Roisin O'Grady, a 45-year-old woman from Monkstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to charges of assaulting a garda and public order offences. The court heard that on November 13, 2024, Ms O'Grady was found heavily intoxicated at Balally Luas stop. While being transported to Blackrock Garda Station, she allegedly slapped a garda. Prosecutors stated that while in custody, she used abusive language and, after being restrained, kicked a garda in the back of the head. Judge Anne Watkin noted the seriousness of the assault on police officers. Defence counsel Michael O'Blain BL highlighted that Ms O'Grady has a history of alcohol-related offending, with three previous convictions for public intoxication, though she has had no convictions in over ten years. He stated she entered treatment last year, cooperates with probation services, and has no issues with drugs, attributing her difficulties to alcohol misuse. The judge placed Ms O'Grady on a one-year probation bond. The matter was finalised with this disposal.
A man has been charged with criminal damage after allegedly kicking a car during a protest outside the Iranian Embassy in south Dublin. The incident occurred on Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, on Tuesday at around 1.40pm. The damage, estimated at €2,000, was caused to a grey 2020 Mercedes that was being driven at the time, with no injuries reported. Saeid Khosroabadi (41), of Seville Place, Dublin 1, was charged with criminal damage. Garda Niall McGraynor stated that Mr Khosroabadi allegedly kicked the car three times during the protest. Gardaí arrived at the scene after the incident and later arrested Mr Khosroabadi at his home. He spent the night in custody and was fully co-operative with gardaí. Judge Conor Fottrell accepted jurisdiction in the case. Mr Khosroabadi was released on bail with conditions to stay away from the embassy and the Blackrock area. The defence requested CCTV footage, and an application for legal aid was granted. The case was adjourned to April 13 at Dún Laoghaire District Court.
A woman from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, has been convicted and fined €750 following an assault at a concert venue in Dublin. Sarah Callan, aged 37, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a Section 2 assault that occurred on 20 June 2024 during a Pink concert at the Aviva Stadium. The court heard that Callan punched a 17-year-old attendant, mistakenly believing he was responsible for an earlier incident involving her husband. The teenager sustained facial injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene. Callan made admissions to gardaí on the night and expressed remorse. Her defence counsel submitted the assault was out of character and consisted of a single punch. Judge Conor Fottrell described the circumstances as concerning and alarming, noting the victim had been a minor performing his duties. He convicted Callan and imposed the fine with seven months to pay. Legal aid was granted.
Jordan Gannon (28) was fined and disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel while already banned and uninsured. The incident occurred on December 14, 2024, when Gardaí stopped Gannon at a checkpoint and found him unable to produce a valid driving licence or insurance certificate. Gannon had been disqualified from driving for three years as of December 5, 2024. His legal team highlighted his personal circumstances, including his young child with an ongoing illness, and his current apprenticeship in carpentry. Judge Conor Fottrell expressed sympathy for Gannon's situation but emphasized the seriousness of the offences. Gannon was fined €500 for driving without insurance and disqualified from driving for an additional year. An application for legal aid was granted. Jordan Gannon pleaded guilty and was convicted.
Keith Commins (28) was convicted of theft and public order offences after being caught with a stolen mobile phone that contained messages about a work presentation, despite claiming it belonged to his unemployed girlfriend. The incident occurred on August 28, 2024, when Garda David Lyons found Commins cycling erratically and unable to unlock the phone. Messages on the device contradicted his explanation. Commins also faced charges for threatening behaviour and obstruction during a separate incident on January 7, 2025. Judge Conor Fottrell convicted him of theft, public order, and obstruction. Commins has a long criminal record, including drug and public order offences. His legal team highlighted his drug addiction and lack of family support. Judge Fottrell imposed a total of seven months' imprisonment, consecutive to a four-month sentence he is currently serving. A €500 recognisance was fixed, and legal aid was granted. Keith Commins pleaded not guilty.
A 48-year-old man, Edward Colclough, was fined €700 for careless driving after pulling out in front of an e-scooter rider in Dublin 4 on March 19, 2024. Colclough, of Pearse Street, Dublin 2, had pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court. The court heard that the e-scooter rider was travelling to work along a main road when Colclough drove out from St Patrick's Villas and began to turn right. The rider claimed he had the right of way and was travelling at an average speed. CCTV footage showed Colclough failing to stop at a stop sign before turning right. The footage did not show a collision, but the prosecution argued that Colclough's failure to stop caused the rider to react suddenly, leading to him losing control and falling off the scooter. Colclough claimed he did not see the scooter and argued the rider may have been speeding and struck a pothole. However, Judge Watkin rejected this, stating that Colclough should have ensured the road was clear before proceeding.
A repeat offender, Thomas Joyce (45), has been jailed for six weeks after entering a car parked in a private driveway in south Dublin while on probation and swallowing crack cocaine during garda custody. Joyce was sentenced at Dún Laoghaire District Court after pleading not guilty to entering a Volkswagen Touran on Anglesea Road, Dublin 4, on November 18, 2024. The car's owner saw Joyce enter the driveway and rummage through the vehicle before claiming it was his. Joyce was later arrested in a Spar shop in Ballsbridge. While in custody, he swallowed crack cocaine wraps hidden in his dentures and was taken to hospital. Judge Anne Watkin noted Joyce's 77 previous convictions, including 47 for theft and fraud, and stated that despite previous leniency, he had breached probation by committing another offence. She imposed a six-week sentence, half the maximum available, and did not order compensation as no damage was done to the vehicle.
A 76-year-old man with a record of 458 previous convictions has had two additional months added to his prison sentence for repeatedly stealing food items from a convenience store in south Dublin. Paddy McCann, who is currently serving a sentence for similar offences, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to theft, criminal damage, trespassing, and public order offences. The court heard that McCann stole various items from a Mace store in Sandymount over a five-day period in March 2025. He was also found highly intoxicated at a location in Blackrock, where he became abusive towards gardaí. The charges included criminal damage and trespass from a separate incident in Sandymount. Judge Anne Watkin described the case as a 'chronic situation' and noted that McCann's offending is cyclical. His defence highlighted that McCann is a chronic alcoholic with significant health issues and a difficult personal background. Judge Watkin stated that there was little more the court could do given previous interventions had failed.
A driver who collided with a motorcyclist who claimed he was 'filtering' through traffic had a charge of careless driving dismissed after a judge criticized the motorcyclist's dangerous behavior. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the motorcyclist had overtaken cars in their own lane, which was illegal and highly dangerous. The collision occurred during heavy traffic, and the motorcyclist claimed he was filtering through the congestion. However, the judge stated that the motorcyclist had no right to overtake in that manner and that his actions were breaking the law. The motorcyclist was found to have a cut and swelling from the collision but declined hospital treatment. The judge ruled that the driver, Ms Arta Kroni, could not reasonably have been expected to see the motorcyclist or anticipate his actions, leading to the dismissal of the charge of driving without due care and attention against her. Arta Kroni pleaded not guilty.
Leonardo Fernandez, 29, of Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to assaulting a security worker and a public order offence on 30 December 2024 at Meta's Ballsbridge premises in Dublin 4. The defendant, a former kitchen porter, admitted to the charges after Gardaí alleged he lingered on the site before running towards the pedestrian entrance. Prosecution evidence stated that when a security officer attempted to speak to him, Fernandez swung his arms towards the worker, causing the officer to fall and hit his head. Fernandez was subsequently restrained by staff. Defence solicitor Patricia Camilon submitted that Fernandez believed he had arranged to meet a former colleague, who allegedly used his photograph without consent to create a false dating profile intended to control him and tarnish his image. She argued he reported the matter to Gardaí previously and attended the premises as a last resort. Judge Anne Watkin described the case as "very strange" and noted that the defendant's behaviour resulted in injury to the security worker. The court heard Fernandez has no previous convictions. The matter was adjourned for a probation report and a victim impact statement from the injured party to 27 April at Dún Laoghaire District Court for finalisation.
A 38-year-old man from Avondale Heights, Rathdrum, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being caught driving on the M50 while under seven active driving bans. Stephen O'Brien pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a licence on 18 November last year. Garda Shane Hogan stated that O'Brien has 33 previous convictions, 31 of which are related to road traffic matters. Nine of these convictions are for driving without insurance and seven for driving without a licence. The court heard that O'Brien has been disqualified from driving nine times, with seven of those disqualifications currently in place. His defence solicitor, Patricia Camilon, said O'Brien works as a tree surgeon and had been relying on an unreliable driver to get to work. O'Brien has since sold his car and accepted that he should not have driven. Judge Conor Fottrell described O'Brien as a serial offender and said he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.
A judge has dismissed a charge of intimidation and begging against Nutu Rostas (27), who was accused of disturbing churchgoers during a Christmas service in south Dublin. The case was heard in Dún Laoghaire District Court, where Mr Rostas appeared charged with begging and obstructing pedestrians at the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour on 29 December, 2024. Garda witnesses testified that they arrived at the scene shortly after 11am and observed Mr Rostas near the church entrance with a cup, shouting something that could not be clearly heard. Some patrons reportedly avoided him as they entered the church. However, under cross-examination, the garda admitted he could not hear exactly what was said and acknowledged that people were able to move around Mr Rostas. He also stated that his perception of the accused's aggression was based on distant observations. Judge Anne Watkin ruled that the evidence did not meet the required standard to prove intimidation or obstruction, leading to the dismissal of the charge.
A 'blatant' thief who stole from the same Circle K garage 27 times in six months has been placed on probation at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Andrew Connors (40), of Kilbogget Grove, Cabinteely, pleaded guilty to the 27 theft offences, committed between June and late November at Circle K on the N11 in Cabinteely, Dublin 18. All charges were brought under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001. The court heard Connors repeatedly targeted the Circle K premises, stealing alcohol on almost every occasion. Items taken included cans of Guinness, Smirnoff Ice, Malibu, Captain Morgan and Jameson Ginger. His behaviour was described as 'pretty blatant', often walking out with cans or bottles before staff realised what had happened, without any confrontation. Judge Anne Watkin noted that garages 'are easier targets' for this type of offending. Connors is currently serving a six-month sentence imposed by Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court following a breach that led to the reactivation of a suspended sentence.
A repeat offender, Michael O'Connell (44), of Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, has been referred to probation services and ordered to complete community service reports following his guilty pleas to criminal damage, intoxication in a public place, and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. O'Connell pleaded guilty to these charges on 18 September, 2024, and also admitted to causing criminal damage at Dundrum Garda Station on the same date. Gardaí responded to a call at Patrician Villas on that morning, where they found O'Connell throwing a stone at the front door of his former partner's home. He was highly intoxicated and verbally abusive towards the gardaí. O'Connell has 84 previous convictions, including public order, drug, firearms, and road traffic offences. He was previously given a suspended sentence for criminal damage in 2020. His defence highlighted his history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and his reliance on alcohol and drugs. O'Connell is currently on methadone and has been sober for a period of time. The court noted that he has never worked with probation services despite his long history of offending.
A charge of trespassing against Mohammed Bishet (30), of no fixed abode, has been dismissed after a judge found the State had failed to establish the required evidence. Bishet had pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to entering a residence at Lansdowne Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, as a trespasser on 2 March last year. The charge was under section 11 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, which requires proof that the accused entered without the owner's consent and with intent to commit an offence or unlawfully interfere with property. Gardaí responded to a call at the property and found the front-door lock broken and the door open. A light was on upstairs, and two males were spotted. Bishet was cautioned and taken to Irishtown Garda Station, where he was later charged. Defence counsel, Silvia Maria Crowley BL, argued that the prosecution had failed to establish lack of consent from the owner or occupier, a core requirement under the law. She noted there was no evidence that Bishet had broken the lock or caused damage.
A driver has appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with causing the death of cyclist Gretchen Price Martin in Dublin last year. Oleg Popov (47), of Peyton Court, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Price Martin at Glenageary Road Upper, Glenageary, on 24 April, 2024. He is also charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while a known defect made it dangerous to the public on the same date. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told the court that a Romanian interpreter will be required to assist the accused. Judge Anne Watkin adjourned the matter to 10 February next to allow the book of evidence to be prepared. The case is expected to proceed with the preparation of the evidence book before the next court date, and the accused will require interpretation services during the proceedings. The charges relate to the incident that occurred on Glenageary Road Upper, where the cyclist lost her life as a result of the alleged dangerous driving.
In a case heard at Dún Laoghaire District Court, a dangerous driving charge against ambulance driver Josh Hayes (24) was dismissed after the judge reviewed dash‑cam footage. The footage, captured by a different driver, showed a learner motorist who had unintentionally edged into Hayes's lane moments before the collision. The learner's car, coming from a slip road, merged into the lane and then moved further left into the inner lane directly in front of the ambulance. The ambulance struck the back of the learner's car, causing it to overturn. Both the driver and passenger sustained whiplash and bruising. Hayes had been driving with lights and sirens on while transporting a psychiatric patient. The judge, Anne Watkin, found that the learner's movement was the decisive factor and that the ambulance driver's actions were justified under the circumstances, leading to the dismissal of the charge. Josh Hayes pleaded not guilty.
In a Dún Laoghaire District Court hearing on 22 October 2025, Corey Plunkett, aged 32, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Sergeant Cara O'Sullivan on 23 May 2021. While in custody for a public order offence, Plunkett kicked the sergeant in the back, causing a jolt and ongoing back pain. He is already serving a four‑year prison term, with the final year suspended, for assault and possession of a weapon. Defence counsel highlighted Plunkett's history of drug misuse, including cocaine addiction. Judge Anne Watkin described the incident as a "very serious assault" on a garda, noting the injuries were not necessarily deliberate but had serious consequences. The maximum sentence available was 12 months; the judge imposed an eight‑month imprisonment sentence to run concurrently with Plunkett's existing term.
Thomas Carlyle, 49, who is already serving a 12‑month sentence for burglary, was given a one‑month prison term that runs concurrently with his existing sentence after pleading guilty to stealing a €5.58 Buzzball can from a Spar store in Stillorgan on 27 September 2024. The offence was committed in breach of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 2001. Carlyle repeatedly interrupted the hearing at Dún Laoghaire District Court, prompting Judge Anne Watkin to ignore his rudeness and contempt, pause the case until he calmed down, and later hear his plea. Defence counsel Michael O'Brien highlighted Carlyle's long‑standing addiction struggles, recent bereavement, and lack of convictions between 1998 and 2021, noting his improved behaviour in custody. The judge noted the low value of the stolen item but imposed the one‑month sentence, to run concurrently with the existing term.
In a Dún Laoghaire District Court hearing, a homeowner testified that two men tried to break into his south Dublin home on 1 October 2024, shouting for his phone. He described initially mistaking the noise for foxes, then hearing metal scraping, and seeing the men looking him straight in the eye. The homeowner, who was working late, had his phone ready to call emergency services. Gardaí arrived shortly after midnight, arrested the men, and one was identified as Madalin Lingurar, 26, of North Circular Road, Dublin 7, originally from Romania. Lingurar pleaded not guilty to trespassing under the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. Judge Derek Cooney convicted him and sentenced him to four months' imprisonment with immediate effect, setting recognisance at €300. The charge of criminal damage to the front door was dismissed. The case was brought to court a year after the incident.
In Dún Laoghaire District Court, a husband was granted bail after his wife, the safety order applicant, expressed that she was happy for him to return home. The husband was arrested at 9.30pm the previous evening in Dublin for allegedly breaching a safety order issued the prior Wednesday. Garda Andrew Hughes reported that the accused became verbally aggressive and physically assaulted his wife during the incident, and when cautioned he made no reply. The wife chose not to give formal evidence but spoke from the public gallery, describing the altercation as an "alcohol‑fuelled row" that might have escalated after the husband shoved her. Judge Derek Cooney noted that breaches of safety orders can carry up to 12 months in prison, but he granted bail on a €300 bond with no lodgement, on the condition that the accused complies with the safety order. The case was adjourned until 15 December for disclosure.
A man in his 30s was jailed for six months after breaching a safety order by banging on his former partner's door on New Year's Day while half dressed. He pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to contravening a safety order issued by Dublin District Court on 22 July 2022, which prohibited him from besetting the applicant's home and banging on her door. The court noted that he had been at the apartment earlier that morning with the woman's consent but was told to leave after an argument. About 18 months after the order, he was outside without his top and shoes and attempted to re‑enter to retrieve belongings. Gardaí arrested him at 8 am. The victim's impact statement described the fear and distress caused. Defence counsel acknowledged the client's unlawful presence and expressed remorse.
Aaron Crowley, a 21-year-old man from Tallaght, Dublin, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court regarding an incident on March 17, 2024. Crowley admitted to charges of careless driving and the unlawful possession of cocaine under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. The court heard that Crowley was driving a Honda Civic on Simmonscourt Road when he failed to stop and swerved past a garda directing traffic. Although originally charged with dangerous driving, the charge was reduced to careless driving. Crowley pleaded guilty to both remaining offences. Gardaí noted that a drug-driving test yielded no positive results. The court was informed that Crowley has 33 previous convictions, including 25 road-traffic offences and drug-related charges such as possession of heroin for sale or supply. He is currently serving a two-year driving ban. Defence counsel Michael O'BL argued that Crowley had fallen in with the wrong crowd but had abstained from drugs for 18 months. Judge Watkin remarked that Crowley sounded like he was "the wrong crowd himself" and expressed surprise he had not been jailed given his record, which included supplying drugs he did not use. The judge ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing until January.
A homeless couple from Latvia, Inga Punane (31) and Vitins Gintars (32), were denied bail after being charged with assault involving a broken glass bottle in Dublin. Punane faces assault causing harm under the Non‑Fatal Offences Act and producing a dangerous weapon under the Firearms Act. Gintars is charged with assault causing harm. Garda Dylan Higgins presented evidence of a fight where Punane allegedly smashed a bottle on the ground, struck the victim's legs and torso, and threw glass shards at another man. Two witnesses recorded the incident on their phones, and the victim was taken to St Vincent's Hospital with bleeding and scratches. The court noted the seriousness of the violence, potential sentence, and risk of witness interference. Both accused were remanded in custody, with legal aid and medical support for alcohol issues granted. The judge refused bail under the Bail Act and O'Callaghan principles, citing the severity of the charges and evidence.
Emmanuel Ilunga, 23, of Navan, was convicted at Dún Laoghaire District Court for carrying a flick knife in his car on 14 April 2024. Ilunga admitted possession but claimed the knife was for his warehouse job, where he cut boxes and plastic. Garda David Buckley stopped him at 12:30 am in a grey Mercedes at M50 Junction 13. Ilunga appeared nervous, avoided eye contact and struggled to answer questions. A search under the Misuse of Drugs Act found the knife in the driver's side door and a wheel brace; no drugs were discovered. The judge, Anne Watkin, rejected Ilunga's work‑use defence, warned that carrying knives is "extremely serious", and imposed a €300 fine with a three‑month payment period, plus a €200 own‑bond recognisance. The case was prosecuted by Dr Sean Smyth for the DPP. Emmanuel Ilunga pleaded not guilty.
A 23‑year‑old e‑scooter rider, Jason Thornton, was convicted of a public order offence after shouting abuse at Garda Jack Hamilton during a criminal damage investigation on 15 June 2024 in south Dublin. Thornton, who was on an e‑scooter on a nearby walkway, raised his middle finger and shouted "F*** you, you red prick" while Hamilton was speaking to the injured party. Hamilton tried to issue a warning but Thornton accelerated away, and a crowd gathered. The court found that the incident, occurring while Gardaí were already dealing with a criminal damage case, met the threshold for a public order offence. Thornton pleaded not guilty, but Judge Anne Watkin convicted him. He has 38 prior convictions, including assault, criminal damage, misuse of drugs, burglary, robbery, theft and threats to kill, and his most recent conviction was under the Misuse of Drugs Act on 16 May 2025.
In a Dún Laoghaire District Court hearing, Chang Zhang, 45, was fined €100 for selling counterfeit Taylor Swift merchandise outside a sold‑out Dublin concert. Garda George McElroy observed Zhang offering hats, T‑shirts, wristbands and friendship bracelets from his car on Lansdowne Road on 28 June 2024. The goods were seized and Zhang was found to lack a required licence under the Casual Trading Act. He had no prior convictions and did not attend the hearing. Judge Anne Watkin set a three‑month payment period and recognisance of €100 for any appeal.
Dwayne McConville, 39, of Davitt Park, Ballybrack, was sentenced to one month in Mountjoy Prison after pleading guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to being intoxicated in a public place and to threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. The offence occurred on Georges Street Lower, Dún Laoghaire, on 15 October 2024 when McConville, while drinking from a bottle of beer, shouted to Garda Dylan Walsh that he would shoot him. McConville was stumbling and unsteady on his feet when stopped on the footpath. The court noted he had 61 prior convictions for public order offences and 76 in total. He had previously received a two‑year peace bond under the Probation Act in December 2023. The judge, citing that this was his 62nd and 63rd public order offence, imposed the one‑month sentence. Recognisance was fixed at €500 own bond and €500 independent surety, half of each to be lodged in cash.
A 49‑year‑old woman, Olivia Kinsella of Meadowlands Park, Mounttown, Dún Laoghaire, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with animal neglect for failing to care for her dog between 1 January and 3 March 2023. The dog was found dead inside her home, described by veterinary evidence as emaciated and in poor condition, with no food or water. Defence counsel argued the Gardaí's entry was unlawful due to a delay, but Judge Anne Watkin rejected this, ruling the entry lawful. The case was adjourned to 9 December for further submissions.
Clodagh Byrne, 32, of Castlederg, pleaded guilty to theft at Marks & Spencer in Dublin on 24 July. She admitted taking items worth €223.70, claiming she acted in a "moment of madness" after seeing images of suffering in Gaza. Byrne said she believed the store was funding genocide and supporting Zionists, and that her theft was a reaction to those scenes. Judge Anne Watkin rejected this as an abuse of people suffering, stating it was not a valid excuse for shoplifting. The judge suggested Byrne avoid the store if she felt that way and questioned her self‑employment as a therapist. Byrne was fined €500, with a six‑month payment period. The case was heard under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act. The court did not impose any custodial sentence.
Thomas Bacon, 33, of Davitt Park, Ballybrack, Co Dublin, admitted smoking cannabis the night before his court appearance. He pleaded guilty to possessing diazepam without a prescription on 20 December 2022 and to using threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with a Garda direction on 31 October 2020 at Kilbogget Park, Cabinteely. On that day a bonfire had been lit and Dublin Fire Brigade firefighters were trying to extinguish it when Bacon obstructed them. Garda Robert Ryan directed Bacon to leave the area; Bacon refused and verbally abused the garda, telling him to "go f*** himself". Bacon was arrested for failing to comply with a garda direction and for using threatening and abusive behaviour in a public place. He also claimed he had used cocaine for 20 years but was now clean, though he admitted to cannabis use the night before the hearing. The case was adjourned to 17 November for a probation report and urine analysis.
Reagan Chang, 53, of Clonee, Co Meath, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to possessing a hammer and crowbar in a GO rental car in Dundrum on January 30, 2023. The case was brought under Section 9(4) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990. Garda Brenda O'Brien testified that she found Chang asleep in the vehicle and that he initially claimed the items were for his own protection. In court, Chang denied making such a statement and offered no mitigation. Defence counsel Michael O'Brien BL suggested Chang had been looking for discarded wooden pallets, a claim Judge Anne Watkin described as arriving "out of the blue" and inconsistent with the Garda's account. Judge Watkin stated she did not believe Chang's evidence, noting the explanation for needing a crowbar and hammer for pallets made no sense. She remarked that Chang had provided no legitimate reason for possessing the items and suggested he may have been lying to either the Gardaí or the court. The judge indicated there was no evidence Chang felt threatened or in need of protection. The matter was adjourned for a full probation report, with Chang due back before the court on November 17.
Alistair Wright, a 37‑year‑old self‑employed joiner from Crieff, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court after being caught with one gram of cocaine while attending a stag party in Dublin. Wright had been drinking all day with a group that had booked rooms at the Clayton Hotel in Donnybrook. By 8.30 pm tensions rose, prompting hotel staff to call Gardaí. When the officers arrived, Wright became aggressive, shouted abuse, refused to comply with directions, resisted arrest and was restrained. He pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine and to several public order offences, including threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with Garda directions and resisting a peace officer. He has no prior convictions. The judge expressed no tolerance for cocaine, warned that he would not simply "skip off home" to Scotland, and ordered a probation report and urine analysis, leaving open the possibility of a community service order or custody.
A man in his 30s, whose name was not disclosed, was denied bail by the Dún Laoghaire District Court after being charged with armed robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. The robbery took place on 30 June at Centra in Sandyford Hall, where the suspect entered the store at about 8.45 pm, demanded money from a 21‑year‑old cashier while holding a kitchen knife, and fled on a bicycle with roughly €500 in cash. CCTV footage shows him cycling past a pharmacy in a black tracksuit and Nike runners, with his face visible. The next day, Gardaí stopped him near the scene, found €490 in a satchel and a Stanley knife, and later recovered a medium‑sized kitchen knife from his partner's residence. The court cited the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the evidence, and the risk of further offences or non‑appearance as reasons for denying bail.
Trevor Robinson, 34, of Navan Road, Dublin 7, was sentenced to two months in prison after pleading not guilty to two counts of assaulting Gardaí under the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. The offence occurred at Dundrum Garda Station shortly after 2 am on 21 February 2023, when Robinson was arrested for a public order offence and found in a custody cell in a highly distressed state, lying partially under a mattress. When Garda Fergus Holly and Garda Anthony Browne entered to ensure his safety, Robinson became combative, shouting, abusive and physically aggressive, and spat at both officers. Garda Browne reported hearing the spitting and feeling it land on his back and neck, while Garda Holly was directly spat at. Robinson's defence claimed he was extremely intoxicated and possibly affected by hallucinogenic substances, suggesting the spitting may have been accidental amid shouting and disorientation. The court rejected this defence.
Thomas Greene, 33, of Sarsfield Street, Sallynoggin, Co Dublin, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment by Judge Conor Fottrell at Dún Laoghaire District Court after pleading guilty to 14 charges covering theft, public intoxication, abusive behaviour in a public place and repeated failures to appear in court. The offences, committed between March 2021 and March 2023, included stealing €10 worth of petrol from Applegreen, shoplifting four Kindle products and a €25 scarf, stealing €140 worth of Bulmers cider, and pushing a buggy while heavily intoxicated. Greene, who has 107 prior convictions including robbery, assault, drug and firearms offences, was already in custody since June 2 on multiple bench warrants. The court noted his history of drug use, a drug‑induced coma, seizures and fractures, and his current treatment at St Michael's Unit, Beaumont Hospital. Judge Fottrell back‑dated the custodial sentence to June 2 and rejected a cash recognisance in favour of an independent surety.
Brian Early, a 54‑year‑old from Newbridge, pleaded guilty to theft, possession of stolen property and possession of certain articles in two incidents in February 2024. He stole 17 bottles of spirits worth about €700 from Dunnes Stores, removing security tags with wire cutters and making a small purchase to appear legitimate. Two bottles of Bombay Sapphire gin were recovered. Early admitted the theft was to repay a drug debt, citing a serious crack cocaine addiction that worsened after a five‑year cancer battle and his father's death. He has been clean for 10 months, has not attended a formal drug programme but has sought support from Pieta House following a mental‑health crisis, and receives a disability allowance. Judge Conor Fottrell, considering the guilty plea, personal circumstances and support engagement, imposed a 12‑month probation bond requiring Early to keep the peace and continue engaging with Pieta House and any further counselling.
A man in his thirties was jailed for one month after breaching a protection order by confronting and bullying his former partner in public while on bail for an earlier breach. He pleaded guilty to a phone call and message made just days after the order was granted on 17 January 2024, and was convicted of a second breach on 1 September 2024 during a custody handover. The court heard he shouted abusive remarks, demanded the woman speak to him, and tried to control her in front of their children. He had 12 prior convictions, including theft and assault, and was on bail at the time of the September incident. Judge Anne Watkin imposed the prison term, a 12‑month peace bond with strict conditions, a €500 recognisance, and an independent surety of €500 for appeal. The woman had left the family home due to abuse and feared for her safety. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
Conor Stewart, 31, of Kilcross Court, Sandyford, Dublin 18, was found in possession of €280 worth of cocaine during a car stop on the Dundrum Bypass on 9 April 2022. He pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a Section 3 offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and was charged under Section 27(1) of the same Act, as amended by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1984. Garda Brian Gallagher reported that Stewart was a nervous passenger when the vehicle was stopped in the early hours, leading to a search that uncovered the drug. Stewart has 84 prior convictions, including 12 for drug offences, seven public order offences, theft and criminal damage. He is already serving a three‑year sentence, one year suspended, for other offences. Judge Anne Watkin added a one‑month term to run consecutively, raising his total sentence to three years and one month, with a €500 recognisance for appeal.
Seán Keogh, 34, of Emmet Crescent, Inchicore, pleaded guilty to burglary at Morehampton Road, Donnybrook, on 26 December 2023. The break‑in, which took place at about 3 pm, involved the theft of a PlayStation 5, a laptop and a phone, with a total value exceeding €5,000. Keogh was charged under Section 12(1)(b) and (3) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Garda Conor McCarthy testified that he was stopped shortly after the incident. Keogh has 88 prior convictions, including burglary, theft, criminal damage, public order offences, violent behaviour in a Garda station, and 31 road‑traffic offences. He had a five‑month suspended sentence for a July 2024 driving‑without‑insurance offence. Judge Anne Watkin imposed a six‑month custodial sentence, recognising €500 in the event of an appeal, bringing his total convictions to 89.
Patrick Lynch, 50, of Rosemount Glade, Dundrum, was sentenced to six months' imprisonment by Judge Anne Watkin at Dun Laoghaire District Court for a series of burglaries. He pleaded guilty to multiple counts of burglary, theft and trespassing. On 9 January 2024 he unlawfully entered the Rosemount Resource Centre at Waldermere Terrace, stole five Samsung tablets worth €5,500 and was prosecuted under Section 4 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act 2001. The next night, 10 January, he returned, stole additional Samsung devices and €450 in cash. Gardaí later recovered five of the stolen tablets. While on bail, he committed further offences on 29 and 30 April, including entering a property through an open window and stealing a phone and a laptop worth about €1,000. Lynch has 134 prior convictions, including 11 for theft under the 2001 Act, and a history of drug addiction and mental health difficulties.
Gary Murphy, 40, of Rosemount Park, Dundrum, was sentenced to three months in prison after pleading guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving while banned, uninsured and unlicensed on 17 April 2025. He was caught driving his partner's car, which had been parked at his home, on the Green Route in Dundrum. Murphy, who is serving a 10‑year driving ban, chose to drive instead of taking a taxi while his partner was experiencing a medical emergency elsewhere. The court noted his 101 previous convictions, including public order offences, criminal damage, assault, breaches of the Weapons Act, dangerous driving, drink‑driving and driving without insurance, making this his 102nd conviction and third for driving without insurance. He was under probation supervision at the time of the offence, works full‑time as a digger operator, pays rent to his father and supports two children aged one and 20.
A 44‑year‑old man, James O'Callaghan, pleaded guilty to a Section 4 theft offence for his role in the theft of a handbag from an unlocked Mercedes parked outside Bridge Jewellers on Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, on 21 October 2020. He was identified by CCTV and later arrested, but did not physically remove the bag. O'Callaghan cooperated with Gardaí, helped recover the stolen items and was described by his solicitor as remorseful and fully aware of the wrongdoing. The court noted his previous convictions, mainly traffic‑related, and his current unemployment and social welfare status. Judge Catherine Ghent emphasised that the act was a choice, not a mistake, and that no apology had been offered to the victim. Taking into account his cooperation, the judge imposed a €400 fine, to be paid within eight months, and warned him that he was "far too old for that.".
Cian Kavanagh, a 22‑year‑old apprentice electrician from Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in Dún Laoghaire District Court to a money‑laundering offence under Section 7 of the Criminal Justice Act for allowing his An Post account to be used in a €38,000 scam that took place on 22 July 2023. The court found that the victim remains out of pocket by €5,000, the amount Kavanagh is held accountable for. He admitted his role after Gardaí searched his home under warrant. Judge Peter White accepted jurisdiction, noted the seriousness of the offence, and gave Kavanagh 12 months to repay the €5,000 before a final decision. He is due back in court on 13 April 2026, with bail set on a €100 bond. Kavanagh is currently working as an apprentice electrician, earning about €300 per week, and lives with his grandfather.
Jonathan Leonard, 48, was brought before Dún Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday for an alleged armed robbery at Ballybrack Medical Hall on 8 April. He is accused of entering the pharmacy at about 5:30 pm, wearing dark clothing, a black snood, gloves and a black puffer jacket, and of demanding money from staff with a flick knife. CCTV footage shows him leaving the pharmacy, walking through Ballybrack village and into Daleview Park, where he was seen removing the snood, and later returning to a nearby hostel. Gardaí recovered a black puffer jacket but the gloves, snood and knife remain missing. They also found €420 in cash, three bags of crack cocaine and a crack pipe on Leonard. He faces robbery charges under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice Act and drug offences under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Clare Leonard, a former District Court judge who served from 1992 until her retirement in 2013, passed away after a brief illness. She was best known for her extensive work in the Children's Court at Dun Laoghaire, where she approached each case with sensitivity, intelligence, and patience. Leonard also contributed to legal scholarship, writing on xenophobia and racism. Judge Rosemary Horgan, president of the District Court, praised Leonard for treating every child, case, and parent as unique and for recognizing the importance of detention as a last resort. At a Dublin court session, Judge Gerard Furlong announced Leonard's death, expressing regret that she could not enjoy a longer retirement. Judge Deirdre Gearty also lamented the brevity of her retirement, noting Leonard's courteous nature and dedication to her role. The court staff and colleagues mourned her passing, highlighting her significant impact on the legal community.
Graham Dwyer, a 41‑year‑old architect from Cork living in Foxrock, has been charged with the murder of 37‑year‑old childcare worker Elaine O'Hara, whose decomposed body was found in the Dublin mountains. The court heard that Gardaí have taken over 300 statements and collected more than 800 exhibits. Dwyer was remanded in custody for another four weeks after the judge confirmed he was entitled to free legal aid. He appeared via videolink before Judge Grainne Malone at Cloverhill District Court, where the judge accepted his statement of means and granted legal aid. Dwyer confirmed he wanted solicitor Jonathan Dunphy to represent him. The case remains at an advanced stage, with a file expected to go to the DPP in the next two weeks. The inquest into O'Hara's death has been adjourned pending criminal proceedings.