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National court reports: 2026

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2026-03-25

Irish exec ousted from US firm after 24 years wins €142k

Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator Breiffni O’Neill awarded former Lionbridge EMEA managing director Caroline O’Connell €142,984 after the company conceded unfair dismissal. He rejected Lionbridge’s argument that she had failed to mitigate her losses, finding her efforts to find new work reasonable given her seniority and the relatively few openings at that level.

2026-03-25

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma sufferer who began dealing cannabis after taking it as remedy avoids jail

Andrew Connor avoided prison after Dublin Circuit Criminal Court suspended a six-year sentence in full for possessing cannabis for sale or supply. The judge treated his extensive and complex health problems as exceptional, while noting the value of the drugs was aggravating.

2026-03-25

Hennessy gang members jailed over RAT branding attack that 'bypassed any notion of humanity'

Five members of a Dublin criminal gang received prison sentences of between three and eight-and-a-half years after Barry Moore was waterboarded, beaten and branded with the word ‘RAT’. The court described the attack as shocking and said it was designed to injure and terrorise the victim.

2026-03-25

Hallowe'en mask offender escapes jail after court hears he is 'changed man'

Bryan Butler received a three-year-and-six-month sentence, suspended in full, after pleading guilty to attempted robbery at a convenience store in Cabinteely while wearing a children’s clown mask. Judge Orla Crowe imposed conditions that he remain drug free and not come to further garda attention after hearing evidence of his rehabilitation.

2026-03-25

Family escaped death ‘by grace of God’ after Galway arson attack

PJ Lyons received a global eight-year sentence after pleading guilty to an arson attack on a house in Castlepark, Ballybane, where Mary Sweeney and her four children were asleep. The family escaped through an upstairs window, were treated for smoke inhalation and lost their possessions; Judge Brian O’Callaghan described the risk to their lives as shocking.

2026-03-25

Child rapist fails to convince appeal court that jury disagreement made conviction perverse

The Court of Appeal dismissed Sean Kinneavy’s conviction appeal, rejecting his argument that a jury’s disagreement on two sexual-assault counts made its convictions on 47 other counts and two rape counts perverse. Kinneavy maintains his innocence; he was previously sentenced to nine years for rape offences and a concurrent eight years for sexual assaults.

2026-03-25

Alleged ice cream shop robber tracked using mobile phone

Carl McGuinness was remanded in custody after being charged with robbing a staff member at a Ranelagh ice cream parlour. Gardaí told the court they tracked him using the location finder on the allegedly stolen iPhone 13 and found a hammer when they stopped him.

2026-03-25

'No one helped us': court hears from victims in one of 'worst cases' of child cruelty

An unnamed Dublin father received a global sentence of nine years and two months after pleading guilty to six counts of child cruelty against his children. The court heard of prolonged neglect, violence and unsafe living conditions; the DPP entered a nolle prosequi on separate sexual-assault counts.

2026-03-25

'I might consider calling in the governor': judge says judicial review may be needed over access problems in Mary ward murder case

A judge said a judicial review may be needed if prison access problems prevent a psychiatrist from assessing Ahmed Abdirahman, who is accused of murdering Mary Ward. Counsel said the psychiatrist left one prison visit after staff were ‘dismissive and rude’, while video consultations were cancelled.

2026-03-24

Young man killed pensioner with 'back spin kick like MMA'

Joshua Rush pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a kick caused Charles McCaughley to fall and suffer a fatal brain injury on Fairview Strand. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing-related matters while gardai seek more information about McCaughley’s background.

2026-03-24

State argues for increased jail time for controlling partner who beat teen girlfriend

The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed Gavin Lawlor’s sentence as unduly lenient after he admitted assaults and coercive and controlling behaviour against his teenage girlfriend. The Court of Appeal heard arguments about the seriousness of the offending, concurrent sentences and rehabilitation, and ordered a probation report before the next hearing.

2026-03-24

Sentence increased for predatory child rapist who groomed girls on Snapchat

The Court of Appeal resentenced David O’Sullivan to thirteen-and-a-half years after finding his original sentence for raping two girls he groomed on Snapchat was unduly lenient. The court imposed consecutive sentences for the offending against the two victims, a 15-year post-release supervision order and lifetime registration on the sex offenders register.

2026-03-24

Rapist fails in bid to overturn one of 55 sex assault convictions

The Court of Appeal dismissed Trevor Richardson’s challenge to one of his 55 sexual-assault convictions. The three-judge court found the discrepancies in the complainant’s evidence were not out of the ordinary and said credibility and reliability were matters for the jury. Richardson’s further complaint about the trial judge’s summary of the defence case was also rejected.

2026-03-24

Native Irish speaker described how he 'smacked' grandfather's head with granite stone, cement block

The Central Criminal Court heard evidence that Derek Mulligan described attacking his grandfather Derek Burns with a granite stone and cement block. Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murder and also faces charges arising from incidents involving Catherine McDermott and the McFaddens in Donegal; the trial continues.

2026-03-24

Mechanic accepted cannabis from garda disguised as delivery man

Eamonn Gray was sentenced after admitting possession of almost six kilogrammes of cannabis delivered in a controlled operation. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard he said a drug debt and threats to his family left him vulnerable, while the judge recognised his co-operation and efforts to address cocaine addiction.

2026-03-24

Man who 'stupidly lashed out' and broke safety order has jail term overturned

A man who cannot be named for legal reasons had sentences for breaching protection and safety orders reconsidered on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court affirmed his three-month suspended sentence for the protection-order breach and increased a one-month sentence for the safety-order breach to three months, suspending it in full for 18 months. The court imposed conditions including completion of the MOVE course, civil contact with his ex-partner and compliance with court orders.

2026-03-24

Man jailed over dangerous driving incident as passenger begged him to stop

Luke Kruger received a combined sentence after pleading guilty to taking vehicles, reckless endangerment, criminal damage and assault causing harm. Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard he drove 55 kilometres with a frightened passenger before crashing, and later bit a taxi driver and took the taxi; part of the sentence was suspended.

2026-03-24

Drugs mule abandoned €600k in cannabis on luggage carousel

Lee Somers was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing 29 kilogrammes of cannabis worth €597,000 at Dublin Airport. He left the luggage on a carousel after arriving from Canada, telling staff his conscience had intervened; Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accepted he was under some duress but had made a serious decision.

2026-03-24

Criminal lied to court about having child and work with family takeaway business

Stefano Gianluca Macari was jailed after pleading guilty to robbing and assaulting an American doctor in Dublin. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that he kicked the injured man and later lied about a child, family employment and testimonials used in mitigation. Judge Martina Baxter imposed seven years and three months, suspending the final three months subject to conditions including engagement with the Probation Service.

2026-03-24

Charity worker and family man stored drugs after life 'spiralled out of control'

Graham Travers admitted possessing cannabis, cocaine and pills worth almost €39,000 for sale or supply at his Finglas home. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court departed from the presumptive 10-year minimum after hearing about his bereavement, addiction, debt, guilty plea and charity work, and suspended a two-year sentence in full.

2026-03-24

Accountant jailed for stealing €1.4m from KPMG

David Craddock was sentenced after admitting 10 sample counts of theft from KPMG between 2014 and 2019. Galway Circuit Criminal Court heard that 129 thefts were uncovered, more than €900,000 was repaid, and the judge set a headline sentence of six and a half years before mitigation and suspension reduced the term.

2026-03-24

'Vibe of volatility': violent offender who attacked ex with hoover pole has jail sentence cut

The District Court Appeals Court reduced an unnamed man’s 18-month term to 15 months after reviewing convictions for assault, criminal damage, safety-order breaches, obstruction and threats. The appeal court heard allegations of domestic violence, intimidation and threats to kill a garda, and imposed a two-year bond and course condition.

2026-03-24

'The hustle is on': law firm put €180k into failed personal injuries marketing push, WRC told

A Ferrys Solicitors partner told the Workplace Relations Commission that the firm allocated €180,000 across salary, company fees and Google Ads to expand its personal-injury work. The evidence came during Joseph McNally’s unfair dismissals claim, in which he says his redundancy was a sham; the case is continuing.

2026-03-23

Woman repeatedly raped as child says she 'refuses to remain silent anymore'

A 19-year-old woman waived her anonymity and told the Central Criminal Court that she refuses to remain silent about repeated oral rape during childhood. Noel O’Neill was convicted of three counts committed when the victim was aged between six and 12. The court adjourned finalisation of the case to June 15 and remanded O’Neill in continuing custody.

2026-03-23

Teen victim of fake taxi scam pushed out of moving car

A teenager who accepted what he believed was a taxi was pushed from the moving car after its occupants took his bank card. Maria Muntean pleaded guilty to robbery and endangerment after the 2023 incident in Dublin; her son Damit Rostas had already been sentenced for his role. Judge Martin Nolan said the offence was serious, adjourned finalisation until May and remanded Muntean on continuing bail.

2026-03-23

State seeks to reinstate compliance notices at duck egg farm over salmonella concerns

The Minister for Agriculture is challenging the annulment of orders restricting duck-egg sales at Slaney Duck Eggs after salmonella findings. The High Court granted a stay on the Carlow District Court ruling and adjourned the judicial review for hearing next month.

2026-03-23

Serial hotel robber who fled country for 20 years gets suspended sentence

Darren White received a ten-year suspended sentence and 240 hours of community service for 13 hotel cash robberies in Dublin in 2005 and a Londis robbery in 2006. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that he fled to the UK after failing to appear for sentencing, later returned and built a family and community life. Judge Martina Baxter said the offending involved planning and threats but recognised his rehabilitation and low risk of reoffending.

2026-03-23

Sentencing of €42m cocaine smugglers must be 'significant deterrent' both globally and nationally', judge says

Seven men were jailed by the Special Criminal Court for conspiring to import an estimated 400 to 600kg of cocaine, valued at up to €42 million. The sentences ranged from ten to 12 years, with the presiding judge describing the operation as an international cartel’s planned use of Ireland’s coastline and saying a significant deterrent was required. Miljan Koprivica received 12 years, while Gary Monks received ten years.

2026-03-23

Man pleads not guilty to murdering grandfather in Donegal Gaeltacht

Derek Mulligan has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his grandfather Derek Burns in Carrickcoyle, Donegal, in December 2023. Prosecuting counsel told the trial that State and defence psychiatrists agree Mulligan was suffering from a mental disorder when the killing occurred. The trial also concerns alleged property damage, threats and assaults on the same date, and continues before a judge and jury.

2026-03-23

Jihadist who carried out terrorist knife attack on gardai part of 'wider group', court told

The Special Criminal Court heard that Abdullah Khan, who pleaded guilty to eight charges, described himself as a Salafi jihadist and was part of a wider like-minded group. The prosecution said he set fire to the Black Forge Inn and later stabbed Garda Gary Lynch in Dublin while attacking with a knife. Sentencing was adjourned to April 20 and Khan was remanded in continuing custody.

2026-03-23

Gun-runner who sold assault weapons to criminal gangs will have cash returned to him

The Special Criminal Court ordered more than €17,000 returned to Conor O’Brien after the DPP dropped two money-laundering charges and did not pursue forfeiture. O’Brien remains jailed for 11 years, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to helping a criminal organisation import firearms, ammunition and explosives and to five firearms-possession counts. The court ordered the firearms and ammunition forfeited and destroyed.

2026-03-23

Drug dealer gets suspended sentence after judge notes '61 people on mattresses in prison'

Ethan Casey received a fully suspended four-year sentence after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at his Ballinasloe home. The judge cited Casey’s addiction, early plea and cooperation while warning about the harm of dealing and noting prison overcrowding.

2026-03-23

Defence Force member given suspended sentence for assault of garda

Gary Stephens received a suspended four-month sentence after admitting assault causing harm to a garda in Ballinasloe. The court heard about his long Defence Forces career, rehabilitation after the incident, remorse and €7,000 payment offered to the injured officer.

2026-03-23

Chronic addict helped set blaze outside family home in return for drugs

Anthony Kavanagh was sentenced after admitting his role in an arson attack outside an Inchicore apartment where a baby and child were inside. He bought and poured petrol in return for drugs, while another man ignited the fire; the judge imposed a partly suspended sentence and probation supervision.

2026-03-23

Cancer patient who claimed employer no longer wanter her as 'face of business' wins €20k

Nancy Doherty was awarded €20,000 after a Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator found she suffered disability discrimination when her marina work hours were cut. The decision rejected her complaint about the first reduction but found discrimination in the later December 2023 treatment.

2026-03-23

Abuser argues evidence he asked witness if she felt 'horny' shouldn't have been heard

Dan Brosnan is appealing convictions for indecently assaulting two sisters, arguing that evidence about a sexually charged question put to another witness was unfairly admitted. The Court of Appeal reserved judgment after hearing competing arguments about the evidence and the limits of cross-examination.

2026-03-20

Victim twice rebuffed by gardai after attempting to report rape at hands of uncle, court hears

Michael Poole was convicted of 14 counts of raping Lisa Brown and eight counts of indecent assault after abusing his niece while babysitting her. The court heard Brown tried twice to report the abuse and was rebuffed; Mr Justice Patrick McGrath sentenced Poole to 12 years, with the final two suspended.

2026-03-20

Teen with "appalling" convictions drove stolen car through children's play areas

CJ Losty drove a stolen car through green areas where children were playing, across footpaths and the wrong way on the M3 while fleeing gardai, reaching more than 160km/hr. He pleaded guilty to endangerment and dangerous-driving charges and received a three-year global sentence, with the final year suspended, plus a six-year driving ban.

2026-03-20

Offender found with knives and hatchets fails in conviction appeal but sees jail term overturned

Patrick Kearns failed to overturn his conviction after two axes and two retractable knives were found in a car stopped in Dublin. Judge Alec Gabbett rejected the defence account, but imposed a fully suspended nine-month sentence, community service and addiction-treatment counselling.

2026-03-20

Nigerian 'Colonel and Major' get combined 16.5 years over 'worldwide, breathtaking' money laundering racket

Ejike Francis Ogubefi and Steven Silvester were sentenced after convictions for directing a criminal organisation and laundering or attempting to launder money through multiple accounts. The court described a sophisticated international operation and imposed nine years on Ogubefi and seven and a half years on Silvester.

2026-03-20

Google says former employee trying to 'sully' its name in race bias claim

Former Google accounts strategist Eyob Van Haute told the Workplace Relations Commission that he was treated less favourably because he is black before his dismissal. Google’s lawyer argued the evidence did not establish a prima facie case; the adjudicator reserved a decision on whether to hold another hearing.

2026-03-20

Father-of-two to serve sentence 'far from home' for role in €8.5m cannabis operation

Onkar Singh was jailed for his role in a highly organised operation in which 426kg of cannabis worth €8.5 million was found in a Dublin storage unit. The Dutch national pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of criminal proceeds; the court imposed an eight-year term with the final two years suspended and required him to leave the jurisdiction after release.

2026-03-20

Father fighting 'abduction' of daughter facing further delays to child's return

An unnamed Irish father is asking the High Court to direct the Irish State to help locate and safely return his daughter from Poland. He says an extraordinary complaint by Poland's children's ombudsman automatically suspends enforcement of the return decision and has prolonged a separation he says has lasted 750 days.

2026-03-20

Brazilian who lived and worked here illegally fails in 'unrealistic' bid to get State redundancy

The High Court refused Nilton de Morais’s attempt to obtain more than €10,000 from the State redundancy fund after his employer became insolvent. The judge held that undocumented workers are not employees under Irish law and said the claim would undermine immigration policy.

2026-03-20

'The day all innocence left': mother describes hearing of how nephew had abused her son

A Dublin mother told the court that learning her nephew had repeatedly sexually abused her son was the day innocence left the family home. The unnamed 24-year-old pleaded guilty to 19 counts involving the boy and was sentenced to seven years, with the final year suspended.

2026-03-20

'Predatory' sex offender's nine-year prison term too lenient, State argues

The State is seeking a review of David O’Sullivan's sentence after he groomed and raped two girls contacted through Snapchat and was found with 1,629 child abuse files. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued in the Court of Appeal that the sentence did not reflect the grave offending, and the court reserved judgment until next Tuesday.

2026-03-20

'Nuisance' offender gets life for murdering 'drunken bowsie' after 'lewd requests'

Tomas Cypas has received the mandatory life sentence for murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan. A jury convicted him by a majority verdict after hearing that an assault followed an argument involving an alleged lewd request, while the defence had argued for manslaughter.

2026-03-20

'Foolish and juvenile' - barred offender pushed trolley into Aldi glass doors

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.

2026-03-19

South African horse owner to pay John Magnier's stud for care of mares

The High Court ordered South African horse owner Nigel Riley to pay €218,000 to Coolagown Bloodstock and Coolmore for mare care and stud fees. The awards followed findings that David Stack acted as Riley's agent and that an underlying care agreement existed; Riley indicated he intends to appeal.

2026-03-19

Guyanese rapist's 'extraordinary' bid to overturn conviction is dismissed

The Court of Appeal dismissed Randi Gladstone's challenge to his convictions for rape, sexual assault and false imprisonment. The court rejected arguments about withdrawn good-character evidence and the trial judge's directions, finding no unfairness or lack of balance.