Court archive
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
2020-02-24 · Dublin
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Laura Pennick, aged 33, received a three‑year suspended sentence for stealing €41,935 from pensioner Marie McNally between January 2010 and December 2012. Pennick had acted as an "unofficial carer" for McNally, who was grieving after her sons were shot dead and was in ill health. Pennick accessed McNally's bank accounts and ATM cards, withdrawing amounts ranging from small sums to €600, which she spent on home improvements, fashion, furnishings, appliances and holidays. She has pleaded guilty to the thefts and has already paid €20,500, with an estimated four years remaining to repay the full amount. Judge Melanie Greally imposed the suspended sentence on the condition that Pennick continue to set aside €100 a week for repayment. Pennick has 29 prior convictions, including five thefts, and had owed money to individuals who threatened her.
2019-12-06 · Dublin
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury of seven women and five men was empanelled to hear the case of Garda Seán Lucey, who was accused of assaulting RTÉ employee Colm Hand and damaging a camera on 6 February 2016. Lucey, who resides in south Dublin and is stationed at Crumlin Village and Sundrive Road garda stations, pleaded not guilty to both charges. The alleged assault took place during an event involving the group Pegida and a counter‑event by the European Network Against Racism. Judge Karen O'Connor instructed the jury to remain impartial and to rely solely on the evidence presented in court, warning against independent research. Witnesses, including several gardaí and members of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, are expected to testify. The trial, scheduled to last five days, will commence on Monday before Judge Melanie Greally.
2019-12-03 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Dean Fitzsimons, aged 19, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for multiple firearm offences, including possession of a semi‑automatic pistol, a silencer and seven rounds of ammunition on Waterford Road, Blanchardstown, on 28 May, and for being a passenger in a stolen car on 23 June. His father, Kenneth Fitzsimons, aged 39, received a five‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for two counts of firearm possession, dangerous driving, driving a stolen car and resisting arrest, all committed on 23 June. The court noted that Kenneth had been stabbed earlier that year by individuals threatening Dean, and that he had driven a stolen vehicle at high speed, narrowly missing a Garda, before being stopped and arrested. Both men were arrested and have remained in custody since. Dean has a one‑year‑old child and five prior convictions; Kenneth has two other children, including a newborn, and one prior larceny conviction. Dean Fitzsimons pleaded guilty.
2019-11-18 · Dublin
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Kaine Ugwu, a 25‑year‑old Nigerian learner driver, received a suspended 12‑month sentence for the fatal collision that killed 34‑year‑old Brazilian food‑delivery motorcyclist Fernando Coimbra de Almeida Morato on North Circular Road on 8 December 2017. Ugwu pleaded guilty to careless driving, had no prior convictions, and was not intoxicated or speeding. He was ordered to pay €10,000 to Morato's fiancée and mother, and an additional €20,000 to the family within six months. Judge Elma Sheahan suspended the sentence on conditions including payment of the sums, a six‑year driving ban, and a stay in the country until the payment is confirmed. Ugwu's visa has since expired, and the judge noted this could affect his future. The court also heard the tragic impact on Morato's fiancée, who expressed profound loss and emptiness.
2019-10-23 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Joey McKeon, aged 25, pleaded guilty to trespass and attempted theft after being tackled to the ground by homeowner Emmanuel Reynaud, who has two black belts in Judo and Jujitsu. McKeon, who had been standing outside Reynaud's house when dragged in, claimed he was only outside when the incident occurred. Reynaud, a trained martial artist, responded automatically to noises downstairs, placed McKeon against a wall, and pinned him on the ground. McKeon threatened to press charges and told Reynaud he should be deported back to Poland. Reynaud's wife reported fearing a return of the burglar and that their four‑year‑old daughter was still affected. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three‑year prison sentence on McKeon, noting his drug addiction, mental health concerns, and the traumatic impact on the children. The court heard that McKeon insulted Reynaud for 15 minutes and that Reynaud never applied any dangerous holds.
2018-02-20 · Dublin
Kevin Malone, aged 32, was sentenced to nine months' imprisonment for his role in a violent disorder incident at Tallaght Hospital on 18 September 2016. The incident involved a dispute over a stolen phone, during which Malone and two other men attacked a victim who was found lying on the ground with blood seeping from his head. CCTV footage captured the attackers arriving in a BMW, removing a wooden pole from a track suit, and striking the victim. Malone was described by the judge as "the lesser of those involved" and was found to have punched the victim once and kicked him four times. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of his initial arrest in September 2016. The other two attackers were not present at sentencing; one was awaiting trial and the other was not named in the article. The victim did not provide a victim impact statement, and details of his injuries were not disclosed in court. Kevin Malone pleaded guilty.
2017-12-11 · Dublin
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally adjourned Laura Pennick's sentence for another year, allowing her to continue paying €100 a week to repay Marie McNally the €41,000 stolen inheritance. Pennick, aged 30, pleaded guilty to thefts totalling €41,935 from McNally between January 2010 and December 2012. McNally, whose sons were shot dead and who was ill, had been living two doors away from Pennick in Finglas. Pennick acted as an unofficial carer, accessing McNally's pension, bank accounts and ATM cards, and withdrew money for home improvements, fashion, furnishings, appliances and holidays. McNally's son Alan was killed in 2012, and her older brother Graham had died earlier. Pennick has 29 prior convictions, including five thefts, and the judge warned that the adjournment does not preclude a custodial sentence. The case will return to court in December next year.
2017-12-01 · Dublin
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Derek Walsh, aged 29, was sentenced to 200 hours of community service over the next year in lieu of an 18‑month prison term. The sentence followed his guilty plea to one count of producing a hatchet during a dispute on St Anthony's Road on 10 June 2016. Gardaí were called after neighbours reported men fighting with knives; Walsh, highly intoxicated, ran toward a man brandishing a large hatchet. He fled, was pursued, and threw the hatchet over a house roof before being apprehended. No injuries occurred. Walsh has 71 prior convictions, including theft and public order offences. He has expressed remorse, regrets his actions, and wishes to apologise. He is currently substance‑free, working as a scaffolder, and hopes to resume his pharmaceutical studies. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the seriousness of using a hatchet and accepted Walsh's remorse and qualifications.
2017-11-03 · Dublin
John O'Donoghue, a 58‑year‑old former teacher and table tennis coach, pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography on March 27, 2012, at his former home in Weaver's Hall, Stepaside, Dublin 18. Gardaí searched the premises in 2008, retrieving 2,500 images and 13 movie files across a computer, laptop, memory stick and two external hard drives. Of the images, 496 were Category 1 (explicit sexual activity) and 2,048 were Category 2 (genital exposure). Two of the movie files contained explicit sexual activity, while 11 showed genital exposure. O'Donoghue had four prior convictions for indecent assault of a young boy in 2013, for which he received a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence with the final 18 months suspended. He has since pleaded guilty, served a sentence, completed a Safer Lives programme, and undergone individual and group therapy. The court will sentence him on November 10, 2017, and he will remain on the list of child sex offenders indefinitely.
2017-10-27 · Dublin
Mary O'Driscoll, 61, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing cigarettes and tobacco for sale after being caught with nearly 14,000 cigarettes in her Summerhill home. She had bought the cigarettes in Newry, Northern Ireland, and intended to sell them on North Earl Street, Dublin. The court noted she has 119 prior convictions, 108 of which are casual trading offences, and that she has severe kidney problems requiring dialysis. Judge Melanie Greally, citing her age and ill‑health, imposed a two‑year suspended jail sentence, warning that continued street trading would lead to incarceration. The court also heard that customs officers seized the cigarettes in a child's buggy and that O'Driscoll had admitted plans to sell them at €4 per pack and €10 per packet of tobacco. The judge emphasised the need to stop her trading activities.
2017-10-27 · Dublin
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Melanie Greally ordered that Eve Doherty, 50, be remanded in custody next Monday ahead of her sentencing on January 19. Doherty, a detective sergeant with An Garda Síochána, was found guilty by a jury of harassing State solicitor Elizabeth Howlin between September 2011 and March 2013. The jury found her not guilty of two counts of making false statements in March 2012. The trial heard that Doherty sent abusive letters and emails to Ms Howlin, her workplace, and her GP, using anonymous accounts from an internet café. Judge Greally stated that a custodial sentence is "inevitable," citing Doherty's lack of a guilty plea and evident remorse. The judge rejected the defence's request for a community service sentence, despite character references and a psychological report detailing Doherty's severe work-related stress, depression, and anxiety. Doherty has no previous convictions and was suspended from the force but remains a serving member. She was ordered to organise her affairs before being placed into custody on Monday morning.
2017-10-10 · Dublin
Ann Byrne, aged 34, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and attempted robbery after attacking a female colleague on Burlington Road on 25 August 2015. Byrne kicked the victim in the head, stood on her mouth when she screamed, and left a footprint on the victim's head. Garda John Cahill reported finding the victim in a distressed state with blood on her face and a swollen lip, cheekbone and eye. Byrne initially denied the assault, gave a false name, and claimed she was tipsy, but later admitted the offence. She has 17 prior convictions, including theft and traffic offences. The court heard she has a young child and wishes to improve her future. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed an 18‑month suspended sentence, noting the assault was violent and unprovoked, and that the victim's medical report showed serious impact. The sentence was suspended on conditions intended to encourage Byrne to build a better future.
2017-07-18 · Dublin
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced 30‑year‑old Joseph Moore to 240 hours of community service, provided he is deemed suitable by the Probation Service, instead of a three‑year prison term. Moore was found in possession of nearly €10,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine at his father's home. The drugs included cocaine estimated at €7,735 and cannabis herb valued at €2,142. Moore admitted the drugs were for his own use, but later pleaded guilty to drug dealing. He claimed he was a "moron" and that he had been approached by others to hold drugs for them. Moore's father, a retired civil servant now taxi driver, expressed disgust and mortification. The judge noted Moore's stable family background and work history, and said he had made a serious mistake. The case was adjourned to obtain a community services report.
2017-01-23 · Dublin
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 50‑year‑old Augustin Ion was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for sexually assaulting a young woman in his taxi. Ion groped the victim's breast and tried to force her into the back seat after she had taken a taxi home from a pub. He later claimed she was drunk and abusive, but a jury rejected his allegations. The judge described the offence as opportunistic and predatory, noting it breached public trust in taxi services. Ion was also ordered to pay €3,000 to the victim for counselling costs, which she declined. He was registered as a sex offender and will never be granted another taxi licence. Ion's counsel accepted the verdict and expressed remorse, offering the victim financial compensation for her trauma. The case highlighted concerns for young women's safety in public transport. Augustin Ion pleaded not guilty.
2017-01-20 · Dublin
Troy Beirnes, 21, was jailed for two years after a dangerous driving incident during a Garda pursuit that caused a collision with a Fiat Punto carrying newly-arrived tourists. Beirnes, who does not yet hold a driving licence, had 20 previous convictions, including 10 for road traffic offences. He pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving and unlawful use of a car. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑year sentence, suspended the final two years, and disqualified him from driving for five years, effective upon licence acquisition. The pursuit began when Garda Stephen Moloney chased a white Subaru on Nangor Road; Beirnes drove over speed limits, used the bus lane, broke red lights and collided with the Fiat at Newlands Cross. Both vehicles were written off and the tourists were treated for injuries. Beirnes is currently doing his driver theory test while in custody. The court noted his remorse and his desire to improve his circumstances.
2016-07-06 · Dublin
Sean Carraher, 55, of Stradbrook Hill, Blackrock, Dublin, is on trial in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for harassing Garda Sergeant Conor Gilmartin. Carraher is accused of repeatedly calling the sergeant between March 2009 and May 2011 and posting online messages that called him "lying" and "corrupt" over nearly two years. He pleaded not guilty. The prosecution, led by barrister James Dwyer, presented evidence that Carraher admitted to posting the messages and claimed he was exposing what he believed to be Garda corruption. Dwyer argued that while free expression allows opinions, the content and intent of Carraher's posts crossed into harassment, requiring proof of intent or reckless conduct to cause alarm or distress. Sergeant Gilmartin testified that he first encountered Carraher in 2007, that Carraher had made a complaint to the Garda Ombudsman, and that he received harassing calls and defamatory posts from Carraher.
2016-04-15 · Dublin
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a jury of ten women and two men found taxi driver Lookman Kareem (48) not guilty of assaulting passenger Noelle Donohue, but could not reach a verdict on the alleged assault of passenger Darren O'Connor. The trial, held on 15 April 2016, heard that on 22 December 2013, O'Connor, Donohue and two of Donohue's sisters were in Kareem's taxi when they began laughing at his first name. Kareem allegedly shouted racial slurs, punched Donohue in the nose, hit her twice when the car stopped, and then got into a scuffle with O'Connor, allegedly biting off the top of O'Connor's thumb. O'Connor described excruciating pain and the loss of the thumb's tip. Kareem denied the assault, claiming the passengers were the aggressors and had racially abused him. The judge dismissed the jury after just under four hours of deliberation and adjourned the case to 28 April for a retrial.