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.
A man charged in connection with the seizure of cocaine worth an estimated €504,000 has been refused bail. Anthony O'Callaghan was arrested at his home following a search and drug seizure. The package containing the drugs was tracked using an Apple AirTag and collected after the accused was directed to intercept an An Post driver in a Tesco car park. The court heard that the sender had placed an Apple AirTag inside the package, allowing a Spanish phone number to track its location. O'Callaghan approached the driver and asked for the package after providing the required details. The garda said there was no suggestion of wrongdoing by the An Post driver. The judge described the case as a "very significant drug charge" and refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the charges and the strength of the evidence. O'Callaghan was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court.
A pensioner who cultivated cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €50,000 has avoided a jail sentence. James Berkeley was caught growing cannabis in his Dublin home on two occasions in 2015 and 2017. The court heard that Berkeley had a sophisticated growing operation, including heating and water piping. He admitted cultivating the plants for his own use and said he used cannabis to help with his pain and depression. He was diagnosed with schizophrenia and psychosis in the UK and has been self-medicating with cannabis. His defence highlighted his health issues and his good employment history. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Berkeley had set up a "sophisticated enough operation" but said there was no evidence he had profited from his actions. She suspended a three-year custodial sentence on the condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour. James Berkeley pleaded guilty.
A driver who was stopped by gardai for using his phone was found to be carrying €108,000 in Alprozalam tablets. Robert Freer (39) was found with 54,000 tablets in the boot of his car and a small quantity of cocaine in his home. He had 15 previous convictions for public order and road traffic offences. His defence said he became involved in drug dealing to help a family member with a drug debt and that he was experiencing significant mental distress at the time. Judge Orla Crowe said Freer's reasons for getting involved in the offence were "utterly misplaced and reprehensible" and imposed a three-year prison term, which was backdated to when Freer first went into custody last month.
Frances O'Brien, a repeat offender, had her jail term for assaulting a garda replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. O'Brien, who had not come to garda attention in two years, was originally sentenced to three months for assaulting a garda and another three months for trespassing. Her appeal highlighted her current stability, including being drug-free, pregnant, and in a different stage of life. Her defence presented letters from Tusla and her mother-in-law, emphasizing her commitment to her children and a stable future. Judge Christopher Callan noted the change in her behavior and suspended the six-month sentence for two years, with conditions that she remain drug-free and avoid garda attention. The judge emphasized that the decision did not condone her actions but acknowledged her efforts toward rehabilitation. Frances O'Brien was convicted.
Sean Friel, a 37-year-old e-scooter rider, had his jail term for obstruction suspended on appeal, though his conviction was upheld. Friel was observed riding against traffic in Dublin City Centre while smoking a suspected joint. Gardai attempted to stop him, detecting a strong smell of cannabis and believing he had a joint in his mouth. Friel fled, but no CCTV footage was found to corroborate the gardai's account. Friel's defence argued that the gardai failed to preserve evidence and did not inform him of the penalties for non-compliance. The court accepted the gardai's evidence, finding Friel had fled upon seeing them. Friel claimed he did not have a joint and that a foot pursuit did not occur. Judge Christopher Callan suspended the four-month sentence for 18 months, noting Friel's efforts to turn his life around and his improved health.
A 15-year-old boy caught with over €80,000 worth of illegal tablets has been placed on a probation bond for six months. The now 17-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of the drugs for sale and a mobile phone in connection with the offence. Gardaí found the tablets in a sports bag near Violet Hill Park after observing suspicious activity. The teenager's phone contained messages related to drug dealing, and he accepted responsibility despite not admitting to gardaí initially. His defence argued he was being used by others and that he had a supportive mother and was engaged with a youth service. The court ordered him to engage with the Probation Service and noted that the incident was isolated. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for six months and said the matter lies in his hands.
A youth who was 16 when he murdered his friend, Glen 'Ossie' Osborne, is appealing his life sentence. The Court of Appeal heard that since his incarceration, the youth has assaulted a prison officer and sold heroin to fellow inmates. The defendant, who admitted to the murder, was sentenced to life with a review after ten years by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. However, the Supreme Court ruled that life sentences for child offenders should only be imposed in exceptional cases. The youth's defense argued that the murder was impulsive and not premeditated, and that the defendant showed genuine remorse. The court noted that the youth had a history of drug abuse and a turbulent upbringing, and that his transfer to an adult prison had a significant impact on his behavior. The defense requested that a significant portion of the sentence be suspended, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and support upon release. The court reserved judgment and directed that a governor's and education report be prepared, acknowledging the desire of both families for closure in the legal process. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
Two men have been jailed for a combined nine years following the discovery of cannabis grow houses in Co Galway. Aloyzas Bukantus, 45, of Church Street, Edgeworthstown, Co Longford, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering. Tomas Dumbliavskas, 31, from Lithuania, pleaded guilty to cultivation of cannabis. The offences occurred on 13 March 2024 at properties in Skehana South near Ballinasloe and Tallavnamraher, Creggs. Gardaí executed simultaneous search warrants, recovering cannabis plants and herb with a combined estimated value of €415,000. Dumbliavskas was discovered hiding in a partition wall; Bukantus was present at the other premises. Judge Eoin Garavan sentenced Dumbliavskas to four years, suspending the final twelve months on condition he leave the jurisdiction within two weeks of release. Bukantus received seven years, with the final year suspended for two years, and was placed under probation supervision for one year post-release.
A 44-year-old man from Clontarf, Dublin appeared before the High Court in connection with extradition proceedings relating to a 2020 murder in Belfast. Jonathan Gill is wanted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to face prosecution on a joint enterprise basis for the death of Robbie Lawlor, who was shot in the front garden of a house on Etna Drive on April 4, 2020. Mr Gill is also charged with possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life between April 2 and 5 that year. The PSNI believes the killing was connected to an ongoing drugs feud involving criminal elements across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. During the hearing before Mr Justice Paul Burns, the court was told that Mr Gill's solicitor, based in Belfast, was unable to attend. The judge agreed to adjourn the matter and set April 24 as the date when an extradition hearing date will be fixed. Mr Gill remains in custody pending that hearing.
Harry Bamidele, 21, was sentenced in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm to two women. He pleaded guilty to assaulting the first victim at her home in Dublin on September 19, 2024, and the second victim at her home in the city on October 6, 2025. The court heard that Bamidele, who was on bail for the first offence, allegedly used an iron to strike the first woman over the head approximately 20 times. Regarding the second incident, the court heard that he allegedly strangled his pregnant partner for two to three minutes after breaking into her bathroom. Defence counsel David Fleming BL highlighted Bamidele's childhood trauma and psychological vulnerability, noting that violence had become normalised in his psychology. Judge Elma Sheahan described the offending as horrendous but considered his background. She imposed a total sentence of seven years and eight months, suspending the final 20 months on the condition that he come under the supervision of the Probation Services. Bamidele has 14 previous convictions. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Nathan Coakley, a member of the Hutch family, was further jailed for affray after throwing a lit bottle of flammable liquid at an apartment on the day of his brother's murder inquest. The court heard that Coakley was suffering from significant stress and post-traumatic stress due to ongoing threats from a family feud. The incident occurred on the day of the inquest into the murder of his brother, Derek Coakley Hutch. The bottle failed to ignite, and no one was injured. Coakley has 105 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence for a drug offence. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Coakley had been involved in a verbal altercation and returned with the intent to damage property. He was chased from the scene by a man waving a saw and later encountered gardai. The judge considered Coakley's record and the circumstances, imposing a two-year and three-month sentence consecutive to his current term. Coakley has since addressed his drug misuse and is clean of drugs since 2024. Nathan Coakley pleaded guilty.
Dylan Fogarty, a former janitor at Temple Street Hospital, was jailed for 18 months after attempting to throw €3,355 worth of heroin and €90 worth of cannabis into Wheatfield Prison. Fogarty and another man were spotted by gardai on February 26, 2023, attempting to throw items over the prison wall. Fogarty tried to evade arrest and discarded copper pipes containing the drugs. The second man escaped and has not been apprehended. Fogarty pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and obstruction of a garda. He has 14 previous convictions, including five under the Misuse of Drugs Act. His defence argued that Fogarty developed a serious addiction while in prison and was asked to participate in the offence to reduce a drug debt. He also has significant mental health issues and suicidal ideation. His family was in court to support him, and his partner is due to give birth shortly. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including supervision by the Probation Service post-release.
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.
Matas Kuzevicius, a grocery thief, has been jailed for three and a half years after attacking supermarket staff with a syringe and claiming he had HIV. Kuzevicius was stopped by security staff while trying to leave a supermarket with stolen groceries and produced a syringe filled with a bloodlike substance. During the struggle, an assistant manager received a scrape to the hand. Kuzevicius, who has 33 previous convictions, claimed he had HIV, but testing showed he did not have the virus. He admitted to stealing groceries, assault causing harm, possession of a syringe, and threatening to injure with a syringe. The court heard that Kuzevicius had a history of drug addiction and homelessness. Judge Orla Crowe described the incident as a "very, very serious and dangerous situation" and set a headline sentence of six years, which was reduced to four years, taking into account his early guilty pleas, remorse, and rehabilitation in custody. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on conditions, including supervision by the Probation Service.
Philip Sullivan, a 63-year-old Kildare native, is to be returned to prison after breaching the conditions of his suspended sentence. In 2008, the late Mr Justice Paul Carney imposed two concurrent life sentences on Sullivan for the alleged rape and sexual assault of two young boys, aged nine and 11, between 2004 and 2006. Sullivan appealed this decision, and the Court of Appeal quashed the life terms, substituting them with concurrent 15-year sentences. The final two and a half years of this term were suspended for 10 years on strict conditions, including a prohibition on being in the company of minors. Prosecutors told the High Court that in February, gardai found Sullivan in the company of three teenage boys, aged 15, 16, and 17, at his south Dublin home. While there was no evidence the boys consumed alcohol or cannabis in Sullivan's presence, his association with minors constituted a breach. Sullivan's risk assessment was subsequently upgraded from medium to high. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted that Sullivan was not candid when confronted by gardai. The judge activated 18 months of the previously suspended sentence, ordering Sullivan's return to custody to ensure public safety and uphold the fundamental tenet of his supervision.
A convicted murderer serving a life sentence for shooting his brother-in-law with a submachine gun has been given a three-year jail term for endangering a garda with his car. In June 2021, Christopher Devine (44) was driving his car when he suddenly took off, nearly running down a garda and causing €1,800 worth of damage to two vehicles. He was arrested following a separate pursuit and pleaded guilty to endangerment and criminal damage. At the time, he had six previous offences and was later convicted of murder. He now has 13 previous convictions. His defense highlighted his struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, and Judge Orla Crowe reduced the headline sentence of four years to three, taking mitigating factors into account.
Convicted killer Derek Moore (aka Hutch), who was banned from the roads, high on drugs, driving at 158km/h and pulling wheelies on his motorbike when he struck a Ukrainian grandmother in Dublin city centre, leaving her with serious injuries, has asked a court to allow him complete a detox programme. Moore of Champions Avenue, Dublin 1 has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Valentyna Linck on May 27, 2022 at Amiens Street. Moore (42) also pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving and a count of driving under the influence of an intoxicant on the same date. Further counts of dangerous driving are to be taken into consideration by the court. Moore has 44 previous convictions, including those for manslaughter, assault causing serious harm, attempted robbery and possession of drugs. His previous convictions also include eight for dangerous driving and one for endangerment. He was disqualified from driving for five years at the time of this offence, the court was told.
Richard Kamson, 24, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to possession of drugs for sale or supply at locations in Doughiska and Merlin Woods on September 14, 2021. The court heard that cocaine with a street value of just under €24,000 and cannabis valued at €57,000 were recovered from his bedroom and nearby woods. Although Kamson had no previous convictions and his defense counsel argued he was at low risk of reoffending, the prosecution noted he is currently under investigation for other alleged offences. Judge Brian O'Callaghan stated that Kamson had engaged in the Restorative Justice Programme, claiming he was changing his life and had developed victim awareness. However, the judge noted that Kamson came to the attention of gardai during this period, contradicting the probation report. Rejecting arguments regarding the defendant's athletic achievements, the judge remarked that he did not care if Kamson was running from Galway to Donegal for charity. The judge found that Kamson had committed a serious crime and remanded him in custody. The finalisation of the case was adjourned until June 10 next to allow for additional information from the Probation Service.
Dean Whittaker (33), an appellant with an address in Ballymun, Dublin, has appealed against the severity of his ten-month prison sentence for possessing cocaine and diamorphine for the purpose of unlawful sale and supply, contrary to section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. Whittaker was initially charged with possession of controlled drugs and obstructing or impeding a garda member on March 28, 2023. He was convicted in the District Court and later lodged an appeal. Garda Pierce O'Dwyer testified that Whittaker initially resisted arrest before being restrained and later admitted to dropping off drugs for sale and supply, while possessing a burner phone. Whittaker has 84 previous convictions, including drug-related, assault, and obstruction offences. Defence counsel stated that Whittaker has taken significant steps to change his behaviour, including engaging with the Star Project and the job centre, and has been clean of substances for 12 months. She requested the judge to consider suspending the jail term to provide motivation for Whittaker to turn his life around. Judge Cephas Power noted that the offending was at the 'top end' of the District Court level and was not inclined to interfere with the sentence at this stage. The case was re-mentioned for Whittaker to provide additional letters and urine analysis. The matter was adjourned for further mention in the new court term.
Gary Riordan's three-month sentence for stealing a backpack containing medication from the Mater Hospital emergency room was reduced on appeal. The court also took other theft, bicycle and drug matters into consideration, while noting his treatment and education in custody; the two-month term will run concurrently with another sentence. Gary Riordan was convicted.
Former prison officer Aaron Sheridan received a fully suspended sentence after pleading guilty to unlawful possession of prescription drugs for sale or supply and having proceeds of criminal conduct. Gardaí found more than 900 Alprazolam tablets and cash at his Ballymun home. A separate allegation concerning €118,000 in allegedly unexplained bank-account movements was taken into consideration without a plea. Judge Orla Crowe imposed two years, suspended for four years on strict conditions, and called it a chance of a lifetime.
Karl Phipps pleaded guilty to possessing €260,000 of cannabis for sale or supply after helping move boxes intercepted during a surveillance operation. The court heard he had a lesser role in a transnational organisation's importation effort; a five-year sentence was imposed with the final year suspended and backdated to his custody date.
An unnamed 35-year-old Dublin man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to a global term of nine years and two months after pleading guilty to six counts of child cruelty committed between 2016 and 2020. The court heard allegations that he subjected his six children to severe neglect and abuse, including repeatedly locking the oldest boy in a chest freezer, bathroom, and closet, as well as holding his head underwater. The children, aged between 10 months and eight years at the time of care in January 2020, were found living in filthy, cold conditions with inadequate food and clothing. The man's then-partner, the children's mother, was separately sentenced to two-and-a-half years in 2025 after pleading guilty to child neglect. During the sentencing hearing, the Director of Public Prosecutions entered a nolle prosequi on three counts of sexual assault and two further counts against the man, meaning those specific allegations were not proceeded with. Judge Elma Sheahan cited the repeated nature of the cruelty, the profound breach of parental trust, and the children's dependency as aggravating factors. The man, who has 20 previous convictions primarily for public order offences, has since undergone drug treatment. The children are now placed in three separate foster homes.
Andrew Connor avoided prison after Dublin Circuit Criminal Court suspended a six-year sentence in full for possessing cannabis for sale or supply. The judge treated his extensive and complex health problems as exceptional, while noting the value of the drugs was aggravating.
Bryan Butler received a three-year-and-six-month sentence, suspended in full, after pleading guilty to attempted robbery at a convenience store in Cabinteely while wearing a children's clown mask. Judge Orla Crowe imposed conditions that he remain drug free and not come to further garda attention after hearing evidence of his rehabilitation.
Madison Jenkins was jailed for two-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis worth €520,000 for sale or supply. The court heard that, although she claimed pressure and features of duress, messages on her phone discussed the use, purchase and sale of ketamine and indicated she had free movement in Bangkok.
Graham Travers admitted possessing cannabis, cocaine and pills worth almost €39,000 for sale or supply at his Finglas home. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court departed from the presumptive 10-year minimum after hearing about his bereavement, addiction, debt, guilty plea and charity work, and suspended a two-year sentence in full.
Eamonn Gray, a 38-year-old mechanic from Clonee, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis with a street value of €118,760 on September 26, 2024. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Gray for two and a half years. Prosecution evidence indicated that Gray accepted a controlled delivery of nearly six kilogrammes of cannabis from a garda disguised as a delivery man. Although the package was addressed to another name, a warrant was secured to search Gray's home, where the drugs and a custom receipt were found. Analysis of Gray's seized phone revealed tracking information for the package. Gray admitted to owing a drug debt and stated he was coerced into accepting the delivery under threat. Defence counsel Mark Lynam SC argued that Gray was a vulnerable individual with a cocaine addiction who was effectively a "sitting duck" for those who threatened his family. Judge Nolan accepted that Gray was immediately cooperative and had been exploited due to his debt and vulnerability. The judge acknowledged Gray's strong work record and low risk of re-offending but imposed the custodial sentence.
Lee Somers was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing 29 kilogrammes of cannabis worth €597,000 at Dublin Airport. He left the luggage on a carousel after arriving from Canada, telling staff his conscience had intervened; Dublin Circuit Criminal Court accepted he was under some duress but had made a serious decision.
Ethan Casey received a fully suspended four-year sentence after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cocaine for sale or supply at his Ballinasloe home. The judge cited Casey's addiction, early plea and cooperation while warning about the harm of dealing and noting prison overcrowding. Ethan Casey was convicted.
Anthony Kavanagh was sentenced after admitting his role in an arson attack outside an Inchicore apartment where a baby and child were inside. He bought and poured petrol in return for drugs, while another man ignited the fire; the judge imposed a partly suspended sentence and probation supervision.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced seven men to prison terms ranging from ten to twelve years for conspiring to import an estimated €42 million worth of cocaine into Ireland. All defendants, including Gary Monks, Miljan Koprivica, Conor Costello, Ryan Watson, Hanz Pangahin, Christopher Ampo, and Feljon Lao, entered guilty pleas to offences under section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court found that the group operated as structured cells under the control of an international cartel, using the MV Royal to transport 400 to 600kg of cocaine from the Amazon to the Shannon Estuary. Presiding Judge Karen O'Connor emphasized the need for a significant deterrent to protect Ireland's coastline from such criminality. Sentences varied based on individual roles and mitigating factors. Koprivica received the maximum twelve-year term for acting as a trusted conduit between criminal cells. Monks received the minimum ten-year sentence due to evidence of post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from service in conflict zones. Costello, Watson, Lao, Ampo, and Pangahin each received ten-and-a-half-year sentences. The matter was finalized with these custodial sentences imposed.
Onkar Singh was jailed for his role in a highly organised operation in which 426kg of cannabis worth €8.5 million was found in a Dublin storage unit. The Dutch national pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of criminal proceeds; the court imposed an eight-year term with the final two years suspended and required him to leave the jurisdiction after release.
An unnamed 36-year-old man has been jailed after pleading guilty to defilement, sexual exploitation and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child involving a vulnerable 16-year-old girl in Dublin in 2021. The Central Criminal Court heard that he offered money and drugs as inducements and had groomed the girl. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final six months, and the man is now on the sex offenders' register.
An 18-year-old man was jailed for 18 months after pleading guilty to two sexual assaults on girls who were 15 at the time. He cannot be identified by order of the court. Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed two years' imprisonment, suspending the final six months for three years on conditions including engagement with sexual offending, alcohol and drug awareness and mental health programmes.
Sunday Onwukaike, 49, of Saggart, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with a market value of €13,000 or more at an address in Lucan on July 27, 2024. The court heard that gardaí carried out a controlled delivery of a parcel intercepted by customs, which contained 11kg of cannabis valued at €211,910. Onwukaike signed for the parcel and was arrested, indicating he was paid €1,000 to collect it. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the offence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, but departed from this in exceptional circumstances. Considering his guilty plea, lack of prior drug convictions, family circumstances involving a child with complex needs, and remorse, the judge set a headline sentence of five years. She imposed a sentence of three years imprisonment, suspending the final six months on strict conditions. Onwukaike, who has two previous road traffic convictions, was jailed for two and a half years.
Kelsey Peyton, 24, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assisting an offender. The court heard that on November 27, 2024, she was driving a vehicle containing 14kg of cocaine, valued at almost €1 million, which was concealed in a hidden compartment. Prosecution stated she had recently begun a relationship with Shane Mulvey, who was jailed for eight years last June after pleading guilty to possessing drugs for sale or supply, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing an article in connection with a crime. Jamie Malone, 23, who drove the van used in the transaction, received a suspended three-year prison sentence last December after pleading guilty to having drugs for sale or supply in Swords. Judge Jonathan Dunphy described Peyton as a "somewhat naïve and immature defendant" who acted recklessly. He imposed a sentence of 12 months, suspended in full on strict conditions. These conditions require Peyton to make a €1,000 donation to Merchant's Quay within six months to assist those suffering with addiction difficulties. The judge noted she is at low risk of re-offending and considered her remorse and lack of previous convictions.
Dylan Reilly received four years in prison, with the final year suspended, after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis and cannabis resin for sale or supply. Gardaí found more than €334,000 worth of drugs at a Wexford house after a traffic stop, and the court ordered the drugs destroyed and the car forfeited.
Brandon Abrahams (33) of Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for participating in a criminal organisation and committing nine related offences, including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a false instrument. Abrahams admitted guilt to these charges, which occurred between 2022 and 2024. He was found to have benefited from an An Post smishing scam, in which €500,000 was stolen from about 30 accounts to benefit about 50 criminals. During a Garda raid in 2024, a laptop containing extensive personal debit card information was discovered. Abrahams was also involved in creating sophisticated fake documents, including UK driving licences and utility bills, which were used to set up accounts in financial institutions and sold to other fraudsters. A total of €147,230 passed through his accounts during the relevant period. Abrahams has 55 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, theft, deception, drugs, and criminal damage. His co-accused, Kim Porter (31) of Casement Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to 10 related offences, including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine, and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Evidence in her case was heard earlier this week and was adjourned to July for finalisation. Judge Martina Baxter noted concerns about Abrahams' assertions regarding his relationship with Porter and his claims of suffering from PTSD, gambling, and drug addiction, which she found lacking in evidence. She also highlighted his lack of honesty and high risk of re-offending. Abrahams' sentence was backdated to September 2024, with no portion suspended.
Taylor Moran (23), of McDermott Street, Ballina, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to assault causing harm outside St Mary's Secondary School on April 2, 2021. The court heard that the victim, Martin McDonagh (23), suffered three deep puncture wounds to the lower abdomen during a brawl. CCTV footage showed Moran returning to the scene with a broken claw hammer and striking McDonagh five times. Although Moran initially denied involvement to gardaí, he admitted the charge. Judge Eoin Garavan noted the offence was premeditated and involved a deadly weapon. Defending counsel Dr Laura Byrne BL submitted a probation report highlighting Moran's difficult background, mental health medication, and remorse. Moran's mother testified regarding domestic violence in the household and his recent employment prospects. The judge adjourned sentencing until the autumn, warning Moran that custody was probable unless he demonstrated significant improvement. He was instructed to secure employment, address alcohol and cannabis issues, and engage in counselling. Moran was remanded on bail for sentencing on October 6. Co-accused Thomas Maloney (29), of Riverside Drive, Ballina, is also due to be sentenced on the next date.
Madison Jenkins, who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty after customs officers found 15 packages of cannabis in her suitcase at Dublin Airport. The court heard she had travelled from Bangkok via Abu Dhabi, and Judge Elma Sheahan put the case back for finalisation on March 25 while the prosecution examined her account.
Niall Smith was jailed after pleading guilty to cultivating cannabis at a Tallaght grow house where gardaí seized €68,149 worth of plants and seeds. Judge Jonathan Dunphy set a seven-year sentence after mitigation and suspended the final 12 months for two years.
Aisling Cunningham pleaded guilty after directing abusive remarks at gardaí outside a Dún Laoghaire McDonald's while intoxicated. Judge Conor Fottrell imposed a €100 fine and a 12-month probation bond requiring her to avoid illegal drugs and engage with addiction supports.
Jamiu Giwa pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after recklessly colliding with a plain-clothes garda while fleeing a drugs unit on Railway Street, Dublin 1. The garda suffered a concussion, shoulder fracture and knee injury, and Judge Orla Crowe imposed two years and three months with the final three months suspended.
Kim Porter pleaded guilty to 10 offences including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine and making off without payment. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court adjourned sentencing until July after ordering a Probation Service report.
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered John O'Donovan and Shane Blackhall to be tried before the Special Criminal Court on charges including firearms offences. O'Donovan also faces allegations involving a criminal organisation, vehicle use and arson, while Blackhall faces drug and firearms charges.
Gardaí who stopped Dylan Reilly for holding a mobile phone while driving found cannabis in his car and more than €334,000 worth of cannabis herb and resin at a rented Wexford home. Reilly pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply and was remanded on continuing bail while the case was adjourned for finalisation.
A top US college athlete, Kristaps Kambala (22), has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison for having cannabis for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on June 23, 2025. Kambala pleaded guilty to the charge and admitted that he was carrying the drugs. The court heard that Kambala was stopped at Dublin Airport after arriving from Bangkok and that his luggage was found to contain 19 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at approximately €381,000. Kambala claimed that someone else had packed the luggage and that he was helping a friend. He stated that he had no knowledge of the weight or consequences of carrying the drugs. The court heard that Kambala is a Division One basketball player and has no previous convictions. His counsel submitted character references and highlighted his academic and sporting achievements. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Kambala was carrying a considerable amount of cannabis and that the value of the drugs was an aggravating factor. She imposed a sentence of three and a half years, backdated to when Kambala went into custody. The matter was validated at the sentence stage.
Francis Macken pleaded guilty after gardaí found cannabis resin and cash in an extractor fan at his Dublin home. The court imposed concurrent three-year sentences for the drug dealing and money laundering charges, suspending the final six months.