The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Mihail Stingu, who burgled a house, stole a car, and dragged the owner along the ground. The original sentence of 14 years was deemed too high by the Court of Appeal, which imposed a global sentence of ten years and nine months, with the last six months suspended. Stingu, who was on bail for previous criminal damage offences, entered a home in Drogheda, stole items, and stole a car, dragging the owner for ten metres. The homeowner suffered serious road rash burns. The Court of Appeal found that the sentencing judge had erred in setting the headline sentence for burglary at 14 years before considering mitigating factors. The judge noted that the offence was not at the most extreme end and warranted a headline sentence of 11 years. Stingu was also sentenced for four years and nine months for the criminal damage offences. Mihail Stingu pleaded guilty.
Patrick Fishy' Fitzgerald, 49, withdrew his appeal against a seven-year prison sentence at the Court of Appeal after judges warned him of the full range of their powers. The appeal concerned a sentence handed down in July 2025 by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon at the Central Criminal Court. Fitzgerald had pleaded guilty to facilitating a serious offence for a criminal organisation, specifically providing getaway vehicles for the attempted murder of Gary Carey in November 2021. The court found his assistance crucial to the gang's actions. Ms Justice Creedon set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to nine years after mitigation, with the final two years suspended subject to conditions. This term was ordered to run consecutively to a separate seven-and-a-half-year sentence Fitzgerald was already serving for aggravated burglary, in which he was part of a gang that terrorised a family, including a six-year-old child. During the appeal hearing, Mr Justice McCarthy, sitting with Ms Justice Tara Burns and Mr Justice Alexander Owens, noted the panel believed a sufficient reduction had already been given and highlighted the risk regarding the suspended portion. Following advice from senior counsel Bernard Condon, Fitzgerald instructed his lawyer to seek permission to withdraw the appeal. The court granted the application, describing Fitzgerald's decision as prudent given the possibility of an unfavourable intervention. The matter was adjourned to allow for the withdrawal process, and the original sentence remains in effect.
A Dublin teenager who was the driver of a car involved in a spate of burglaries in Carlow almost two years ago has been jailed for two years. The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage at a housing estate in Killerig, Tullow, and other incidents. He has a number of previous convictions, including many related to stealing and driving stolen cars. The court heard that the teenager had a difficult upbringing, with his father dying when he was a toddler and his mother being abusive. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged his difficult background and noted that he had pleaded guilty, which saved the victims from having to give evidence. She set concurrent sentences totalling 36 months and suspended the final 12 months on strict conditions, including engaging with the Probation Service and mental health services. The judge wished him the best of luck and acknowledged his potential.
A serial offender who engaged in a spree of burglaries, ransacking office properties and stealing electronic goods, has been jailed for three and a half years. Mark Byrne, 41, had more than 150 previous convictions when he burgled a number of unoccupied premises in Dublin city centre. He was seen on CCTV footage entering buildings and returning with accomplices to steal more goods. Patrick Higgins and Nikita Ring were also before the court for sentencing in relation to burglaries they committed with Byrne. Byrne pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary, while Higgins and Ring pleaded guilty to their respective offences. The court heard that Byrne and his accomplices caused significant damage to the businesses involved. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Byrne for 51 months, with the final nine months suspended on conditions. Higgins was jailed for 21 months, and Ring received two years with the final six months suspended. The court heard that Byrne has a difficult past with addiction issues and has been in custody since July 2025.
Jamie O'Brien, a 32-year-old serial burglar, was jailed for three years with the final six months suspended for burglarizing staff lockers at a Dublin restaurant. O'Brien was identified by CCTV and arrested after fleeing the scene. He has 46 previous convictions, including 12 for burglary, and was on bail at the time of the offense. The court heard that O'Brien had significant mental health issues and was abusing drugs at the time. His defense highlighted his guilty plea and unreserved apology. The judge considered the mitigating factors and imposed a three-year sentence. O'Brien has a history of burglary, including a ten-year sentence in 2017 for the burglary, assault, and false imprisonment of an elderly woman. The court also noted that no property was recovered from the restaurant, and no victim impact statements were made.
Gavin Hanway, of Limekiln Green, Walkinstown, Dublin, launched an appeal against his convictions for assault causing serious harm and aggravated burglary. He was previously found guilty by a jury at Portlaoise Courthouse of stabbing Kevin Kenny at a house in The Hermitage, Portlaoise, Co Laois, on July 26, 2016. Following the trial, Judge Keenan Johnson sentenced Hanway to 12 years in prison. In the current appeal, counsel James Dwyer SC argued that the seizure of Hanway's car breached his constitutional rights because the search warrant was issued in another garda's name. He also challenged the admission of evidence regarding Hanway's testosterone use, claiming it was prejudicial, and argued the jury verdict was not properly delivered under section 35(2) of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984. The State's counsel, Aoife O'Leary BL, countered that the trial judge had correctly ruled the car evidence admissible in the interests of justice despite the procedural irregularity. She further noted that the testosterone evidence was probative and that the jury was merely polled on their numbers after returning the verdict. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, and Mr Justice Alexander Owens, heard the arguments. The court reserved judgment in the case to a later date, meaning the matter was adjourned and not concluded.
John Eghomwanre and Faraj Odukoya were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for their roles in the St Valentine's Day violence that resulted in the death of Quham Babatunde. Eghomwanre pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde and another man. Odukoya pleaded guilty to three counts of assault causing harm to Mr Babatunde and two other men, one count of violent disorder, and two counts of burglary committed on November 23, 2023. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a five-year prison sentence on both men, backdated to the date they entered custody. The judge noted that both defendants engaged in serious violence and that Odukoya's conduct was more serious, though he acknowledged the younger defendant's age and the opportunistic nature of the burglaries. Earlier this year, co-defendants Rory Carr and Bruno Tache were each sentenced to three years and six months for assault causing harm and violent disorder, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions for two years. Four other men remain before the courts in relation to the incident. The court accepted that neither Eghomwanre nor Odukoya possessed a knife during the attacks.
A burglar who claimed to be a plumber when confronted by a security guard after breaking into an office building and damaging two cars has been jailed for 17 months. Patrick Lynch (51) of Rosemount Glade, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building. Lynch, who has previous convictions, including seven for burglary, was caught by security guards after breaking into the building. One guard saw Lynch on CCTV with a brick and an implement, while the other encountered him in the basement. Lynch told the guard he was a plumber and had left his access card elsewhere. A Tesla and a BMW were damaged in the basement. The car owners did not prepare victim impact statements. Lynch's defense said he had gone downhill after his wife's death and was trying to fund his addiction to pills. He is receiving medical attention in custody.
A knife-wielding burglar with over 200 previous convictions will be sentenced later this year for a series of break-ins across Dublin. Andrew Cleary (50), who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of burglary, theft, trespass, and criminal damage, as well as one count of aggravated burglary, between October 2024 and July 2025. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Sandymount, Killiney, Rathgar, Rathmines, and Ranelagh. Three gardai testified that Cleary entered homes and stole high-value items to sell and fund his drug addiction. In one incident in Ranelagh, a man was working from home when he heard creaking floorboards and saw Cleary entering the room with a knife, demanding money. The victim handed over his wallet and locked the door as instructed. In another incident in Killiney, a monitoring company alerted the homeowner to an activated security alarm. The homeowner viewed footage on his phone and saw Cleary and another man breaking into his home, smashing windows and taking keys. Gardai later apprehended Cleary with stolen items.
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal by Dean Byrne, a Dublin man with over 120 convictions, challenging his 2024 Special Criminal Court conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Byrne was sentenced to two years for allegedly conspiring with Aaron Brady to dissuade witness Daniel Cahill from testifying in Brady's murder trial. The Court of Appeal previously rejected Byrne's bid to overturn this conviction, finding he used unlawful means by sending the witness's Garda statement to a third party. The Supreme Court will now consider whether it can ever be lawful to persuade a witness not to give evidence. Meanwhile, Aaron Brady, who pleaded guilty to two offences related to efforts at perverting the course of justice during his trial, was sentenced to three years. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for the 2013 murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Byrne's appeal raises a question of public importance regarding the legality of witness persuasion, while his prior record includes an 18-year sentence for aggravated burglary in Tipperary.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
Mohammad Rehman, a British national, has been jailed for helping serious criminals escape after they attacked a Tallaght home and beat a man with a hammer during a drug-related dispute. Rehman arrived in Ireland the previous day with plans to set up a mobile valeting business. He pleaded guilty to driving the vehicle involved in an aggravated burglary to and from the scene. The court heard that the attack was caused by a drugs transaction that went wrong. Rehman was not involved in the attack and did not get out of the car. He had no previous convictions and the judge noted that he had tested negative for drugs while in custody. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Rehman to three and a half years in prison, backdated to when he went into custody, for helping serious criminals escape.
Thomas Grace, a serial criminal with over 250 previous convictions, was jailed for two on-bail offences, including breaking into a couple's home and ransacking it while they slept. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Grace's criminal history dates back nearly 25 years and includes a wide range of offences, from burglary and robbery to drug-related crimes and assaults. She acknowledged Grace's struggle with heroin addiction, which began at 18, but emphasized that many people have been directly affected by his actions. Grace was sentenced to concurrent terms of 18 months and three years and nine months for theft and burglary, with the final nine months of the second term suspended on strict conditions. Grace pleaded guilty to stealing from a café and burglarizing a family home. His legal team highlighted his troubled past, including leaving school at 13 and falling into addiction and criminality after returning home. Despite showing remorse, Grace's long history of offending and ongoing drug addiction were significant factors in the court's decision.
Jim McCarthy, 27, formerly of Oughterard, Co Galway, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to one count of hijacking a vehicle on Foster Street, Galway, on April 10, 2024, and to burglary, assault, and possession of an article at St Lawarnce Park, Loughrea, on January 23, 2024. Prosecution evidence alleged that McCarthy hijacked a car from a woman using a knife and later assaulted a resident in Loughrea, striking him with a knife and stealing cash. The court heard that McCarthy has 11 previous District Court convictions. Defence counsel noted that McCarthy has addressed addiction issues, completed a 12-week course at Cluine Mhuire, is employed, and has engaged with the Probation Service. Both injured parties declined to provide victim impact statements or participate in a restorative justice programme. Judge Brian O'Callaghan adjourned the case for an updated probation report in January 2027. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
Anthony Carroll, who impersonated a garda and stole €3,000 from two pensioners, could not attend his sentencing hearing due to an emergency. Carroll pleaded guilty to burglary and impersonating a garda in January 2024. The victims, both 71-year-olds, were awakened at 4:15 am by Carroll, who was wearing a monkey hat and a crowbar, claiming to be conducting a raid. He stole €3,000 from the victims, who had no connection to drugs. Carroll was arrested in February 2025 and admitted to the crime. He has 31 previous convictions, including robbery and criminal damage. His defense argued that he was under the influence of cocaine and had no prior criminal intent. Judge Martina Baxter noted Carroll's record of duplicity and required him to be drug-free and undergo a community service assessment. However, Carroll did not appear for his sentencing as he claimed there was an emergency, with his solicitor informing the court that someone had fallen down the stairs. The case was adjourned to the next court term in June.
Gavin Cooke was jailed for eight years for participating in a burglary while on bail, during which a homeowner was threatened with a metal bar and her daughters were in fear of being raped. Cooke pleaded guilty to burglary after the indictment was amended. The court heard that the burglar threatened the woman with a metal bar, demanding cash, and the other two men went upstairs where the woman's daughters were. The woman gave the man €50, but he continued to demand cash. The Audi used in the crime was found on fire nearby, with Cooke's name and prisoner number stitched into the garment. Cooke has 69 previous convictions, including robbery and drugs offences. The judge noted the long-term psychological harm to the woman and her daughters and imposed an eight-year sentence, to be served consecutively to his current sentence.
Luke Gilligan was jailed for eight and a half years for participating in a feud-related attack that resulted in a 14-year-old boy being stabbed in the chest with a 'Rambo First Blood II zombie' knife. The attack was part of a tit-for-tat feud that has not yet abated. The victim suffered a collapsed lung but has since made a full recovery, though he still suffers from ongoing psychological problems. Gilligan pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, and the court heard that the feud involved shootings, IUDs on doorsteps, and attempts at arson. The judge considered the serious nature of the weapons used and the impact on the victim, but also took into account Gilligan's age and his own history of being attacked as part of the feud. She imposed a nine-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions.
A burglar who was spotted by gardai on the roof of a cafe on St Stephen's Green and had to be assisted down by the fire brigade has had his six-month jail term replaced with a suspended sentence on appeal. Judge Ronan Munro said that Enda Murray (44) seemed like he had been a "successful" burglar and thief who "ran out of road". Murray, with an address at Deansgrange Road, Dun Laoghaire, was convicted in the District Court of burglary and was sentenced to six months imprisonment, consecutive to another three years in custody for another matter. He was also convicted of entering the curtilage of a building as a trespasser, which was taken into consideration by the judge, and possession of stolen property, for which he got a six-month suspended sentence. He later lodged an appeal against the severity of his sentence. Sergeant Stephen Walsh told the District Court Appeals Court that on February 6, 2025 at Insomnia on St Stephen's Green, a trespasser was spotted on the roof of the building by gardai.
William McCarthy (38) of Carlow pleaded guilty to assaulting an Irish Rail ticket inspector and burglarizing a Carlow GAA club. The assault occurred on September 14, 2024, when McCarthy refused to show his ticket and attacked the inspector on the Waterford/Heuston line. The victim suffered injuries including a broken finger and bruising to his face and was treated in hospital. McCarthy also pleaded guilty to criminal damage and theft from the Éire Óg Clubhouse, where he had previously burgled the premises four times. The damage to the cigarette machine was estimated at €2,000, with €2,830 worth of cigarettes and vapes stolen, along with €1,520 in cash. The victim's impact statement highlighted the emotional and financial toll of the assault, including difficulties paying his mortgage and the need for counseling. McCarthy's defense argued that his actions were driven by addiction and desperation to pay off a debt. The judge remanded McCarthy in custody and adjourned sentencing until next week.
A former missionary nun, Sister Julie Doran, has told a court that she no longer feels safe in her own home after an on-bail criminal with 346 previous convictions broke into her retirement community. Keith Delaney (41) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of theft, criminal damage, and burglary in Dublin between December 2024 and September 2025. Delaney, who has 346 previous convictions, including 142 theft and 50 criminal damage charges, was identified through CCTV footage and admitted to stealing items, including guitars and a phone, which he sold to fund his drug addiction. The court heard of multiple incidents, including breaking into a hotel room, stealing a laptop and tablet from a hotel, and entering a nursing home where he was seen in residents' bedrooms. Delaney was apprehended after several incidents, including one at a house where retired nuns reside. Sister Doran expressed her distress, stating that she no longer feels safe and has ongoing anxiety. Delaney is currently serving a nine-month sentence and is seeking rehabilitation. The court will consider a probation report before sentencing.
A serial burglar who broke into a woman's apartment and took her belongings at knife point has been jailed for four years. Robert Hedderman, 41, forced a window into the apartment and threatened the victim with a knife, taking her work bag and other items. He was identified via CCTV and arrested, though no evidence was recovered during his interview. Hedderman has 65 previous convictions, including 17 for burglary and eight for possession of knives. His defence highlighted his heroin addiction and cooperation in custody, including methadone use. The court heard that the victim felt her sense of safety was 'utterly violated.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the impact of his addiction on his criminal history but emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. She imposed a four-year and six-month sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions, and directed him to be under probation supervision for 12 months. Robert Hedderman pleaded guilty.
A barrister has compared a garda search of a Dublin apartment to the surveillance methods of the East German Stasi, as depicted in the film The Lives of Others. Sinead Warren was present during the 2016 search, where gardai discovered her long-term partner, Detective Garda Joseph Kavanagh, in a bedroom. She claims the search was a ruse to interfere in her personal life and relationship with Kavanagh, alleging that senior gardaí deemed the relationship inappropriate and conducted surveillance and inquiries to investigate it. Warren is seeking damages for breach of constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit, claiming she was falsely labeled as a 'major criminal' in WhatsApp messages. Her brothers were killed in Dublin in 2004 and 2012, but she has no criminal history. Gardai stated the search was for a laptop burglary investigation, and the theft did not involve Warren or Kavanagh. The court heard that the search was part of an investigation into a burglary, and gardai have denied any surveillance of Warren's home or Kavanagh's movements. The judge has reserved his judgment.
A trial date has been set for Sean Harding (31), from Marian Terrace, Tipperary town, who is accused of murdering an 81-year-old pensioner, Timothy Murnane, in Tipperary town on September 12, 2025. Mr Murnane was found with serious injuries outside his home at St Michael's Avenue and later died at University Hospital Limerick two days later. In addition to the murder charge, Harding also faces three burglary charges related to the same location on September 11 and 12, 2025. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul McDermott set a trial date for October 5 and scheduled case management for June 5 next year. The court proceedings mark a significant step in the legal process for the accused, who is now set to face trial for the alleged murder and burglary charges. The case has drawn attention in the local community, with many awaiting the outcome of the trial.
Thomas Dannevig, a 21-year-old from Donabate, pleaded guilty to three counts of burglary during the Dublin riots in November 2023. He admitted to entering multiple stores, including Foot Locker and Lifestyle Sports, and stealing items. Dannevig claimed he was not involved in the riots and acted on his own, though he was part of a larger group of looters. He was not charged with criminal damage. The court heard that Dannevig had no criminal intent and described his actions as a stupid decision. He was given a suspended prison sentence of two and a half years, 100 hours of community service, and placed under probation for 18 months. Judge Pauline Codd noted that Dannevig's actions, though minor, contributed to significant losses for the retailers. CCTV footage showed Dannevig moving between stores and stealing items. The court was informed that the total losses from the stores were substantial, with significant damage and lost revenue. Dannevig expressed remorse and apologized for his actions. His mother and stepfather supported him in court, and he has started a pre-apprenticeship course.
A judge described an assault as "very disturbing" in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground, and kicked. Aidan Daniels, 30, and Adam Kelly, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm. CCTV footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim, who was then dragged by his hoodie and leg. The victim was kicked and stamped on multiple times while on the ground. Kelly has 38 previous convictions, including theft and drug dealing, and was on a suspended sentence. Daniels has 18 previous convictions, including possession of a flick knife and aggravated burglary. Both were arrested and bail was refused. Their defence argued that the assault was out of character and that they were remorseful. Judge Martina Baxter ordered reports from prison governors and adjourned sentencing to May 1 next.
Piotr Doening, a 42-year-old man, was jailed for six years for burglary and possessing over €260,000 worth of drugs. Doening stole from his neighbour's home while she was on holiday, breaking into the house out of desperation after losing his job. The court heard that Doening had previously been caught with 37 cannabis plants, cannabis herb, and amphetamines at his home. Gardai obtained a warrant after aerial footage detected a high heat source in the attic, leading to the discovery of the drugs. Doening pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, and attempted theft. His neighbour discovered the break-in after receiving a notification that her Revolut card had been used. A large amount of property, including a television, sound system, jewellery, and €100 in cash, was stolen. Doening admitted to hiding most of the stolen property and returning everything but the cash. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that the burglary represented a breach of trust and acknowledged Doening's remorse and efforts to deal with his drug addiction.
Michael McDonagh admitted stealing €17,000 from Cadell bar after entering through a rear door, with CCTV and a subsequent search linking him to the burglary. He received a four-year sentence with the final year suspended, alongside probation supervision and a five-year exclusion from the premises; insurance covered the unrecovered cash. Michael McDonagh pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has rejected the conviction appeal of Keith O'Hara, who was convicted of murder and burglary in December 2021. O'Hara, of Cahergal Avenue, Mayfield, Cork, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Paul Jones and a second charge of burglary. He was found guilty by a jury at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork and sentenced to life in prison by Mr Justice Michael MacGrath. The appeal, led by Vincent Heneghan SC, argued that DNA samples taken from O'Hara breached his constitutional rights and that evidence from search warrants should have been excluded due to the lack of an audio recording of the application. The State, represented by Jane Hyland SC, countered that authorisation was based on reasonable suspicion and that the District Court judge rightly granted the warrants. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, delivering the judgment, ruled that the grounds for the DNA samples were plainly present and that there was no requirement for the search warrant application to be recorded. He concluded that the trial judge was entitled to admit the evidence and rejected the appeal. Co-accused Helen Jones, the deceased's sister, also failed in her own appeal in June 2024, where the Court of Appeal rejected her bid to overturn her conviction based on the wording of the oath taken by a detective garda.
Matthias Kelly was given a 12-year sentence, with the final two years suspended, after pleading guilty to attempting to murder Fiona Timmermans during a knife attack in Dublin. Concurrent sentences were also imposed for burglary, threats to kill, criminal damage and producing a knife.
Craig Johnson received a six-year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended, after pleading guilty to arson and burglary offences in Dublin. The court heard that a spark caused the fire at Peruke and Periwig and that he left an antique shop empty-handed.
John Dunne, 35, of Ballymun, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to aggravated burglary, assault causing harm, trespass, and criminal damage to nine vehicles on September 5, 2024. Judge Orla Crowe described the incident as a violent violation of a family home, noting Dunne armed with a lump hammer and threatening the homeowner with a knife. The judge stated the aggravated burglary warranted an 11-year headline sentence but imposed eight years, considering Dunne's guilty plea and difficult background. Concurrent four-year sentences were imposed for the other offences. The final nine months of the eight-year term were suspended on strict conditions, requiring Dunne to engage with the Probation Service for 18 months upon release. Dunne has 43 previous convictions, and his defence counsel attributed the offending to addiction following the loss of his family home. The court accepted his apology to the victims, who included a young child present during the attack.
Stephen Shiels, who has more than 230 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage after breaking into a Maxol service station on Ringsend Road. Judge Orla Crowe imposed two and a half years and suspended the final six months under probation supervision.
An 18-year-old who was a juvenile at the time pleaded guilty to burglary and criminal damage after acting as the driver in a series of incidents in Carlow. Judge Mary Morrissey adjourned the case to next July for sentence.
Andrew Agwu pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Foot Locker stores after joining the looting that followed the November 2023 Dublin riots. The court heard that five pairs of shoes worth an estimated €750 were taken and not recovered; finalisation of sentence was adjourned to May 21.
Derek Smith received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at a Ballymun building site. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for a year after hearing that the tools had been recovered following a search of Smith's address.
Sammy Hutch (50), a member of the Hutch family who is not involved in gangland activities, has been jailed for six additional years for possessing an improvised pipe bomb. Hutch, who is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for robbery, was caught by gardai in April 2024 with the device at his home. The bomb was found to be ready to use, and the court heard that Hutch had texted an accomplice about attaching it to gas meters. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the aggravating factors, including the nature of the device and the alleged unlawful purpose. Hutch has 103 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. His defence highlighted his long history of drug abuse and his efforts to get clean. The judge reduced the headline sentence of nine years to six years, which will run consecutive to his existing sentence. Hutch's family and a letter from a local horse and pony club were presented in court, and legal aid was requested for an appeal.
Carl Innos, a 30-year-old Finnish national, was given a suspended sentence for burglary after breaking into a house in Malahide. Innos claimed he broke into the house because he was trying to find a shortcut after wading through a stream on a golf course. The homeowner found Innos in his conservatory and described him as not being aggressive. Innos asked the homeowner to open the internal doors to allow him to leave the house, but the homeowner instead fled and called 999. Nothing was taken during the burglary, and Innos was caught nearby later that day. The court heard that the homeowner's neighbor had recorded Innos breaking into the house on his phone, which was provided to the gardaí and led to his arrest. Innos admitted to the burglary and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had one previous conviction for failing to appear in court. The homeowner said he has yet to regain his previous feeling of safety in his home and has been left with a lingering sense of deep unease.
A retired detective has expressed shock at discovering a Garda in the bedroom of a woman's apartment during a search warrant execution in a burglary investigation. Sinead Warren, who lived in Dublin 8 in 2016, alleges that gardaí falsely branded her as a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' in WhatsApp messages. She is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The High Court is hearing her case against the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, the Minister for Justice, and the Attorney General. Ms Warren and Det Gda Joseph Kavanagh are described as 'law-abiding citizens of impeccable character.' The search was for a pair of yellow shorts linked to the burglary, and the presence of Det Gda Kavanagh in the bedroom was unexpected. Det Gda Mark Kelly, who was present during the search, stated he was shocked and felt obliged to inform his superior. Ms Warren's barrister questioned the inclusion of personal details in the search report, including the names of her deceased brothers.
A former professional boxer with a stellar career and an unbeaten record has been jailed for over five years for two burglaries in Dublin last year. Tony Bates, originally from Clondalkin, was before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, assault, trespass, and obstructing a police officer. In one incident, he punched a man and threatened him with a knife during a burglary at an address on Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower. In another, he stole packages from the post room of an apartment block on Grand Canal Street. Garda Andras Leginszki testified that Bates stole keys and packages from the post room and returned later to use the keys to steal more. He was apprehended, charged, and bailed. Garda Alison Egan explained that Bates had gone to a man's home to ask for drugs, became aggressive, and punched him before taking a pack of prescription tablets and threatening him with a knife. A neighbor contacted gardai, who found Bates in possession of another person's driving licence and a bank card.
A man who contacted gardaí after seeing a photograph of himself looting from a shop during the Dublin riots has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Daniel Owie, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary after being caught on CCTV footage stealing €600 worth of clothing and runners from Foot Locker. He told gardaí he had an adrenaline rush and joined in the chaos. The court heard that gardaí had circulated over 160 images of people they wanted to speak to, having reviewed over 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. Owie's defense argued that his involvement was brief and that he had no history of violence. The judge acknowledged Owie's remorse and the extraordinary work of the gardaí in reviewing the footage. She set a headline sentence of three years but suspended it in full on strict conditions, giving Owie a chance to avoid jail.
Patrick McDonagh, aged 25, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after he threw a carton of chips at pensioner Michael Whitfield and then struck him with his car on Clonshaugh Road on 3 November 2021. Whitfield, now 66, suffered a catastrophic head injury that left him unable to walk, with severe speech difficulties and requiring full‑time care. He spent five weeks in an induced coma, ten months at Beaumont Hospital, five months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital and is now a full‑time patient in a specialist brain‑injury care setting. McDonagh pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm; the court noted his lack of previous convictions at the time but recorded 17 prior convictions thereafter. The sentence was set to run consecutively with a seven‑year term for false imprisonment, assault, threats to kill and burglary, with six months suspended on conditions including Probation Service supervision.
A judge has sentenced Dean Hayes, a prolific offender with 129 previous convictions, to ten years in prison for a violent home invasion where he stabbed a doctor multiple times. Mr Justice David Keane noted the extreme violence used and the victim's survival as a matter of luck. Hayes, who spent 90% of his life in custody, burgled a neighboring bungalow in 2009, which the judge called an aggravating factor. The victim, Waleed Mustafa, described the attack as a miracle he survived and suffered severe psychological harm. Hayes was armed with a knife and attacked the doctor in his bedroom while he was watching YouTube. The judge imposed concurrent sentences of 12 years, with the final two years suspended, on the conditions that Hayes engage in a residential drug treatment and a victim empathy programme. Hayes had a chronic drug addiction and a history of recidivism, which the judge highlighted as significant factors in the sentencing. Dean Hayes pleaded guilty.
Shane Kelly, 36, of no fixed abode in Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in the early hours of February 25, 2025. Kelly pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted rape, one count of oral rape, one count of anal rape, and one count of burglary at the home of Anne Gallagher, a 70-year-old neighbour. Ms Justice Melanie Greally described the attack as pre-meditated, noting Kelly was aware of Gallagher's vulnerability, including her chronic health issues and reliance on mobility aids. The judge stated the harm caused was "life-altering" and that Kelly's culpability was of a "particularly extreme level." Although the Director of Public Prosecution assessed the case in the 10 to 15-year category, Ms Justice Greally set a headline sentence of 18 years. Taking mitigating factors into account, she reduced this to 14 years and six months. The final 18 months of the sentence were suspended on conditions. A Probation Service report indicated Kelly is at medium risk of reoffending and requires intervention for sexual preoccupation, impulsivity, and drug abuse. Gallagher, who waived her anonymity, stated she chose to forgive Kelly to heal, while the court noted the sentence must be punitive given the egregious violation of her home and the use of violence, including manual strangulation.
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.
Stephen Byrne (44) was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for aggravated burglary and threatening to kill a Carmelite brother at a retreat centre in Dublin. The incident occurred in April 2024 when Byrne broke into the Avila Carmelite Centre and threatened the 77-year-old brother with bolt cutters. The court heard that Byrne was identified through fingerprints and was arrested while on bail. He admitted to stealing €350 during the incident. Byrne, who has a history of addiction and homelessness, expressed remorse and wrote an apology letter. Judge Orla Crowe noted the severity of the crime and the terror experienced by the victim but considered mitigating factors, including Byrne's plea and his past contributions. The judge suspended the final 12 months of the sentence for two years on strict conditions. Stephen Byrne pleaded guilty.
A 23-year-old man who was on a suspended sentence for aggravated burglary and assault when he threatened to kill another motorist who overtook him has been sent for a probation report. Sean Maher pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm. The incident occurred on Convent Road, Blackrock, when Maher revved his engine after being overtaken and threatened the other driver. The injured party did not attend court. The defence said Maher was suffering from depression and ADHD and was changing medication at the time. Judge Anne Watkin questioned whether the medication was being used as an excuse and noted Maher's previous convictions. She adjourned the case for a probation report to assess his medical situation and the likelihood of reoffending.
A chronic addict who committed a series of burglaries, robberies, and weapon-related offences over six weeks has been jailed for five years. Paul Beatty, 39, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including burglary, robbery, and producing a weapon. Judge Orla Crowe described the offences as a 'spree of offending' and noted the fear caused to victims. She imposed an eight-year sentence, reduced to six years with the final 12 months suspended. Beatty's defence highlighted his addiction and current drug-free status in custody, expressing a desire to break the cycle of addiction and offending. The court acknowledged his struggles but emphasized the need for protection from future offending. Beatty has a long history of convictions, including for possession of firearms and road traffic offences.
Daniel Kearney (37) was jailed for two years for his role in a burglary where seven e-bikes worth over €20,000 were stolen from a Dublin store. He pleaded guilty to taking two of the bikes valued at €7,300. The burglary caused significant damage to the shop, and only one of the stolen bikes was later recovered. The business owner described the impact on his professional and personal life. Kearney has 13 previous convictions and is homeless with a history of drug addiction. He is now drug-free and has a job offer upon release. Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of four years but reduced it to two years and eight months, suspending the final eight months on conditions.
Darren Hayes, 50, was sentenced at the procedural stage of sentence for a series of offences in the Baggot Street area. The defendant pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary and seven counts of criminal damage committed between September 6 and October 15, 2023. The court heard that Hayes, who was on bail at the time, carried out these acts at unoccupied office premises, forcing entry and causing damage or stealing property. On September 6, he allegedly stole €21,929 worth of laptops and iPhones from a Haddington Road office with another man, who has since fled the jurisdiction. On October 15, he allegedly ransacked a hair salon and damaged other businesses, including a gym and doctors' offices. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hayes's extensive criminal history, including 140 previous convictions, one for rape, and two for failing to inform gardaí of a change of address under the Sex Offender's Act. She described the theft of devices and the destruction of equipment as requiring separate marking. The judge imposed a sentence of three years and four months, with the final year suspended, on those specific offences and took the remaining counts into consideration. Defense counsel highlighted Hayes's chronic drug addiction and housing difficulties, noting his intention to enter residential treatment upon release. Hayes is currently serving a sentence for other burglaries.