A 21-year-old man accused of breaching a barring order appeared in Tallaght District Court by video link from Cloverhill Prison. He claimed that a GP had not referred him for a psychiatric assessment, stating that his case was not unique enough. The judge ordered that the assessment be carried out, emphasizing that court directions must be followed. The defendant's mother was in court and expressed concern about her son's mental health, stating that medication was not sufficient. She told her son to keep his head down and do his bit, saying she was doing her job as a mum. The judge remanded the man in custody until July 27 to allow the psychiatric report to be completed. The case highlights the importance of following court orders and the challenges faced by families in accessing appropriate medical care for their loved ones.
A separated husband was spared a conviction despite allegations that he threatened to throw his former wife out of a window. The court decided against conviction after hearing that the man would not be able to travel to the US for work if he had a criminal record. The woman alleged that the defendant repeatedly pressured her to drop the protection order and threatened to throw her out the window. However, the court found that a conviction would have serious consequences for the defendant's livelihood, as he worked in a role closely connected with US companies. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant had no previous convictions and that both parties had moved on. He warned that nothing like this should ever happen again and struck out the case, leaving the man without a recorded conviction. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A serial offender with an 'appalling' 137 previous convictions has been given a fully suspended sentence for a series of theft and public order offences. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant, Margaret Connors (41), has struggled with addiction and has made efforts to address it. Connors pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen property, and public order offences. She stole alcohol and groceries from a supermarket and was found in possession of stolen items. Connors also admitted to stealing from a store and engaging in threatening behavior. She has a long criminal history and accepted responsibility for her actions. Her defense highlighted her addiction and homelessness. Judge Cooney acknowledged her difficult background and the impact of her addiction but warned that if she reoffended, she would face serious consequences. He suspended her sentences for 12 months, emphasizing that her recovery depends on her commitment.
Two women from West Dublin have avoided jail for stealing baby formula and other goods from a Tesco store in Tallaght, while a third woman's case was discharged on the condition of a donation to the poor box. Alina Muntean (21), Flora Muntean (27), and Sabina Munteanu (47) all pleaded guilty to stealing goods worth €290. Security staff detained them after they passed payment points without paying. CCTV footage confirmed the theft, and the stolen items were recovered and returned to the store. One woman was arrested at the scene, while the other two, who had children with them, attended a garda station the following day. Alina Muntean had no previous convictions and expressed remorse. Judge Peter White directed her to make a €200 donation to the poor box and remanded the matter. Flora Muntean, who had two previous convictions, was given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200. Sabina Munteanu, who had two previous convictions, was also given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200.
A judge has dismissed a claim that Stephen Dowling, a boxing instructor, breached the conditions of a suspended sentence imposed for threatening his former girlfriend and her fiancé with a hammer. Dowling was accused of calling his former girlfriend a 'fucking snitch' and raising his middle finger at her during an encounter outside a shopping centre. The court heard conflicting accounts of the incident, with Dowling denying the allegations. CCTV footage was played, but the judge was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged breach had occurred. The suspended sentence remains in place, and the judge warned Dowling not to return to court. Dowling had previously been convicted of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury and threatening to kill or cause serious harm.
Theresa O'Reilly, a woman who threatened to burn down another woman's mother's house and take a lump hammer to her head during a row over an e-scooter, has avoided a jail sentence. O'Reilly pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or seriously harm the woman and her family, and demanding €500. She has 13 previous convictions, including several under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The court heard that O'Reilly was under pressure at the time and was deeply remorseful for her actions. Judge Peter White imposed three six-month prison sentences, all suspended in full for 18 months, on conditions that O'Reilly keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The judge acknowledged the stressful period in O'Reilly's life but noted that the offences were serious and not idle threats.
A car wash owner who shouted "I am tiger" and attacked two people during a dispute over parking spaces at a south Dublin coffee dock has been given a suspended jail sentence and ordered to carry out community service. Ismail Tamar, 42, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm and a public order offence. The court heard that the trouble began after a dispute over where a Mercedes Sprinter van had parked near a coffee truck adjoining Tamar's car wash business. The van driver told the court that Tamar approached him swearing and shouting expletives, and later pointed a high-pressure power washer directly into his face while continuing to shout abuse. Tamar was seen punching the van driver in the face, ears, and body. A friend of the van driver described seeing Tamar point the power washer at the driver before punches were thrown. Garda Colm Walsh told the court that he arrived shortly after 1.15pm and saw Tamar throwing punches through the window of a car.
A prisoner who stole €200 from a south Dublin supermarket has been sentenced to 10 months in prison. David Cummins (37), who is currently serving a sentence at Cloverhill Prison, pleaded guilty to theft at SuperValu, Knocklyon Shopping Centre, on April 16, 2023. Gardaí said Cummins took the money from the till by putting his hand behind the counter. He was identified following inquiries after reports of a suspicious male in the area. The court heard that Cummins has over 80 previous convictions and that he had a difficult upbringing in Ballymun. His father died suddenly in 2004, and he suffered a serious road traffic accident that left him with a brain injury and ongoing side effects affecting his decision-making. He turned to drugs and is currently in prison. His defence asked the court to be as lenient as possible, noting his guilty plea. Judge John King imposed a 10-month sentence, backdated to May 8, to run concurrently with his current sentence.
A 42-year-old man was convicted of breaching a safety order after calling his former partner a 'tramp' and making an offensive gesture at a food market. The victim, who was with her new partner and children, stated that the accused drove through the car park, passed her, and made the offensive remarks. The accused denied the allegations, claiming he had gone to the market to buy an air-conditioning unit and had not made any offensive gestures. The court found the victim's evidence credible and convicted the accused. The judge noted that the incident was at the lower end of domestic violence but emphasized that all such cases are serious. The accused, who was already serving a suspended sentence, was ordered to undergo a community service suitability report. The defense highlighted the accused's willingness to engage with the MOVE programme and his part-time work. The unnamed 42-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A father of four who became aggressive on St Patrick's Day after watching Liverpool lose the Carabao Cup final has received the benefit of the Probation Act. Jonathan Lambe (38) pleaded guilty to public order offences at Tallaght District Court. Gardai arrived at the venue after reports that Lambe had been aggressive towards staff and verbally abusive to a member of the public. His defence said he had "far too much to drink" and was disappointed about Liverpool's loss. Judge John Brennan noted the guilty plea and gave Lambe the benefit of the Probation Act, meaning no conviction was recorded. After the judge made a comment about supporting Liverpool, Lambe laughed and raised his fist in the air, saying: "Yeah, the real Reds.
A 34-year-old security guard pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to sexually assaulting a cleaner at the Irish head office of a multinational company on 22 August 2023. The defendant, who resides in Dublin 8 and cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, admitted to the charges. Garda Andrew Crowley told Judge Aine Clancy that the accused approached the victim while she looked out a window, placed his hands on her hips, and ground against her from behind. He subsequently followed her into a kitchen area where he stroked her inner thigh. A third incident occurred later that day when the defendant followed the victim into a lift, remaining inside after she exited to dispose of rubbish in the basement. Defence counsel Ethan Foley BL stated the defendant accepted there was no excuse for his conduct, described him as highly apologetic, and suggested restorative justice. Judge Clancy rejected this proposal, noting it could be traumatic for the injured party. She characterized the three separate incidents as towards the upper end of seriousness. The matter was adjourned to 10 July for sentencing, with the judge ordering a probation report to be prepared in the interim.
A man who repeatedly told gardaí to "f*** off" and claimed he was homeless and could do what he wanted has been granted the benefit of the Probation Act. Owan Tabi (44), of no fixed abode, was before Tallaght District Court on charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and failing to comply with a garda direction at Nutgrove Office Park, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14, on August 20, 2025. Garda Brian Fogarty stated that gardaí were called after a man was reported being verbally abusive towards a member of staff. Upon arrival, gardaí heard the accused using abusive language and repeatedly telling them to "f*** off". The accused claimed he was homeless and could do what he wanted. Garda Fogarty said he directed the accused to leave the area, but he refused and continued using abusive language. The accused said he suffered from depression and anxiety and had wanted to be left alone. He claimed he approached the garda patrol car to make a complaint and was not abusive to gardaí. Owan Tabi pleaded not guilty.
A man in his 30s who sent threatening voice messages to his former partner, breaching a protection order, has been given a two-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Gardai informed Tallaght District Court that on August 9, 2023, the man sent threatening voice notes to the mother of his children, which put her in fear and violated a protection order issued on November 9, 2022. The defendant pleaded guilty to breaching the protection order under the Domestic Violence Act, 2018. Judge Liz Healy noted that a probation report on the defendant was not as positive as it could have been, raising concerns about his engagement with services and his views on intimate partner violence. The man explained that he missed appointments due to moving house and not receiving letters. Defence counsel, Ciara Ní Ghabhann BL, stated that her client did not intend to come across in that way and suggested the Probation Service may have misunderstood him. Judge Healy emphasized that engagement with services such as the MOVE Ireland programme could help address these issues.
Judge John Brennan described as a very sad situation the case of a long-term couple heard at Tallaght District Court after a woman said her partner breached a protection order and insulted her. The judge accepted her evidence that she was followed into a kitchen and called vicious and a bitch. Taking account of the accused's age, health and lack of previous convictions, he applied section 1(1) of the Probation of Offenders Act and said he was satisfied the accused had learned his lesson.
Housseyn Chaoui admitted criminal damage and public-order offences after pushing a shopping trolley into Aldi's glass entrance at Belgard Road, Tallaght, when he discovered he was barred. Judge Peter White described the reaction as foolish and juvenile and suspended a two-month prison sentence for 12 months. Housseyn Chaoui pleaded guilty.
Eduard Hupalov was fined €300 and disqualified from driving for two years after pleading guilty to drink driving on Belgard Road. Gardaí said he had glassy eyes and slurred speech, while testing found 61mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath within three hours of driving. Eduard Hupalov was convicted.
Ahmet Ramic, 26, of Tallaght, Dublin 24, was sentenced at Tallaght District Court after pleading guilty to driving without a licence and dangerous driving at Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, on January 22, 2025. The incident involved Ramic speeding past an unmarked Garda patrol car before crashing into a ditch. Judge Brendan O'Reilly noted that Ramic had three previous convictions, including two for lack of insurance, but accepted that he had completed a restorative justice road safety programme and secured employment. For the charge of driving without a licence, the court imposed a €1,000 fine, a one-month driving disqualification, and a four-month custodial sentence suspended for two years. Regarding the dangerous driving allegation, the judge convicted Ramic of the lesser offence of careless driving and imposed a €4,000 fine, payable within 12 months. The judge highlighted the serious consequences of road danger, noting 36 deaths on Irish roads this year, while acknowledging Ramic's cooperation and immediate apology at the scene. A recognisance of €300 cash was fixed in the event of an appeal. The proceedings concluded with these specific fines, disqualifications, and suspended sentences being handed down.
Paul McCarton pleaded guilty to offences including possessing articles for use in theft, handling stolen property, possessing a knife, theft and public order offences in Tallaght. Judge Áine Shannon ordered probation and welfare reports and a restorative justice assessment before sentencing.
Lisa Gannon was granted bail after being charged with theft alleged to involve €256 of clothing from Penneys at The Square Shopping Centre. Her bail requires her to stay away from the shopping centre, and the case was adjourned to the Criminal Courts of Justice.
Brian Carroll was convicted of exposing his genitals to a customer at a Three store in Nutgrove and received a five-month prison sentence suspended in full for 12 months at Tallaght District Court. Brian Carroll pleaded not guilty.
Michael Doran, 39, of Whitechurch Way, Ballyboden, Dublin 16, was refused bail after being accused of trying to take a car at a Circle K garage. He faces charges of unauthorised taking, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and criminal damage. Judge Áine Clancy ordered him into custody pending a Cloverhill District Court appearance.
Haitham Nofal was fined €800 for driving an uninsured KuKirin e-scooter without a licence and refusing to provide his address. Nofal, who works as a barber, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to the charges. The court heard that the e-scooter, which could travel at more than 20km/h, required a driving licence and insurance. Nofal claimed he was unaware of the legal requirements and had not realized the scooter was illegal. He is preparing for his driving theory test and was willing to complete a driver awareness course. Judge Miriam Walsh imposed fines for driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and refusing to provide his address. Nofal was spared from disqualification, and the fines were set with payment periods.
A woman who was drunk and disruptive in the accident and emergency department at Tallaght University Hospital has been given a suspended sentence. Kimberly Riordan (33), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to a public order offence. On 10 December last year, she was abusive towards security staff, was intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, and slurring her words, leading to gardaí being called. The court heard that Riordan has around 120 previous convictions, many alcohol-related, and is currently in custody serving a sentence for public order and theft offences, with a release date in May. Defence counsel said she was remorseful and had not consumed alcohol since being in custody. Riordan told the judge she was feeling shaky due to the lack of alcohol. She had previously engaged with the Simon Community and residential treatment but relapsed after a temporary release. She remains welcome to return to treatment. Counsel said she had worked in pubs, which contributed to her alcohol issues, and she would not return to that type of work.
A repeat offender, Liam Houston (40), of Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, has had an additional five months added to his prison sentence for cocaine offences. Houston pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply and simple possession before Judge Peter White at Tallaght District Court. The court heard that Houston was found in possession of cocaine valued at €550 in November 2019. He has a history of 55 previous convictions, including one drug conviction. Judge White imposed a five-month prison sentence for the Section 15 offence, which will run consecutively to a four-year prison term for assault offences he has been serving since May 2024. The simple possession offence was dealt with under the Probation Act. Houston is currently serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison.
An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court. Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025. Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station. Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question. Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.
Sharon Shadiya (22), of Drumcairn Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to a money laundering offence arising from an incident on June 15, 2023. The court heard that €1,700 was credited to Shadiya's Revolut account before being transferred on to another account. Shadiya admitted allowing the proceeds of criminal conduct to pass through her Revolut account, contrary to section 7(1)(a)(ii), section 7(1)(b) and section 7(3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. Detective Sergeant Mick Ormsby informed the court that the two injured parties had since been reimbursed by their banks. Defence solicitor, Michael Hennessy, stated that Shadiya was 20 years old at the time of the offence and has no previous convictions. He said Shadiya was taken advantage of by a male friend, who told her he needed to use her Revolut account to make a purchase online. Mr Hennessy said the matter before the court was one of recklessness rather than knowledge, and that his client had no awareness of the wider fraud involved. He said Shadiya had made a full admission to her limited role, was fully co-operative and had shown genuine remorse, offering an unreserved apology to those who lost money. The court heard that Shadiya works as a care assistant in private home-care and is of good character with a strong work ethic and good prospects for the future. Judge Karen Dowling accepted jurisdiction in the case and adjourned it to April 13 next for the preparation of a probation report.
A money mule who allowed scammers to channel almost €3,000 through his Revolut account during two "smishing" frauds has been directed to the Restorative Justice Programme. Josh Pope (22) of Priorsgate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in handling the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that two separate "smishing" scams in April 2023 resulted in €2,946 being lodged into Pope's Revolut account. One injured party lost €711, while a second victim lost €2,235 after receiving fraudulent text messages and supplying their bank details. Pope had been offered €200 to allow his account to be used and had shown "sympathy" for the victims in his victim impact statement. He is currently studying culinary arts at Maynooth and has no previous convictions. Judge Karen Dowling directed Pope to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme and adjourned the matter to 3 April for an updated report, when the matter is expected to be finalised.
A 60-year-old man is accused of threatening to behead his 91-year-old father during an alleged incident at their home in Rathfarnham earlier this year. Joe Kenny, of Glendoher Drive, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with assaulting his father and causing him harm. He is also accused of producing a knife during the incident in a way that was likely to intimidate. The alleged incident occurred on 21 February last, following which Gardaí were called to the house after reports that the accused had threatened to 'cut the head off' his father during a row. Officers found the 91-year-old man had sustained a laceration to the skin on his neck, which bled but was not classified as a serious injury. It was alleged that the accused had held a six-inch carving knife to his father's throat during the incident. However, the alleged injured party withdrew his statement on 29 November, and the DPP must now consider how the prosecution is to proceed. Judge Patricia McNamara refused jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the charges.
A judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a man accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old boy in a gym changing room. Judge Karen Dowling ruled that the allegation was too serious to be dealt with at the District Court level. The incident occurred on 5 April last year, when the accused allegedly grabbed the boy's genitals over his trousers while smirking. The victim immediately informed staff, and Gardaí were contacted. CCTV footage was obtained, leading to the accused's arrest and interview. Judge Dowling stated that the seriousness of the allegation required the case to be heard in the Circuit Court. The matter was adjourned for six weeks to prepare a book of evidence. The charge relates to an incident under Section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) (Amendment) Act 1990, as amended by Section 37 of the Sex Offenders Act 2001.
Brian Carroll, 30, of South Circular Road, Dublin 8, was convicted at Tallaght District Court of exposing his genitals to a customer at Nutgrove Shopping Centre on 28 June 2023. The offence, contrary to section 45 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017, was alleged to have occurred when the woman returned to a Three mobile phone store for a follow-up. She testified that Carroll asked her to move around the counter to view an iPad screen, during which she saw his erect penis. Carroll pleaded not guilty, denying the incident occurred and stating he was wearing shorts and a branded T-shirt. He argued there was no possible way the complainant could have seen anything from her position. Defence counsel Seoirse Fennessy BL argued there was no evidence of intent to cause fear or distress, noting Carroll's cooperation in attempting to retrieve CCTV footage, which was unavailable due to a full hard drive. The prosecution contended that intent could be inferred from Carroll's actions. Judge Patricia McNamara found the complainant credible and satisfied to convict Carroll. The matter was adjourned to allow the woman to prepare a victim impact report and for a pre-sentencing probation report to assess Carroll's risk of reoffending. The judge warned Carroll not to come to the attention of Gardaí in the meantime. The case was put back for sentencing on 19 February.
A banned roads offender has been fined after giving gardaí a false address when they responded to a traffic collision in Tallaght. Kevi Kabeya (35) of Highfield West, College Road, Cork, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to providing false information to a Garda and failing to produce a driving licence. The incident occurred on 30 October last year when gardaí attended a collision involving Kabeya's blue Mercedes. Kabeya gave a false address and failed to produce his licence, despite being a banned driver with 18 previous convictions. His solicitor stated that Kabeya had not intended to deceive gardaí and was unsure of his address at the time. Judge Áine Clancy fined Kabeya €300 for failing to produce his licence and €500 for providing false details, with payment terms of six and 12 months respectively.
Bridget McDonagh and Catriona McDonnell, both of Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to holding an unauthorised collection and acting as collectors without a permit at Rosemount Shopping Centre, Rathfarnham, on 8 November 2024. Garda Elaine Phelan reported that the women were collecting donations while wearing Alzheimer Society of Ireland branded bibs and using a branded bucket, despite the charity having no scheduled event in the area. The women could not produce a Garda permit, and the bucket, which contained coins, was seized. Defence solicitor Padraig O'Donovan stated the women believed they were authorised to collect for a charity coffee morning after correspondence with the Alzheimer Society, though they did not realise a permit was required. The court noted that McDonagh has no previous convictions, while McDonnell has a 2010 conviction concerning a false instrument. Judge Áine Clancy ordered the seized money to be forfeited to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Regarding sentencing, Judge Clancy described the case as "a difficult one." She convicted McDonnell and fined her €350, allowing 12 months to pay. For McDonagh, the Judge granted the benefit of the Probation Act under Section 1(1), leaving her without a conviction.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
A woman in her 40s has had a year added to her prison sentence after admitting to a series of alcohol-related public-order offences, including an incident where she tried to bite and head-butt a garda. The woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges before Tallaght District Court, where Judge Patricia McNamara noted the numerous matters before her. The new terms will run consecutively to the custodial sentence she has been serving since September 2025. The offending spanned from early 2023 to late 2024 and involved repeated incidents of intoxication, abuse, and disturbances on her residential road. Defence counsel highlighted that the woman is a full-time carer for her mother with dementia and has struggled to remain in residential addiction treatment. Judge McNamara expressed disappointment that the woman has not been able to address her alcohol addiction. The most serious incident involved the woman attempting to bite and head-butt Garda Conor Lavin. Judge McNamara imposed a five-month sentence for this incident, along with additional terms for other incidents. The total additional 12 months was ordered to run consecutively to her existing sentence.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.
On 22 January 2025, Ahmed Ramic, 26, of Brookview Court, Tallaght, crashed a DriveYou car‑sharing vehicle into a ditch on Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, after Garda Mark Cullen, in an unmarked patrol car, attempted to stop it. Cullen had been patrolling because several DriveYou cars had been reported stolen. He followed the vehicle for about a minute at speed before it left the road and crashed. Ramic had initially pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving under section 53, but the court accepted a plea to the lesser section 52 careless driving charge. Defence counsel argued Ramic was unaware of the unmarked Garda car and that the vehicle belonged to his former girlfriend's father. The court found the driving reached the threshold for careless but not dangerous driving, spared Ramic a second disqualification, and remanded him to a restorative‑justice driving‑awareness programme with the case adjourned to 13 February. The judge noted Ramic's remorse and disappointment.
On 22 March, Stephen Hall, 40, was arrested near the Cheeverstown Luas stop after Gardaí observed him leaving the Glenveagh Properties building site with a stolen generator. The generator, valued at about €500, had been taken minutes earlier. Hall pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen generator, trespassing on the site and having cannabis at locations in Tallaght. Gardaí also found a small amount of suspected cannabis worth €20. He was remanded to Green Street courthouse for a drug‑treatment programme and probation assessment.
On 9 March 2025, Darren Longworth, a 40‑year‑old tradesman from Tallaght, was found by a Garda in a car park carrying two Stanley blades—one in his work belt and one loose in a pocket. He was arrested and charged with possession of a knife under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. Longworth explained that he was a multi‑skilled tradesman who had been working that day and was living in his van, using it as both accommodation and a storage space for his tools. He claimed the blades were standard work equipment and that a larger switch‑blade tool was stored inside the van. His solicitor argued that the blades were consistent with his trade gear. Judge Patricia McNamara, after considering that Longworth had been working earlier, was wearing his work belt, and that his living circumstances made it natural for tools to be on him, dismissed the knife possession charge.
On 18 March, 31‑year‑old nurse Theophilus Annum Tetty, of Mulgrave Street, Dún Laoghaire, was arrested for a public order offence after becoming intoxicated on the N81 Tallaght Bypass. He was taken to Tallaght Garda Station where he became aggressive, spat at the Perspex screen of the public counter hatch and caused damage. The court heard that the incident led to two charges: criminal damage and violent behaviour in a garda station. Defence counsel said Tetty was experiencing an acute period of intense stress, which contributed to his conduct. He has no prior convictions and works as a nurse. The judge, Patricia McNamara, noted his clean record, cooperation and medical circumstances, and warned him to "stay out of trouble". She ordered him to engage with restorative justice services, to pay €150 compensation to the station, and to submit a full medical report. He remains on continuing bail until 16 January, when his progress will be reviewed.
Atilas Misevicius, 24, of Montpellier View, Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to multiple counts of possession and possession for sale or supply of heroin and cocaine, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Acts. The court heard that gardaí searched his home on 2 February and found 20 small bags of cocaine with an estimated street value of €210, along with €500 in cash. Misevicius accepted responsibility when questioned. The court also noted that he had previously been found with heroin and cocaine worth €1,000 at the same address on 1 May 2024. Defending solicitor Michael Hennessy stated that his client had taken responsibility at the earliest opportunity. Mr Hennessy told the court that Misevicius, who is originally from Latvia but has lived in Ireland all his life, had been homeless between the ages of 19 and 22. Counsel said his client has since moved away from the Tallaght area, secured a job with an international delivery company, and now has a one-year-old child. Mr Hennessy added that Misevicius had been using cocaine while living in hostels but is no longer taking drugs, and that he has no previous convictions. Judge Patricia McNamara ordered a probation report and remanded Misevicius on continuing bail to appear again at Tallaght District Court on 16 January next.
A 44-year-old painter decorator, Gary Newman of St James Road, Walkinstown, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to drug-driving on Kimmage Road West on 11 February, 2022. The charge was admitted, and the plea was guilty. Garda Dylan O'Malley informed the court that Newman was stopped by gardai after his car, which had no relevant discs displayed, was observed driving in the Crumlin area. Newman was on a learner permit and failed a roadside drug test. A blood sample later confirmed the presence of cocaine in his system. The court heard that Newman had relapsed following personal traumas, including the death of his grandmother and the loss of a child. Since the incident, Newman has completed treatment at St John of God's, is attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and has been drug-free for the past year. His solicitor stated that Newman is working full-time, is single but in a relationship, and needs to drive for his job. Judge Karen Dowling acknowledged Newman's progress and directed him to continue engagement with support services and complete a driving awareness course. She ordered a probation report and adjourned the case to 6 February, 2026, for finalisation.
Olga Pegasoua, a 46-year-old woman from Lucan, was convicted at Tallaght District Court of refusing to provide a specimen under the Road Traffic Act. The case concerned an incident on 27 March 2021, where Garda Shauna Higgins observed Pegasoua driving a swerving silver Nissan with a dented bumper. After arresting her for suspected intoxication, Pegasoua arrived at Tallaght Garda Station. Although she initially opted to provide a urine sample, she poured it down the toilet and subsequently refused to provide a blood sample. Judge Karen Dowling rejected the defence argument that the prosecution could not rely on interpreter testimony, finding a case to answer based on the garda's observations and Pegasoua's conduct. Pegasoua, who did not appear in court, was found guilty. The judge stated she had no choice but to impose the mandatory four-year driving disqualification. Pegasoua was fined €500, with five months granted to pay, and a €200 recognisance was set. The judge agreed to defer the start of the driving ban by four weeks to allow Pegasoua to make necessary arrangements. The court noted Pegasoua is a single mother with no previous convictions, who works as a cleaner and suffers from anxiety and kidney issues.
On 9 February a 50‑year‑old man named Shane Berkeley, of Knockmore Crescent, Tallaght, caused a drunken outburst at the Plaza Hotel, Tallaght. He was seen pacing the corridor, topless and barefoot, smelling strongly of alcohol and described as a danger to himself and others. He attempted to re‑enter his locked room, then struck a staff member twice in the face and grabbed him by the shirt before being restrained. Gardaí arrested him and he was taken to Tallaght Garda Station, where officers noted he was extremely intoxicated. A chair worth €200 was broken in his room. Berkeley pleaded guilty to criminal damage, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and being intoxicated in a public place. He repaid the €200, withdrew assault charges, and apologised to the staff member. Judge Patricia McNamara directed him to a restorative justice programme and adjourned the case to 16 January 2026 for finalisation.
Lisa Clarke, 51, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court for driving with excess alcohol after her white Nissan Juke overturned near a childcare centre on Ballymount Road on 11 April. Gardaí found her beside the car, smelling strongly of alcohol, with a blood alcohol concentration of 155 mg per 100 ml, more than three times the legal limit. She is a healthcare assistant and carer, with no prior convictions, who said she had been coping with a marital breakdown and mental health struggles. Judge Patricia McNamara told Clarke she was "very fortunate" to have avoided serious injury or death, questioned whether she had an alcohol problem, and directed her to obtain a medical report and urine analysis to prove she no longer drinks. The judge noted a minimum three‑year disqualification and adjourned the case to 12 December for finalisation.
Stephen Dowling, a 33‑year‑old boxing instructor from Dublin, was convicted at Tallaght District Court on three counts: producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury, and two counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm. The offences stemmed from an incident on 4 May 2024 at a Circle K service station on Ballyboden Road, where Dowling approached a parked car containing his former girlfriend and her fiancé. He allegedly brandished a hammer from his jacket pocket and shouted threats such as "I'll bash our heads in." Witnesses described the encounter as frightening, noting Dowling's boxing background and the proximity of the hammer. Dowling denied the allegations. The court sentenced him to three concurrent 11‑month terms, each suspended for two years, and imposed a no‑contact order with the victims. No prior convictions were recorded. The judge emphasised that carrying a hammer and threatening people was unacceptable. Stephen Dowling pleaded not guilty.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing, a man accused of breaching a safety order by sending messages to his teenage son on a PlayStation was found not to have a valid case. Judge Patricia McNamara struck the case out after determining the safety order dated 10 February 2022 lacked a judge's signature and contained a handwritten condition with illegible initials, rendering it legally ineffective. The prosecution's evidence relied on screenshots of PlayStation messages that could not be verified because the console had never been examined by gardaí. The messages, which included Star Wars references such as "I'm your father, don't forget" and "You don't know the power of the dark side," were deemed unreliable. The judge concluded there was no case to answer and dismissed the proceedings. The unnamed accused had the case struck out.
Maria Moldovan, 51, pleaded guilty to stealing €610 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores on 7 February and €300 worth of clothing from Penneys on 3 May 2024. Security staff stopped her after she placed items in bags and left without paying; Gardaí arrested her at the scene and she was taken to Tallaght Garda station. The items were recovered in resaleable condition. Moldovan, originally from Romania and living in Ireland for ten years, has no prior convictions. She claimed she "didn't know what came over her." The court ordered a probation report and adjourned sentencing to 9 January 2026.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing on 10 October 2025, Judge Áine Shannon dismissed a Section 6 Public Order charge against 64‑year‑old Míceál MacGiobúin of Belmont Park, Donnybrook. MacGiobúin had pleaded not guilty to allegations that he used threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour with intent to cause a breach of the peace during a protest outside the Russian Embassy on Orwell Road, Rathgar, on 11 October 2024. Garda Sophie Gummerson testified that she saw MacGiobúin walking near the embassy carrying a placard and shouting slogans such as "Nazi war criminal – get out of Ireland and get out of Ukraine" and "Putin will put you in his meat mincer" towards embassy employee Igor Koliara, who reported feeling intimidated. MacGiobúin, who represented himself, claimed his protest was passionate but peaceful and denied any threatening intent. CCTV footage reviewed by the judge showed MacGiobúin walking at a steady pace, not running or lunging.
Two men, Craig Hayes, 27, and Jason Dunne, 35, appeared before Tallaght District Court charged with attempting to murder Thomas McDonnell at Cookstown Cottages, Cookstown Lane, Tallaght, on 3 December 2021. Hayes was arrested at 7am at Cushlawn Park and charged at 9.46am; he made no reply when cautioned. Dunne was arrested at 11.28am, brought to Tallaght Garda Station, and replied "no comment" when charged and cautioned. Both men were remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on 14 October via video link.
In Tallaght District Court, Gary Brogan, 27, pleaded guilty to drink‑driving, careless driving, driving without insurance and without a licence after his Yamaha quad bike collided with a Nissan Qashqai carrying three young children on 18 August 2023. The collision occurred as the car was turning right; none of the passengers were injured, but Brogan sustained a broken collarbone and kneecap. A urine test at Tallaght University Hospital showed 207 mg of alcohol per 100 ml, exceeding the legal limit. Brogan could not produce a licence or insurance documents. He admitted no memory of the crash, apologized, and had no prior road‑traffic convictions, only minor public‑order and trespassing offences. Judge Patricia McNamara fined him €500 payable over five months and disqualified him from driving for a mandatory minimum of three years, citing the seriousness of the offence and the need for a wake‑up call.