Hellasha Tingman (49), a single mother from New York, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to having cannabis for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on July 6, 2025. Judge Orla Crowe imposed the sentence, backdating it to the date Tingman first entered custody. The court accepted that Tingman acted out of financial desperation to address rent arrears and an eviction notice in the US, having been promised €2,000 for the transport. She was stopped by customs with just over 20 kg of cannabis, valued at approximately €434,760. Although the judge acknowledged exceptional circumstances allowing a departure from the mandatory minimum term of ten years, she noted that Tingman deliberately took the risk. Separately, her son, Shawndell Gaston (31), was jailed for four years by Judge Martin Nolan last week after pleading guilty to importing the same cannabis at Dublin Airport on the same date. Both defendants admitted their respective charges. Tingman has no previous convictions and is currently an enhanced prisoner.
Luke Kavanagh was jailed after pleading guilty to possessing cannabis, cocaine and cannabis jellies for sale or supply. The court accepted he was under considerable fear because his family had been threatened and imposed a four-year sentence with the final year suspended.
James O'Connor admitted obtaining €2,000 from a woman in Ontario, Canada, after telling her he needed money for child support and then failing to repay it. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as a mean-spirited and manipulative romance fraud and suspended an 18-month prison term for four years. The unnamed woman pleaded guilty.
Tomasz Zdechlikiewicz was sentenced after being convicted of possessing 36 kilogrammes of cannabis for sale or supply and €13,000 in cash. Judge Martin Nolan found he acted as a supervisor in a sophisticated operation and imposed ten years for the drug offence, concurrent with four years for money laundering.
Jenifer Devine (43) failed to appear at the Central Criminal Court for her sentencing hearing on a charge of withholding information regarding the death of Michael Tormey (49). Devine had pleaded guilty in November 2024 to failing to disclose information that might assist in securing the apprehension of her husband, Christopher Devine, concerning Tormey's death. Her lawyer, Maria Brosnan BL, stated Devine was suffering from serious mental health issues and intended to seek hospital care. Prosecuting counsel Garret Baker SC noted that gardai had visited her address and she indicated she would not attend court. Ms Justice Melanie Greally criticized the lack of documented evidence regarding Devine's condition, emphasizing the seriousness of the charge. The judge postponed the sentencing hearing for two weeks, listing the matter for March 13, allowing time for a medical report. Meanwhile, Christopher Devine (44) was convicted by a jury of murder in December 2024. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury rejected the defense argument that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to cocaine and alcohol use, finding he acted deliberately. The trial heard Devine shot Tormey five times with an MP5 submachine gun in Tormey's front garden in Ballyfermot in January 2022. The weapon was never recovered.
Onkar Singh, a 46-year-old Dutch national, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of €3,035, identified as proceeds of crime, on October 11, 2024. He also admitted to possessing a €5 note intended for identification in connection with a drug trafficking offence. Prosecution evidence alleged Singh was a 'mid-level' operative in an €8.5 million cannabis operation, where he was observed moving pallets containing 426kg of cannabis at a Ballymount storage unit. While defense counsel Garret Baker SC argued Singh was not the architect of the scheme and accepted no forensic evidence directly linked him to the drugs, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain described the case as 'very serious.' The judge noted it was 'hard to understand' how Singh, who has no prior convictions, became involved. Defense counsel submitted that Singh should be permitted to depart from the presumptive mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, proposing that part of the sentence be suspended on the condition that Singh immediately leaves the jurisdiction. Singh, who has been in custody since his arrest, is described as 'marooned' in an Irish jail far from his family in the Netherlands. The court adjourned the matter until next month for finalisation.
The Court of Appeal has refused bail to four accused individuals linked to an alleged Lithuanian organised crime group, rejecting their appeals against a High Court decision. Jonas Pavillions, Alexandres Kuznecovas, and Stacey Walsh are charged under section 73 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006, with committing serious offences for the benefit of a criminal organisation. Ausra Motriuk faces charges of money laundering under section 7 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act, 2010, and participating in an organised crime group under section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2006. Pavillions is additionally charged with drug possession, supply, and two counts under section 9(1) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act regarding two billhooks and a machete. Kuznecovas is also charged with drug possession and supply. Counsel argued that the appellants were not flight risks, noting Motriuk's passport is with the Gardaí and Pavillions offered a Carlow address. The State contended that the alleged offences carry penalties of up to 15 years and that the group's access to false documents posed a risk. Delivering the judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the Court of Appeal found no error in the High Court's refusal of bail. Consequently, the appeal was rejected, and the four accused remain remanded in custody.
Shane Flynn, 46, of Markievicz House, Dublin 2, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tablets worth €396,441 for sale or supply. He was on bail for a similar offence when the drugs were found in a van and a Glasnevin house. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a consecutive three-and-a-half-year sentence.
Robert Gaffney, 27, of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two money-laundering charges involving a bank account and a Revolut account. The court heard that more than €44,000 moved through the accounts while he had no legitimate income. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended.
Stephen Connolly, 67, of Hampton Wood Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having a kilogramme of cocaine worth €70,000 and €129,930 in criminal proceeds. The court heard he stored and moved drugs and cash after forced retirement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a five-year prison sentence.
Shawndell Gaston, 31, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing cannabis at Dublin Airport after travelling from New York with his mother. The court heard 48 packets worth €424,000 were found in their suitcases. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Gaston for four years; Hellasha Tingman is due to be sentenced separately.
Owen Maughan, a 40-year-old appellant from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, has withdrawn his appeal against the severity of his sentence following a hearing in the District Court Appeals Court. Maughan was previously convicted in the District Court of 12 charges of theft, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, for stealing over €1,498 worth of alcohol, groceries, and meat products. The offences occurred between July 8, 2024, and April 15, 2025, with seven incidents specifically at an Aldi store in Terenure, Dublin. He was sentenced to consecutive terms totalling 18 months, with the final three months suspended. During the appeal, a garda sergeant detailed Maughan's 54 previous convictions and his pattern of repeat offending at the same location. The defence argued that Maughan struggled with alcohol and drug addictions and had been clean in custody. Judge Martina Baxter initially described the offending as "prolific" and adjourned the matter to await a urine analysis report. However, the case was subsequently recalled, and Maughan's solicitor informed the court that the appeal was being withdrawn. Judge Baxter vacated her order for the urine analysis and affirmed the original District Court order.
Brandon Gavin's appeal against his murder conviction was heard before the Court of Appeal, where his legal team argued that evidence of his Tinder activity and messages to a third party was prejudicial and inadmissible. Gavin, of Swords, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marius Mamaliga (19) at Forest Court, Swords, on February 23, 2023, but was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in November 2024. He was subsequently sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon. The defence contended that the admitted material cast Gavin in an unfavourable light and suggested a propensity for criminal conduct unrelated to the charged offence. Conversely, the State argued the evidence was probative in refuting Gavin's claim of self-defence, which he alleged was necessitated by a €2,500 drug debt and threats from the deceased. The prosecution maintained the killing was premeditated, noting Gavin searched for prison sentences for murder the day prior and interacted with Tinder minutes before the attack. The trial jury had unanimously rejected the self-defence argument as "self-serving nonsense." The three-judge appeal panel, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment on the matter, meaning the appeal has not yet been concluded.
A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder. Joseph Richards, aged 35 and from Lanesborough Square in Finglas, was convicted in connection with the death of Robert Sheridan, 45, who was shot at his front door in Ballymun on 5 October 2018. Mr Justice Paul McDermott found the killing was meticulously planned and involved considerable coordination to lure the victim to answer the door. Richards, who initially faced a murder charge, will serve the seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with six months suspended, after completing his current prison term, resulting in an effective sentence exceeding twelve years. The judge noted Richards has ninety-nine previous convictions and acknowledged his guilty plea and efforts to address drug addiction while imprisoned. The victim's family delivered impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by his death.
A man found with cocaine worth €100,000 was selling the drug to repay "sinister parties" who had used a pipe bomb to intimidate him after he racked up gambling debts in the hundreds of thousands of Euro, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard. Craig Harris (34) came forward from the District Court on signed pleas to possession of cocaine for sale or supply. He received a five-year sentence from Judge Pauline Codd in July 2023 with four years suspended. When gardai searched his home, a pipe bomb was found near Harris's car. Judge Codd accepted evidence that Harris owed money to other sinister parties and acknowledged that the father of three fully co-operated with the garda investigation and expressed remorse and shame for his involvement in the offence. She said that Harris's gambling addiction was the root cause of the offending but that it did not justify the lengths he went to in order to support that habit. Harris was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the final two years suspended.
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.
Dylan Mangan, the lead assailant in an extortion plot, failed to convince the Court of Appeal to reduce his five-year sentence for threatening two victims with violence and demanding €20,000. Mangan, who has 18 previous convictions, was identified through CCTV and was in possession of a phone used to contact the victims. His defense argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider the principle of parity with his co-accused, Des Smyth, who received a four-year sentence with part suspended. The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal, noting that Mangan's level of involvement was significantly greater than Smyth's and that the judge had a rational basis for the disparity in sentences. The court emphasized that Mangan was the principal perpetrator and had a more substantial criminal history. The threats involved slitting the throats of children and burning down homes, with the victims having no connection to the drug debt. The appeal was dismissed, with the court upholding the original sentence. Dylan Mangan pleaded guilty. Des Smyth pleaded guilty.
Jason Whelan and Vivian Hanley, a couple with a history of drug use and debt, pleaded guilty to possessing over €230,000 worth of drugs at their home in Finglas. They admitted to being under duress and fear due to threats, and the drugs did not belong to them. Hanley, who has 15 previous convictions for road traffic offenses, has taken steps to address her drug addiction and is now in education and employment. Whelan, who became addicted to cocaine during lockdown, claims to be clean and has a work history. The court acknowledged their vulnerable positions and the threats they faced, adjourning sentencing until May for a probation report and urine analysis. The judge considered the possibility of deviating from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, given their low position in the drug world and their efforts to improve their lives.
A serial offender, Joe Curtin, has been remanded in custody pending sentencing for a mugging and two attempted robberies in Carlow town. Curtin, who has 75 previous convictions, admitted to the crimes in court. The incidents occurred within ten minutes of each other in Hanover Park at 8:30 pm. The first victim was punched and had his belongings taken. A second victim was approached by Curtin, who became aggressive when refused. A third man intervened, and Curtin attempted to take his phone but was unsuccessful. The gardaí were alerted and Curtin was arrested. The court heard that Curtin's addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as his mental health issues, were central to his offending. His defense argued for structured recovery programs. The judge adjourned the case for sentencing. The prosecution emphasized the need for Curtin to receive help, while the defense highlighted his willingness to remain drug-free. Joe Curtin pleaded guilty.
A 40-year-old father of four has been jailed for four years for storing almost €100,000 worth of cocaine in his home and shed. Paul Dardis was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 18, 2022. Garda Michael Leahy told the court that gardai carried out a planned search of Dardis's home that day and found a total of €99,169 worth of cocaine at various locations, including his kitchen and bedroom. Most of it was seized from a garden shed, along with mixing agents and €64 worth of heroin. Weighing scales were also found. Dardis later took full responsibility for all drugs found in his home. He said he was storing the cocaine in exchange for a reduction in his own personal drug debt. Gda Leahy agreed with Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, defending, that both Dardis and his partner had mental health difficulties. He said that Dardis showed no signs of wealth and had not come to garda attention since.
A 25-year-old Dublin man was sentenced to six years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended, for assaulting his pregnant partner and making threats against his ex-girlfriend. The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault causing harm and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the incident in August 2024, he punched, dragged, and kicked his pregnant partner in the stomach, knowing she was pregnant. He had previously been on bail for threatening to petrol bomb his ex-girlfriend's home. The court heard that he had a history of violent behavior, including breaches of protection orders and criminal damage. The victim, who was three months pregnant at the time of the assault, declined an ambulance and did not want to leave her children. The man was arrested after a five-day drugs bender and had a history of addiction. His defense highlighted his mental health issues and history of child sexual abuse, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the assault on a pregnant woman.
Cody Ferguson, a rail engineer, was jailed for five and a half years after being caught with nearly €350,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. He was arrested in August 2025 after customs officers found 34 packages of cannabis in his suitcase. Ferguson initially claimed he was on holiday in Thailand but later admitted to acting as a drugs courier to pay off a drug debt. He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis for sale or supply. Ferguson has 11 previous convictions in the UK, including ten for drug offences. His defense highlighted his status as a qualified rail engineer and a father to a seven-month-old baby. Judge Martin Nolan reduced a headline sentence of nine years to five and a half years, taking into account Ferguson's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors.
A man in his 20s charged with assault, criminal damage, and drug possession following an incident in Dún Laoghaire has been remanded in custody. The accused is charged with assaulting a woman and causing her harm, damaging a window at a neighbouring property, and possessing heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. He is also charged with criminal damage at Dún Laoghaire Garda Station, where he allegedly spat food onto a cell wall and door after his arrest. No bail application was made, and the accused was remanded in custody to appear by video link for a bail hearing. Judge Anne Watkin directed that the accused receive medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident, as well as for heroin addiction and mental health issues. Legal aid was granted to the accused's defence solicitor. The case highlights concerns about drug use, assault, and property damage in the area, with the accused facing multiple charges that could result in significant legal consequences.
Riley Burke, a 25-year-old Canadian delivery driver, was jailed for five years after being caught with €716,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. Burke arrived on a flight from Toronto on July 26, 2025, and a suitcase containing cannabis burst open on the luggage belt. Customs officers used a dog to detect a second suitcase, which was also found to contain cannabis. The suitcases did not have Burke's name on them but belonged to two other individuals who were not on the flight. CCTV footage showed Burke waiting for the bags and checking the labels. Burke claimed he had forgotten that he had not checked any luggage and had mistakenly picked up the two suitcases. However, the garda did not accept this explanation. Burke has no previous convictions and has been in custody since his arrest. His defense argued that he was at the lowest rung of the ladder and had no financial interest in the drugs. Burke admitted to having a financial debt and said he was trying to pay it off.
Joseph Richards, 35, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Robert Sheridan, a 45-year-old father-of-two who was fatally shot at his Ballymun home in October 2018. Prosecutors alleged that Richards, who has 99 previous convictions, was "crack crazy" and acted for payment, enlisting someone known to the victim to lure him to the door. Sheridan, who had received a Garda Information Message warning of threats to his life, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the face. The court heard that Richards is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months. In mitigation, his counsel cited a traumatic upbringing, chronic drug addiction, and recent bereavement. Victim impact statements described the killing as a "cold-blooded execution" and detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by Sheridan's children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Stephen Carberry and Glen Bride to six years in prison for assisting in the disposal of the dismembered remains of Keane Mulready Woods. Both men pleaded guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the alleged murderer, Robbie Lawlor, by transporting and burning the victim's body parts in a stolen Volvo V40 in north Dublin. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor described the acts as showing "abhorrent inhumanity and disrespect." Carberry, who had a headline sentence of ten years, received a reduced term due to his guilty plea and the requirement to serve a consecutive sentence for a prior drug offence. Bride, who played a lesser role, had his nine-year headline sentence reduced to six years following his guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The court noted that neither defendant was involved in the murder itself. This sentencing follows earlier convictions in the case: Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years for facilitating the murder; Gerard Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with six months suspended for two years for the same offence; and Ged McKenna was sentenced to four years for assisting an offender by cleaning the crime scene. The court acknowledged the severe trauma suffered by the victim's family, who described the disposal of their son's remains as a "constant and unbearable torment."
David Thomas, 42, of Finglas, Dublin 11, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following an appeal. The State successfully appealed a previous decision to dismiss some charges, leading the Supreme Court to overturn that dismissal. Thomas pleaded guilty to unlawful possession for sale or supply of THC contained in cannabis jellies and unlawful cultivation of cannabis at Prospect Hill, Finglas. The charges related to a November 2022 raid where gardaí found 1,500 cannabis jellies, cultivation equipment, and plants with an estimated street value of €50,000. Judge Elma Sheahan considered aggravating factors, including Thomas's 74 previous convictions, and mitigating factors, such as his reported sobriety and addiction support. She imposed a sentence of four years. The final six months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that Thomas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The matter was not adjourned; the sentence was imposed. A co-accused was previously sentenced in 2024, while a third man remains before the courts.
A Dublin horse handler, Scott Clarke, has been ordered to perform 150 hours of community service after throwing a vape at an American tourist, causing him to lose a tooth. The incident occurred outside the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin 8 in 2023. Clarke pleaded guilty to assault, which carries a maximum sentence of six months. The victim, who is in his 20s, said he feared for his life and that the incident marred his final holiday with his parents. He has undergone dental surgery and continues to experience nerve pain, spending around US$5,000 on dental implants. CCTV footage showed the victim taking down a sign displaying the charges for the horse and carriage rental, leading to a scuffle. Clarke threw the vape at the victim, hitting him in the mouth. Garda Greg Moroney testified that there was no evidence linking the horse handlers to the incident. Clarke has previous drug convictions but none for violent offenses. His defense highlighted that he is a full-time carer for his father, who is in the advanced stages of cancer.
Mark Salmon, 32, of West Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to four charges, having originally faced 16 offences including directing a criminal gang. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn indicated progress had been made, leading to arraignment on lesser counts. Salmon admitted acquiring or possessing property valued at €24,257.44 in 2022 and €60,565.41 in 2023, knowing or being reckless as to whether it was proceeds of criminal conduct. He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine worth over €13,000 for supply on March 26, 2024, near Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a man between January 1 and May 20, 2024. The prosecution noted the pleas were offered on a full facts basis, with the drugs charge incorporating threats and criminal damage. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, granted an application to extend legal aid for a psychological report. The court directed that victim impact statements be prepared. The matter was adjourned for sentencing to May 11, and Salmon was remanded in custody until that date.
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.
Izabella Aleksandrowicz, a 50-year-old woman from Swords, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm after she ran over Andrew Brett, a cyclist, in Dublin City Centre. Brett, an experienced marathon runner, was crushed by the front and rear wheels of Aleksandrowicz's SUV as she made an illegal right-hand turn. He suffered severe injuries, including damage to his liver, internal bleeding, and a fractured pelvis. Brett described the accident as the worst day of his life and said he is still tortured by the sound of his breaking bones. He stated that the accident had a monumental impact on him and his family, changing his life forever. Aleksandrowicz remained at the scene and had a full Polish driving license with no alcohol or drugs in her system. The court heard that the road conditions were good and there were no obstructions. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case for sentencing and ordered a report from The Probation Service. Aleksandrowicz expressed her sincere apology and said she has been suffering from anxiety since the accident.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, four men – Rory Carr, Bruno Tache, David Oloo Omee, and Sean Forde – pleaded guilty to various charges related to a series of violent incidents in Dublin City Centre on February 15, 2025. Carr admitted to three counts of assault causing harm to Quham Babatunde, Adetola Adetuilehim, and a third man in separate incidents, as well as charges of violent disorder and affray. Tache admitted to assault causing harm to Babatunde and another man, along with charges of violent disorder and affray. Omee and Forde admitted to charges of assaulting Adetuilehim causing harm and violent disorder, and affray, respectively. Judge Crowe directed urine analysis for Carr and adjourned the finalisation of sentence for Carr and Tache to March 10. Probation reports were ordered for Forde and Omee, and they were remanded on continuing bail to April 21. Tache was on bail for an offence of money laundering and was also subject to a suspended sentence for drug dealing. Carr was on bail for an offence of drug dealing and was also subject to a suspended sentence of two years for possession of knives from 2023. Omee was on bail for an outstanding offence at the time. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
A homeless man who stole €15 worth of food from a Spar store in Dublin due to 'desperation' has received a suspended sentence. Amiran Zaalishvili, 33, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing groceries from the Spar store at Leopardstown Valley Shopping Centre on 14 May 2021. He admitted selecting goods valued at €15.75 and leaving without paying. The items were not recovered. His defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, explained that Zaalishvili was effectively homeless at the time and had no money to buy food, with the theft being a result of desperation. The court heard that Zaalishvili has 26 previous convictions, including drug-related offences, assault, and traffic violations. Judge Conor Fottrell noted the small value of the stolen goods but highlighted the defendant's extensive criminal history. The judge imposed a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with the condition that Zaalishvili enter into a €200 bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
A man who participated in the arson of a car to warn the owner to pay a drug debt has been sentenced. Dylan Deegan pleaded guilty to damaging the car by fire in a parking lot. He had 22 previous convictions for offenses including robbery and assault. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Deegan was involved due to his own drug debt and under coercion. The arson posed no significant danger to others. Deegan received a 21-month sentence, backdated to when he went into custody. CCTV footage showed Deegan breaking the car window and pouring accelerant. His defense highlighted his difficult childhood, poor mental health, and drug addiction, asking the court to consider his guilty plea and the psychological report submitted.
A 45-year-old man with a long criminal record has been jailed for six and a half years for hijacking a car and threatening a woman with violence. Joseph Rafferty, identified by a port-wine birthmark, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including stealing a woman's iPhone and dental veneers during the hijacking. He also admitted to robbing a service station and attempting another robbery later that evening. The judge described the incidents as a series of violent crimes by a repeat offender. She noted the terror inflicted on the victim, who was cleaning her car when Rafferty threatened her with death. The woman was forced to jump from the moving vehicle, and her personal items were not recovered. Rafferty, who has 61 previous convictions, including lengthy prison sentences, was also found to have a history of drug addiction and a difficult upbringing. His defence highlighted his remorse and intention to rehabilitate. The judge imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final year suspended.
A Spanish businessman, Christian Munoz Sanchez (35), who came to Ireland to make 'easy money' from the drug trade, has been jailed for seven years. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply, having transported nearly €1.43 million worth of heroin and other drugs. Munoz Sanchez, who has a wine business in Barcelona and is also a part-time DJ, was arrested after gardai found 19 packages of drugs in his suitcase during a surveillance operation. He admitted to being paid €5,000 for the job and stated he had come to Ireland solely for the purpose of mixing and delivering the drugs. Munoz Sanchez had no previous convictions in Ireland or Spain. His defence highlighted his co-operation with the investigation and his lack of a drugs debt, which the court acknowledged. Judge Ní Chúlacháin noted the significant quantity of drugs involved and the deliberate nature of his actions, but reduced the headline sentence of 12 years to seven years, with the final two years suspended.
A former competitive rugby player and scholarship recipient has been jailed for 18 months after being caught with a machete on a Dublin street. Michael Ibrahim, a 21-year-old father of one from Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to possession of a machete with a sharply pointed blade on Shelbourne Road on July 2. Gardai noticed Ibrahim and another male acting suspiciously and found a broken nail scissors on Ibrahim during a search. When asked for an explanation, Ibrahim did not provide one and was arrested. During the arrest, a black machete was found concealed under his clothing. The court heard that Ibrahim has 26 previous convictions, including drug dealing. His barrister highlighted his bright prospects as a young rugby player and scholarship recipient, noting that he had fallen in with a bad crowd after an injury. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the case and the need for a custodial sentence, stating that it was fortunate the gardai had been alert. Ibrahim was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
Luke Donnelly (29) was found not guilty of murder but guilty of the manslaughter of his mother, Catherine Henry (62), by a Central Criminal Court jury. The incident occurred at her Bridge Street apartment in Dundalk, Co Louth, on a date unknown between May 23 and 24, 2023. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury accepted the defence of provocation, rejecting the prosecution's contention that the defences were unavailable. Donnelly alleged he was 'groomed' into a life of violence by his mother and acted in fear for his life after she threatened to kill him. A pathologist testified that Ms Henry died from severe blunt force trauma to the head, including multiple skull fractures. Following the verdict, Mr Justice Paul McDermott directed a probation report and remanded Donnelly in custody until May 11 for a sentence hearing. On that date, the Henry family will have the opportunity to make a statement regarding the impact of the death. The judge exempted the jury from service for five years.
A Dutch teacher who sold his house to secure bail for a compatriot accused of drug smuggling appeared before the Special Criminal Court. Ali Ghasemi Mazidi, aged 50 and resident in the Netherlands, faces charges of conspiracy to import controlled drugs valued at approximately €60 million between February and March 2024. David Kuiper, aged 53, offered himself as an independent surety of €30,000 for Mr Mazidi's High Court bail. During proceedings, the State's counsel challenged Mr Kuiper's credibility, noting he appeared unaware of the specific charges against the accused and lived abroad, making supervision difficult. Mr Kuiper testified he had known Mr Mazidi for two decades and trusted him implicitly. The court heard that seven co-accused have already pleaded guilty to the charge. Mr Mazidi, Sean Curran of Aughnacloy, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, and Raul Tabares Garcia remain awaiting trial. Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with two fellow judges, adjourned the matter to February 13.
A murder accused, Luke Donnelly, attempted to portray himself as a victim by claiming he was in fear for his life when he killed his allegedly abusive mother, but a prosecution barrister argued that the jury's verdict should 'sting like a bee'. Garret Baker SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, stated that Donnelly had crushed his mother's skull 'like he would a common insect' and that she posed no real threat. Donnelly, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, claimed he was 'groomed' into a life of drugs and violence by his mother. He told the jury he 'snapped' and lost control after his mother threatened to kill him. Under cross-examination, Donnelly admitted to taking a cocktail of drugs before the incident. In his closing speech, Baker criticized Donnelly's defense, calling it 'contrived' and 'manufactured', and argued that the evidence pointed to an 'unambiguous murder'. He emphasized that the victim, a 62-year-old grandmother, had no chance against the accused.
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.
Donna Kane, a serial offender with 43 previous convictions, has been given a two-year probation bond after pleading guilty to stealing over €950 worth of goods from Superdrug. Kane had previously breached a probation order and committed further offenses shortly after. However, the court heard that she had not committed any offenses since March 2024 and had engaged with treatment and recovery services. Judge Anne Watkin noted Kane's progress and decided to give her 'one more opportunity' to stay on the right path. Kane's employer provided a character reference, highlighting her reliability and willingness. The judge warned that if Kane committed any further offenses during the probation period, the consequences would be serious. Kane accepted responsibility for her actions and had taken steps to address her issues, including participating in a drug recovery program.
An amateur kickboxer who admits to killing but denies murdering his mother has testified at his trial, claiming he was 'groomed' into a life of drugs and violence by his abusive mother. Luke Donnelly told the Central Criminal Court that he was in fear for his life and 'lost all control' when he stomped on his mother's head after she hit and threatened to kill him. He admitted to using 'deplorable violence' to end his mother's life and had taken a cocktail of drugs before the incident. Donnelly, who has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, described a history of abuse and violence in his home. He said his mother had a relationship with a drug dealer and that he was put 'out on the street' at 14. The trial continues with the jury considering evidence, including CCTV footage and the accused's claim that he was 'Jesus Christ' and that his mother had threatened to kill him.
Gardai discovered a 'cornucopia' of illicit drugs, cash and associated paraphernalia when they inquired into a stolen motorbike after the legitimate owner discovered it for sale online. Dylan Sheridan (23) Lissadel Avenue, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cannabis, ketamine and tablets with a street value of €151,046 at his home on March 20, 2024. He also admitted handling the stolen motorbike, having items connected to a drug trafficking offence and having €33,350 in €50 and €100 notes, on the same date. He has two previous convictions for drug possession and drug dealing dealt with in the District Court. The court heard that the bike had been stolen the previous December and the owner had later found it online for sale. He made contact with the supposed seller of the bike and contacted gardaí. On March 19, 2024, arrangements were made to meet Sheridan opposite his home to buy the bike. During a subsequent search of his home, the bike was found in the front garden under a canvas cover.
A hit-and-run driver, Ruadhan Tracey, who was banned from driving for 20 years after causing the death of a 14-year-old boy in 2011, has applied to a court for the restoration of his license. Tracey, 44, received a 20-month jail sentence in 2014 for careless driving causing the death of Conor Hickey and failing to remain at the scene of an accident. The court heard that Tracey had borrowed his girlfriend's car and was driving with a friend to buy heroin when the incident occurred. The victim, Conor Hickey, was struck by the car and died the following day. Tracey admitted to taking his eyes off the road and driving off because he had no license or insurance. The victim's family and gardaí are opposed to the restoration of his license. Tracey, representing himself, asked the court to grant his application, stating he had not been in trouble since 2018 and had been offered a job. The case was adjourned to February 3, with the court asking for relevant case law to be presented. Ruadhan Tracey pleaded guilty.
A judge has said that an Italian drugs mule who was rumbled when he went back to Dublin airport to seek out his lost luggage containing €294,000 in cannabis was 'not a criminal mastermind'. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Alfonso Turano had completed a lost luggage form in his real name and replied 'Mamma mia!' when he was told what was in the suitcase. Turano (41) arrived in Ireland the day before the suitcase, which contained 14.7kg of cannabis. The defendant, with an address in Calabro, Italy pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply on March 1, 2025 at Dublin Airport. Today, Judge Ronan Munro handed Turano a four-year sentence, with the final 20 months suspended for 10 years on strict conditions. The judge said the court accepted that Turano was 'not a criminal mastermind', but was also satisfied that the defendant would have known the suitcase contained illicit substances.
A Laois man, Jason Tuthill, who was caught with nearly €400,000 in cannabis, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison after the Court of Appeal overturned his original suspended sentence. The court found the initial three-year fully suspended sentence too lenient. Tuthill was convicted of possessing 17kg of cannabis and three kilograms of cannabis herb in 2023. The judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, noted that while there were mitigating factors, such as threats against Tuthill and his family, these did not justify the original sentencing. The court ruled that the headline sentence of eight years should be reduced to five years, with the final two and a half years suspended. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was unduly lenient. Tuthill's counsel argued that the sentencing judge considered the circumstances of his life, but the court found that the reduction was excessive.
Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin commented that she might not have a job if it were not for the scourge of drugs and the low-level mules who help in the illegal trade. Michael Hayter, a UK national, was jailed for four years for importing nearly €750,000 worth of cannabis through Dublin Airport. Hayter pleaded guilty to having the drugs for sale and importation. He was approached in Cambodia and offered £2,000 to transport the drugs. The judge acknowledged that Hayter was acting as a courier or mule but emphasized that his actions enabled drug dealers to thrive. She set a headline sentence of eight years but reduced it to four years due to Hayter's early guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. The judge noted that Hayter would be separated from his family during his time in prison. Hayter was recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and lost his job. His counsel expressed remorse and stated that Hayter was engaging with addiction support services. The judge accepted that Hayter had no history of offending and lived a pro-social life otherwise.
A man who injured a garda by bending his finger backwards while resisting arrest five years ago has been directed to complete 240 hours of community service. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to assaulting a peace officer and possessing cannabis for sale or supply. During the incident, Daly injured a garda's finger while resisting arrest. A total of 9.6g of cannabis, valued at €192, was also found. Daly has 55 previous convictions, including for assaulting members of An Garda Siochana and drugs offences. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Daly had made considerable progress since the incident and had turned his life around. She directed Daly to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-year prison sentence. Garda Natasha McAleese testified that Daly was agitated during the incident and attempted to evade arrest. Sgt Kenny was injured during the struggle and later treated in hospital. Daly was identified through a print found on a bag of drugs. His counsel expressed remorse and apologized to Sgt Kenny for Daly's actions.
A trial in the Central Criminal Court heard that Luke Donnelly, 29, admitted to manslaughter but denied murder in the death of his mother, Catherine Henry, 62. His sister, Kathleen Donnelly, testified that their mother was physically, verbally, and emotionally abusive to her children on a daily basis. She also stated that Luke idolised their mother despite her abuse. Luke's father, Gerry Donnelly, recounted incidents where Catherine stabbed him with a steak knife and pushed him down the stairs. Luke had a history of mental health issues and drug use, and his sister described him as being in a trance-like state before the incident. Luke's sister also mentioned that he had gone missing for a few days in November 2023 and had attempted suicide multiple times. The trial continues with the court considering the evidence presented. Luke Donnelly pleaded not guilty.