In a 2018 decision, Judge Martin Nolan refused insurers' request for costs of two trials involving former Anglo Irish Bank senior executive Tiarnan O'Mahoney, aged 59, who had been acquitted of conspiracy to falsify records and defraud the Revenue Commissioners. The 2017 trial, a retrial after a 2014 conviction was quashed, had seen O'Mahoney plead not guilty to offences alleged between 25 March 2003 and 31 December 2004, linked to eight bank accounts associated with former CEO Sean FitzPatrick. Brendan Grehan SC argued that the insurer's policy covered O'Mahoney's legal costs, while Dominic McGinn SC contended that the Court of Appeal had only awarded costs for the appeal, not the original trial. Judge Nolan acknowledged insurers could recover costs if they pursued that route but ultimately made no order for the insurers' application, noting no financial distress or extraordinary circumstances. He also declined to grant the DPP's application for costs.
Barry Watters, aged 42, was sentenced to six years in prison for two counts of indecency and possession of child pornography. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in December 2014 and October 2016. Watters had previously been convicted six times, mainly for child pornography, and once for criminal damage. In December 2014, children on their way to school witnessed him exposing himself on a Dublin street; a youth worker and several children reported the incident the following day. In October 2016, Gardaí observed him in an internet café, where he accessed a USB containing 23 illegal child‑pornographic images and 422 images of pre‑teens in various states of undress. The judge imposed a seven‑year sentence with the final 12 months suspended for two years on strict conditions, including completion of sexual offender treatment, no contact with children, and supervision when using internet‑enabled devices.
A 35‑year‑old Garda, Warren Farrell, is on trial for dangerous driving that caused the death of Elizabeth Core in 2014. Farrell was driving a marked patrol car responding to a panic button call at a Topaz garage when the vehicle struck Core, who was crossing the road. The patrol car's emergency lights were on but the siren was off to allow communication with command. Farrell allegedly applied the brakes and entered the bus lane, causing the car to mount the footpath and the front left tyre to burst. The right side of the car hit Core, who was pushed onto the vehicle. She was taken to hospital, received medical attention, but was pronounced dead shortly after. A state pathologist concluded her death was caused by head and chest trauma from the vehicular impact. Farrell pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The trial continues before Judge Cormac Quinn and a jury of twelve.
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 6 December 2018, a 64‑year‑old former soldier was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for sexually assaulting his niece and nephew. He pleaded guilty to three counts of assaulting a nephew aged five to seven between 1992 and 1994, and to three counts of assaulting a niece aged seven to nine between 1996 and 1998. The court heard the abuse occurred about twenty times a year while the victims stayed overnight at their grandmother's home, where the accused also lived. The sentence runs concurrently with a seven‑year term, 12 months suspended, that he had already received for the repeated rape of a different niece and great‑nephew. The judge condemned the "relentless regularity" of the abuse and noted the grooming, the long period over which the offences were committed, and the severe impact on the young victims.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has begun deliberations in the trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 53, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, who has pleaded not guilty to charges arising from an incident on September 25, 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of three women at a property in Malahide, robbery of cash from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. Before directing the jury to consider verdicts, Judge Karen O'Connor issued a cautionary direction regarding identification evidence, noting that responsible witnesses have previously made identifications later proven erroneous. The judge advised the jury to exercise particular care when assessing identification evidence and to consider all surrounding circumstances, including the time of day and conditions prevailing during observations. She also instructed them that photofits are limited in evidential value and that DNA presence alone at a crime scene does not establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The jury of five women and seven men is expected to resume deliberations the following day.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Keith Mooney, aged 27, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for assault causing harm and possession of a rock during an attack on Derek Curran at St Enda's Park, Rathfarnham, on 26 June 2017. Mooney struck Curran's face with a rock, causing multiple facial fractures, a dislocated eye socket, fractured ribs and a broken cheekbone, and left him unconscious. The judge, Melanie Greally, described the assault as "particularly violent and brutal" and noted that Curran was traumatised and his mental health severely affected. Mooney's sentence was the maximum five years, with the final 18 months suspended, taking into account his guilty plea, family background and substance‑use history. The case highlighted the severity of the offence and the impact on the victim.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, the defence barrister in a tiger kidnapping trial has submitted that the State's case against Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and with an address in Cootehill, County Cavan, is fundamentally flawed. Martin O'Rourke SC argued that gardaí investigating the matter had adopted a fixed view of his client and ignored a potentially fruitful line of inquiry into another man who could have participated in the offence. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress, her daughter and an Italian lodger at a property in Malahide on 25 September 2014, and to robbery from Bayside Post Office in Sutton the same day. The defence contended that no identification parade was conducted and that up to twelve civilian witnesses with relevant descriptions were not called to give evidence. Mr O'Rourke submitted that the DNA evidence was equivocal and invited the jury to return not guilty verdicts on all counts.
Dubliner Michael Jones is standing trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Hong Qing Qu. The incident allegedly occurred on November 17, 2015, at Blanchardstown Road, south. Prosecutors allege that Mr Jones, a 25-year-old professional roofer, was driving an Audi A3 at excessive speed and ran a red light before colliding with the side of a Mitsubishi Colt driven by Mr Qu. The impact caused the Colt to change direction and travel a significant distance, resulting in extensive damage. Mr Qu sustained multiple injuries and died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital. The prosecution contends that after the crash, occupants of the Audi, including an allegedly injured driver, exited the vehicle and entered a third car, a Volkswagen, which was later seen at the hospital. Mr Jones was subsequently admitted to the same facility with leg injuries. Mr Jones has pleaded not guilty to the charge. In his opening address, counsel Dominic McGinn SC stated that the State must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Jones was the driver, that his driving was dangerous, and that it caused Mr Qu's death. The trial is presided over by Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury of eight men and four women. The matter is currently ongoing and is expected to run for eight days, with proceedings continuing on Monday next.
Barry Keating (33) of Ferrycarrig Drive, Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of heroin for sale or supply on Harmonstown Road, Dublin 5, and possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Shonvalley Apartments, The Grange, Lucan on August 8, 2016. He has 53 previous convictions, including some for drug offences. Gerard Gerard Cleary (34), who lived at Shonvalley Apartments, was also arrested at the scene and pleaded guilty to possessing the cocaine for sale or supply. Cleary was sentenced to three years with the final 18 months suspended by Judge Karen O'Connor on December 1, 2017. Keating's case was adjourned to February 27 next, and Judge Melanie Greally ordered a report from the Probation Service to assist in structuring a sentence that will help Keating deal with his drug habit. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
In December 2010, Eoin Kennedy, a 41‑year‑old computer systems administrator, was found in possession of 577 images and 31 videos depicting child abuse, including sexual acts involving children as young as three. Gardaí traced the files to an Internet Protocol address at his workplace, linked by Interpol to child pornography downloads. Kennedy admitted the downloads and allowed a search of his home in Co Offaly, where additional files were discovered on two laptops and two home‑built computers. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Over the following eight years, Kennedy attended intensive psychological therapy, which the judge described as lengthy and effective in reducing re‑offending risk. Judge Melanie Greally, acknowledging his remorse and cooperation, suspended a two‑year custodial sentence on the condition of peacekeeping for that period and ordered the destruction of all seized computer equipment. Kennedy had no prior convictions and had not attracted Garda attention since the offences.
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, prosecution counsel has outlined what it characterises as compelling evidence linking Paschal Kelly, aged 52, from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, to a tiger kidnapping at Malahide in September 2014. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other persons, robbery from Bayside Post Office, threats to kill, trespass, and unauthorised use of a vehicle. The prosecution submitted that physical descriptions provided by the victim matched the accused, that mobile phone tracking placed a getaway driver at the crime scene, and that DNA evidence recovered from discarded clothing and items found in gardens corresponded with Mr Kelly's profile. Counsel argued the combination of eyewitness descriptions, CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and witness testimony created a case leaving no reasonable doubt as to guilt. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor is continuing, with defence submissions to follow.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 5 June 2018, William Connors, aged 29, pleaded guilty to possession of two stolen rings found in a sock at Dom Marmion car park, Dundrum. The rings—a 13‑carat gold ring worth €2,000 and a second ring worth €200—had been stolen earlier that day from a house. Connors was caught after attempting to flee, having removed a sock from his pocket and discarded it. He has 62 prior convictions, including burglary, possession of stolen property, criminal damage and traffic offences. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced him to two years' imprisonment, backdating the term to the day of his initial arrest. The sentence was mitigated by Connors' early guilty plea, personal circumstances, tragic family background and age, while the aggravating factor was the impact on the victim, who was deeply shaken and distressed upon discovering her bedroom had been upended.
Greg Walsh, a 70‑year‑old former charity director from Castleknock, was brought to court after pleading guilty to 119 thefts totalling €998,476, including €280,000 from Carline Learning Centre and €150,000 from Bank of Ireland. He admitted misappropriating charity funds to pay tax bills and diverting money from friends and family, who had invested with him or used him as a tax agent. Walsh's actions caused losses to several parties, including a nephew who lost €10,000 and a man who lost €14,138. He also owed a €150,000 business debt to two brothers, which he paid by transferring funds from a business account to a personal account. Walsh was rushed to hospital on Sunday, examined by a cardiac team, and the case was adjourned pending a medical report, with sentencing expected next week. The court noted he had no prior convictions and had lost his family home, now living on a state pension.
Patrick Beauchamp, a 26‑year‑old Dublin student, was tried in a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm. The jury deliberated for three hours and 14 minutes and returned verdicts of not guilty on the sexual assault and the first assault charge. They did not reach a verdict on the second assault charge, which alleged that Beauchamp punched another man on the street. Judge Patricia Ryan adjourned the matter to December 20, 2018, and instructed the jurors not to discuss the unresolved allegation. During the four‑day trial, the complainant testified that she and her friend had gone to Beauchamp's home after a night out, that she had no recollection of an assault, and that she woke to find Beauchamp and an acquaintance fighting. The acquaintance claimed that Beauchamp had head‑butted him after seeing him "humping" the complainant.
Anthony Graham, 28, of Finglas, was sentenced to three years in prison, with 18 months suspended for 24 months, after pleading guilty to robbing 81‑year‑old Rita Murphy of her handbag on St Margaret's Road on 6 January 2018. The handbag contained pension money, reading glasses, keys and groceries. Graham had previously been convicted of robbery offences involving a 19‑year‑old woman's purse and a 48‑year‑old woman's handbag. Judge Martina Baxter described the robbery as a "cowardly, exploitative and opportunistic offence" and noted that Graham, a father of one, left Murphy "helpless on the ground". Garda Michael Costello recounted how he heard screams, saw the victim on the ground, and later pursued Graham, who admitted the robbery and discarded items from the bag. The judge took into account Graham's early guilty plea, cooperation with the investigation, and personal circumstances, and imposed the suspended sentence.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Geraldine Saunders, mother of 21‑year‑old Jason Saunders, spoke after Judge Martina Baxter sentenced Paul Brannigan, 27, for assault. Brannigan was convicted of striking Saunders with a golf club; the jury acquitted him of a head‑butt assault claimed to be self‑defence and could not reach a verdict on manslaughter. Brannigan pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and two assault charges. The judge imposed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspended the last eight months, and credited 22 months already served. Saunders, who lost her son in a street altercation on 18 March 2014, described the loss as devastating, saying she feels she has "lost everything" and struggles to leave her home. The court noted Brannigan's lack of remorse toward the family.
A 31-year-old homeless man has been jailed for three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to demanding money with menaces. Brendan Glynn, originally from Sligo, handed a typed note into a Spar shop on The Stiles Road, Clontarf on 16 July 2017, demanding €20,000 with subsequent weekly payments of €2,000. The note contained threats to burn down the premises and warned the owner against contacting gardaí. The shop owner alerted police, and Glynn was arrested two days later after being identified on CCTV. Judge Melanie Greally acknowledged the offence was not sophisticated and was committed during a period of addiction and homelessness, but noted the letter's content would cause extreme fear. Glynn received a four-year sentence with the final twelve months suspended. He was ordered to comply with the Probation Service and address his addictions.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 30 November 2018, Judge Patricia Ryan instructed a jury of twelve to "get into the mind" of Patrick Beauchamp, a 26‑year‑old defendant from Ballsbridge. Beauchamp faced one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm for incidents that occurred at his home on 10 May 2015. He pleaded not guilty, denying the allegation that he had "humped" a sleeping woman and claiming he acted in self‑defence when he headbutted the woman's acquaintance and later punched him on the street. The judge explained that a belief in self‑defence need only be honest, not wholly justified, and that the force used must be reasonably necessary. She also urged the jury to consider whether an opportunity to retreat existed, while reminding them that the prosecution bore the burden of proof and that sympathy could not influence their verdict.
A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict in the trial of Petru Pinto, 50, who was accused of assaulting Paul Ceusan, 35, during a five-a-side football match. The incident allegedly occurred on November 16, 2012, at an astroturf pitch in Ellenfield Park, Santry, Dublin. Mr. Pinto, a former professional footballer from Romania, pleaded not guilty to assaulting Mr. Ceusan, causing him harm. The complainant alleged that Mr. Pinto took a running jump and kneeled him in the torso, resulting in a Grade 4 renal injury, or split kidney, which required surgery and a stent insertion. Mr. Pinto testified that the collision occurred during a legitimate tackle for the ball, denying it was an off-the-ball assault. He stated that a prior verbal dispute, in which he claimed Mr. Ceusan insulted his mother, was unrelated to the physical incident. The jury, comprising four men and eight women, deliberated for just under three hours before informing Judge Pauline Codd they could not agree on a verdict with the required ten or more votes. The matter was adjourned to December 10 for mention. Both men are members of Transylvania FC, a club established for Romanians living in Dublin.
David Berney, 37, of Suncroft Park, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to burglary of a Centra store in Jobstown on 2 March 2018 during Storm Emma. He was already on bail for a 2014 burglary of a private home in Stepaside, for which he had also pleaded guilty. Berney admitted that his offences were driven by a drug habit, citing cocaine use at the time of the shop looting. He has prior convictions for robbery, assault, burglary and threats to kill. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced him to two years for the 2014 burglary and an additional 18 months for the 2018 looting, suspending the latter on the condition of keeping the peace and engaging in addiction and social reintegration services. The court noted Berney was found hiding in the shop's cash room, and a sledgehammer was used by accomplices to break into the back offices. The case remains under the jurisdiction of the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
In a 2018 hearing, Gardaí used thermal imaging from a helicopter to locate Folarin Odunlami (22) and Arnaud Farel (20) after they robbed a young man on Station Road, Lusk, on 9 March 2016. The pair had stolen a phone, wallet and €110, and the victim fled to a nursing home and called the police. Gardaí chased them, who fell 15 ft from a footbridge into a carpark and hid under brambles. Thermal imaging detected them, and Gardaí recovered the victim's items and the men's driving licence. Farel received a three‑year sentence with 18 months suspended, to run consecutively with a six‑year sentence for a prior assault. Odunlami's sentencing was adjourned pending a suitability assessment for community service. The court heard Odunlami had two prior minor convictions and was studying computer systems in Dundalk. The case was heard by Judge Melanie Greally. Folarin Odunlami pleaded guilty. Arnaud Farel pleaded guilty.
Andrew Shannon, 54, of Dublin, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for possessing a stolen oil painting by Frederick Goodall, valued at €5,000. The painting, a desert scene dated 1892, had been taken from Bantry House in Cork in March 2006. Gardaí discovered the artwork during a 2014 search of Shannon's home for an unrelated matter. He was charged in September 2016, released on bail, but violated bail by travelling to the UK, prompting a European Arrest Warrant. A jury convicted him on 28 November 2018 after a two‑day trial. The sentence was back‑dated to 20 February 2018, the day he first entered custody on these matters. Shannon has 51 prior convictions, including theft, burglary and handling stolen property, and had previously received a six‑year sentence for damaging a Monet painting worth €10 million. He has ongoing health problems, including a quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2013, and is a student at Mountjoy Education Centre.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a woman who was robbed and beaten on Nassau Street on 26 May 2016 described how the attacker, Marese Craig, 21, approached her after a night out, demanded money, pushed her to the ground, kicked her, and stole €57. The victim later reported seeing Craig again and called the Gardaí. She expressed that she is now "wary of helping homeless people" and feels it is a shame because she believes in aiding those in need. Craig, who has 47 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to the robbery, as well as to trespass and theft from a 90‑year‑old shop owner on 27 September 2017 and to robbery of a bank card from a man on 2 February 2018. The court noted Craig is in custody and is taking steps toward rehabilitation, with sentencing adjourned to 6 December. The victim's impact statement was read in court.
In a case heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Fernando Codreanu, aged 23, was sentenced to one year in prison for possessing 16 counterfeit ATM cards. The cards were Argus gift cards whose magnetic strips had been altered to link to various debit accounts, mainly in the UK and some in France. Each card bore a four‑digit sticker that served as the PIN for the corresponding account. Codreanu admitted guilt to five charges of possession of altered cards. The judge noted the technical skill required to modify the cards but accepted a defence that Codreanu was influenced by older men present at the time. Garda John Duffy recounted spotting Codreanu and two other men approaching cash machines; after a struggle, Codreanu was arrested. The judge imposed a 12‑month sentence, stressing the need for deterrence in such offences. Fernando Codreanu pleaded guilty.
Patrick Beauchamp, 26, is on trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm. He is accused of assaulting a woman he met at Copper Face Jack's nightclub, who allegedly was put on her couch and had a hand placed under her dress. She claims she fell asleep and had no recollection, but a friend testified that Beauchamp was on top of her and "humping" her with his pants down. The friend also said Beauchamp head‑butted him after the friend warned him, "If that was my sister I'd kill you." Beauchamp denies the assault, claiming he was acting in self‑defence and that the woman was not asleep. Garda Tara Power testified that she saw Beauchamp punch the friend in the face. The trial will continue tomorrow afternoon. Patrick Beauchamp pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin bus incident, Thomas McMahon, 35, admitted to touching a fellow passenger's shoulder with his penis while attempting to urinate after the vehicle jerked forward. McMahon claimed alcohol and drug addiction impaired his judgment and that he had no sexual intent. He expressed remorse and stated he had taken steps toward rehabilitation. Garda Conor O'Neill and counsel David Staunton noted McMahon's mental health issues and lack of recollection. The victim, who was traveling to town, reported the contact, screamed, and alerted the driver, who called the Gardaí. The incident was captured on CCTV, leading to McMahon's arrest and cooperation with the investigation. He faces a maximum two‑year sentence at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the case adjourned to March 13 for sentencing and a psychiatric report. McMahon has ten prior convictions for public order and assault offences. Thomas McMahon pleaded guilty.
Akbar Jafari, 33, was arrested in Dublin for creating 14 fake identity cards for supposed family members who wanted to enter Ireland. He claimed he had come to Ireland illegally from Afghanistan in 2007 to escape war and had been granted refugee status. Jafari said he was acting out of a "humanitarian crisis" and that the people were his relatives, though no evidence confirmed their identities. He admitted to conspiring to produce false documents between 2 and 17 January 2017 and to book cheap flights for them, paying out of his wages. Gardaí seized a DHL parcel at Heathrow containing fraudulent Italian and Belgian documents and searched Jafari's hostel and storage locker. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and the case was adjourned to 16 January for further determination of the alleged family ties.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Paul O'Brien (36) and Niall Sheil (40) were found guilty of robbing Dympna's Clairvoyant in Crumlin on 6 January 2015. O'Brien entered first, claiming he wanted an appointment, while Sheil arrived armed with a steel bar. Both men stole cash, purses and phones from the clairvoyant and customers. O'Brien had previously pleaded guilty to two robbery counts and had been granted a suspended sentence in 2015, but the judge noted he had relapsed and failed to commit to rehabilitation. Judge Melanie Greally, after considering O'Brien's drug‑addiction history, sentenced him to four years' imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended, stating the court had exhausted all other options. Sheil received a four‑year suspended sentence in 2015. The robbery involved two staff members and two customers; €400 was taken from the reception, and all other items were recovered.
John Lyons, 50, pleaded guilty to demanding money with menace after a breakup, threatening to post intimate photos of his ex‑partner on Facebook if she did not pay him €5,000. He admitted sending a topless photograph to her mobile phone and threatened to upload it. The court found the threat a vile offence breaching privacy and bodily integrity. Judge Pauline Codd noted the victim felt intimidated and had reported the matter to gardaí. Lyons, described by references as respectful, honest, hard‑working and a good father, had no prior convictions. The judge suspended a five‑month prison term, emphasising the need for deterrence. No further contact between the parties was reported. The case was dealt with summarily on a guilty plea, with a maximum penalty of 12 months.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Fraser, 42, was sentenced to four years for violently assaulting his girlfriend. Fraser, who had been dating the woman for a few months, drove to her home drunk and, after she hid his car keys, began punching her in the ribs, face and head. The attack continued through the hallway, kitchen and back garden, where Fraser dragged her by the hair, slammed her face against sliding doors and kicked her head with a steel‑toe shoe. Fraser pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Melanie Greally noted the extreme violence, imposed a four‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, and required Fraser to complete victim‑focused work and engage with MOVE. The victim's impact statement described lasting physical injuries, flashbacks, and the effect on her children and parents. The case highlighted Fraser's prior convictions for drunk driving and his recent efforts to address alcohol problems.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 19‑year‑old Clayton Brennan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a "completely unprovoked attack" on Mexican national Jose Mondragon on Bachelors Walk on 27 April 2016. Brennan, who was 16 at the time, sat beside Mondragon on a boardwalk outside The Arlington Hotel, struck him in the temple, causing him to fall and hit his mouth on a tree pot. Brennan repeatedly pushed Mondragon to the ground until the victim escaped by jumping over a wall. Mondragon lost half of his front teeth, with repair costs estimated at €4,205. Brennan, who has eight prior convictions including assault and violent disorder, is serving a five‑year sentence with the final two years suspended and will be released on 30 January 2020, remaining under probation supervision for 18 months. The judge adjourned the case to 4 February 2019.
Patrick Nevin, 37, was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a Brazilian student he met on Tinder in July 2014. The victim, a language student, had been repeatedly asked by Nevin to meet and send photos, and after a series of text exchanges she agreed to meet for coffee. Nevin drove her to a secluded spot on the UCD campus, where he forced her to kiss her, punched her on the back of her head, and left her distressed. The court found him guilty of assaulting the student on UCD campus on 23 July 2014. Nevin denied the charge. Judge Cormac Quinn noted the victim's lack of English and the use of force, and imposed a post‑release supervision period of two years, prohibiting Nevin from using the internet to contact unknown persons. The sentence was back‑dated to September 2014, the month of Nevin's arrest.
Patricia Donoghue, 61, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to forging a driver's licence to open an AIB account in 2007 and to taking out loans under a false name to buy cars in 2009 and 2011. She used the forged licence in the name of Anne Marie Kearney, a real person who had left Ireland in the early 1980s, and also attempted to insure a car in the name of Leon Rossiter with another fake licence. Donoghue paid off the €8,250 loan in full and was making payments on the €15,000 loan when arrested. She was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, suspended for two years on the condition of good behaviour. The court noted her early plea, cooperation, good character, poor health and the seriousness of the offence as mitigating and aggravating factors respectively.
John Fitzgerald SC defended Emmet Fogarty, 47, a former pub owner who had been drawn into an almost €1.4 million drugs operation to offset gambling debts. Fogarty had been unaware of cheques written against his pub, leading to tax trouble and an alcohol and gambling addiction. After spending time abroad, he returned to Ireland and joined the drug enterprise. He pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cocaine, cannabis herb and resin worth €1,398,714, as well as various ammunition. Garda Ivor Scully found 15 blocks of cocaine, cannabis herb, resin, ten firearm magazines, ammunition and tracking devices at a lock‑up unit leased by Fogarty. Fogarty's home address was linked to the premises via receipt, DNA and fingerprints. Judge Melanie Greally, considering Fogarty's circumstances, imposed a seven‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final two‑and‑a‑half years. The sentence reflected the seriousness of the drug offence and the firearms offence.
A detective has testified at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he holds the view a man accused of involvement in a €90,000 tiger kidnapping in 2014 has connections to organised crime. Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges arising from an incident at Malahide, Dublin, on 25 September 2014. The charges include trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two other individuals, robbery from a post office, making threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During cross-examination by the defence, Detective Garda Domhnall O'Connell confirmed his belief regarding Mr Kelly's alleged links to organised crime. He explained to the court that gardaí did not conduct an identity parade due to the accused's significantly altered appearance since the alleged offence. The trial before Judge Karen O'Connor and a jury continues.
Catherine Gaffney, aged 52, was found guilty by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury in June of stealing three Chanel handbags from Brown Thomas on Grafton Street on 28 March 2015. The handbags, valued at €10,150, were discovered missing during a stock take and CCTV footage showed Gaffney hiding them in her own bag. She was arrested after Gardaí identified her as a suspect. Gaffney had 35 prior convictions for shop‑lifting offences and six for larceny, and was on bail for another offence at the time of the theft. She had previously been convicted of further crimes. Her defence lawyer noted her family responsibilities and her efforts to address an alcohol problem. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced her to two years in prison, suspending the final year of that term.
A man from Cootehill, County Cavan, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an alleged tiger kidnapping in September 2014. Paschal Kelly, aged 52, faces charges of trespass, false imprisonment of a postmistress and two others at a property in Malahide, robbery from a post office in Sutton, threats to kill, and unlawful possession of a vehicle. During the trial before Judge Karen O'Connor, a Detective Chief Superintendent gave evidence that two gardaí identified Mr Kelly as the driver of a vehicle used in the incident after reviewing CCTV footage. Defence counsel raised concerns that the two detectives had participated in Mr Kelly's arrest three weeks prior to viewing the footage. The witness rejected suggestions that gardaí had sought to conceal this prior involvement. The court heard that an identity parade had been discussed but was not conducted. The trial continues with evidence before the jury.
A 17‑year‑old boy, who cannot be named as a juvenile, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing €144 from a shop in Dublin on 5 February 2018 and to an attempted robbery of another shop less than two hours later. He had 43 prior convictions, including robbery, theft and violent disorder. His mother called the Gardaí after he returned home intoxicated with cash and receipts, noting that the clothes he had changed into matched those worn by a suspect in CCTV footage of the first robbery. The boy claimed he had been on his way home after a few days when he met a drug addict and decided to rob the shop with him, taking 16 Xanax tablets. The shop owner reported that the boy used a piece of wood that looked like a chair leg and a six‑inch knife to threaten him, and that the other robber used a screwdriver and a syringe.
Dan Donovan, 49, and his daughter Charlene Donovan, 23, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed on December 12, 2017, at Parslickstown Gardens, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15. Both pleaded guilty to possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life and recklessly discharging a firearm. Dan Donovan additionally pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Michael Collins. The court heard that Charlene Donovan fired a shotgun across the road, injuring a 17-year-old man, his mother, and a six-month-old baby in the legs. Dan Donovan then took the weapon, threatened to "bury" Mr Collins, and accidentally discharged it into the ground. Judge Martin Nolan jailed both defendants for five years. He noted the ongoing dispute between the families and accepted that the Donovans were in fear, but emphasized the child's blamelessness. Charlene Donovan, who has no prior record and significant intellectual difficulties, broke down in tears upon hearing the sentence. Dan Donovan, who has previous minor road traffic convictions, was held by his daughter. The judge acknowledged the intimidating nature of the rival family but stated he was satisfied Charlene Donovan understood the consequences of her actions.
Patrick Nevin, 37, was convicted in December 2014 of sexually assaulting a Brazilian student he met on Tinder. The student, who was using the app to practice English, believed they were meeting for coffee but was taken to a secluded field on the UCD campus where Nevin forced a kiss, pulled her dress down, restrained her, and punched her on the back of the head. She escaped by releasing her seat belt and getting out of the car. Nevin drove off, leaving her distressed and disoriented. Gardaí identified him via the car's number‑plate recognition system. The victim, now 36, testified that she feared for her life and that the attack forced her to abandon her English studies and work as a cleaner. She expressed ongoing fear of men and a desire to return to Ireland, while acknowledging that most people are good. Nevin's lawyers denied the charge and the case was sent to sentencing.
John Brennan, 44, of Lusk, Dublin, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended for assault causing harm to his then‑girlfriend on 31 August 2014. The victim, a former nurse, suffered multiple fractures to her face, a black eye, bruising and hair loss after Brennan struck her head off the steering wheel, dragged her by her hair from the car, and continued punching her in the face. She endured months of pain, dependence on her son's care and ongoing mental health issues such as severe anxiety and flashbacks. Brennan pleaded guilty, citing remorse and a good employment record, and the judge reduced the headline sentence from four to three years. The court refused compensation and ordered him to be of good behaviour for the suspended portion of his sentence.
Eddie McEvoy, 34, a chronic drug addict, pleaded guilty to eight thefts and one trespass with intent between October 2017 and January 2018. He stole goods worth over €10,000, including €6,000 of scratch cards, 20 bottles of Armani Code perfume (€2,000), 200 packets of cigarettes, 25 vodka bottles, a rum bottle, and other cosmetics and alcohol. McEvoy's offences were opportunistic, targeting soft targets and often entering shops through open doors. He was captured on CCTV in several incidents, such as the Cath Kidston shop, Hickey's Pharmacy, Boots on Grafton Street, and Boots on Baggot Street. He admitted to stealing items from a staff room at Londis, taking €6,000 of scratch cards and other stock. McEvoy has 135 prior convictions, including 59 thefts, 17 drug offences and two robberies. He is currently clean of all drugs except methadone.
An 81‑year‑old Dublin woman was robbed on her way home from Eurospar in Bayside on 10 September 2016. The robber, Vasile Marin, 24, followed her, seized her purse containing about €300, and fled. The woman, who had recently had a pacemaker implanted, was so shocked that she could not open her front door for six months and had to rely on help. She later decided not to let the robbery dominate her life and now avoids cash, using home help for shopping. Marin, who has two prior theft convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He admitted the crime, expressed remorse, and claimed he was motivated by a gambling debt and was somewhat intoxicated. The court adjourned sentencing to 27 February, ordered a probation report, and warned of possible custody.
The trial of Paschal Kelly, aged 52 and from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, has entered its seventh week at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Mr Kelly has pleaded not guilty to charges including trespass, false imprisonment of three people at a premises in Malahide, Dublin on September 25, 2014, robbery from a post office in Sutton, and making threats to kill. He has also denied unlawful possession of a vehicle in connection with the same date. The trial commenced in mid-October and was originally estimated to conclude within six weeks. Proceedings are now anticipated to continue for at least a further week. A juror's absence on the date in question prevented evidence from being heard, and the court has previously adjourned for legal submissions outside the jury's presence. Judge Karen O'Connor addressed the jury regarding compensation for shortened sitting days before directing them to return the following day.
A 23-year-old man pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a commuter on a Luas tram on 11 November 2016. Lee Murray, formerly of Blanchardstown, admitted attacking the victim and producing a screwdriver during the incident. The court heard the victim was travelling to work in the early hours when Murray and others boarded the tram near Rialto. During the assault, Murray used the screwdriver to cause injury to the victim's hand, causing significant bleeding. The victim reported feeling very fearful following the attack. Following his arrest, Murray expressed remorse and indicated his wish to apologise to the victim. The court was informed of his 34 previous convictions, including a 20-month sentence imposed in February for a firearms offence. Judge Cormac Quinn adjourned sentencing to 15 February pending a Probation Service report.
David Murphy, 39, of Carlow, was jailed for four years after he held up a Centra shop in Dublin to pay his 21‑year‑old son's drug debt. He had been released from a seven‑year sentence in 2012, with five years suspended on a good‑behaviour condition. Judge Melanie Greally reactivated three of those suspended years and imposed a new five‑year sentence, suspending the final four years, for the attempted robbery on 28 December 2017. Murphy pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The robbery involved him threatening a shop employee, Marco Moniz, with a pair of scissors. Moniz tackled Murphy, and police arrived shortly after. Murphy admitted the offence was stupid, expressed remorse, and said he had no intention to injure anyone. The sentence is consecutive to the reactivated years. The case was prosecuted by Gerardine Small BL and defended by Keith Spencer BL. The article reports no further legal developments.
Ciaran Neally, a 24-year-old man from Cork, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 512 grammes of cannabis worth €10,300 for sale or supply. The offence occurred on December 18, 2014, at Station Road, Clondalkin, Dublin. Detective Sergeant Kerrie O'Connor testified that Neally was stopped at a routine garda checkpoint, where officers detected a strong smell of cannabis and found the drugs in a shopping bag. Neally's speech was slurred, and his eyes were glassy. He admitted to collecting the drugs for friends who had driven him to Dublin. Judge Melanie Greally noted that Neally was the only occupant of the vehicle to accept full responsibility for the drugs. The court considered his early guilty plea, good employment history, and lack of re-offending in the four years since the incident. The judge also acknowledged that Neally's DNA was not found on the drugs or their wrapping. Taking into account that the crime was at the lower end of the mid-range for such offences, Judge Greally suspended the sentence for two years. Neally has minor previous convictions for road traffic matters.
Lee O'Brien, 31, of Cooley Road, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three counts of endangerment, one count of dangerous driving and one count of driving without insurance on 9 January 2018. At 1.30 a.m. a garda patrol unit noticed a red Nissan Micra that hesitated when the driver spotted the gardaí. The car sped off, pursued, and drove down the wrong direction of several one‑way streets, through red lights, and on North King Street where it stalled. O'Brien reversed toward the halted patrol car, colliding with it while two gardaí were still inside. A second patrol car pursued until O'Brien collided with a taxi on Queen's Street, causing the taxi to spin and hit a pole. The driver, his passenger and the taxi driver were removed and treated for minor injuries. O'Brien admitted he was banned from driving at the time and was intoxicated.
Patrick Dignam, 45, was tracked by Gardaí from the robbery scene to his home using CCTV footage. He threatened a staff member at a Centra convenience store on Harold's Cross Road with a rusty knife and stole €170. The footage showed him wearing distinctive tracksuit bottoms, which were later found at his home in Eagle Lodge, Leinster Road West, Dublin. Dignam pleaded guilty to the robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He has 47 prior convictions, mainly for public order and road traffic offences, and was previously jailed for robbery in 1992. Garda Stephen Pendred reviewed shop footage, then canvassed local shops for additional footage, enabling the tracking of Dignam's movements to his residence. A warrant was obtained, and clothing matching the suspect was found. Dignam was arrested, but no cash was recovered. A victim impact statement noted the staff member was not injured but feels more nervous.
James Jordan, a 51‑year‑old property developer from Castleknock, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to knowingly submitting 16 incorrect VAT returns, six incorrect income‑tax returns, four incorrect invoices and three false claims of income‑tax relief. He owes more than €1 million in unpaid taxes and penalties, including €162,945 in VAT, €297,974 in capital‑gains tax and €775,962 in interest and penalties, totalling €1,236,881. The case was scheduled for sentencing on 20 November but Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin adjourned it to 18 January to allow Revenue to assess a settlement offer. The judge warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in a custodial sentence, noting a potential headline term of two and a half years, subject to a 20 % reduction for mitigating factors. She also ordered a report on Jordan's suitability for community service.