In a Skerries car‑park incident on 19 November 2012, 49‑year‑old Peter Mulligan, a Glasgow‑born consultant, headbutted a 40‑year‑old woman after a dispute over a parking space. Mulligan claimed the headbutt was unintentional and that the woman had swore at him and called him a "f**king asshole" after her car had allegedly contacted his. He pleaded guilty to assault before Swords District Court. The victim suffered bruising above her left eye. Mulligan, who had no prior convictions, had set up a business in Ireland in 2005 that collapsed in 2011. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to pay €750 in compensation to the victim and an additional €500 as a charitable donation. Mulligan was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on 21 July. The case remains at the pleading stage.
In Swords District Court, four brothers, John Lawrence (23), William Lawrence (22), Stephen Lawrence (21), and Christopher Lawrence (20), pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and being intoxicated in a public place on April 20th at Hogs & Heifers Bar and Grill in Swords. They were ordered to make a €800 charitable donation to avoid a conviction. The court heard that the men were celebrating the birth of Christopher's baby and were intoxicated. Judge Patrick Clyne informed the court that the men are currently unemployed and that if they make the donation, the case will be struck out. Anbridas Stabinis (42) pleaded guilty to the theft of two bottles of vodka from Dunnes Stores in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on March 20th. He was given a 14-day suspended sentence and bound to the peace for two years. Darrell Ferguson (21) and Shane Murphy (22) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on May 27th after being charged with assaulting another man causing him harm. Patrick Kerley (21) had his case struck out after making a €250 charitable donation to Fingal Bereaved by Suicide.
In Swords District Court, Henry Afeni (49) admitted to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on December 8th, 2013. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. Raymond O'Hara (47) pleaded guilty to burglary at Portmarnock Hotel on December 11th, 2012, and his case was adjourned to June 23rd for the facts to be heard and sentencing. Declan Fitzsimons (34) admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour at Cedar Grove in Ridgewood, Swords on January 1st. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a conviction and fined him €500, noting that Fitzsimons had the opportunity since February to make a charitable donation. Debra Maguire (44) was found guilty of handling stolen goods worth €363.55 at The Pavilions Shopping Centre in Swords on November 17th, 2013, and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service in lieu of a five-month prison sentence. All cases were at the sentence stage.
Keith Blackburn, 52, of Lusk, was found guilty of failing to comply with a Garda direction, using violent behaviour at Lusk Garda Station and threatening and abusive behaviour on 6 December 2013. He claimed to be an officer of the court and believed he had the power to arrest a Garda sergeant. Sergeant John Cannon testified that Blackburn called to enquire about a bench warrant he thought was 'live', but there was none. Blackburn repeatedly dialled 999, threatened Sergeant Cannon, set off a fire alarm and refused to leave the station. He was arrested and placed in custody. The judge described his claims as 'fictitious court orders' and ordered him to stay away from all Garda stations. Blackburn received a four‑month suspended sentence and a one‑year probation order, with a warning that any breach would lead to imprisonment.
Albin Morkowski, a 20‑year‑old Meath footballer, was found guilty of possession of ecstasy tablets at Swords District Court. He claimed the tablets were given to him by a man on a bus and that he thought they were Viagra. Morkowski admitted the explanation was ridiculous but showed the bag to friends who did not recognise the pills. Garda David Smith observed Morkowski discard a plastic bag containing ten ecstasy tablets worth €100 behind a concrete pillar on Thornleigh Avenue at midnight on 23 June 2013. Morkowski signed the garda's notebook admitting the drugs belonged to him and that he intended to give them to friends. The alleged supply charge was struck out. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered Morkowski to pay €500 to court and complete 100 hours of voluntary work before reconsidering the case in June. The case was adjourned to 9 June.
Damien Murtagh, a 28-year-old from Clonee, Dublin, was sentenced at Swords District Court after pleading guilty to charges arising from an incident on September 22, 2013. He admitted to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated at The Old Boro pub in Swords. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide his name and address to gardai. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that Murtagh is on his second community service order, warning him that this is his final chance. Instead of a two-month prison sentence, the court imposed a total of 240 hours of community service work. Garda Elaine Duffy testified that Murtagh, who was highly intoxicated, threatened to kill her and other officers. The defence solicitor stated that Murtagh had consumed significant alcohol while watching the All-Ireland final and agreed his behaviour was appalling. The court acknowledged Murtagh's history of 21 previous convictions, including six for public order offences, before finalising the sentence.
James Marry, 25, of Balbriggan, was found guilty of unlawful possession of 51 Ecstasy tablets for sale or supply, worth €300, after he hid them in his underwear and fled from Gardaí on Drogheda Street. He had three prior drug‑related convictions, including suspended sentences, and works as a carer for his mother. The Swords District Court, following a recommendation from Probation Services, imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four‑month prison term for the offence.
Richard Walsh, 24, was sentenced to six months in prison after being convicted at Swords District Court for a series of public order offences committed in August 2013. The offences included threatening, abusive and violent behaviour towards Garda officers at Waterside estate and Swords Garda Station, as well as urinating outside the station. Walsh had previously claimed he was assaulted by Garda officers who tried to remove a bottle of alcohol from him, and he responded by calling the officers "f**king pigs" and threatening that he would "hope you get raped" and that his family would be raped. He also spat at Garda officers and attempted to head‑butt one. The judge found Walsh's evidence unreliable and noted his history of six prior convictions and failure to attend probation appointments. The sentence was imposed after the court heard that Walsh had stopped drinking following a serious health incident.
Swords District Court heard four sentencing matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Dean Fagan, 19, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with garda direction, and being intoxicated. The judge imposed four months detention for failing to comply with garda direction and two months for threatening behaviour, taking intoxication into consideration. Robert Doyle, 20, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and failing to comply with garda direction; his case was struck out after he paid a charitable donation. Brian Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and handling stolen property. He was convicted and sentenced to a suspended nine-month term for the vehicle offence, remanded on a peace bond for two years, and given a three-month custodial sentence for handling stolen clothes. Robert Krzemien, 42, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified from driving for three years, effective July 1st.
Swords District Court heard three matters involving alleged drug possession and criminal damage. Derek Boylan, 32, of Swords, is alleged to have unlawfully possessed cocaine and cannabis for sale or supply at his home in May 2013. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought to have the case struck out due to delays in the Book of Evidence, arguing the State exceeded the 42-day preparation limit. Judge Dermot Dempsey acknowledged the delay but remanded Boylan on continuing bail until April 7, marking the date as peremptory against the State, meaning the case could be struck out if the evidence is not ready. Athula De Silva, 44, of Ashbourne, Co Meath, is charged with trespass, threatening and abusive behaviour, and intoxication at a Swords address in December 2013, and with causing criminal damage to a car wing mirror in January 2014. His case was adjourned, and he was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on May 26. In a separate matter, charges against Karen O'Connor, 22, of Raheny, for unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply in May 2013 were struck out at the direction of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
In a Swords nightclub incident on 25 November 2012, Cillian Mahoney (22) was charged with assault causing harm to security staff Craig Hand and Igor Chachotail. Hand, supervising a 21st birthday party, reported that Mahoney, allegedly smashing glasses, became agitated, was restrained, and eventually punched Hand in the nose, causing a broken septum and requiring stitches. Chachotail claimed he was dragged down stairs by Mahoney, sustaining a broken coccyx. Pat Feeney, another bouncer, stated he saw "bottles, glasses and fists flying" but could not identify the combatants. Garda Laura Mahon noted Mahoney was unsteady, slurred, and claimed excessive vodka consumption, admitting he did not remember the night. Judge Dermot Dempsey, after reviewing evidence and CCTV, found Feeney's testimony unreliable and dismissed both assault charges against Mahoney. The case concluded with no convictions. Cillian Mahoney pleaded not guilty.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Owen Mooney, 43, pleaded not guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, rejecting his claim he was not the driver. Mooney was sentenced to five months in prison and fined €750 for drink driving, with a six-year disqualification. He received a concurrent four-month prison sentence and eight-year disqualification for driving without insurance. Ivo Ignatenki, 26, pleaded guilty to drink driving and having no insurance. He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years. He was fined €750 and disqualified for six years for drink driving, and fined €200 with a two-year disqualification for no insurance. Raymond O'Hara, 47, is alleged to have committed burglary at Portmarnock Hotel. The matter was adjourned because the injured party was unavailable. Judge Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to reappear on April 28th.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dempsey. David Wheatley, who pleaded not guilty to causing criminal damage at the home of Thazman Byrne, was convicted after the judge accepted CCTV evidence. He was fined €400, bound to the peace for one year, and ordered to stay away from Ormond Close and have no contact with the victim. Dawid Morkowski pleaded guilty to trespass at St Colmcille's Parochial House and was remanded on continuing bail for a Probation & Welfare Report. Mark Gavin pleaded guilty to the theft of Nike runners and was similarly remanded on continuing bail for a report. Shane Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was ordered to provide €500 to the court. Karlos Verbickas pleaded guilty to trespass and the theft of two bicycles and an iPhone; he was sentenced to five months in prison. Brian Murphy pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening behaviour; his case was struck out after he paid a €200 charitable donation. Gareth O'Connell, who also pleaded guilty to the same offences, was convicted and fined €300 for intoxication and €100 for threatening behaviour after failing to pay the full donation.
Darren Fagan, a former sheet‑metal worker aged 24, was sentenced by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Swords District Court to five months' imprisonment and a ten‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to driving without insurance on 2 October 2013 at Barryscourt Road, Coolock. Fagan had 18 prior convictions, including five for no insurance, and was also found to be driving without a licence. Garda Janice Gray reported that Fagan had stopped in Coolock for the offence, apologised, and claimed he had bought the car for his partner to take their child to school. Fagan's solicitor noted that he had been dismissed from his metal‑sheet job in 2008, was hoping to become a gym instructor, and wanted to move to Germany where his sister lives. Judge Dempsey deemed community service unsuitable given Fagan's record, fined him €200 for the licence offence, and fixed recognisance pending appeal.
A 21‑year‑old man from Mooretown Road, Swords, pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue on 28 October. He shouted insults at gardai, calling them 'pricks' and 'wankers', and told them to 'go fuck your mothers' while a fight erupted at the nightclub. The court noted he had seven prior convictions, including a suspended four‑year drugs sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service instead of a two‑month prison term.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. James Maguire pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour and obstructing a garda. He was convicted and sentenced to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined €200. Wayne Reid admitted cultivating two cannabis plants and possessing cannabis herb. He received 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Austin O'Reilly was charged with harassing and intimidating people while begging. The case was dismissed after the defence successfully argued that the prosecuting garda failed to provide evidence regarding a licence or permit. Geoffrey Melia pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and causing criminal damage at Swords Garda Station. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison. Additionally, a bench warrant was issued for Paul McGoldrick, who was found guilty in his absence of unlawful possession of cocaine, for the purpose of sentencing.
Swords District Court heard five matters. Henry Afeni (49) pleaded guilty to making a gain or causing loss by deception at TK Max in Swords. Judge Patrick Clyne suspended a five-month sentence for two years and proposed 100 hours of community service, adjourning the case until April 28 for a Probation Report. Debra Maguire (44) pleaded not guilty to handling stolen goods but was found guilty; the court ordered a Probation & Welfare report and adjourned sentencing until April 28. Robert Trnovec (38) pleaded guilty to drink driving and received a two-year disqualification and a €250 fine. Anne-Marie McGill (50) pleaded guilty to theft of a cardigan; the judge applied the Probation Act. Declan Fitzsimons (34) pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour; the judge proposed a €500 charitable donation to avoid a conviction, with a default fine of €500, and set a deadline of April 28.
Michael Daly, 35, of Coolock, was sentenced by Swords District Court to four months in prison for stealing 98 boxes of hair products worth €4,272 from Irish Global Logistics on 28 November 2010. He pleaded guilty to the theft and to entering a building and possessing a black balaclava and gloves with intent to commit theft on 19 June 2013 at Unit D2 Metro Point Business Park. Garda Stephen Harte testified that he saw Daly moving boxes from a trailer into a red Transit van at the Corporate Park and that the items were recovered and resellable. Garda Eamonn Oakes reported that a call at 23:45 on 19 June alerted him to a male attempting to access Unit 2; the unit's shutters were damaged and a total of €998 of damage was caused. Daly was also convicted of criminal damage and sentenced to four months in prison, to run concurrently with the theft sentence.
A 20‑year‑old man named Robert Doyle was arrested after becoming highly intoxicated and aggressive towards security staff at a McDonald's in Swords on Christmas Eve. He had paid for a burger and chips but was evicted because of his drunken state. Doyle pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour and failing to comply with garda direction. The judge agreed that if Doyle pays €400 to St Patrick's School's Calcutta fund, the matter could be struck out, and the case was adjourned until March 31 for payment.
Swords District Court sentenced five defendants at the sentencing stage. Nerijus Dumbris pleaded guilty to drink driving and dangerous driving; he was sentenced to four months in prison, fined €250, and disqualified from driving for three years for drink driving and five years for dangerous driving. Florin Amarrii pleaded guilty to theft; he was convicted, fined €100, and ordered to pay €30 expenses to the security officer. Ciara Tynan pleaded guilty to theft and intoxicated, threatening, and abusive behaviour; she received a four-month suspended sentence, was placed on a one-year Peace Bond, ordered to stay away from the injured party, and fined €100. Aidan McDonnell pleaded guilty to failing to comply with garda direction and pushing a garda; he was convicted and fined €350. Daniel Betley pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of pepper spray; he was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. All matters were finalised with sentences imposed.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident at a public house on September 22nd, 2013. Damien Murtagh, aged 28, of Clonee, Dublin 17, also admitted violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide gardaí with his name and address. Garda Elaine Duffy gave evidence that Murtagh became verbally abusive in the pub car park after being asked to leave due to intoxication, making threats towards her and other members. The court heard Murtagh had consumed considerable alcohol while attending an All-Ireland football final. He has 21 previous convictions including six for public order offences. His defence solicitor submitted that Murtagh's memory of events remained unclear and he acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail until April for a Probation and Welfare Report, indicating consideration of 240 hours community service in place of two months imprisonment if deemed suitable.
John Joyce, a 19‑year‑old from Swords and Coolock, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving on the M1 motorway at Swords on 15 September 2013. He was driving an Audi A4 at speeds up to 200 km/h, forcing other motorists to take evasive action and causing a patrol car to travel at 170 km/h in pursuit. Garda Connor Tumbleton testified that Joyce continued at high speed and could not be kept up by the patrol car until it caught up and stopped him. Joyce also failed to stop for Gardaí on the same date. The Swords District Court, presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey, sentenced him to a four‑month suspended term, fined him €500, disqualified him from driving for two years, and imposed a one‑year suspension on the custodial sentence. He was also ordered to pay recognisance in the event of an appeal.
Swords District Court heard four matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Valerie Quaid, who pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, failing to comply with garda direction, and using threatening and abusive behaviour, failed to appear after a previous order for a Probation & Welfare Report. Consequently, the judge imposed the default sentence of one month in prison and issued a bench warrant for her arrest. Laura Sheils pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and without insurance. She received a three-month suspended sentence, was disqualified from driving for five years for the disqualification offence, and for a further three years for driving without insurance. Edward Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. The judge convicted him and imposed a fine of €200. Sebestian Knecht did not appear in court. The judge proceeded on a not guilty plea and convicted him of using an altered driving licence, being in custody of a false insurance disc, and driving without insurance. A bench warrant was issued for his arrest for the purpose of sentencing. Recognisances were fixed in the event of an appeal for Quaid and Sheils.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving drink driving and drug possession. Helen Ikechukwu, 35, of Lusk, pleaded guilty to drink driving on February 16, 2013, in Balbriggan. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted her, fined her €300, and imposed a six-month driving disqualification. Darren Koohof, of Wexford, was convicted in his absence of being drunk in charge of a vehicle in Skerries on October 30, 2013. Judge Dempsey noted a previous 2007 conviction and issued a bench warrant for Koohof's arrest for sentencing. Edward Byrne, 28, of Donabate, pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis on May 2, 2013. Judge Dempsey adjourned the case until February 10 to hear the facts. Additionally, Laura Sheils, 23, of Swords, had her case adjourned until February 10 due to illness; she is alleged to have driven while disqualified and uninsured in June 2012. Keith Donoghue, 33, of Dublin 17, had his case adjourned until March 3; he is alleged to have attempted to drive while drunk and committed dangerous driving in August 2013.
A 21‑year‑old man, Richard Woodruffe, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 28 October. He shouted insults at Garda Alan Carroll, calling the officers 'go fuck your mothers', 'pricks' and 'wankers', claiming he was intoxicated because of the stress of pending drugs charges. Woodruffe, who has seven previous convictions including a four‑year suspended sentence for drug offences, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after a fight erupted. Defence solicitor Fiona Darcy said he was embarrassed, apologised and offered to do community service. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for community service, required Woodruffe to apologise to the Garda, and remanded him on continuing bail with the case adjourned to 3 March.
A man from Bailieborough in County Cavan was convicted at Swords District Court following an incident outside a fast food shop in the early hours of 27 October 2012. Liam O'Reilly pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and refusing to provide his name to gardai on Main Street, Swords. Garda Stephen Harte told the court that O'Reilly, who was highly obnoxious and intoxicated when approached by members, initially refused to give his details before falsely claiming to be a member of An Garda Siochana and stating his father was a Garda Sergeant. The defence solicitor, Ms Fiona Darcy, submitted that O'Reilly, who works for a charity organisation, had made an error in judgement due to excessive alcohol consumption. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted O'Reilly, imposing a fine of €350 for threatening and abusive behaviour and €300 for refusing to provide his name.
Michael Fay, aged 22, was sentenced by Swords District Court to an eight‑month suspended custodial term and a ten‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, non‑payment of a taxi fare, and criminal damage. The dangerous driving incidents occurred on 26 October 2013 at Jugback Lane and involved Fay driving a moped in a dangerous manner, failing to stop for Garda officers, and later driving onto a green area in Castlegrange Estate. Garda Conor Tumbleton and Garda Brian Reidy testified that Fay was pursued on foot after he left a footpath. On 8 December 2013, Fay refused to pay a €17 taxi fare and was abusive; he later urinated in a Garda cell, causing €88.75 of damage. The court imposed a suspended four‑month prison term for each dangerous driving charge, disqualifying Fay from driving for four years and an additional six years, respectively, and fined him €200 for the damage.
Swords District Court sentenced Kevin McCabe to four months in prison and disqualified him from driving for six years after he pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and a licence. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted McCabe's 11 previous convictions, including two prior disqualifications, and imposed a €200 fine. In a separate matter, Josephine Farrell pleaded guilty to contravening a safety order by allegedly threatening a man. The court applied the Probation Act, citing evidence that Farrell, who has bipolar disorder, had missed medication for three days. Darragh Quinn pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb. The charge was struck out after the court ordered €400 in his possession to be paid to Swords Foroige Youth Group. Additionally, Paul Kehoe was disqualified for four years and fined €400 for failing a breath sample, with a further €100 fine for lacking an NCT. His disqualification was postponed until June 1st. Finally, Danny Bowers, alleged to have driven without insurance and while drink driving, had his case adjourned until February 17th because the prosecuting garda was unavailable to give evidence.
Liam Kinahan, 30, an engineering student from Dromiskin Cross, Co. Louth, was convicted and fined at Swords District Court for causing €2,000 worth of damage to his ex‑girlfriend's 2012 Volkswagen Golf. On 5 January, outside The Gallery Apartments in Donabate, Kinahan called to his ex‑girlfriend's apartment, was refused entry, shouted, and then kicked the car, damaging both wing mirrors, denting a door and the car booth. He admitted the damage, paid €2,000 to cover the costs, and pleaded guilty. Sergeant Bob Kavanagh gave evidence of the arrest, charge and caution. The ex‑girlfriend had asked the Gardaí to withdraw the charges. Kinahan, with no prior convictions, apologized, citing drunkenness and anger. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €200, noting the conviction could affect his travel rights and offering a charitable donation alternative, which Kinahan declined.
Kenneth Maher, a 41‑year‑old international lorry driver from La Chapelle‑Launay, France, was convicted at Swords District Court for careless driving and interfering with his vehicle's tachograph. On 11 January he was stopped on the M1 near Dublin Airport after travelling at 120 km/h in a 100 km/h zone. Garda Michael Lavelle noted Maher admitted using a magnet on his gearbox that interferes with the tachograph's electronic control unit, affecting the recordings, brakes and steering. Maher claimed he had only recently started using the magnet due to financial difficulties and to earn extra hours. The judge, Dermot Dempsey, was surprised by the claim that the magnet could have endangered a family. Maher pleaded guilty, expressed genuine regret and was fined €400 for careless driving and €150 for tachograph interference, but was not disqualified from driving under special circumstances. The court highlighted the importance of the tachograph for safety.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 21 January 2014, Cillian Mahoney, aged 22, was charged with assaulting two men outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 25 November 2012. The court adjourned the case to 24 March, noting that Garda interviews had been completed and the case was ready for hearing. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded Mahoney on continuing bail pending the March hearing. In a separate matter, Fortunato Nardoni, 28, was subject to a bench warrant for failing to appear in court over a no‑insurance driving charge dated 10 December 2012. Judge Dempsey issued the warrant after Nardoni did not attend. A third defendant, David Fortune, 32, was charged with possession of a knife on 26 December 2013. A bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear, and the court adjourned his case to 17 February, remanding him on his own bond. All proceedings were conducted under the jurisdiction of Swords District Court.
James Marry, 25, was found in unlawful possession of 51 ecstasy tablets on 27 October 2010 in Balbriggan. He hid the tablets in his underwear and fled from Gardaí before being searched. Marry pleaded guilty and has three prior drug convictions, including suspended sentences. He is a carer for his mother. Judge Dermot Dempsey questioned whether a custodial sentence was necessary, noting Marry had been given chances already. The judge requested a Probation & Welfare Report to decide if 140 hours of community service could replace a four‑month prison term.
Kevin Marry, a 42‑year‑old father of two from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. He had €1,500 worth of cannabis, which he used to increase appetite while battling leukaemia and kidney failure. Marry, who has been in remission since 2009, said he would not commit further offences and expressed a desire to join the kidney transplant list in March. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to a six‑month suspended term and bound him to the peace for two years, rejecting community service.
Swords District Court sentenced three defendants in separate matters. Marcin Andrejczat, 38, of Swords, pleaded guilty to drink driving on December 4, 2012, on Rathbeale Road. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, fined him €500, and disqualified him from driving for three years. The disqualification was postponed until June 1 to allow Andrejczat to settle his affairs. Daniel Whelan, 36, of Coolock, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine valued at €110 at The Wright Venue in Swords on June 17, 2012. Judge Dempsey imposed 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-month prison sentence, as Whelan was deemed suitable by Probation Services. Thomas Weldon, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to hit and run, careless driving, and failing to keep his vehicle at the scene following an incident on February 17, 2013. Judge Dempsey convicted Weldon of careless driving and fined him €300. The judge declined to disqualify Weldon, noting Garda O'Rourke's testimony that Weldon is a carer for his parents with health problems. All sentences were handed down at the sentencing stage.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Thomas Dennis, aged 21, was fined €1,500 for failing to report a hit‑and‑run that occurred on 16 December 2012. The incident involved a woman, hairdresser Shauna Weldon, whose right ring finger tip was severed when Dennis drove off in his car while she had her hand in the door. Dennis discovered the severed finger the next day, consulted his father, and only then reported the incident to the Gardaí. He pleaded guilty to the offence of failing to report a hit‑and‑run. Judge Dermot Dempsey noted that the State had not pursued more serious charges and imposed the maximum fine of €2,000, ultimately sentencing Dennis to a €1,500 fine payable over four months. No other penalties were imposed. The case concluded with recognisance pending any appeal.
A man from Donaghmede was convicted of using threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardai at a County Dublin beach in July 2013. Anthony O'Connor, aged 24, was part of a group consuming alcohol at Portmarnock Beach on 8 July when gardai requested he surrender the cans. He became abusive to both members of an garda síochána and members of the public during the interaction. O'Connor, who works as a student fitness instructor and has nineteen previous convictions, pleaded guilty to the charge at Swords District Court. Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a community service sentence of 200 hours as an alternative to one month's imprisonment. His defence solicitor indicated O'Connor had struggled with excessive drinking and apologised for his conduct during the incident.
In a burglary case, Raymond O'Hara, a resident of St Mary's Mansions in Dublin 1, was charged with breaking into the Portmarnock Hotel at Golf Links on 11 December 2012. He allegedly attempted to access the cash register and took several bottles of alcohol before leaving. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed a summary disposal of the case. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson sought a hearing date and requested CCTV footage. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to re‑appear before Swords District Court on 27 January for the case to be heard. Separately, Martin Maughan, 42, of St Margaret's Park in Ballymun, was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without a licence after he reversed into his driveway when Garda Keith Delaney saw him. Maughan, who has 97 previous convictions, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest for sentencing.
Swords District Court heard four matters. Adrian Vaduva, 41, pleaded guilty to stealing a purse containing €848 and bank cards from Balbriggan Post Office. Judge Dempsey sentenced him to six months in prison, noting he failed to assist Gardaí with enquiries regarding an alleged accomplice. Luke Purcell, 18, pleaded guilty to stealing €70 worth of petrol. He was convicted and fined €200 after failing to provide a charitable donation. Clive Barry, 36, pleaded guilty to drink driving with a blood alcohol level of 209mg/100ml. He was disqualified for three years, with the mandatory disqualification postponed until January 1st. Mark Power, 33, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, lacking a licence, and leaving the scene of a collision. The matter was adjourned until next May for a Probation & Welfare report, with Power remanded on continuing bail.
An unemployed hairdresser, Aine Penrose, aged 29, was found guilty of drink driving at Swords District Court on 4 June. She drove her car with her three children—aged seven, nine and one—while under the influence of alcohol. Penrose claimed she was terrified of her ex‑partner, who is the father of one of her children, and had no phone credit to call a taxi. She said she had gone to the beach with her children and the ex‑partner, had a few drinks, and when returning to his house, her son was bullied by his brother, leading to an argument. Garda Jonathan Kirk observed her swerving and failing to signal at a roundabout; her breath test showed 58 mg/100 ml. The judge found her guilty, disqualified her from driving for two years effective February, and fined her €250.
A 28‑year‑old serial burglar, Florin Marticie, was found guilty of trespassing and sentenced to six months in prison. He claimed he did not know why he was arrested and said he was only going to a bus stop after finishing a morning's work for a friend. Marticie denied involvement in an attempted break‑in at a house in Ardla, Skerries, on 8 August. Detective Garda Vincent Healy reported that two men were seen near the house after the alarm went off, and that a pot plant had been thrown at a back window. Marticie was arrested after the Garda saw him walking past the bus stop. The court heard he had three previous convictions for burglary and theft and was currently serving a sentence.
In a Swords District Court hearing, Judge Dermot Dempsey dismissed the assault charge against 35‑year‑old chip shop owner Giuliano Di Murro. The case involved a 17‑year‑old teenager who alleged Di Murro had assaulted him at Rivervalley Shopping Centre on 17 February. The teenager claimed Di Murro had told him to leave, that he had been head‑butted, and that Di Murro had punched him, breaking his nose. Di Murro denied the assault, stating he was defending himself against an "aggressive youth" who tried to head‑butt him. Evidence from the teenager, Di Murro's defence barrister, and an independent witness, Mr William Field, suggested the teenager had acted aggressively and that Di Murro had pushed him into a door. Judge Dempsey found the prosecution had no case to meet and ruled that Di Murro was acting in self‑defence, dismissing the charge. The decision was made on 27 November 2013. Di Murro pleaded not guilty.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Gary McQuillian, 23, pleaded guilty to being drunk and a source of danger after jumping onto a moving taxi's bonnet. Judge Dermot Dempsey applied Section 1.1 of the Probation Act, meaning McQuillian escaped a conviction. Ronan Healy, 34, pleaded guilty to drink driving after failing to stop at a junction, causing a squad car to brake to avoid a collision. Healy, who has four previous convictions including one for drink driving, was convicted, disqualified from driving, and fined €600. Sam Maughan, 19, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour at a Debs Ball. Maughan, who has 22 previous convictions, was remanded on continuing bail to appear before Court 5 at the Criminal Courts of Justice on November 21st to have a suspended sentence re-entered. The court noted Maughan had threatened Gardaí and had to be restrained by door staff. All defendants were represented by solicitors, and evidence was presented by Gardaí Brian Morrissey, Lucy Woods, and Daniel Rogers.
Paul Murtagh, 29, of Clonshaugh Heights, appeared before Swords District Court on 13 November 2013 charged with driving without insurance. He was alleged to have been stopped twice this year: on 17 April on Malahide Road and on 2 September on Feltrim Road, both times for lacking insurance. Defence solicitor Patrick Jackson requested a hearing date for both matters. Judge Dermot Dempsey asked why Murtagh had not appeared earlier; Murtagh replied he was at his grandfather's funeral. The judge remanded him on a €200 bond and adjourned the case to 27 January. Murtagh had previously been convicted on Monday at Dublin District Court for possessing a stolen Marmoset monkey, caught in his car on 1 October 2013 after the animal was taken during a burglary in County Kildare. He avoided prison, receiving 80 hours of community service in lieu of four months.
Janina Griskevica, 54, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to assaulting store detective David Ellison, possessing a pocket knife, and stealing nearly €50 from Woodies DIY on 25 August. She claimed the knife was for work and that she had no intention to steal, saying she panicked after losing her wallet and thought it was in the shop's toilet. Garda Noel Callan testified that Griskevica punched Ellison when he tried to retrieve the items and that she attempted to take the knife from her pocket when handcuffed. Griskevica had no prior convictions. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced her to two months for each offence – assault, theft and possession of a knife – and suspended each for six months, ordering €1,000 in compensation. The case concluded with the suspended sentences and no custodial term imposed.
David Lee, a 30‑year‑old from Newtown Court, Northern Cross, was found guilty of assaulting Garda Shane Haughney and using threatening and abusive behaviour at The Estuary Pub in Swords on 25 March. Lee had previously pulled Garda Haughney over several tables in a public house, then struck the officer with an object, causing a laceration to the garda's head. Lee had earlier been involved in an incident at a house in Castlegrange, where he was seen by gardai after speaking to them. He pleaded guilty to the assault. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced Lee to a four‑month suspended sentence, suspended for one year, and banned him from any premises licensed to sell alcohol in the Dublin area for one year. The judge also ordered that Lee not be under the influence of alcohol in public. Lee has 23 prior convictions and is described by his defence solicitor as a chronic alcoholic heavily addicted to cannabis.
At Swords District Court, Judge Alan Mitchell handled several matters. Wayne Reid (34) of Swords pleaded not guilty to alleged cultivation of two cannabis plants and possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. The court accepted jurisdiction and remanded Reid on continuing bail to reappear on December 16th. In a separate matter, Martin Connors (21) of Dublin 13 faced an alleged public order offence. The case was struck out after the prosecuting garda failed to appear, despite notice. David O'Toole (36) of Swords pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis herb. He was convicted and fined €300. Michael Conners (29) of New Ross, Wexford, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at the Strand Road junction in Malahide. He was convicted and fined €300. Additionally, Conners was disqualified from driving for two years. The judge refused to reduce the charge to careless driving, citing the risk posed to a cyclist and motorist, and noted Conners' previous careless driving conviction as a significant factor in the decision.
James Whelan, 22, pleaded guilty before Swords District Court to driving without car tax, no NCT, failing to stop for a garda and using threatening and insulting behaviour on 18 February at Moylara Road, Balbriggan. Garda Louise Gernon stopped him, noting the car tax and NCT had expired, and Whelan shouted at her, telling her to 'stick the car up your arse' and to f**k off. He then drove off, requiring a tow truck to seize the vehicle from his home address. Whelan, who has four previous convictions and was addicted to benzodiazepines, apologized to the court and to Gernon. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to one month in prison, suspended for one year, for the threatening and insulting behaviour, disqualified him from driving for three months and fined him €600.