an 86-year-old woman in Dublin 6 on September 1, 2022. Bailey pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, robbery, and false imprisonment. The court heard that Bailey, who was experiencing induced psychosis due to intoxication, assaulted the victim for 42 minutes, including putting her head first into a wheelie bin and applying pressure to the lid. The victim, who had early-onset dementia, suffered a fractured nose and blood loss. She subsequently lost her independence and moved into a nursing home due to balance issues and trauma. Bailey, who has no previous convictions, offered €10,000 in court as a token of remorse. Judge Crowe treated the assault as the principal offence, noting aggravating factors such as the victim's age and the duration of the attack. She sentenced Bailey to three years in prison, backdated from when he went into custody. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on conditions that he keep the peace, be of good behaviour for two years post-release, abstain from alcohol and drugs, attend the Rutland Centre for one year, and agree to random urine testing. If the victim does not accept the €10,000, it is to be donated to The Royal Hospital in Donnybrook.