Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
A man in his 20s who threatened to throw acid in his wife's face, called her a 'fat bitch,' and punched her in the stomach while she was pregnant has been jailed for three and a half years for sexual assault and coercive control. The Central Criminal Court heard that the man had a history of abusive behavior, including kicking and punching his wife before they married. During their marriage, he continued to use derogatory language and physically abused her, even threatening her life. The woman described the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse, including feelings of betrayal and the lasting emotional scars. The man was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and coercive control. The judge noted the severity of the abuse and the impact on the victim's life, but also considered the man's early guilty plea and cooperation with the gardai. The sentence was backdated to April 23 of this year.
A 51-year-old man from Offaly has been jailed for 11 years for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl over a 12-month period. The abuse occurred while the girl and her family were living with her grandparents. The girl disclosed the abuse to her mother when she was eight, and the man was later convicted of 12 counts of oral rape. The court heard that the man had an intellectual disability due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in childhood, but the judge ruled that this did not affect his culpability. The victim's parents expressed their support for their daughter and emphasized that the abuse was not her fault. The judge noted the breach of trust, the girl's age, and the prolonged nature of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man was sentenced to 11 years, with five years of post-release supervision. The judge expressed hope that the girl would be able to move forward with the support of her family.
Tom Hassett, a retired post office manager, has been jailed for eight years for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in the 1980s. Hassett was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault following a trial. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including her relationships, mental health, and confidence. She stated that the abuse had shaped her experiences and that she had carried the burden of the secret for many years. The judge, Mr Justice David Keane, noted the high breach of trust involved in the case and the significant harm caused to the victim. He imposed a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes but reduced it to eight years, taking into account Hassett's age, health, and otherwise good character. The victim expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that it confirmed the wrongfulness of the acts and that she was finally heard. Hassett denied the charges and was represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, who highlighted his work history and family life.
A man who was 18 when he raped a 15-year-old girl during a birthday party has been jailed for seven years. Patrick Faulkner (24) was convicted of rape after a trial in Limerick. The victim, who wished to waive her anonymity, told the court that Faulkner told her to get the morning after pill after the attack. The victim was at the party with friends and had consumed alcohol. Faulkner followed her upstairs and raped her despite her repeated protests. The victim later told a friend she had been raped and sent a message to a Snapchat group. Faulkner denied the charge, claiming the girl consented. He has previous convictions for harassment and public order offences. The judge noted the victim's mental trauma and the lack of mitigation due to Faulkner's denial. The sentence was reduced from eight and a half years to seven and a half years, taking into account his cooperation with the investigation and his young age at the time of the offence.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, a violent rapist who was released from a 10-year sentence in 2024, raped another woman just a year later. Gharib was found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting Christina Foley in a builders' shed in Dublin. The victim was arrested while trying to report the incident at a garda station and later suffered from anxiety and trauma. Gharib had previously been jailed for 10 years in 2018 for raping a student. The court heard that Gharib had a history of criminal behaviour and was released in January 2024. The victim, who waived her anonymity, expressed the impact of the crime on her life and thanked the gardaí and legal team for their support. Gharib's defence argued that he did not accept the verdict but acknowledged the victim's vindication. The court will sentence Gharib later this month.
Seamus O'Hara, a 78-year-old man from Limavady, Derry, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court to concurrent terms totalling ten years imprisonment. In March, a jury convicted him of one count of rape and 35 counts of indecent assault of a child, who was aged between six and 12, at his former family home in Donegal between 1976 and 1983. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the conduct as a "prolonged and orchestrated campaign of sexual abuse" involving grooming-type behaviour. During the sentencing, O'Hara turned to the victim and said, "shame on you," remarks the judge dismissed, stating O'Hara was the one who should be ashamed. The judge noted the severe, lasting impact on the victim, including isolation and mental health issues, while acknowledging the delay in the proceedings. In mitigation, the court considered O'Hara's age, health, and work history. O'Hara has previous convictions in Ireland and Northern Ireland for offences including assault, drink driving, and possession of a firearm. His defence counsel, James McGowan SC, stated O'Hara does not accept the verdict and requested to serve his sentence closer to Derry. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the ten-year custodial sentence.
Gerard McCarthy, 64, of Clonlost, Killucan, Co. Westmeath, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to 24 sample counts of rape and 24 sample counts of indecent assault. The offences, which occurred between 1979 and 1985, were committed against his niece, Catriona Mahon, when she was aged between seven and 13. Mr Justice David Keane imposed a sentence of seven years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions for two years. The judge directed McCarthy to participate in a sexual offender's rehabilitation programme if deemed suitable and imposed a two-year post-release supervision order. Aggravating factors included the high degree of breach of trust, the victim's age and defencelessness, and the persistent nature of the offending. Mitigating factors included McCarthy's early admissions of guilt, his signed guilty pleas at the District Court, and his lack of previous convictions. The court acknowledged the victim's courage in coming forward after four decades of silence. McCarthy's defence counsel highlighted his cooperation, medical issues, and a letter of apology expressing shame. The judge affirmed that the shame lay solely with the convicted man and wished the victim well in her recovery.
In the Central Criminal Court, the jury heard that Derek Boyd, who was on a suspended sentence for a prior shooting, allegedly stabbed Mark Carroll to death on 9 June 2024. Boyd's partner, Chantelle Harcourt, is accused of trying to clean the scene before Gardaí arrived. Witness Megan Rock testified that she, Mark, Boyd and another person drank cocaine in Boyd's garden on 8 June, left after Boyd told them to leave, and later returned to the house to see if they could stay the night. Rock said she saw Mark running out of the house with blood on his chest. She also claimed Boyd had pulled her by the hair and threatened her. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
A serial criminal, Keith Hall, was released from prison for his role in the 2012 manslaughter of Melanie McCarthy-McNamara when he committed arson and robbery in 2025. Hall had previously been sentenced to 20 years for the manslaughter, which was later reduced. The court heard that Hall was involved in events leading up to the shooting, including agreeing to throw a rock to entice people out of a house. In 2025, Hall was caught on CCTV setting a car ablaze and later robbed a Halfords store. He was identified as one of the suspects and had a history of 112 previous convictions. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hall's high risk of re-offending but acknowledged his cooperation with the Probation Service. She imposed concurrent sentences of three years and six months, with the final six months suspended on the condition that Hall engage with the Probation Service.
Tomasz Rozpeda, a Polish national, has been sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after killing his friend, Maciej Nowak, on St Stephen's Day three years ago. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nowak suffered 27 injuries to his head and neck, with his brain twisting within his skull, indicating blunt force trauma from an object or flat surface. Rozpeda initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court was told that both men had consumed substances to excess that night, and that Nowak had a high level of amphetamines and alcohol in his system. Rozpeda's defence highlighted his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions in Ireland, while the court noted the tragic impact on Nowak's fiancée and children. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to six due to Rozpeda's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors. The case was complicated by the lack of clear evidence and the fact that Rozpeda had previously been in contact with Nowak's fiancée to inform her of the incident.
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for raping a 14-year-old girl in Co Meath in September 2022 and later mocking her with degrading social media messages. The man had previously met the girl through social media, where they chatted for about a year before the rape. During the attack, he told the girl that if she had screamed, he would choke her to death. The man also got a tattoo of the safe word they had agreed on, which he used as a reminder of the rape. In messages to an account set up by the girl's then-boyfriend, the man referred to the girl as a "slut" and said the tattoo was a reminder of her weakness. The court heard that the man had a history of consuming violent pornography, which led to distorted expectations around sex. The victim described the experience as a betrayal of trust and said she felt her vulnerability was mocked. She also expressed fear that she would never be loved again. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
A man who raped and sexually assaulted his younger cousin as a teenager has been jailed for five years. Paul O'Callaghan, now 57, was convicted of rape and indecent assault on multiple occasions between 1985 and 1986. The victim, who has since died, disclosed the abuse to her father in the late 1990s, and O'Callaghan expressed remorse and sought counseling. The victim made a formal complaint in 2016, and her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including alcohol addiction, nightmares, and mental health struggles. O'Callaghan's defense highlighted his guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. Judge Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the abuse, the young age of the victim, and the breach of trust as aggravating factors. He sentenced O'Callaghan to 12 years, reduced it to six years due to his age at the time of the offenses and mitigating factors, and suspended the final year on conditions.
An 81-year-old former teacher, Barra Connolly, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 97 sexual offences against four teenage pupils over 20 years ago. The Central Criminal Court in Waterford heard that Connolly was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, 73 counts of sexual assault, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The abuse occurred at his home in Chapel Street, Lismore, Co Waterford, between 1997 and 2006. The victims, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, were given keys to Connolly's house and subjected to various forms of abuse, including touching, oral and anal rape. Gardai discovered 984 items of child sexual abuse material on his devices. The court was told that the victims experienced long-term emotional and psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the jury's verdict. The judge noted the grooming of the boys and the prolonged duration of the abuse as aggravating factors.
Philip Dignam, a 41-year-old man from Wicklow, was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a sleeping woman and recording the incidents. He had previously received a suspended sentence for possessing child abuse material. The victim, Kathleen Morris, discovered the videos in 2022 when her former partner used her phone. Dignam claimed the woman had consented to the acts as part of a role-play, but the court found that the assaults occurred while she was asleep or unconscious. Justice Burns noted that Dignam had committed the offenses for his own sexual gratification and had breached the trust of his partner. The judge imposed a sentence of eight years, with the final year suspended on strict conditions. The victim waived her anonymity to encourage others to come forward, and Dignam expressed remorse for his actions.
Jenifer Devine, a mother of eight, was given a suspended sentence for withholding information about her husband's involvement in the murder of her brother-in-law. Devine had fled with her husband, Christopher Devine, who was later convicted of murder. The court heard that Devine was afraid of her husband, who was described as a 'snake' and had a history of significant violence. Devine pleaded guilty to withholding information during the four-day period following the murder. The judge noted that Devine was the sole carer for her two youngest children while her husband was serving a life sentence. The court acknowledged her mental distress and the chaotic living conditions she faced. The judge imposed an 18-month suspended sentence, taking into account her guilty plea, lack of recent convictions, and her role as a primary carer. The victim's family expressed a significant rift due to the incident, and Devine's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional toll on her and her family. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
Christopher Vaughan, a 63-year-old convicted rapist, was jailed for 13 years for sexually abusing a young girl in her home between 1996 and 1997. The victim described Vaughan as a monster and a coward, urging parents to watch for signs of abuse and teach children to speak out. Vaughan exploited the neglect in the victim's home, where her mother was an alcoholic and unable to protect her. He was violent towards the mother, contributing to a climate of fear. The abuse included two rapes and multiple sexual assaults, with Vaughan threatening to harm the mother and siblings. The abuse ended when the children were moved to their father's home. Vaughan denied the offences, but the court found him culpable, noting his prior rape conviction and the severity of the abuse. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and the need for awareness about child abuse. The court emphasized the need for justice and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
Christopher Judge was sentenced to life in prison for murdering 27-year-old Steven Ring, whose body was tied up and dumped in Carrigfoyle Quarry, Wexford. The Central Criminal Court heard that Judge had taken Ring's phone and offered it for sale while the search was under way. Judge pleaded guilty, while co-accused Jane Corcoran was jailed for six years after admitting she helped move the body. Linda Ring told the court her family would never forgive the murderer.
Two psychiatrists told the Central Criminal Court that Derek Mulligan was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia when he caused fatal injuries to his grandfather Derek Burns. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder, while the court also heard evidence that the release of Michael Ferry had caused him to 'spiral'; the trial continues.
Kevin Keenan has been jailed after pleading guilty to three sexual assaults on a teenage boy between 2004 and 2006. The Central Criminal Court heard Keenan used the victim's sexuality to blackmail and pressure him. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed five years and six months, suspending the final 18 months under strict conditions.
A 43-year-old man who pleaded guilty to anal rape of his wife at their family home in Co Waterford was sentenced to seven years, with the final year suspended for three years. The Central Criminal Court heard that he admitted guilt during trial after previously claiming the incident was consensual.
The Central Criminal Court heard that a teenager sexually abused and raped by his cousin had suffered a life-altering impact. The cousin pleaded guilty to eight counts of sexual assault and one count of anal rape, receiving three years with the final year suspended and three years on the sex offenders register.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has heard that the primary complainant, who is deaf, first made allegations after attending a health promotion course in 2017. The accused, aged between 32 and 55, face a combined total of 103 charges, with 98 counts pertaining to the main complainant. They are her four younger brothers and three uncles, all of whom deny wrongdoing. One man is further accused of abusing two of his younger sisters. An organiser of the course testified that the complainant asked to speak to him to report being harmed by several people. In cross-examination, he agreed she did not make allegations regarding three specific accused: her 55-year-old uncle (Accused A), her 45-year-old uncle (Accused G), and her 32-year-old brother (Accused F). Accused A is accused of one count of rape; Accused G of one count of rape; and Accused F of three counts of anal rape and two counts of rape. Accused B (48) is accused of eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the main complainant, plus one count of sexual assault and three counts of rape and anal rape against a second sister. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.
A 36-year-old man who raped his former partner in a hotel room and threatened to gouge her eyeball out with a spoon has been jailed for nine years. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim was left fearing for her life. The man was convicted of sexual assault, rape, and threats to kill the woman at a Dublin hotel. He has over 70 previous convictions, but no prior sexual offence convictions. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the intimate relationship between the pair was an aggravating factor and described the rape as 'appalling'. He imposed a headline sentence of 11 years, but suspended the final year for three years on condition the man remains under probation and undertakes recommended courses. The victim described how the crimes changed her life and left her in fear for her life. The man denied all offending at interview and initially claimed they had not had sex in the hotel. In her victim impact statement, the woman said she had washed her skin with bleach and was terrified to socialise.
Joseph Richards, 35, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Robert Sheridan, a 45-year-old father-of-two who was fatally shot at his Ballymun home in October 2018. Prosecutors alleged that Richards, who has 99 previous convictions, was "crack crazy" and acted for payment, enlisting someone known to the victim to lure him to the door. Sheridan, who had received a Garda Information Message warning of threats to his life, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the face. The court heard that Richards is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months. In mitigation, his counsel cited a traumatic upbringing, chronic drug addiction, and recent bereavement. Victim impact statements described the killing as a "cold-blooded execution" and detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by Sheridan's children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
A man who raped one woman, leaving her a 'fearful shell' of herself, and sexually assaulted another on the same night ten years ago has received a seven-year prison sentence. Luca Fox, 30, pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of one woman and was convicted of two counts of rape of another woman in Co Cork on October 21, 2015. The victim described the devastating impact the rapes had on her life, health, and relationships over the past decade. Fox, who was 20 at the time, was extremely drunk and assaulted both women in their beds. He has no previous convictions and issued an apology to both women through his counsel. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the aggravating factor of multiple offending and the location of the incidents, which should have been a place of safety. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a concurrent two-and-a-half-year sentence for the sexual assault.
A doctor, Waleed Mustafa, described the home invasion by Dean Hayes, 37, as a "miracle" he wasn't killed. Hayes, with 129 previous convictions, broke into Mustafa's home and stabbed him multiple times. Mustafa, who is originally from Sudan and works as a doctor in University Hospital Limerick, was attacked in his bedroom while watching YouTube. Hayes was armed with a knife and told Mustafa, "you ripped someone," before attacking him. Mustafa managed to escape through the back door but was stabbed in the head and abdomen. The victim described feeling "sheer terror" and said he was "extremely lucky" to be alive. Hayes was arrested the following day and had a history of burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. The court heard that Hayes had previously burgled the victim's neighbour's house. Mustafa has since experienced anxiety, hypertension, and sleep disturbances due to the attack.
A man convicted of sexually abusing three of his siblings has appealed his eight-year sentence as disproportionate. Gerry Harte, aged 72, of Tullynacrunat North, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecent assault against two younger sisters and a younger brother during the 1970s and 1980s. The Central Criminal Court imposed the sentence in October 2024. At the Court of Appeal, Harte's counsel argued the sentence breached proportionality principles, as the original charges fell under legislation carrying a maximum term of two years. The defence contended that imposing consecutive sentences both within and across victims effectively circumvented the statutory ceiling, resulting in a sentence four times the legal maximum. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the trial judge properly considered each victim's circumstances and the persistent nature of the offending. Justice Isobel Kennedy reserved judgment on the appeal.
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for four years for the defilement of a 16-year-old girl whom he plied with alcohol. The Central Criminal Court heard that the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of defilement of a child under the age of 17 on February 16, 2025, in Co Westmeath. The injured party was extremely intoxicated and fell unconscious after consuming alcohol with the defendant and his friend. She was found in a highly intoxicated state near her home, with cuts to her hands, and an ambulance was called. The girl was also examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. Gardai obtained CCTV footage, and the defendant was identified and arrested. A victim impact statement was read to the court, which spoke of the fear and anxiety she had experienced. The defendant arrived in Ireland in June 2024 seeking asylum and was living in an IPAS Centre at the time of the offence. A probation report stated that the defendant has taken full responsibility for his actions and is deeply ashamed.
A man from County Donegal has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to sexual assault charges. The defendant, now aged 41, pleaded guilty in October to four sample counts of sexual assault occurring within the family home between 2003 and 2005, when the victim was aged between 10 and 13 years and he was aged between 19 and 21. Justice Karen O'Connor noted the offending was premeditated and characterised by a significant breach of trust. The judge highlighted aggravating factors including the age disparity, the victim's isolation following disclosure, and the fractured family relationships that resulted. The victim delivered a statement to the court describing the lasting psychological impact and the loss of her childhood innocence. Justice O'Connor commended the victim's courage and voice. The defendant has no previous convictions. The sentence was backdated to his entry into custody.
A Dublin man who was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his girlfriend was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Austin Mangan (53) was found not guilty of the murder of Maud Coffey (41) after a psychiatric evaluation concluded that he was unable to refrain from committing the act. The court heard that Mangan had a long history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and had been treated with electroshock therapy. He had stopped taking his prescribed medication and had been drinking heavily before the incident. Mangan told psychiatrists that he believed the deceased was the devil and that he heard Lucifer laughing at him. The court accepted the defense's argument that Mangan was unable to control his actions due to his mental state. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict. The judge committed Mangan to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and ordered a psychiatric assessment.
A 64-year-old man, Richard O'Brien, who sexually abused and raped his sisters, niece, and daughters, is appealing his conviction, arguing that allowing victims to give evidence via video link was unfair. O'Brien was convicted of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against five victims between 1975 and 2011. His appeal focuses on the fairness of allowing some victims to give evidence by video link, as the defence claims the jury was deprived of seeing the witnesses in person. O'Brien's counsel argued that the medical reports did not justify the use of video link for some victims and that the lack of consent for certain rape counts was not adequately established. The prosecution countered that the judge had discretion in allowing video evidence and that the jury had an adequate opportunity to assess the witnesses' demeanour. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal.
A 25-year-old man, Thomas Osborne, has been jailed for nine years for subjecting a 12-year-old girl to a 'deeply traumatic series of sexual assaults' over a two-month period. Osborne, who pleaded guilty to oral rape, five counts of sexual assault, and inviting the girl to touch his penis, took advantage of being alone with the child and repeatedly assaulted her. The Central Criminal Court heard that the girl, who is entitled to anonymity, gave an articulate and moving account of the harm inflicted on her. Judge Paul McDermott highlighted the breach of trust involved in the repeated offending by a much older man and noted that Osborne had told the girl what he was doing was illegal and not to tell anyone. The judge set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to nine years, taking into account Osborne's guilty pleas, remorse, and lack of prior convictions.
A man with an intellectual disability has been jailed for seven years for the historical rape and aggravated sexual abuse of a seven-year-old boy between June 1994 and August 1995 in Co Meath. The now 73-year-old man pleaded guilty to two counts of anal rape and two counts of aggravated sexual assault. The court heard that the defendant would isolate the young child and use a penknife to force him to rub his genital area. The offending escalated in 1995, with the defendant bringing the boy to an isolated area and anally raping him. The victim impact statement described the lasting trauma of the abuse, affecting the victim's education, trust in others, and parenting abilities. The judge acknowledged the courage of the complainant for coming forward and noted that the defendant had insight into his offending. The judge sentenced him to eight years imprisonment, with the final year suspended for three years, and ordered post-release supervision. The defendant was placed on the sex offenders' register.
Joseph Cahill, a father of four, has been jailed for seven and a half years for beating a man to death with a shovel. Cahill pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin, who had previously threatened him and his family. The court heard that Cahill used excessive force, despite believing he was acting in self-defense. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted that the killing had a profound impact on Curtin's family. Cahill's sentence was reduced from ten years due to his family circumstances, mental health issues, and lack of prior convictions. Conditions of the suspended six months include good behavior, engagement with mental health services, and attending anger management programs. Cahill expressed remorse in a letter to Curtin's family and has a history of mental illness and substance abuse. His defense highlighted his long-term mental health struggles and the impact of childhood trauma on his behavior.
Pat Salmon, 89, of Knock, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to five counts of sexual assault committed between January and June 1995. The offences, which allegedly took place at his home, involved a five-year-old child. Salmon has no previous convictions. The court heard that the injured party disclosed the abuse after contacting a crisis helpline, and Salmon subsequently wrote a letter expressing remorse. During his interviews, Salmon denied specific charges but admitted to other acts, stating that "the devil took over" for a period. Defence counsel highlighted Salmon's age, serious health conditions including congestive heart failure, and his background as a former mental health nurse and community volunteer. He requested the court consider his early guilty plea and the isolating nature of incarceration. The injured party's victim impact statement described the long-term trauma, stating that Salmon had taught her fear and that her power over her had ended. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs described the statement as "heartbreaking." The matter was adjourned until Monday of next week to allow the judge to review all materials and consider the sentence.
David O'Sullivan, aged 22, was sentenced to nine years in prison for raping two girls aged 14 and 10 whom he groomed via Snapchat. He was also found in possession of 1,629 files of child sexual abuse material, including 915 videos and 714 images. Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 11½ years for the rapes and possession, suspending the final two and a half years on condition that O'Sullivan keep the peace, engage in sexual offence treatment and refrain from contacting either victim for 50 years. The court heard that O'Sullivan had met the first victim in June 2022, lied about his age, and had repeatedly attempted to groom and assault her, including a sexualised encounter in a shopping centre in February 2023. He also groomed a second 10‑year‑old in August 2024, sending explicit images and meeting her in secluded locations, where he orally and vaginally raped her. David O'Sullivan pleaded guilty.
Gintaras Jankevicius, 53, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, with the final year suspended, for raping and sexually assaulting a woman over several hours. He threatened to keep her in his home until she became pregnant and gave her a knife, telling her to use it if she wanted him to stop. The victim, who was terrified, did not stab him and later reported the assault to gardaí. Jankevicius pleaded guilty to rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment. He is already serving a three‑year sentence for drug possession and has been in custody since March 2025. The judge imposed strict conditions on the suspended year, including no contact with the victim, abstinence from alcohol and drugs, and offence‑focused work, and ordered five years of post‑release supervision. The court noted Jankevicius showed little remorse and was considered a high risk of reoffending. The victim's impact statement described lasting trauma, nightmares and anxiety.
Two men have been sentenced at the Central Criminal Court following a serious assault arising from a feud between Traveller families in Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Michael Nevin, aged 41, of Grange Heights, Mullingar, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment with the final two years suspended. Christopher Nevin, aged 31, of Grange Crescent, Mullingar, received five-and-a-half years with the final eighteen months suspended. The assault occurred on 2 August 2024 on Austin Friars Street during a busy Friday afternoon. The victim sustained multiple stab wounds, including a perforated liver requiring emergency surgery and blood transfusions. Michael Nevin pleaded guilty to causing serious harm whilst Christopher Nevin pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Mr Justice David Keane described the attack as particularly severe and vicious. He noted the assault was deliberately planned rather than impulsive and occurred against a background of ongoing incidents between the families. Both men's sentences included credit for early guilty pleas. The families have since engaged the Traveller Mediation Service to resolve their differences.
In a sentence hearing for 24‑year‑old Valeriu Melnic, the court heard a victim impact statement from the mother of the deceased, Mr. Ion Daghi, who described the loss as "irreplaceable" and said it would always stain her heart. Melnic, who admitted to being "so drunk" that he could not remember stabbing Daghi with a kitchen knife, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a jury in July. The hearing reiterated that Melnic's intoxication and the fact that he had no intent to kill were key defence arguments. The court noted that Melnic's relationship with his sister was "somewhat gone" and that he had tried to write to her but could not find the words. The judge remanded Melnic in custody until his sentencing on 17 November.
A man, now 49, was jailed for seven years for raping a teenage girl while he was a lodger in her home between 2001 and 2005. The victim, aged 11 to 14 at the time, was living with relatives after her mother's death and had an "uncle‑type" relationship with the lodger. The man, aged 25 to 28 during the offence, denied the charge and had no prior convictions. He was convicted by a jury after a trial in the Central Criminal Court. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced him to an eight‑year custodial term, suspended the final year on the condition of good behaviour, peacekeeping and two years of probation. The judge praised the victim's evidence and wished her well. The defendant's defence described him as a caring, respectful person and argued the offence was out of character. The court noted the large age gap, breach of trust and use of alcohol as aggravating factors.
A 45‑year‑old man was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for assaulting his former partner with a hoover pole in February 2022. The Central Criminal Court heard that the woman suffered extensive bruising, cuts to her face, neck, arm, hands, shoulder and legs, and carpet burns from being dragged across the floor. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault and the use of a hoover pole, and the judge noted his early guilty plea and expressions of remorse. He had previously served a four‑month sentence for an earlier assault. A separate rape charge was dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court back‑dated the sentence to account for time already spent in custody. The woman did not give a victim impact statement. The judge emphasised the seriousness of the violence involved. The sentence was set at two years' imprisonment, reflecting the offence and the defendant's prior conviction. The case was heard by Mr Justice Patrick McGrath. The unnamed 45-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 49‑year‑old man was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment for raping a 12‑year‑old boy, who had been lured to the man's home by a third party who had also sexually abused him. The defendant pleaded guilty to one count of anal rape and two counts of sexual assault committed between 1994 and 1995 at an address in County Dublin. He had five prior convictions, including for child pornography offences. The victim, whose name is withheld, described the emotional and psychological damage, noting he was terrified to speak, lost contact with family and friends, and later sought therapy and addiction treatment. The judge, Justice David Keane, noted the defendant's early guilty plea, cooperation and mitigating circumstances, and imposed a global sentence of seven and a half years, suspending the final 12 months for two years and ordering two years of post‑release supervision.
A 63-year-old former Defence Forces member has been sentenced to ten years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for five counts of sexual assault committed against a child in Cavan between September 2007 and June 2010. Mr Justice David Keane remarked that the defendant was "extremely fortunate" the Director of Public Prosecutions accepted guilty pleas to sexual assault, as the offences could have been prosecuted as rape, which carries a maximum life sentence. The judge noted significant aggravating factors including the substantial age disparity and severe impact on the victim. Evidence detailed a pattern of calculated abuse involving grooming and isolation. The victim, aged eleven to fourteen at the time, experienced lasting psychological harm, including damaged relationships and suicidal ideation. The defendant denied responsibility during interview and demonstrated no empathy during probation assessment. A two-year post-release supervision order was imposed. The sentence was backdated to October of the previous year.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Jineesh John, aged 43, was found not guilty by reason of insanity on all counts of attempted murder, false imprisonment, and related offences. The case centred on an incident on 21 May 2023 when John, holding a hammer, drove a former colleague to a car, applied chilli powder to her face, and threatened to kill her, claiming she had infected him with HIV through kissing. No physical contact had occurred, yet John maintained a delusional belief of infection. Forensic psychiatrists for both sides agreed he met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006, citing delusional disorder and depression. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded John to the Central Mental Hospital until a psychiatric report is delivered on 28 July. The victim was praised for her courage in calming John and for her testimony. The trial lasted two days, with the jury reaching the verdict in about 40 minutes.
A 53‑year‑old man was sentenced to eight and a half years' imprisonment for subjecting five children in his care to repeated physical and sexual abuse, causing them irreparable psychological damage. He was in a relationship with the children's mother and the biological father of the younger two. The court heard he threatened a child's dog and used violence and intimidation to control the children. He pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual assault of one boy (2004‑2011, ages 11‑18), three counts of sexual assault of a second boy (2006‑2013, ages 12‑19), two counts of child cruelty of a third boy (2013‑2015, ages 12‑14), and sexual assault of two girls (2015, ages 14 and 9). These pleas were representative of 107 charges. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs imposed consecutive sentences totalling 11 years, suspended the final two and a half years on strict conditions, and noted the man's remorse and risk assessment.
Deirdre Arnold, 42, a former HSE addiction counsellor, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, for acting as a getaway driver for Brian McHugh, who murdered Lisa Thompson. The Central Criminal Court heard that Arnold drove McHugh to Thompson's home on 9 May 2022, where she waited outside for over an hour before driving him away, and later helped him evade prosecution by checking him into the Clayton Hotel. She also used her silver Hyundai Tucson to dispose of evidence taken from Thompson's house. Arnold had previously complained of domestic abuse and had an interim barring order against McHugh. She pleaded not guilty to the two counts of aiding and abetting and of perverting the course of public justice. The judge noted her history of abuse, her remorse, and her role as a mother, and reduced the headline sentence from five to three years after considering mitigation.
The prosecution will finish its evidence in the trial of Joseph Lawlor, a 39‑year‑old Dublin man accused of stabbing his friend Michael Ryan, a 51‑year‑old father of three, to death. The case is being heard in the Central Criminal Court. The jury has already seen CCTV footage from neighbouring homes that shows the fatal stab wound to Ryan's neck. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor told the jury that the prosecution intends to complete its evidence by Tuesday of next week and asked the jurors not to discuss the case, conduct independent research or view social media posts about the trial. Lawlor has pleaded not guilty. The stabbing occurred outside his home on Hampton Wood Way, St Margaret's Road, Finglas, Dublin 11, on 20 June 2024, shortly after midnight. Garda Shane Gallagher arrested Lawlor at the scene, seized his clothing, including a black stab‑proof vest, and later released him.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution presented forensic evidence indicating that Joseph Lawlor, aged 39, was wearing a blood‑stained stab vest when he was arrested. DNA from the vest matched that of the deceased, Michael Ryan, aged 51. Pathologist Dr Yvonne McCarthy described a single stab wound to Ryan's neck, 9.1 cm below the right earlobe, 2.9 cm long and 5.8 cm deep, penetrating the subclavian artery and causing cardiovascular collapse. The wound was consistent with a kitchen knife found in Lawlor's home. McCarthy also noted 57 bruises and abrasions on Ryan's body, some consistent with earlier scuffles. Toxicology revealed cocaine metabolites, benzodiazepines, a sleeping tablet, and a blood alcohol level 1.5 times the legal limit. The trial, presided over by Justice Karen O'Connor, will continue tomorrow before a jury of five women and seven men. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.