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.
Fabio De Oliveira Monteiro, a 28-year-old man from Carlow, has pleaded guilty to allowing his bank account to be used to launder €9,650 stolen from a woman through a phishing scam. The victim was tricked into deleting her banking app by a caller posing as her bank, resulting in €19,300 being stolen from her account. Monteiro admitted to providing his account details in exchange for €400, as he was in financial difficulty due to his mother's medical bills and a small drug debt. The court heard that Monteiro has nine previous convictions for road traffic offences and is considered to be at the bottom of the criminal chain in the operation. His defense argued that Monteiro was a victim of others who preyed on his desperation for cash. The judge remanded Monteiro on bail for sentencing next November, noting that he has since secured new employment and is unlikely to come to further garda attention.
Two criminals have been jailed for seven and a half years for their parts in a murder conspiracy targeting Thomas McDonnell, an innocent victim of a "vicious extortion racket". Jason Dunne and Craig Hayes, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder McDonnell, were sentenced by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The court heard that McDonnell, who had no involvement in criminality, was targeted because a family member owed a €100,000 drug debt. The judge noted the level of planning and the fact that the attack happened in broad daylight in a public place, which aggravated the offending. McDonnell, who suffered two bullet wounds and has ongoing health issues, was forced to leave Ireland out of fear for his and his family's safety. The judge set a headline sentence of ten years but reduced it to seven and a half years, taking into account the guilty pleas and lack of remorse from the defendants.
Martin Lyons, a 31-year-old man with 146 previous convictions, has been jailed for three years for threatening to burn down the family home of a Carlow pub owner while armed with a clawhammer. Lyons was on bail at the time of the incident, which occurred in March 2024. He entered the pub claiming that a former employee owed him money and threatened to burn down the owners' home. The court heard that Lyons had significant addiction issues with alcohol and drugs, and had spent time in a residential treatment unit. His defense highlighted his remorse and the support he receives from his family, including his parents and children. The judge set a headline sentence of five years but reduced it to three years, suspending the final 12 months for two years on the condition that Lyons engages with the Probation Service and maintains his sobriety. Martin Lyons pleaded guilty.
Clinton Byrne, aged 44, was jailed for three and a half years after Garda surveillance uncovered €90,220 in criminal cash in a taxi at Fortunestown. The operation, triggered by confidential information, revealed Byrne transporting the money for a criminal organisation. Byrne had previously been convicted in April 2023 for moving €280,000 of heroin, receiving a four and a half year sentence with the final six months suspended. He was out on temporary release when the cash offence occurred. Byrne pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the cash and wrote a letter to Judge Dara Hayes claiming he was coerced and that the job involved only a small amount of money unrelated to drugs. The judge noted the offence was aggravated by his temporary release status and suspended the final year of his earlier sentence, requiring him to keep the peace and engage with the Probation Service for a year after release.
A man accused of driving with a trace amount of cocaine in his system had his conviction overturned on appeal after a judge noted the identity of a Romanian interpreter provided at a garda station was not recorded. Marcel Nagit was convicted in the District Court of driving while there was present in his body a quantity of benzoylecgonine (cocaine) where the concentration of that drug in his blood was greater than the specified concentration. He was fined €1,000 and disqualified from driving for one year. He later lodged an appeal against his conviction. The court heard that a Romanian interpreter was contacted but the service couldn't guarantee an arrival in time. The garda opted for a telephone translation. The judge noted that the custody record was incomplete and that the identity of the interpreter was not recorded, which was prejudicial to the accused. The judge allowed the appeal, overturning the conviction.
A brave Paddy Power worker helped unmask a repeat robber by pulling at his face covering during a raid, enabling gardaí to identify him from CCTV. Charles Darcy, who has 64 previous convictions, claims to have undergone a "sea change" and wants to attend drug treatment. He pleaded guilty to robbery of car keys and unauthorised taking of a car and robbery at Paddy Power. Judge Jonathan Dunphy said he was not prepared to "roll the dice" by immediately releasing Darcy to attend residential treatment. He ordered a probation report and adjourned the case until October 9 for finalisation. The court heard that Darcy had a significant poly-substance addiction problem and these crimes were committed to get money to fuel that addiction. He has a difficult history and has been in and out of custody since he was a young man. He has had a recent awakening with the help of his sister, who is committed to helping put him on the right track.
A 32-year-old lorry driver has been jailed for five years for importing over €1 million worth of cannabis through Dublin Port. Andrew Cooley, from Ballyoran, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to importing more than 50 kilos of cannabis at Dublin Port on June 7, 2025. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a seven-year sentence with the final 24 months suspended on strict conditions. During the incident, Cooley was driving an articulated lorry and refrigerated trailer when he was stopped at the port. He initially denied having anything to declare, claiming he was carrying Amazon goods. However, an inspector detected the smell of cannabis and found 31 packages hidden under clothing, with a street value of €1,007,000. Cooley claimed he did not know the value of the drugs and estimated it was worth "10 grand." The court heard that Cooley had eight previous convictions, mainly for road traffic matters, and had been disqualified from driving twice.
Two getaway drivers involved in separate shootings linked to a violent gang feud in Limerick have each been sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. John O'Donovan (19) and Shane Blackhall (21) were third-tier members of the O'Donoghue organised crime group, which has been in a violent feud with the Collins group since 2022. The feud has led to 36 shootings and various attacks using explosives. Blackhall was the driver of a Volkswagen Scirocco used in a drive-by shooting on Hyde Avenue, where a Glock semi-automatic pistol was fired. Blackhall crashed the car into a lampost and was found to have cocaine, heroin, and cannabis in his home. O'Donovan was involved in a separate incident where a Lexus was used to meet a hit team before an Audi was set on fire. Both men pleaded guilty and were sentenced with suspended terms. The judge noted their early guilty pleas and their efforts in prison to rehabilitate.
A 39-year-old Dublin woman has been jailed for 15 months after waving a samurai sword out of her window at her former partner and gardai, shouting threats such as, 'first one through the door is getting their legs cut off.' She pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and one count of producing a samurai sword in May 2021. The incident occurred in the presence of her children, and the court heard that she had made progress in becoming drug-free. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the seriousness of the charges and the impact on the children. The woman was also found to have 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences. The court accepted that she was in a distressed and agitated state at the time, had mental health issues, and was prescribed antidepressants. The woman's defence highlighted her difficult background and that she was in the throes of addiction on the day of the incident. She has since detoxed from heroin and methadone while in custody and is currently drug-free.
Anthony Kinlan (47) has been jailed for six years after carrying out two daylight robberies using an e-scooter and a realistic imitation handgun. He robbed a Paddy Power bookmakers in Dublin 3 in February 2024, stealing €875 in cash, and later robbed a CeX video exchange store on Liffey Street in July 2024, stealing €593 in cash. Gardai found €12,075 worth of stolen goods in his home in March 2025. Kinlan pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, one count of possession of an imitation firearm, and one count of possessing stolen property. He has 39 previous convictions and a history of drug addiction. His defence highlighted that he had been drug-free for 10 years before relapsing and that he has since detoxed while in custody. Judge Orla Crowe noted the terror caused to customers and staff during the robberies and imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
Ricky Adame (27) has been jailed for 12 months after customs at Dublin Airport discovered 2,000 cannabis capsules in his lost luggage. He arrived in Dublin on January 11, 2026, and reported his luggage missing the following day. Customs found the capsules, which had a total street value of between €22,000 and €55,000. Adame pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply. He has no previous convictions and was in custody since his arrest. The court heard that he travelled with a co-accused who was found in possession of €240,000 of cannabis. Adame's defence argued that he was a 'bit of a patsy' who did not know what was in the bag but knew it was illegal. He was experiencing financial difficulties at the time and was due to receive €2,000 for his role. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offence but accepted mitigating factors, including Adame's good character and his signed guilty pleas. She imposed a two-year sentence, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions.
Nathan Coakley Hutch (33) has been jailed for five years after assaulting a tourist and stealing an elderly man's car. He has 109 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of each incident. He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm, assault causing harm, and the unauthorized taking of a motor vehicle. In January 2023, he hit a man repeatedly with a bike saddle, causing injury. In June 2024, he headbutted a tourist, causing a fractured nasal bone and mild concussion. In June 2025, he stole a car worth €28,000 from an elderly man. Coakley Hutch has a cocaine addiction and used drugs as a coping mechanism due to threats he faced. His defence highlighted his efforts to address his addiction and his cooperation with the court. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factor that he was on bail at the time of the assaults and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
Judge Anne Watkin discussed the challenge of balancing fairness with public safety as she dealt with a case where the accused had no legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors. The case involved Felipe Gonzalez Tadilha Nunez (26) of Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower, Dublin 6, who was accused of throwing two bags of suspected drugs into the Grand Canal and fleeing from gardaí. He appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, charged with obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Watkin noted that Nunez had no solicitor because his was participating in the industrial action over criminal legal aid fees. She stated that she had to be more lenient in his case but also emphasized the need to ensure dangerous individuals were not released onto the streets. Nunez was granted bail on his own bond, subject to daily check-ins at Rathmines Garda station, surrendering his passport, and not applying for other travel documents. The court warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in custody.
A 21-year-old man from Westport, Co Mayo, who is currently serving a 10-month sentence, has been spared additional jail time for stealing an electric scooter valued at €773. Edward Collins pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing the Kukirin G2 Max e-scooter from Beechwood Court in Stillorgan on January 10 last year. Judge Anne Watkin noted that Collins has 14 previous convictions, including seven for theft and fraud, and six for road traffic offences. He also had 15 charges dismissed under the Probation of Offenders Act in January 2025. The judge acknowledged that the Probation Service had worked with Collins for about a year. Collins is currently serving consecutive sentences of seven months and three months, totaling 10 months. The three-month sentence relates to driving without insurance or a licence. His defence highlighted that Collins developed a cocaine addiction at 17 after associating with the wrong crowd. Judge Watkin placed him under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months, requiring him to report in person, notify of any address changes, and avoid illegal drugs.
Anthony Cooney, a 38-year-old chronic drug addict, was jailed for nine and a half years for two violent car hijackings. During the first incident, Cooney held a knife to the throat of a 70-year-old woman and threatened to kill her. In the second, he used a fork to threaten a couple, stabbing the driver and demanding money. The stolen car was later involved in a collision with a commercial van, causing significant damage. Cooney was arrested at the scene and was too intoxicated to be interviewed. He later admitted to the hijacking and apologized. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the trauma inflicted on the victims, emphasizing that Cooney's actions were deplorable and required a long prison sentence. Cooney was also disqualified from driving for eight years.
A 27-year-old man, Cal Murphy, who was accused of driving with cannabis in his system, had his case dismissed on appeal. Judge Ronan Munro decided to dismiss the charge against Mr Murphy at the District Court Appeals Court, but commended the prosecuting garda for his actions. Mr Murphy was previously convicted in the District Court of driving while having a quantity of cannabis in his system, equal or greater than the specified amount, under section 4(1)(a) of the Road Traffic Act 2010. He received a community service order of 240 hours and a four-year driving disqualification. He later appealed his conviction. Garda Ian Galvin testified that he stopped Mr Murphy's Audi A3 on Charlemont Street, Dublin 2, on December 13, 2023, after detecting the smell of cannabis and finding a grinder in the car. A roadside oral fluid test indicated the presence of cannabis, and a blood sample later showed levels of 63.1ng/ml of cannabis metabolite.
A prisoner who attempted to shoot Gerry the Monk's brother has been sentenced for possessing drugs in prison. Michael Carroll, serving a 22-year sentence for attempted murder, was jailed for two counts of possessing cannabis and heroin for supply in his cell. The drugs, concealed between his legs, had a combined value of €3,720. Carroll, who has 54 previous convictions, claimed the drugs did not belong to him and were held for others due to a drug debt. He has completed violence prevention courses and is involved in restorative justice. Judge Orla Crowe noted the egregious nature of the offence and the high number of previous convictions. She reduced the headline sentence of three years to two years, taking mitigating factors into account. Carroll's current release date is in 2038. Michael Carroll pleaded guilty.
A former teenager with 81 previous convictions who was on bail when he punched a homeless man in a 'cowardly, savage attack', causing serious injuries, has been jailed for six years. Shane Murray, then 19, assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street three years ago but fled the country after being identified. Mr Merrigan, who was homeless, died in July 2025. The court heard that major force was required to fracture the skull and facial bones. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in 2023. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the unprovoked nature of the attack and that the victim was vulnerable. The judge inferred that an implement was used, and that Murray left the scene, highlighting a disregard for the victim and the criminal justice system. The judge accepted Murray's expression of remorse and suspended the final two years of the eight-year sentence on strict conditions. Murray has a difficult background, including addiction issues and a history of drug offences.
A robber who drove his car at a man, breaking his leg, has been jailed for two years for this and for robbing a car in a separate incident. Evan Campbell, 27, was jailed for the 2023 offences, with Judge Jonathan Dunphy noting he has since made excellent progress in his rehabilitation. The court heard that Campbell drove his car at a man, pushing him against a fence and breaking his leg. The co-accused stole the man's wallet, bank cards, and €150 in cash. Campbell later committed another robbery, where he and two others argued over the value of a car and made off in the victim's car, which had to be written off. Campbell pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and has 40 previous convictions. Aoife O'Leary BL, defending, said her client committed the offences at a time when his drug addiction was spiralling and his mental health was suffering. Judge Dunphy noted that Campbell has achieved a great deal towards rehabilitation and has not re-offended since 2023.
Austin Byrne, a 49-year-old man with a long history of criminal convictions, was involved in a violent incident at Wheatfield Prison and two burglaries in Dublin 2. Byrne stole €20,000 worth of property from two unoccupied homes, including items of sentimental value. During the incident at the prison, he struck another man with a brush handle six times, though he claimed he attempted to de-escalate the situation. Byrne has 98 previous convictions, including multiple burglaries and assaults. He is currently serving a three-year and six-month sentence. The court heard that the burglaries were poorly executed and likely motivated by Byrne's drug addiction. Victim impact statements were submitted, but no property was recovered. Byrne's defense acknowledged his long criminal history and expressed a desire to address his addiction. The judge noted the seriousness of Byrne's actions and ordered urine analysis before adjourning the case. Austin Byrne pleaded guilty.
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.
Rian Dunne, a man with 20 previous convictions, will be sentenced for mugging a tourist in Dublin and robbing three convenience stores. He pleaded guilty to robbery on Bachelor's Walk in 2023 and two robberies and an attempted robbery in 2025. Dunne was arrested after gardaí spotted him running with stolen items. He admitted to the offences being committed to feed a drug addiction. In May 2025, Dunne and another man robbed a service station, taking €81 worth of vapes and demanding cash. They later attempted to rob a second service station and successfully robbed a Mace shop, taking €250 in cash and €450 worth of vapes. Dunne was identified through CCTV footage and arrested at his home in June 2025. He made no admissions when interviewed by gardaí. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing to allow for the completion of a psychological report.
Shane Murray, a teenager with 81 previous convictions, was on bail when he punched a homeless man, leaving him with fractures to his skull and face. Murray assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street in 2023, but left the country after gardai identified him. Merrigan remained in hospital for seven days and later died in 2025. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm. CCTV footage showed Murray placing something on his hand before the assault. He was identified from CCTV and returned voluntarily in 2024. His defence highlighted his troubled background, including a lack of a father figure and drug use. The prosecution argued for a sentencing range of ten to 15 years due to the unprovoked nature of the assault and the use of an implement. The defence requested a lower sentencing range. Murray's mother was in court to support him. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case until Friday to consider the sentencing.
A man with no previous convictions who was in a cannabis-induced psychosis when he stabbed his childhood friend in the back during a bizarre attack has had the balance of his jail sentence suspended. Neal Brennan, 29, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Cian Brennan on January 2, 2025, on Station Road, Portmarnock. The victim, who was a childhood school friend of Brennan, was stabbed in the back as he was getting into the passenger side of Brennan's car. The victim was hospitalised for four days following the assault, as the wound required surgery due to its proximity to his spine and vital organs. Judge Ronan Munro noted the bizarre nature of the offending and the absence of any previous convictions, which indicated that Brennan's moral responsibility was reduced. He imposed a headline sentence of five years, which was reduced to three and a half years considering Brennan's guilty plea and lack of previous convictions.
A sentencing hearing has taken place in the Special Criminal Court for Shane Blackhall (21) and Co-accused O'Donovan (19), both of whom have pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to drug dealing, firearm possession, and involvement in a criminal organisation. Blackhall admitted to possessing cocaine, cannabis, and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025, and possessing a firearm on January 6, 2025, at Hyde Avenue in Limerick, in circumstances giving rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it for a lawful purpose. He also admitted to unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner on June 1, 2025, at Ashbourne Avenue, Limerick. O'Donovan admitted to participating in or contributing to activity intending to facilitate the commission of a serious offence by the O'Donoghue criminal organisation, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, between April 26 and May 8, 2025. He also faces three further charges of unlawfully using a mechanically propelled vehicle without the consent of the owner, in Limerick on April 27, 2025, and May 8, 2025, and in Monasterevin on April 26, 2025, as well as a charge of arson at Ashroe, Limerick, on May 8, 2025. The matter was adjourned for sentencing on July 27. Five other men are also due to stand trial in relation to their alleged involvement in these offences.
Derek Boyd, 31, and Chantelle Harcourt, 34, are on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where both have pleaded not guilty to charges arising from an incident at a home in Dublin on June 9, 2024. Mr Boyd faces charges of murdering Mark Carroll, 34, threatening Megan Rock, and assaulting her. Ms Harcourt is accused of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of another person at the scene and later at Blanchardstown Garda Station. The jury heard from Assistant State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster that Mr Carroll died from a fatal stab wound to the chest, which penetrated the pericardial sac and right ventricle. She stated the injury was unsurvivable and caused haemorrhage and shock, with no contributory factors from alcohol or cocaine. Minor injuries consistent with a fight were also noted. The prosecution alleges Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. The jury was informed that Mr Boyd was on a suspended sentence for previously shooting his sister dead in a tragic accident. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Detective Garda John Pirollo described being strangled by John McDonagh during an arrest at a halting site as a "deeply harrowing experience" with lasting emotional and psychological effects. McDonagh, 36, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and was jailed for two and a half years. The court heard that McDonagh had a history of 23 previous convictions, including assault and drug offenses. During the incident, McDonagh drove at the detective, attempted to pin him between his car and a patrol vehicle, and later strangled him during a struggle. The garda suffered injuries, including bruising and difficulty swallowing. McDonagh expressed remorse, wrote a letter of apology, and offered €5,000 as a token of remorse. Judge Martina Baxter noted the seriousness of the incident and the risk to the garda's life, but took mitigating factors into account, including McDonagh's guilty plea and mental health issues. She imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced to three-and-a-half years with the final 12 months suspended on conditions.
A man with 82 previous convictions has been jailed for four years after repeatedly kicking his former partner in the head while on bail. Lee Byrne, 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The victim described ongoing medical issues, including anxiety, persistent concussion syndrome, and headaches. Byrne was on bail at the time of the incident and was later arrested. Gardai found evidence of injuries on Byrne's hands and blood on his feet. The victim detailed the assault, saying Byrne targeted her head with kicks. She was hospitalised over 20 times and is on medication for seizures and anxiety. She described the trauma and how Byrne's actions changed her life. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a five-year sentence, with the final year suspended, and ordered Byrne to engage with the Probation Service. The judge noted the assault occurred in an intimate relationship and considered Byrne's guilty plea and remorse. Byrne's defence highlighted his history of drug addiction and psychiatric issues. Gardai confirmed the victim's injuries were severe, with significant damage to her face.
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.
Brian O'Connor, a criminal with 167 previous convictions, stabbed a 55-year-old motorist five times with a screwdriver before hijacking his vehicle in Dublin in August 2025. O'Connor pleaded guilty to seizing a vehicle by force and assault causing harm. The victim was threatened with death by O'Connor and another man, who then stabbed him before fleeing in the car. The victim was injured and frightened, and the car was driven recklessly before the men fled. O'Connor, an inmate at Wheatfield Prison, has been in custody since the offence. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case until November to allow for a probation report to be prepared. O'Connor's defence highlighted his difficult childhood, drug and alcohol issues, and recent efforts to seek treatment and recovery. He has handed in a letter of apology and is now an enhanced prisoner working in custody.
A 24-year-old drug dealer, Kabir Adeyemo, has been further sentenced for laundering the proceeds of his own criminal activity in a 'crude and obvious' manner. Adeyemo pleaded guilty to multiple charges of having cash believed to be the proceeds of crime between November 2019 and July 2021. Garda Michael Curtin stated that €18,950 was deposited into Adeyemo's bank account during this period, and that he moved the money between his account, betting accounts, and back to his own. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the laundering was not a complex scheme and that Adeyemo was 'a man involved in crime' at the time. She acknowledged that Adeyemo has 58 previous convictions, including four for drug dealing, and that none of the cash was recovered. However, the judge accepted that Adeyemo has 'started to turn his life around' and is now a good father to his six-year-old son. She imposed a sentence of 18 months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
Derek Moore, known as 'Del Boy' Hutch, has had his sentencing for causing serious harm to a grandmother further adjourned due to ongoing industrial action by criminal solicitors. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Valentyna Linck in 2022. His sentencing was adjourned until October, with Moore remanded on bail. Moore has a long history of convictions, including dangerous driving and drug-related offences. The collision occurred at high speed, with Moore testing positive for cannabis. Ms Linck suffered life-threatening injuries, including a stroke and brain bleed, and has required extensive medical treatment. Moore has been on bail and has not come to garda attention except for one public order matter. He has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and has a bail variation allowing him to go on holiday abroad while awaiting sentencing.
A serial thief with 142 previous convictions, Mark Holmes, had his jail term reduced by four months on appeal. Holmes, who has a history of theft and drug addiction, was convicted of multiple thefts from Dublin grocery shops. His defense argued that his offenses were linked to a crack cocaine addiction and a chaotic lifestyle. Holmes was initially sentenced to 20 months in total, but the appeal court reduced the two ten-month sentences to eight months each, to be served consecutively. The court heard that Holmes had been engaging with services and schooling while in custody, and had reduced his methadone usage. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan acknowledged the severity of his criminal history but noted his cooperation and progress in treatment. The reduction was made to reflect his engagement with services and his reduced methadone usage while in custody.
Peter 'Peadar' Keating, a former senior member of the Kinahan Cartel, appeared in the High Court in Dublin following an extradition warrant issued by the UK. Keating, 45, was sentenced in December 2024 at the Old Bailey to four years and eight months for his role in a failed plot to secure a reduced jail term for Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh by amassing a weapons arsenal. At the time, Keating was already serving an 11-year sentence in Ireland for directing the attempted murder of a rival Hutch gang member. The UK warrant, issued in November 2022, stated that firearms were sourced from the Netherlands as part of a scheme to demonstrate Kavanagh's cooperation. Kavanagh, a senior Kinahan drug trafficker, was jailed in England in March 2022 for 21 years for importing over £30M worth of drugs. Keating's legal team, led by Keith Spencer BL, highlighted significant issues in the case and applied for legal aid, which was granted. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for further proceedings. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
A driver accused of refusing to provide a blood sample has had his conviction overturned on appeal. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan allowed the appeal of Dillion Mulligan (25) against his conviction, citing a lack of evidence that he was informed that refusing to provide a sample was a criminal offence. Mulligan was initially convicted in the District Court of failing or refusing to provide a blood specimen under the Road Traffic Act 2010. He was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €300. Garda Christopher McEntagart testified that he stopped Mulligan's car on Merrion Road, observed hazardous driving, and detected the smell of cannabis. He conducted a drugs search but found nothing and administered an oral fluid test, which returned a positive result. Mulligan was arrested and taken to a garda station, where he refused to provide a blood sample. Defence counsel argued that Mulligan had not been adequately informed of the legal consequences of refusal and that there was no evidence he tested positive for a scheduled drug.
A Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to two prison officers after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an overdose attempt, a court has heard. Dylan Smith (35) of Captains Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to prison officers at the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison on August 19 and 20, 2025. Detective Garda Andrew Harte explained that Smith was found unresponsive in his cell, and when he regained consciousness, he was aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff. Smith made explicit threats against the officers, including stating he would be at the foot of their beds and threatening their children. After being released from hospital and returned to prison, Smith again threatened the officer who found him. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, highlighted that Smith had suffered a serious assault in prison and had incurable bladder cancer. He also noted that Smith had received news about his worsening condition on the day of the incident and took drugs in an attempt to end his life.
An American drugs mule left his contact details with airport staff when the luggage in which he was smuggling 14kg of cannabis went missing, a court has heard. Ulises Mendez (30) had flown in from Chicago and left his contact details with airport staff when he found that his suitcase had gone missing. When the luggage showed up, a scan revealed an anomaly and a search of it revealed several black packages wrapped in t-shirts, which were found to be 14.4 kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of €242,516. Mendez returned to the airport the following day but instead of collecting his luggage, he attempted to get a flight back to the States. He was arrested and brought in for questioning and has been remanded in custody since. Mendez pleaded guilty to having the drugs in his possession for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on January 11, 2026. He has no previous convictions. Garda Emmet O'Byrne told the court that Mendez made full admissions when questioned by gardaí.
Christopher Strickland, a criminal with 99 previous convictions, was jailed for assaulting his girlfriend after receiving 'misinformation' that she was pregnant. Strickland kicked the woman in the face and beat her around the head with a stone. He told gardai he was 'glad' he beat her and that she 'deserved it.' The victim, who has since died from an unrelated illness, was found with blood on her head and lip and swelling on her face. Strickland had blood on him and told gardai he had assaulted his girlfriend. Det Gda Jason O'Carroll agreed that Strickland was given 'misinformation' that the victim might have been pregnant and 'he lost it.' The court heard that Strickland's relationship with the woman was built around substance abuse. He has been clean since going into custody. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan said this was a violent and sustained attack on a 'very vulnerable' woman. She noted Strickland's long history of heroin addiction and his steps towards rehabilitation. Christopher Strickland pleaded guilty.
Brian Grendon is to face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused for directing a criminal organization and drug-related offenses. Grendon is charged with 12 offenses, including directing the activities of a criminal organization in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and money laundering. He is also charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for sale or supply. His co-accused, Noel Smyth and Paul Kelly, face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organization and drug offenses. The State applied for the trial to be held in the Special Criminal Court, and the court granted the application. The trial is set to proceed with the three-judge court, and the matter was adjourned to June 29.
A Sligo man, Barry Young, has appeared in court in Dublin following an arrest warrant from Northern Ireland, where he is wanted for the murder of gangland figure Robbie Lawlor in 2020. Young, 41, faces charges of murder and possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. He is the second individual to be brought before the extradition court as part of a joint Garda-PSNI investigation into Lawlor's murder. The PSNI believe Lawlor's murder was linked to a drugs feud involving criminal elements in Dublin, Sligo, and Drogheda. Detective Sergeant Aoife Cronin confirmed Young's identity based on the warrant and informed him of the charges. Young's legal team requested a video link appearance for the next court date, and he was remanded in custody until then.
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.
Luke Donnelly, an amateur fighter, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of his 62-year-old mother, Catherine Henry. The Central Criminal Court heard that Donnelly, who had a history of drug use and mental health issues, kicked his mother to death after she allegedly threatened him. The court was told that Donnelly had walked over his mother's lifeless body and showed no attempt to seek help. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the severity of the violence and the breach of a safety order that had been in place against Donnelly. Donnelly had previously been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. His family expressed deep divisions, with some members condemning his actions and others defending him. The judge emphasized the need for Donnelly to address his drug addiction and mental health issues, and the sentence included a suspended portion to allow for community supervision. Donnelly's criminal history included drug-related offenses, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation while emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
A 31-year-old man was jailed for assault causing harm and making threats to kill his pregnant partner during a brutal 20-minute attack. The victim, who was four months pregnant, described being kicked in the stomach, punched, and choked by the defendant, who repeatedly threatened to kill her and the baby. The assault occurred in July 2025, and the victim was found in a parked car with her children and a support worker, showing signs of severe bruising and swelling. The defendant, who had 98 previous convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, was arrested and later taken to a garda station, where he joked about not being able to stand up in court. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma she experienced and the loss of trust in her former partner. The defendant, who claimed to be in treatment for addiction, apologized and expressed a desire to stay away from the victim and her family. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded guilty.
A judge has warned a pregnant woman that she will face jail if she steals again, after rejecting her claim that she was distracted by funeral arrangements following the death of her father-in-law. Emma Baker (33), of Heather Lawn, Ballinteer, Dublin 16, pleaded guilty to stealing €423.76 worth of clothing from Marks & Spencer and a pair of Puma Club 2 Era runners worth €70 from Elverys Sports at Dundrum Town Centre. Defending counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told Dún Laoghaire District Court that the offences occurred on August 12, 2025, the same day Baker learned that her father-in-law had died. Judge Anne Watkin responded: "And because of that she decided to take a pair of shoes?" Mr O'Brien said Baker had funeral arrangements on her mind at the time. The judge replied: "She didn't have only funeral arrangements on her mind. She had a pair of shoes on her mind." Mr O'Brien said Baker had no issues with drugs or alcohol, was unemployed and was heavily pregnant.
A 39-year-old woman from Dublin pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and to the production of a samurai sword at her home in May 2021. During the incident, she threatened to cut the legs off of gardai and her former partner while waving the sword out of an upstairs window. The woman, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of her children, was in a highly distressed and agitated state, reportedly intoxicated and behaving erratically. She had a history of mental health issues, was prescribed antidepressants, and had a history of suicidal ideation. The court heard that she had 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences and one for a drugs offence and robbery. The woman's relationship with her former partner was described as volatile, and he was also taking drugs. The woman later left the property and went to live with her mother, while her two younger children are currently in care.
A violent criminal, Gerard Stokes, who carried out a three-hour hammer attack on a 'Good Samaritan' grandmother, leaving her blind in one eye after tying her up and threatening to kill her, had his jail sentence increased by two years following a successful appeal by the State. Stokes and his co-accused, Samantha Campbell, were convicted of inflicting what a judge described as a 'punishment beating' on the woman over alleged missing drugs. The Court of Appeal found that Stokes' 13-and-a-half-year jail term, with two years suspended, was unduly lenient and resentenced him to 14-and-a-half-years, with one year suspended. However, the court ruled that Campbell's ten-year sentence was not too lenient. The court heard the victim lost an eye in the attack and now uses a prosthesis. The judge noted that both defendants 'participated willingly' in the attack and the jury accepted that this was joint enterprise.
Mark Salmon (33), a drug dealer, was jailed for ten years for making threats to kill and damage property, as well as possessing cocaine and proceeds of crime. Salmon threatened a mother that he would get 'junkies' to rape her son if she failed to repay a €157,000 debt. Presiding judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the threats and Salmon's role in the drug trade. Salmon had pleaded guilty to the charges and the court considered mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation. The court also noted that Salmon had previously been involved in criminal activities and had a history of intimidation. The victim's mother had to leave her home and her son fled the country due to fear. Salmon was also found in possession of €35,000 worth of cocaine and had unexplained income from criminal activities. The court ordered the forfeiture of cash and the destruction of the drugs seized.
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.
A man who was found with €5,000 worth of drugs in his home five years ago has received a suspended 18-month sentence. Sean Hassett, who was 24 at the time, immediately admitted to the drugs when gardaí searched his home in June 2021. However, due to delays in processing the case, he was only charged this year. During the time between the search and his charge, Hassett moved to Spain, removed himself from negative peer groups, and turned his life around. He provided clean urine analysis to the court to prove he no longer uses drugs and is now engaged to be married. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hassett had not re-offended since 2021 and had fully cooperated with the investigation. She acknowledged his efforts to change his life and suspended his sentence for three years on certain conditions. The drugs involved included ketamine, cannabis, and cocaine, with a total value of just over €5,100. Hassett has four previous convictions, including one for a road traffic offence and three for drug possession. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.