In a Swords District Court hearing on 9 March 2015, 22‑year‑old Blain Doyle pleaded guilty to possessing a baseball bat on 8 November 2014 at Brackenstown Road, Swords. Doyle was driving a vehicle that Garda Miriam O'Donovan described as acting suspiciously; she searched the car, found the bat, and noted Doyle wore a balaclava as a hat. Doyle admitted he had the bat and claimed he was "out to seek revenge" on people who had attempted to burgle his house that day. Judge Dermot Dempsey warned him that he could not take the law into his own hands and sentenced him to three months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. Doyle has eight prior convictions and was deemed unsuitable for community service work due to a back injury. The court did not consider any further charges or outcomes.
In Swords District Court, Mark Sheehan (25) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and had his case adjourned until April 13th following a request from the Probation Service for further assessment. Sheehan has 15 previous convictions and was previously given a six-month suspended sentence and a six-year driving disqualification. Michael Reilly (21) pleaded guilty to stealing a remote controlled car and was convicted in his absence. As he did not appear to pay the €250 compensation, Judge Dempsey imposed a default order and fined him €250. Helen McDonnell (25) pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence and stealing groceries. Her case was adjourned until March 30th for a repayment meeting with the furniture store and to provide proof of arrangements. Adrian O'Reilly (50) pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. Judge Dempsey ordered him to make a charitable donation of €250 to Pieta House and applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act.
In Swords District Court on 2 March 2015, several cases were heard. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to stealing €85 from a Polish shop's cash register to pay a drug debt. He was sentenced to two months' imprisonment, a term that will run concurrently with a three‑year sentence he is already serving. Brendan Donovan, 61, admitted possession of a stolen van that had been listed on Done Deal. He was adjourned until 27 April to arrange €500 compensation for the van owner's tools. Kevin Carroll, 27, failed to appear after pleading guilty to damaging a restaurant window, leading to a bench warrant. Patrick Joyce, 22, was convicted of stealing soft drinks worth €5, fined €100, and warned that a further offence could result in custodial time. Each case was addressed with the specific charges, pleas, and court orders as stated in the article.
Sean Brady, 34, of Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra, was sentenced at Swords District Court for the burglary of Kinsealy Pet Store in North Dublin on October 24, 2013. Brady pleaded guilty to the offence, which resulted in over €600 worth of birds dying due to shock and cold. Garda Killian Layden testified that the store owner, Aidan O'Connor, discovered an intruder in the aviary area around 10:30 pm and saw a male fleeing toward a red BMW. O'Connor struck the vehicle with a hatchet, causing him to jump out of the way. Brady was arrested after his blood was found at the scene. Defence counsel Patrick Jackson noted that Brady has ten previous convictions and a drug habit, and that he had recently had a one-year portion of a three-year suspended sentence re-activated at Trim Circuit Court for unlawful possession of drugs for sale or supply. Judge Denis McLoughlin stated that committing an offence under a suspended sentence carries consequences. Consequently, Brady was sentenced to three months in prison, to run consecutively to the sentence he is currently serving. The judge also fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Denis McLoughlin. Jandean Hyland, who pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, had his case struck out after paying €750 compensation. Anthony Lambe, convicted of causing criminal damage, was fined €200 and remanded on continuing bail until May 18th to pay the fine. Patrick McDonagh was convicted and fined €250 for theft, while his brother Eddie McDonagh, also convicted of theft, was given the benefit of the Probation & Offenders Act. Karl McQuillian, who pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned until May 18th for a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for 200 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Algars Putnins, who pleaded guilty to intoxication, obstruction, and threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear in May to make a €200 charitable contribution, with the Probation Act to be applied if the donation is made. Martin Maughan, who pleaded guilty to careless driving and failing to give a specimen, was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Rica Cantaragiu (28) pleaded guilty to driving without reasonable consideration on the R132 at Balrothery in May 2014. She was convicted and fined €150. Wojtek Jedrej (19) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs and unlawful possession of drugs. He was convicted, fined €400 for the driving offence, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed until August 1st. He was also convicted and fined €300 for possession. Robert Kinsella (28) pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords in December 2014. The court ordered a probation report to assess his suitability for 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Anthony Byrne (21) pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ecstasy tablets in Coolock in July 2014. The matter was adjourned for a Probation & Welfare Report to be filed by April 13th.
During a hearing at Swords District Court, James Heraghty, aged 50, was removed from the courtroom after calling the Gardaí a "gang of thugs" and "dirty liars" and shouting "Make me" at Judge Dermot Dempsey. Heraghty had been charged with assaulting Garda Gavin McGee, obstruction, using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated on 29 April 2014 at Vauxhall Street, Balbriggan. The Gardaí had detained him after an incident at the Combined Clubs Community Centre where he had shouted at the building and struck the Garda. Heraghty was arrested, brought to the station and later stood up and refused to sit when Judge Dempsey ordered him to. He was warned not to disrupt the court again. Judge Dempsey convicted him of obstruction, assault and threatening behaviour, sentencing him to four months in prison, with the terms run concurrently. The court noted he had 68 previous convictions, including four for assaulting Gardaí. James Heraghty pleaded not guilty.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of PVP. He was deemed suitable for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a prison sentence and is currently engaging with the Probation Service. Ann Gavin, 45, pleaded guilty to theft of clothes and theft of perfume and hair dye. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted her and sentenced her to four months in prison. Babatunde Eyinola, 41, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and driving without a driving licence. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and disqualified him from driving for one year for the insurance offence, taking the licence charge into consideration. Ailish Hammond, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. Judge Dempsey ordered a probation report to assess her suitability for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence. The matter was adjourned until April 20th.
In the Swords District Court, several cases were heard. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis and to its sale. Judge Dermot Dempsey offered him a chance to avoid conviction if he donates €500 to charity, provides drug‑free urine tests, and submits an updated probation report, with the case adjourned to 8 September. Michael Gibbons, 32, was fined €400 and given a three‑year driving ban after being caught driving erratically while heavily intoxicated; he had a blood alcohol level of 210 mg/100 ml. Christopher Kane, 30, pleaded guilty to intoxication and was fined €250. Michael Reilly, 21, stole a remote‑controlled car worth €34.99; he may avoid conviction if he donates €250 to charity, with the case adjourned to 9 March. Fergal Reilly, 33, was convicted and fined €100 for intoxication that made him a danger to himself and others. All decisions were made by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
Michael Buckley, aged 66, was convicted of stealing €215 worth of women's dresses from Dunnes Stores in The Pavilion Shopping Centre, Swords, on 26 September 2014. He pleaded guilty before Swords District Court, where he was ordered to stay away from the shopping centre for two years. The court gave him a six‑month suspended sentence, suspended for two years, and remanded him on a €200 bond with a condition to remain away from the centre. Buckley has 69 prior convictions, mainly for theft and traffic offences, with a ten‑year gap since 2004. He has kidney and stomach problems and is 66 years old. The judge noted that a custodial sentence would not serve society, but a fine was not sufficient given his record. The solicitor argued that Buckley's gambling addiction had contributed to his offending, and he claims he is finished with such behaviour. The suspended sentence was imposed by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Emmet Fitzsimons, Antons Marchinkevics, and Gillian O'Donnell. Fitzsimons, 21, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour in Swords. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck out the case after Fitzsimons paid €250 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, noting the defendant had apologised and completed a security course. In a separate matter, Antons Marchinkevics, 33, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance following a crash in Rush. He was disqualified for three years for drink driving and two years for lack of insurance, and fined €400 for each offence. Marchinkevics provided a breath sample of 72mg/100ml. Regarding Gillian O'Donnell, 38, the court issued a bench warrant for her arrest after she failed to appear. She is alleged to have stolen footwear from Tesco Express in Balbriggan and to be in unlawful possession of cannabis. The matter remains at the pre-trial stage with no plea entered or finalisation recorded. Additionally, Caroline Joyce was granted a hearing date of March 23rd for alleged criminal damage and breach of a protection order, though she is not a validated subject in this summary.
Swords District Court heard five matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Mark Sheehan pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. The matter was adjourned until March 9th for a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence. Kevin Carroll pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a restaurant. He was remanded on continuing bail to provide €215 in compensation, with the facts of the case to be heard on March 2nd. David Lawrence, who was absent, had a guilty plea entered for being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour. He was convicted and fined €200. William Whelan pleaded guilty to holding a mobile phone while driving. He was convicted and fined €100. Marc Savage pleaded guilty to parking a lorry on a footpath. He was convicted and fined €100.
Swords District Court heard five cases presided over by Judge John Coughlan. Karl Dempsey pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour on a bus. He was convicted and fined €75. Winnie Joyce pleaded guilty to theft from TK MAX. She was convicted and fined €500. Stephen Wynne, who did not appear, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. The court proceeded in his absence, resulting in a conviction and a €300 fine. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of Ecstasy tablets. As his third drugs offence, he was convicted and fined €1,200, with recognisance fixed for appeal. Jill Devine pleaded guilty to theft from three shops. She was convicted and fined €200. All defendants were sentenced in this round-up.
Thomas Dennis, 21, was found guilty of failing to report an incident in which a woman's finger was severed when she was caught in the door of his car after leaving a Balbriggan nightclub. Dennis admitted he did not realise the finger was trapped until the following morning, when he discovered the tip stuck in the passenger side of the door. He called his father for advice and later contacted the gardai about three hours after finding the severed finger. The court noted that Dennis had no prior convictions and that he had been in shock when he discovered the injury. Judge John Coughlan convicted Dennis and fined him €100, stating that a driver is legally responsible for the actions of his passengers and that Dennis deliberately chose not to return to the scene. The decision was made at Swords District Court. The victim, hairdresser Shauna Weldon, has lost the top of her finger and is still receiving physiotherapy. Thomas Dennis pleaded not guilty.
In a Swords District Court hearing, two men, Sean Brady (34) and Damien Byrne (45), pleaded guilty to burglary at Kinsealy Pet Store on 24 October 2013. Brady also pleaded guilty to careless driving. Garda evidence showed the owner, Aidan O'Connor, discovered an intruder around 10.30 pm, and the store's doors were left open, causing €660 worth of birds to die from cold exposure. Blood at the scene matched Brady's DNA. O'Connor saw a male fleeing the aviary toward a red BMW, struck the vehicle with a hatchet, and had to jump out of the way. Garda Kevin Farrell noted the BMW, driven by Byrne, was stopped at Artane Roundabout. Brady, with ten prior convictions, will have his case sent back to Trim Circuit Court for a Section 99 re‑entry on 3 February next year.
Swords District Court sentenced four defendants. Jamie Cunningham (18) of Balbriggan, who pleaded guilty to failing to comply with a garda directive, was sentenced to one month in prison after failing to complete a previous 100-hour community service order; a second charge of obstructing the Gardai was struck out. Genadijs Ogurcous (45) of Lusk pleaded guilty to theft after cutting security tags from items in a Swords department store and received a six-month suspended sentence. Ishtiag Ahmad (33) of Coolock, who pleaded not guilty to permitting a child under three to travel without appropriate restraint, was convicted after Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted garda evidence over his defence; he was fined €150. Kevin Harris (24) of Clarehall, who pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence of cannabis, was found guilty following a collision at Hearse Road; the court imposed a four-year driving ban and a €1,000 fine. All matters were finalised at the sentencing stage.
James McDonagh, aged 22, was sentenced to two months in prison after he threw a fine at a traffic warden and verbally abused him, telling the warden to "shove it up your hole." The incident occurred on 14 May at Drogheda Street in Balbriggan, where McDonagh had been parked in a loading bay for two minutes. He approached the warden, threw the fine, and began threatening and verbally abusing the warden, who was forced to hide. McDonagh had previously pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour. He has 11 prior convictions and was under financial pressure at the time. The judge noted that McDonagh had already served community service and did not appear to have learned his lesson, leading to the custodial sentence. The sentence was fixed with recognisance pending any appeal.
Swords District Court sentenced five defendants in separate matters. Mark Delaney, 24, pleaded guilty to possessing €300 worth of cannabis for sale or supply and unlawful possession. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to nine months in prison for sale and supply, with a concurrent three-month term for possession, noting he had exhausted all avenues. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of PVP. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence; the case was remanded until February for a review and updated Probation Report. William O'Brien, 58, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated. He received a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year Peace Bond with a condition of sober habits. Caroline Collins, 32, pleaded guilty to stealing €256.81 worth of children's clothes. She received a six-month suspended sentence and a two-year Peace Bond. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to stealing €85 in cash. The matter was adjourned until March for an updated Probation Report to assess suitability for community service.
Gerard Keane, 24, of Mooretown Avenue, Swords, was given 240 hours in lieu of a three‑month prison sentence after pleading guilty to possessing a wooden chair leg, threatening and abusive behaviour and intoxication at Broadmeadow Estate on 14 July. Garda Miriam O'Donovan reported that four men were drinking Heineken there; Keane had the chair leg and was directed to drop it. A friend of Keane's claimed he had been assaulted with a hurley, but no complaint was filed. Keane told the court he was "going to take lumps out of the c**t" and "going to go to town" on the alleged assailant. In a separate incident on 14 April, Keane, drunk, abused Gardaí, attempted to kick a passing car, and smeared blood in the Swords Garda Station cell, incurring a €66.40 cleaning bill. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted Keane had the chair leg when Gardaí arrived and was off the drink again.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Mark O'Toole, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He was sentenced to six months in prison. The judge refused to suspend any portion of the sentence, noting O'Toole had been afforded every opportunity. O'Toole immediately appealed the sentence after recognisance was fixed. Alexandra Mursean, 28, pleaded guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. He was disqualified from driving for two years, fined €500 for drink driving, and fined a further €300 for driving without insurance. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb. The case was adjourned until February 2nd for an updated Probation Report and urine analysis. The judge noted McNamara had complied with the Restorative Justice Programme but required further reports before finalising the sentence.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Jandean Hyland pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after allegedly headbutting a victim at a nightclub. Judge Dempsey ordered Hyland to pay €1,250 in compensation by February 23rd to avoid a conviction. Keith Hammond pleaded guilty to using violent and threatening behaviour at a Garda station. The case was remanded until January 15th to assess suitability for an Adult Caution. Arthur Creedy pleaded guilty to theft for using a receipt to refund stolen runners. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to one month in prison, stating he would not increase his current sentence. Patrick Clarke was found guilty of driving without a licence and no tax after the judge proceeded in his absence. He was fined €200 for no tax and €100 for driving without a licence. A charge of no insurance was dismissed. All proceedings were handled by Judge Dermot Dempsey.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Ivans Zinkevics, 49, pleaded guilty to trespassing, intoxication, and threatening behaviour. He was sentenced to 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison term, following a positive probation report. Mairead McRory, 34, admitted to drink driving after a collision. Judge Dempsey convicted her, fined her €750, and disqualified her from driving for three years, a disqualification postponed until March. Tom Costello, 22, pleaded guilty to theft. Despite 47 previous convictions, the judge granted him a final opportunity, convicting him and sentencing him to four months in prison, suspended for two years. Cathy Lawrence, 22, pleaded guilty to using a false driving licence to secure furniture finance. The matter was not concluded with a standard sentence; instead, she was ordered to pay €350 to The Gary Kelly Cancer Support Centre. In a separate procedural stage, Calin Scintei, 22, was charged with handling stolen brandy and possessing a foiled bag. His case was adjourned, with a hearing date set for January 26.
Emma Cowley, a 23‑year‑old Montessori worker from Swords, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Miriam O'Donovan on 16 August at Swords Garda Station. Cowley was intoxicated, used threatening and abusive language, and struck the Garda on the right side of her face with an elbow, causing a sore jaw. She called the Garda a "dirty lesbian slag" and told her to "go f**k yourself." The incident was reported by a taxi driver who had seen Cowley asleep in the back seat. Cowley appeared late for her hearing at Swords District Court, where Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the case to Balbriggan District Court. After Cowley paid €500 to the Garda Benevolent Fund, the judge struck the case out, warning her to behave better in the future. The case was dismissed without further proceedings. Emma Cowley had the case struck out.
In a case heard at Swords District Court, 19‑year‑old Alla Ahmad was sentenced to three months in prison for assaulting Sergeant Anthony McNulty at Swords Garda Station. Ahmad, who was intoxicated and had a cut lip from an earlier altercation at Airside Retail Park, spat blood from the cut into McNulty's face and mouth. McNulty was forced to take a course of HIV anti‑viral tablets and was unable to work. Ahmad pleaded guilty to intoxication, threatening and abusive behaviour at the retail park and to assaulting the sergeant. The judge also fined him €200 for public order offences and imposed recognisance pending appeal. Ahmad, a full‑time mechanical engineering student who has applied to join the Irish Defence Forces, offered a face‑to‑face apology to McNulty. The judge warned that such behaviour would not be tolerated.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to four defendants. Adam Errity, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to three months in prison, noting his 21 previous convictions. Robert Nolan, 46, pleaded guilty to a hit and run, failing to report the incident, and failing to remain at the scene. He was convicted and fined €100, avoiding disqualification. Ehigie Omoruyi, 44, pleaded not guilty to breaching a safety order and stabbing his ex-partner in the right arm. The court convicted him and suspended a six-month prison sentence. Martin Power, 58, pleaded not guilty to drink driving. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and disqualified him from driving for two years. All matters were finalised at the sentencing stage.
John Joyce, aged 28, was sentenced to five months in prison and disqualified from driving for 15 years after pleading guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence on Templeview Avenue, Clarehall, Dublin 13, on 11 November last year. This was his 13th offence of driving without insurance. Garda Michael McCallion testified that Joyce had been observed driving a Ford Focus, jumped out of the car, and ran into a house, explaining that he had no insurance. Joyce has 80 previous convictions, including 12 for driving without insurance. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted that Joyce had been assaulted in June while attempting to rescue a taxi driver from a hijack, sustaining serious leg injuries. She appealed to Judge Dermot Dempsey not to imprison him, citing his role as best‑man at his brother's forthcoming wedding and his leg injury.
Swords District Court heard five matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and a further possession charge. The judge described the alleged sales as a 'commercial enterprise' and remanded McNamara on continuing bail until December 8th for a restorative justice report. Donal O'Hara, 22, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardaí; he was convicted and fined €300. Peter Lumsden, 53, pleaded guilty to trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear at his ex-girlfriend's home. He was convicted and sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for three years, with a condition prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim. Mark O'Toole, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply. The case was adjourned until December 8th to hear the facts, and O'Toole was remanded on continuing bail. Michael Casey, 44, was found guilty of driving under the influence of cannabis and Xanax. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed until February 28th.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Dwaine O'Connell, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €3,000 worth of cannabis resin for sale or supply and €350 of cannabis herb. Judge John Coughlan sentenced him to eight months in prison, but O'Connell appealed the sentence after recognisance was fixed. Jandean Hyland, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, but the case was adjourned until December 1st because the victim was not in court and jurisdiction issues needed resolution. David Bennett, 32, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm; his case was adjourned until November 11th for Judge Dermot Dempsey to determine compensation to avoid a prison sentence. Andrew Cooley, 21, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €75; a separate charge of making off without payment of a taxi fare was struck out. Kevin Harris, 24, is alleged to have driven under the influence of an intoxicant; his case was adjourned until December 22nd for hearing.
At Swords District Court, Jason McDonagh (19) pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of €20 worth of cannabis herb and was ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 by December 17th to avoid a conviction. Nermia Ibrahimovic (40) pleaded guilty to the theft of groceries worth €34.91 and was fined €300 with a warning that her liberty is at risk if she reoffends. James English (22) pleaded guilty to the theft of €130.39 worth of cosmetics and was given the benefit of the Probation Act. Mark Cole (34) faced charges of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply, and the case was adjourned until November 25th. Amy Bergin (20) was found guilty of driving without insurance, without L-plates displayed, without an NCT, and driving on a provisional licence without a qualified driver, and was fined €750 and disqualified from driving for two years. Ryan Montgomery (18) and Dale Monks (19) pleaded guilty to non-payment of a taxi fare of €43 and were ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 each by November 25th to avoid a conviction. The case of St Margaret, accused of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply at his home address on April 3rd, and non-payment of a taxi fare of €43, was adjourned.
In a case heard at Swords District Court, 36‑year‑old Jacek Nawara was sentenced to six months' imprisonment for a savage assault on his housemate on Christmas Day 2012. Nawara punched the victim in the face, then sat on her and banged her head off the ground, leaving her with a suspected brain injury. The victim incurred medical bills of €450 and lost earnings of €2,800. Nawara had offered €3,000 to reimburse loss of earnings but the court deemed it a reimbursement, not compensation. He was required to pay an additional €5,000 for pain and trauma, which he could not afford. Judge Dermot Dempsey expressed surprise that the Director of Public Prosecution had consented to summary disposal, noting the seriousness of the assault. The sentence was handed down with recognisance pending appeal. Jacek Nawara pleaded guilty.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Brian Clarke, 28, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to Swords Educate Together School. He was convicted and sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years. The court ordered him to reside at his sister's address, notify gardai of any change, and pay €200 compensation by February. Dean Whelan, 27, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop. The case was adjourned until December 15th for a Probation report and urine analysis; the judge warned of custody if the report is unsatisfactory. Tracey Brookes and Karen Dooley, accused of theft from three stores, elected trial by jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. They were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on December 2nd for service of the Book of Evidence. Adam Meehan, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The case was struck out after he complied with an order to pay €400 to charity and complete 240 hours of voluntary work, avoiding a conviction. David Lawrence, 19, charged with intoxication and threatening behaviour, had his case adjourned until November 17th pending receipt of CCTV footage.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 14 October 2014, Mark and Kathleen Mohun of Estuary Road, Malahide were ordered to demolish a 14.9‑square‑metre extension they had built without planning permission. The couple had previously failed to comply with an enforcement notice issued in April 2013 that required removal of the unauthorised structure within one month. They had applied for a retention permit in June 2013, which Fingal County Council refused, and they did not appeal to An Bord Pleanala. Planning Inspector Conor Cooney confirmed the extension was not exempt from permission as it exceeded 12 square metres. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined the Mohuns €500, ordered them to pay €2,000 in costs to the council, and required the removal of the extension. The couple appealed the decision, but the judge warned that continued non‑compliance would lead to further consequences. The court noted Mr Mohun's unemployment and his son's Leaving Certificate studies.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Sean Brennan, 32, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour outside Wright's Cafe Bar on June 7th. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Thomas Nicholson, 23, was charged with the theft of an €18,000 mini digger from Balbriggan on March 6th. The matter was sent forward for trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and Nicholson was remanded on continuing bail. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of PVP, valued at €1,300, found at his home on November 16th last year. The court adjourned the case until December 15th to allow for a Probation and Welfare report to assess his suitability for a 240-hour community service order in lieu of a four-month prison sentence. James Egan, 29, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood, urine, or breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 12th last year. He was convicted, fined €600, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed for five months until March 30th. Aldona Pastuhova, 42, was charged with having a dog off its lead in a public place. The case was adjourned until November 17th due to the unavailability of the prosecuting garda.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 6 October 2014, Austin O'Reilly, aged 48, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at Jugback Green on 14 June. He was found to have called a neighbour a 'f**king rat', shouted at the Gardaí 'f**k off, you useless p**cks', and head‑butted the Garda car's cage after his arrest. O'Reilly, who has 20 prior convictions, was also fined €200 for intoxication. Judge Dermot Dempsey, noting O'Reilly's lack of a proper apology to Garda Keith Delaney, imposed a two‑month custodial sentence, suspended for one year, for the threatening and abusive conduct. The judge declined to order community service, instead suspending the custodial term while retaining the fine for intoxication.".
David Lee, 32, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order and threatening to smash a house in Swords on 19 August 2013. He was convicted and fined €100 by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Lee, who has 25 previous convictions, apologized and has not been near the house since. His defence solicitor, Fiona D'Arcy, said he hopes to get a job as a bicycle courier. Paul McGee, 21, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and breaching a protection order at his parents' home on 22 July. He was adjourned until 18 December for a probation report; he has five previous convictions and is attending counselling. Geoffrey Melia, 24, pleaded guilty to stealing a bottle of vodka from a Balbriggan supermarket in March. He was fined €200; he has four previous convictions and has stopped drinking. Lisa Jenkins, 41, pleaded guilty to three thefts from a Swords department store, totalling over €800.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Alex Mooney and Rory Kirwan pleaded guilty to intoxication and threatening behaviour at the Malahide Festival. Judge Dermot Dempsey agreed to strike out charges against both defendants after they each made a €300 charitable donation. Patrick Mongen was convicted of driving without a licence and fined €75. Aslam Khan, alleged to have assaulted a woman, breached a barring order, and committed careless driving and criminal damage, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 2nd. Adam Meehan pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine and methoxyphenamine tablets. The matter was adjourned to October 20th, with the judge indicating a specific course of action if Meehan proves completion of voluntary work and makes a €400 donation. Kadesh Tracey, charged with unlawful possession of benzodiazepine, obstructing and assaulting a Garda, criminal damage, and failing to stop for gardai, failed to appear, resulting in a bench warrant for his arrest.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Jacek Nawara, 36, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his housemate on Christmas Day 2012. The victim, still suffering dizziness and requiring ongoing GP care, has incurred €450 in medical bills and lost €2,800 in earnings after being unable to work for two months. Nawara was ordered to produce compensation and an up‑to‑date medical report, with the case adjourned to 20 October for further facts to be heard.
Peter Mulligan, a 49‑year‑old businessman from Glasgow living in Dublin, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to assaulting a 40‑year‑old woman in the car park of Skerries Train Station on 19 November 2012. He claimed the headbutt was not intentional, arguing that the woman had swore at him and that her car had made contact with his. Mulligan paid the victim €750 and donated €500 to Fingal Bereaved by Suicide. The victim suffered bruising above her left eye. Mulligan, who has no prior convictions, is a consultant in sales and marketing and runs a business that collapsed in 2011. Judge Dermot Dempsey struck the case out after the compensation was paid. The incident occurred in front of Mulligan's nine‑year‑old daughter. The court noted the argument involved finger‑wagging and a face‑to‑face confrontation. The case was dismissed following the financial settlement.
Swords District Court heard several cases presided over by Judge Dempsey. Mark Jackson was found guilty of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Rathbeale Road; he was fined €750 and disqualified for three years, with the disqualification postponed until January 8th. Jason Harford pleaded guilty to possessing a window-breaking implement and cannabis; he received a three-month suspended sentence for the implement and a €150 fine for the drugs. Sean Brennan pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; the court remanded him on bail until October 13th for a probation report, with 240 hours of community service proposed in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Edward Doherty pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; he was convicted and fined €200, with a warning regarding future custodial sentences. Philip Garland pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was convicted and fined €200. Mark Sheridan, alleged to have threatened to kill another man and possessed an imitation firearm, was remanded on continuing bail until September 8th for service of the Book of Evidence. Ivans Zinkevics, alleged to have committed trespass and intoxication offences, was remanded on continuing bail until September 15th for a hearing.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to several defendants. John Budgie McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing a leather jacket and tools worth €87 from TK Maxx on February 11th. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him and imposed a six-month prison term, noting he was beyond probation. Co-accused Owen McDonagh pleaded guilty to stealing shoes valued at €54.99 from the same store on the same date. He received a five-month sentence suspended for two years. Stephen O'Doherty pleaded guilty to taking a car without permission and burglary on August 5th, 2013. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to eight months in prison to run concurrently with a term he is already serving. Lisa Jenkins pleaded guilty to three thefts from TK Maxx totaling €842. She was remanded on continuing bail until October 6th for a Probation & Welfare report. Caroline McAleer pleaded guilty to driving without insurance on October 19th last year and was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for facts to be heard. Neil Curran is alleged to have assaulted Peter Lynch causing harm; the DPP directed trial on indictment, and he was remanded on continuing bail. Co-accused Jennifer Quinn, charged with assaulting Mr Lynch and using threatening behaviour, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on September 1st for a plea or to fix a hearing date.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants who pleaded guilty or faced allegations. Jason Kirwin, 27, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, while disqualified, and without a licence. Judge Conal Gibbons noted his 79 prior convictions and ordered a Probation Report, adjourning the case to September 15th. Stephen O'Doherty and David Fagan pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a car; Fagan also admitted burglary. Both were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 15th for sentencing. Rebotilwe Mohlala pleaded guilty to theft and received the benefit of the Probation Act after making a charitable donation. Graham Doyle pleaded guilty to theft; his case was struck out after compensation was paid. Philip Garland, alleged to be in unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned to July 21st for a plea or hearing date, with the judge remanding him on continuing bail.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jerry Flynn pleaded guilty to theft of petrol and dangerous driving. He received a three-month suspended sentence, a €200 fine, and a two-year driving disqualification. He was remanded on a one-year peace bond, conditional on paying €58.94 to Great Gas and €140 compensation to the attendant. Damien Krywult pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving. He was convicted and fined €300 for each offence, with a total two-year driving disqualification. Jeffrey Carter pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence. He was sentenced to five months in prison, fined €200, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gary Fitzgerald was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without an NCT. He was fined €500 for the insurance offence and €250 for the NCT offence, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gabriel Akinsanya pleaded guilty to theft. The judge indicated he would consider 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence only if Akinsanya completes 40 outstanding hours from 2003. He was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 15. Kim Howard, charged with theft, was remanded on continuing bail until October 6 for a mention.
Raymond O'Hara, 47, a grandfather with 215 convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary at Portmarnock Hotel in December 2012. He entered through a fire door at 7 am, went behind the bar and removed €280 worth of alcohol, an act captured on CCTV. O'Hara, a chronic heroin addict, is currently serving a prison sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to six months in prison, concurrent with his existing term. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the burglary and O'Hara's extensive criminal history.
Raymond Hoey, 45, was disqualified from driving for two years after driving under the influence on 6 November 2013. He had been drinking wine with his wife at dinner when an argument broke out, prompting him to drive away. His wife called the Gardaí, who stopped him at 7:35 pm at Glasmore Park, Swords. Hoey was arrested, gave a blood sample showing 139 mg/100 ml, and was later convicted and fined €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the disqualification until 1 December and allowed a postponement of the penalty. The case was heard in Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old footballer from Meath, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He had thrown a bag of the drugs, claiming they were Viagra, and said a Polish man on a bus had given them to him. Garda David Smith recorded the incident, noting Morkowski admitted the drugs were his and that he intended to give them to friends. Morkowski had previously been found guilty of possession; an allegation of supply was struck out. He had paid €500 as a charitable donation and submitted a letter stating he had completed 100 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey was not satisfied with the letter and ordered that the GAA club member who wrote it appear in court on 16 June to verify the voluntary hours before the case could proceed. The case was adjourned to that date.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants Rebotilwe Mohlala, Keith McNamara, and Mariam Aroh. Mohlala, 39, pleaded guilty to the theft of €22.98 worth of goods from Tesco Extra in Millfield on June 21st, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey indicated he would consider applying the Probation Act if a €200 charitable donation was paid. The matter was adjourned until July 7th to allow the defendant time to arrange the funds. McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and the drug itself, found at his home on May 18th, 2013. He claimed he was selling to friends to afford his own use. Judge Dempsey described this as a commercial enterprise. McNamara was remanded on continuing bail for an updated restorative justice report on September 8th. Aroh, 38, was charged with non-display of L-plates, having no driving licence, and giving a false date of birth. She pleaded guilty to the first two charges but contested the false details. Judge Dempsey found her guilty of giving a false date of birth. She was fined €100 for the L-plates offence and €100 for the false date of birth, with other charges taken into consideration.
In Swords District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey applied the Probation Act to 34‑year‑old Natasha Reilly, who breached a Protection Order by being drunk and threatening to "smash the face" off her victim. Reilly had been remanded in custody since 19 May and had detoxed, completed an anger‑management course and remained in custody to address her chronic alcoholism. She is now focused on staying sober and rebuilding her relationship with her children. The court also heard other cases: a 32‑year‑old woman, Jennifer Reilly, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of two pairs of shoes; a 22‑year‑old man, Jamie Bowbrick, was given further time to pay a €350 charitable donation after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and obstruction; a 38‑year‑old woman, Gillian O'Donnell, was remanded on continuing bail for alleged theft of a pair of boots; a 28‑year‑old man, Mark Jackson, was remanded on continuing bail for.
Thomas McDonagh, aged 21, was sentenced to four months in prison by the Swords District Court for carrying out a bogus charity collection. He deceived three local businesses – Excel on Main Street, Advance Pitstop and a shoe repair shop – into giving him €30, claiming it was for the charity Fighting Words. McDonagh pleaded guilty to three counts of dishonestly inducing the shopkeepers to give money with the intention of making a gain for himself on 1 March. Garda Alan McGrath noted that McDonagh had told the police he had permission for the collection. The money was returned to the Gardaí. McDonagh has 16 previous convictions and has completed an honours Leaving Certificate; his solicitor said he is planning to take a Level 6 Business course. Judge Dermot Dempsey, who had previously given McDonagh a probation order, was not impressed and did not consider community service suitable. He fixed recognisance in the event of an appeal. ENDS.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Julie Delaney pleaded guilty to possessing a security de-tagger for use in a theft at Lifestyle Sports. She was convicted, fined €150, and the device was ordered destroyed. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of heroin at Jacko Park. Judge Dempsey warned him he was 'sailing close' to a prison sentence before convicting him and imposing a €300 fine. Natasha Reilly, alleged to have breached a protection order by threatening a victim, was remanded in custody with consent to bail. Strict conditions were imposed, including surrendering her passport, staying away from the Broadmeadow address, and providing a satisfactory address. She is to reappear on May 26th. Michael McDonagh, charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 14th. Additionally, Simon Morrissey's case for being drunk and abusive to gardai was struck out after he donated €200 to St Vincent de Paul.