A man with a brain injury from a meat cleaver attack, Wayne McCauley, has been jailed for 18 months for assaulting his mother by bending her finger until it broke. McCauley, 31, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after a row with his mother, who was 63 at the time. The court was told that McCauley grabbed his mother's hand and bent her finger until it cracked, resulting in a fractured metatarsal. He was arrested and made full admissions, stating he was coming down from drugs at the time. McCauley has a long history of previous convictions, predominantly for public order and attempted robberies. His defense highlighted his brain injury and inability to deal with stress, but Judge Martin Nolan noted his long history of offending and sentenced him to 18 months. The judge acknowledged McCauley's remorse but emphasized the cruelty of the act towards his mother. The suspended sentence was given with the hope that McCauley would not hurt his mother again.
A witness testified at a murder trial about his attempts to perform CPR on the lifeless body of a 20-year-old man who was seen running into a lamppost before becoming unresponsive. David Conlon recounted how he heard a loud roar and saw the young man running before hearing a loud smack as he hit the lamppost and fell back. Conlon and his wife went out to assist the injured man, who was found lying flat on his back with his eyes wide open. Conlon's wife called 999, and the dispatcher instructed him on how to perform CPR until emergency services arrived. Patrick Murphy, 37, admitted to stabbing Jordan Ronan but pleaded not guilty to murder. The trial heard that Murphy claimed he stabbed Ronan to protect his family or property. The jury was shown evidence, including the discovery of a single stab wound to the chest, and items found on Ronan, such as Valium tablets and cannabis. The trial continues as the court examines the intent behind Murphy's actions and the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
A gunman who claims he was taking 'industrial quantities' of cocaine when he shot his wife's brother-in-law with a submachine gun can be found guilty of manslaughter if a jury determines he had a mental disorder or was so intoxicated that he did not form an intention to kill. Christopher Devine, 44, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The court heard that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder, but the prosecution argued he was not mentally ill but highly intoxicated. The judge explained that the jury could find him guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility or due to intoxication. The trial concluded with the jury beginning their deliberations, and the case will return to court on Monday.
A repeat offender, Michael O'Connell (44), of Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, has been referred to probation services and ordered to complete community service reports following his guilty pleas to criminal damage, intoxication in a public place, and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. O'Connell pleaded guilty to these charges on 18 September, 2024, and also admitted to causing criminal damage at Dundrum Garda Station on the same date. Gardaí responded to a call at Patrician Villas on that morning, where they found O'Connell throwing a stone at the front door of his former partner's home. He was highly intoxicated and verbally abusive towards the gardaí. O'Connell has 84 previous convictions, including public order, drug, firearms, and road traffic offences. He was previously given a suspended sentence for criminal damage in 2020. His defence highlighted his history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and his reliance on alcohol and drugs. O'Connell is currently on methadone and has been sober for a period of time. The court noted that he has never worked with probation services despite his long history of offending.
A prosecution barrister has told a Central Criminal Court jury that Christopher Devine, who is on trial for the murder of Michael Tormey, acted with a functioning mind and full intent when he fired a machine gun at his friend. Garret Baker SC argued that the accused deliberately drove to the victim's house twice and fired two bursts of five bullets, showing clear intent to kill. He dismissed the defense's claim that Devine was suffering from a mental disorder, stating that forensic psychiatrist Dr James Walsh found the accused was suffering from cocaine intoxication, not a mental illness. Baker emphasized that even if intoxicated, the accused's brain was functioning and he had a clear intention to kill. He also criticized the defense psychiatrist's findings as too vague and unreliable. The accused has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial continues with the jury considering whether the accused's intoxication diminished his responsibility for the act.
Olayiwola Saheed Akande, a 40-year-old Nigerian national, has lost a High Court judicial review challenging the Minister for Justice's refusal to grant him citizenship. The refusal was based on his failure to satisfy the 'good character' test under the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act, primarily due to a serious drug conviction. Akande, who arrived in Ireland as a minor in 2000, was charged in 2010 with possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty in 2011 before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the final three years suspended. He was released after serving two years and 27 days, completing the Community Return Scheme in June 2014. Akande argued that the Minister attached undue weight to his single conviction, which he attributed to financial pressures following his father's death, and that his subsequent exemplary conduct and integration into Irish society should have outweighed the offence. However, Mr Justice Cian Ferriter upheld the refusal, ruling that the Minister properly considered all relevant factors. The judge noted that the decision was not based on a risk of re-offending but on the seriousness of the conviction outweighing the passage of time. The court declined to substitute its own judgment on the merits, affirming that it is for the Minister to determine whether good character is established.
In a Dublin trial, Christopher Devine, aged 44, admitted to killing Michael Tormey, 49, but denied murder, pleading guilty to manslaughter. A psychiatrist, Dr John Hillery, testified that Devine suffered from a substance‑induced psychotic disorder caused by cocaine, which diminished his capacity to control himself. Hillery noted Devine's self‑reported "shovelling big shovels of shit up his nose" and erratic behaviour over 18 months of daily cocaine use. He also described Devine's paranoia, fear of being followed, and belief that a firearm had gone missing. Forensic psychiatrist Dr James Walsh disagreed, stating Devine met criteria for cocaine intoxication rather than a mental disorder. The trial, before Justice Melanie Greally and a 12‑person jury, continues tomorrow. The article does not report any verdict or sentencing. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
A 24-year-old man, Lucas Calvert, has been jailed for four years and nine months after being found with 30 kilogrammes of cocaine in his suitcase at Dublin Airport. Calvert, who was homeless at the time, claimed he had no choice but to transport the drugs to pay off a drug debt. He admitted to gardaí that he knew what was in the bag and took full responsibility for it. Calvert had previous drug convictions from the UK and had been remanded in custody since his arrest in June. Judge Martin Nolan noted Calvert's previous convictions and the large quantity of drugs he was caught with. He accepted that Calvert entered early guilty pleas and was a young man, but stated that he deserved a custodial term for his actions.
A man who held down a normal day job for 25 years has been jailed for five and a half years for his role in the distribution of drugs with an estimated street value of over €142,000. On May 26, 2023, gardai raided a house in Dublin City Centre and found five men around a kitchen table with drugs and money. They seized €4,198 in cash and significant quantities of heroin, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, and cannabis resin, with a combined street value of €15,847. Wicklow resident Roy Gunning (46) was arrested at the scene. A bank card found during the raid was linked to a flat in Santry, where Gunning's passport was also found. A follow-up search of the flat uncovered drugs with a street value of approximately €49,000, including €48,000 worth of MDMA powder and over 370 Zopiclone tablets. Two months later, gardai raided another flat in Santry where Gunning was living and found drugs with a combined street value of nearly €16,000. Roy Gunning pleaded guilty.
A burglar's jail time was halved after his sentence for criminal damage at a Lidl store was replaced with a suspended term on appeal. Thomas Carlyle (50), of no fixed abode in Dublin 2, was convicted of burglary at 'Saint Street Sneakers' and damaging a coin drawer at the Lidl store. He was initially sentenced to four months in prison for both incidents. Carlyle appealed against the severity of his sentence, citing personal circumstances, including drug use. Sergeant Stephen Walsh provided evidence that Carlyle was in possession of a screwdriver and that blood-stained sneakers were found at the scene. Carlyle has 17 previous convictions. Defence counsel Lydia Daly BL argued that Carlyle has stable accommodation arranged for his release and is an enhanced prisoner with a good work ethic. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin affirmed the four-month sentence for the burglary but suspended the sentence for the criminal damage incident for one year, under conditions of good behaviour and engagement with the probation service.
A father-of-six, Christopher Devine (44), has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Tormey (49) but guilty to the manslaughter of the deceased, who was shot five times in his front garden in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. The trial heard that Mr Tormey suffered severe injuries, including rib fractures and partial lung collapse. The defence is expected to call a consultant psychiatrist who will testify that the accused was suffering from substance-induced psychotic disorder at the time. However, the prosecution argues that Mr Devine was not suffering from a mental disorder but was under the influence of cocaine. Detective Garda Janette O'Neill testified that she found two discharged cartridge cases in the car used by the accused. Detective Sergeant Mark Collander stated that a Heckler & Koch submachine gun, a rare firearm in Ireland, was used in the shooting. Mr Devine told gardai that he was best man at Mr Tormey's wedding but now faces the tragic reality of having shot his friend.
Jamie Malone, 23, of Swords, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to having drugs for sale or supply on November 27, 2024. Judge Martin Nolan suspended a three-year prison sentence in full, imposing conditions that Malone keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The court heard Malone was not the primary target of a National Garda Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau operation targeting Shane Mulvey, 26, of Shankill. Mulvey, who was jailed for eight years last June, pleaded guilty to possessing drugs for sale or supply, possessing the proceeds of crime, and possessing an article in connection with a crime. During the surveillance, Mulvey was observed handing one kilogram of cocaine to Malone in a Swords car park. The drugs were later discovered in a hidden compartment in Malone's vehicle, which had a street value of approximately €72,000. Prosecutors noted that Mulvey's apartment contained further drugs and €66,700 in cash, with total seized drugs valued at €2.6 million. In mitigation for Malone, his counsel highlighted his youth, guilty plea, 12 weeks of rehabilitation, and clean urine analysis. The judge considered these factors alongside Malone's statement that he was forced to transport the drugs due to a debt.
A mother was jailed and her son walked free from court on a suspended sentence after being found in possession of almost €30,000 worth of cannabis. Laura Deering (50) and Alan Deering (30) pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Gardai discovered 460g of cannabis in an upstairs bedroom and another large package of cannabis hidden under clothes in a wardrobe, which had Alan Deering's fingerprints on it. Laura Deering was sentenced to four years with two years suspended for a period of two years, while Alan Deering was given a four-year sentence but Judge Orla Crowe suspended it in its entirety. Laura Deering took ownership of the cannabis found in the locker and said she had been paid to hold other items. She had previous convictions for drugs offences and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the offence. Alan Deering was not living at the address at the time and has a good work history.
A man who was shot dead in his front garden was struck by five bullets which went through his body, causing bleeding, rib fractures and partial lung collapse, a murder trial has heard. Christopher Devine (44), with an address at Convent Lawns, Kylemore Road, Ballyfermot in Dublin 10 has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot in the early hours of January 9, 2022. The jury has heard that a consultant psychiatrist to be called by the defence will give evidence that the accused was suffering from a mental disorder called substance-induced psychotic disorder at the time. However, it is the State's case that the accused man was not suffering from a mental disorder and instead meets the criteria for cocaine intoxication. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster told Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, that she carried out a post mortem on Mr Tormey's body in the Dublin District Mortuary on the day of the shooting.
A 'vulnerable' mother and cancer survivor, Sarah Jane Byrne, was jailed for four years by the Special Criminal Court for possessing an arsenal of weapons 'secreted' under the stairs of her home. Despite her lawyers' requests for a short sentence, Judge Karen O'Connor emphasized the need for a deterrent and the protection of society from weapons of brutality. Byrne, along with Jamie Moss, pleaded guilty and were considered at low risk of reoffending. Byrne's defense highlighted her mental health and addiction issues, as well as her history of domestic abuse. Gardai discovered firearms, including a sub-machine gun and a shotgun, during a search of her home. Judge O'Connor noted the serious nature of the weapons and the aggravating factors in Byrne's case, including her drug addiction and history of domestic abuse. She also acknowledged Byrne's cooperation and ongoing rehabilitation. Moss, who had an impressive work history, was sentenced to three years and eight months, with the final 20 months suspended. Both sentences are to run concurrently.
A 55-year-old Kerry man, Billy Burns, was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of his 75-year-old mother, Miriam Burns. The jury rejected his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, finding that his actions were due to long-term drug and alcohol abuse rather than mental illness. The trial revealed that Burns had a history of violence towards his mother, including breaking her jaw. The prosecution argued that Burns lied about his movements on the day of the murder and destroyed evidence. The court heard that Miriam Burns was described as a 'wonderful' and 'hardworking' woman who was 'always glamourous' and loved to communicate with her family. The judge expressed condolences to the family and acknowledged the 'unimaginable grief' they experienced.
Two men from Carlow have been sentenced for their roles in an attack on a man after a night of drinking and drug use. Philip Moore received four years and three months in prison, with the final 18 months suspended. Shane Coady received a suspended sentence of two years and three months. The victim, Alan Rossiter, was struck, punched, and placed in the boot of a car before being told he was going to be taken up the mountains. Moore was convicted of assault and false imprisonment, while Coady pleaded guilty to assault. The court heard that Moore had previously claimed the victim attacked him, but no evidence supported this. The victim described the attack as traumatic, affecting his quality of life and leaving him in fear. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the aggravating factors, including the false imprisonment and the use of violence. Moore's sentence was reduced due to his remorse and efforts to address his addiction. Coady's sentence was suspended due to his guilty plea and probation report indicating he acted under Moore's influence. Philip Moore pleaded not guilty. Shane Coady pleaded not guilty.
Brendan Keating has been jailed for threatening an off-duty garda while the officer was with his infant son in a Carlow shopping centre. Keating pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to Garda Aidan Kelly and to assault and possession of a slash hook. The court heard that Keating was on a suspended sentence and had previous convictions for assault and threats. The garda described Keating as 'unpredictable and violent' and expressed concern for his family's safety. Keating's threat was made in public, and he was known to have a history of drug use and mental health issues. Judge Eugene O'Kelly noted the severity of the threat and the impact on the garda's family. Keating's sentence was seven and a half years, with 15 months suspended, resulting in an effective prison term of six years and three months. The judge acknowledged Keating's frustration with bail conditions but emphasized that threatening a garda is unacceptable.
A Brazilian national who swallowed about half a kilo of cocaine pellets before boarding a flight to Ireland has been jailed for 21 months. Antonio Bezerra Dos Santos pleaded guilty to importing drugs into the country at Dublin Airport. She was arrested by customs officers and taken to Beaumont Hospital, where she passed 47 pellets of cocaine over three days. An estimated 400-500g of cocaine with a street value of €32,000 was recovered. Dos Santos claimed she was forced to carry out the drug importation by a criminal organisation in Brazil. She has no previous convictions and was referred to as she/her in court. Her defence highlighted that she struggled to swallow all the pellets and was given a small reward. The judge noted that she is unlikely to re-offend and set a sentence of 21 months, backdated to when she went into custody.
A drug addict with 100 convictions who used to 'roam around the city' has been jailed for three years for targeting and robbing a man in the early hours of the morning. Gerard O'Toole pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. He has 99 previous convictions, including theft, robbery, and assault. The court heard that O'Toole was on bail when he committed the offence. Judge Martina Baxter noted that O'Toole has developed insight into his offending and has maintained it. A probation report highlighted his efforts in dealing with his addiction and his remorse. The judge set a headline sentence of six and a half years but reduced it to five years, suspending the final two years for two years. O'Toole was identified on CCTV footage during the robbery, which showed a disturbing incident. His defence highlighted his difficult childhood and the impact of being placed into care.
Kenneth Walsh, 57, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, on August 28, 2024. Gardai seized eight cannabis plants valued at €6,400 and €15,192 worth of cultivated cannabis herb during a search of his residence. Walsh alleged he grew the substance for pain relief for himself and a neighbour with terminal cancer, following a serious accident that left him bed-bound. The prosecuting garda noted the large quantity but acknowledged Walsh had no prior drug-related convictions and no evidence of distribution was found. Defence counsel highlighted Walsh's 30-year work history and the inability to obtain a supporting letter from the ill neighbour. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the high quality of the seized cannabis but accepted the defence explanation as meeting the threshold of believability. The judge handed down a sentence of two years, which was suspended in full on a number of conditions. Walsh has 21 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic offences dating back to 2013.
The daughter of a cocaine addict who admits to killing but denies murdering his brother-in-law when he opened fire on him with a submachine gun in his front garden has told the trial that her father would think there were people in the walls who were 'coming to get him' when he took the drug and wouldn't recognise his own family. The prosecution's case is that the accused man was not suffering from a mental disorder at the time but met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The accused, Christopher Devine, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Michael Tormey. Jodie Devine, the daughter, testified that her father had a cocaine issue and that he began taking the drug when she was eight or nine years old. She said that after September 2021, the accused would take cocaine four times a week. She described how her father would avoid his children and become paranoid.
Jason Elliot, a 53-year-old grandfather, has been sentenced to six years in prison for possessing over €700,000 worth of cocaine and MDMA to repay a €20,000 drug debt. Elliot pleaded guilty to possession of drugs and using two vehicles with hidden compartments for trafficking. Judge Martin Nolan noted Elliot's drug addiction and the pressure he faced to repay his debt. The court heard that Elliot was not a previous offender and had a good work history and family life. Gardai found the drugs and hidden compartments in Elliot's home, and he admitted to the debt. His defense highlighted his financial struggles, his consistent work history, and his efforts to address his addiction. The judge acknowledged Elliot's cooperation and lack of prior convictions but emphasized the severity of the drug possession. Elliot's sentence will begin in February 2026, and he will undergo surgery before starting his term. The court also noted Elliot's family support and his positive contributions to the community.
Thomas Murray, a 43-year-old man with 52 previous convictions, has been jailed for six years for carrying out four robberies in Dublin. Murray pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery, including using weapons during the crimes. Judge Martin Nolan noted Murray's long history of offending and his addiction issues but acknowledged his cooperation and current status as an enhanced prisoner. The judge imposed a seven-year sentence, with the final year suspended and probation supervision for nine months post-release. Murray's crimes included using a screwdriver and a knife during robberies at a sweet shop, a café, and two restaurants. He was identified on CCTV and arrested after the incidents. His defense highlighted his difficult life, homelessness, and drug addiction, requesting leniency. The judge acknowledged these factors but emphasized the seriousness of the robberies, including the use of weapons. Murray's sentence was backdated to when he entered custody, and he will begin his jail term in the New Year.
A man who admitted to killing but denied murdering his relative with a submachine gun was not found to be suffering from a mental disorder, according to the prosecution. Christopher Devine (44) pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder in the 2022 shooting of Michael Tormey (49) in his front garden. The prosecution argued that the killing was murder and that the accused was under the influence of cocaine, not suffering from a mental disorder. Evidence suggested that Devine had consumed significant quantities of cocaine before the incident. The prosecution will call two psychiatrists as expert witnesses, with one claiming that Devine had a substance-induced psychotic disorder and the other stating that he met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The trial will continue with the jury considering the issue of diminished responsibility.
Max Corcoran, a 22-year-old high-risk offender, was jailed for three and a half years after slashing a fellow hostel resident while he was sleeping, causing significant facial scarring. Corcoran pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in May 2022. The victim, who was homeless, was attacked with a trowel and a Stanley knife, sustaining multiple cuts to his head, face, hands, and arms. He required plastic surgery and has significant scarring. Corcoran initially denied involvement but later admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he was provoked. He has 17 previous convictions, including assault, criminal damage, and drug offences. A probation report indicated he is at high risk of re-offending. Judge Martin Nolan noted the severity of the attack and the fact that Corcoran had already spent 13 months in custody, imposing a four-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions.
A 70-year-old German pensioner, Joachim Ruckweld, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for importing over €280,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland. Ruckweld pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing the drugs at Dublin Airport in November 2024. Garda evidence revealed that 20 packages containing 4kg of cocaine were found in his luggage after an X-ray detected an anomaly. Ruckweld claimed the suitcase belonged to him and contained coffee beans, but he admitted he did not know what was inside. He stated he was instructed to meet someone in Ireland and had no prior criminal record. The court noted that while Ruckweld was naïve, he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Judge Dara Hayes emphasized the negative impact of the drug trade and imposed a sentence with six months suspended on strict conditions.
Geraldo Maklekas, 24, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and a money laundering offence at his address on February 26, 2024. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a custodial sentence, noting that Maklekas engaged in drug dealing for personal benefit shortly after arriving in Ireland. The judge determined that Maklekas's culpability was well above mid-range, citing aggravating factors such as the nature of the criminal activity and the absence of duress. Mitigating factors included his youth, status as a first-time offender, signed pleas, and cooperation with the Garda investigation and Probation Service. Although the Probation Service assessed him as a low risk of re-offending, allowing the court to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, the judge stated that a custodial sentence was necessary. He set a headline sentence of six and a half years, reduced this to four and a half years, and suspended the final 18 months for three years. Consequently, Maklekas will serve two and a half years in custody. The court ordered that he exit the state within 72 hours of his release from prison and prohibited him from returning to Ireland for a period of 10 years.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted 55‑year‑old Billy Burns of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, rejecting his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury found that the cause of the killing was not mental illness but Burns' long‑term drug and alcohol abuse and anger towards his mother. The trial, lasting one week, heard that Burns had been aggressive towards his mother since his teens, had once broken her jaw, and had denied any involvement in her death to Gardaí, lied about his movements on the day, and tried to destroy evidence. Two psychiatrists disagreed on whether Burns qualified for a special verdict; the jury rejected the defence's claim after six hours and eight minutes of deliberation. The verdict was delivered by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, who adjourned the matter to Friday when Burns will face a mandatory life sentence.
The jury in the trial of Billy Burns, a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother, has ceased deliberations for the weekend and will reconvene on Monday. Burns has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, who was found dead at her home in 2022. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Burns' treating psychiatrist, Dr. Eugene Morgan, argued that he met the criteria for the special verdict, while Dr. Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, stated that Burns understood the nature of his actions. The prosecution has argued that Burns' violent behavior was not due to mental illness but rather drug and alcohol abuse. The jury can return one of four verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, or not guilty.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.
The State has argued that the fully suspended sentences given to Jim Connors, a serial driving offender who caused a serious crash and later committed further offences, were too lenient. Connors, who had 36 previous convictions, including road traffic offences, was serving a six-year driving ban when he crashed into a taxi, leaving a passenger with serious injuries. He received a four-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and four-year suspended sentences for three counts of leaving the scene to escape liability. The sentences were concurrent and suspended for five years. The State also challenged a three-year suspended sentence for reckless endangerment, which occurred a month after the taxi crash. Connors had additional charges, including drug driving and driving without insurance. The State's counsel argued that the sentences were unduly lenient given the severity of the offences and Connors' disregard for court orders. Connors' defence highlighted his cooperation, mental health issues, and rehabilitation efforts. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision until December 1.
A jury is expected to begin deliberations in the trial of a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother. The accused, Billy Burns, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was suffering from a manic episode related to bipolar disorder when he killed his mother. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution argues that Burns' actions were not explained by psychiatric illness but by drug and alcohol abuse. The defence maintains that Burns was mentally unwell and did not understand the nature of his actions. The jury has been instructed on the law and the evidence, and deliberations are set to begin tomorrow. The case has drawn significant attention due to the accused's mental health and the nature of the crime.
Kenneth Kelly, 54, of Monaseed Demesne, Gorey, was sentenced to six years in prison by Judge James McCourt at Wexford Courthouse for demanding €1,000 from a victim over an alleged drug debt on 31 January 2024, a crime that involved threats and the possession of a .177 calibre air pistol and ammunition. Kelly had 12 prior convictions, including armed robbery. He appealed, arguing the judge had wrongly linked his threats to the victim's subsequent suicide and that the eight‑year headline sentence was excessive. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Anthony Collins, rejected the appeal, noting the maximum penalty for such an offence is 14 years and that the judge had not erred in assessing the gravity of the crime or Kelly's culpability. Collins upheld the six‑year sentence, stating no evidence justified suspending any part of it. The appeal was dismissed. Kenneth Kelly pleaded guilty.
A 24-year-old man with a long criminal history was jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to money laundering. Eoin Wiley had €41,920 pass through his bank account despite only receiving €120 per week in social welfare. He had 155 previous convictions for various offences, including assault and driving violations. Detective Garda Keith Colman described Wiley as a recidivist offender known to gardai. His bank records showed multiple deposits from unknown third parties, and cash was withdrawn from ATMs. The Department of Social Protection confirmed Wiley received Jobseeker's Allowance and was not employed. Although arrested for money laundering, no evidence emerged during his interview. He was charged and entered a signed plea. His defence highlighted his ADHD diagnosis, drug issues, and family responsibilities. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months of his sentence.
Aaron Waddington, 36, of Louglinstown Park, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, was sentenced to three years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to the burglary of a 94-year-old man's home on March 14 last. Judge Martin Nolan reduced a headline sentence of five years to three years, taking into account Waddington's guilty plea and mitigating factors, including his immediate departure when confronted by the victim. The sentence was backdated to March of this year, when Waddington first went into custody. The court heard that Waddington entered the property by smashing a window with a brick, cutting his leg and leaving a blood trail that linked him to the crime. He stole two watches before being stopped nearby. The victim, who struck the intruder with a shoehorn, described Waddington as "docile." A victim impact statement noted the elderly man's ongoing distress and anxiety. Waddington has a history of offending, including drugs, road traffic offences, criminal damage, and theft. His defence counsel highlighted his drug addiction and remorse, noting he is a father of three.
A prosecution counsel has urged the jury to consider whether the accused, Billy Burns, is attempting to 'pull the wool' over their eyes by feigning psychosis to secure a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. In his closing speech, Mr Sean Guerin SC argued that Burns's violent actions towards his mother were driven by drug and alcohol abuse rather than mental illness. He highlighted the lack of evidence supporting Burns's claim of psychosis and pointed out inconsistencies in his statements to psychiatrists. The defense, led by Anthony Sammon SC, countered that the prosecution's psychiatrist did not effectively challenge the defense's expert opinion. The case centers on whether Burns's mental disorder absolves him of criminal responsibility, with the prosecution emphasizing that Burns understood the nature of his actions and was not genuinely suffering from psychosis. The jury must determine if Burns's claim of insanity is a fabrication to avoid conviction. The trial continues with the judge's charge to the jury expected to be delivered tomorrow.
A Californian gambling addict has been jailed for four years after being caught trying to smuggle nearly €300,000 worth of cannabis through Dublin airport. Jacob Napolitano (28) arrived in Ireland on an Aer Lingus flight from Los Angeles last May when a customs officer became suspicious of his behaviour. An X-ray scan of his bags revealed multiple vacuum-packed packages containing cannabis, with a total weight of just over 17 kilos. The estimated street value of the drugs was €288,842. Napolitano pleaded guilty to the charge of unlawful importation of a controlled substance. He told gardai that he had a gambling problem and had accrued a US$10,000 debt. He claimed he did not pack the bag but knew it contained cannabis. His defence highlighted that he came from a good family and that his parents and siblings had travelled from California for the sentence hearing.
On 22 March, Stephen Hall, 40, was arrested near the Cheeverstown Luas stop after Gardaí observed him leaving the Glenveagh Properties building site with a stolen generator. The generator, valued at about €500, had been taken minutes earlier. Hall pleaded guilty to possessing the stolen generator, trespassing on the site and having cannabis at locations in Tallaght. Gardaí also found a small amount of suspected cannabis worth €20. He was remanded to Green Street courthouse for a drug‑treatment programme and probation assessment.
Helen O'Leary, 75‑year‑old sister of the deceased Miriam Burns, told the jury that she had spoken to Miriam on the phone three weeks before Miriam's death, saying she would have to let her son Billy "go", but Miriam did not want to hear it. O'Leary described Billy as having a manic episode linked to bipolar disorder at the time of the killing, shouting and talking to himself, and being drug‑addicted. She recalled that Miriam had called her upset, saying Billy had "gone out the door" and was "the worst ever that night". O'Leary also said Billy had called her a "fu**ing bitch" and that his siblings were afraid of him. The trial heard two consultant psychiatrists: Eugene Morgan, who said Billy qualified for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Stephen Monks, who said Billy understood the nature of his actions.
Omar Ahmed, 30, was sentenced to four years in prison after a court found him in possession of 23.1 kg of cannabis worth €420,080 at Dublin Airport. Ahmed arrived on a flight from Doha on 7 July and was arrested when the drugs were discovered in his luggage. He pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and admitted responsibility for the suitcase, though he claimed he believed it contained phones and gold. Ahmed has three prior convictions in the United Kingdom and had been in custody since his arrest. His defence argued he had no financial interest in the drugs and was acting under financial duress, but the judge accepted that he was transporting the drugs for a financial reward. The judge departed from the mandatory minimum of ten years, citing Ahmed's guilty pleas and mitigation, and imposed a four‑year sentence backdated to the time he entered custody.
An unlicenced, uninsured driver, John McDonagh, aged 20, was jailed for 32 months for dangerous driving after striking a 60‑plus‑year‑old victim on Ballymun Road on 6 July 2023. The victim, a supervisory worker on the Dublin light rail project, was wearing protective gear and was crossing the road toward the grass meridian when McDonagh collided with him. The victim sustained serious head injuries and fractures, spent almost a year in hospital, and is now a wheelchair user requiring constant assistance. McDonagh pleaded guilty, failed to remain at the scene, and later admitted to smoking cannabis, which tested positive. He had no licence or insurance, and the court noted no evidence of excessive speed. The judge imposed a 32‑month sentence and a five‑year driving disqualification. The victim's impact statement highlighted the life‑changing injuries and the emotional toll on his family.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Billy Burns, 55, who is accused of murdering his mother, Miriam Burns, 75, by reason of insanity, continued before Justice Karen O'Connor. Mr Burns has pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the deceased died from asphyxia by manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. She reported extensive trauma, including bruises on the head, face, neck, back, and legs, a fractured nasal bone, and bruising consistent with multiple blows. Evidence of petechial haemorrhages and neck bruising indicated manual strangulation, while abrasions suggested defensive injuries or suffocation. Dr Bolster stated that no significant natural illness, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the death. The prosecution alleges the fatal injuries were inflicted on August 12 or 13, 2022, while the body was found on August 15. Defence psychiatrist Eugene Morgan stated Mr Burns meets the criteria for the special verdict due to bipolar affective disorder, whereas prosecution psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks argued he understood the nature of his actions. The matter is ongoing and has not been finalised.
On 3 January 2025, 37‑year‑old Scott Capper drove at high speed through Sutton, Howth and Baldoyle, forcing garda patrol cars to take evasive action. He eventually stopped on St Margaret's Avenue, Raheny, where he fled the vehicle and threw bags of white powder. Gardai pursued him to Kilbarrack Road, where they found him covered in cocaine. The cocaine, valued at €5,700, was intended for his own use. Capper pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and possession of drugs for sale or supply. He has 29 prior convictions, including public order and traffic offences. The court noted he was unfit for interview after arrest but later cooperated once sober. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to 27 months' imprisonment, effective from 4 January, and banned him from driving for four years.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Johan Monzon, a 35‑year‑old Venezuelan, was sentenced to two years in prison for possession of cocaine for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on 20 May 2025. Monzon had been on a flight from Spain when he suffered severe seizures, leading to a diversion to Dublin where he was admitted to Beaumont Hospital. He had swallowed 48 cocaine pellets, one of which ruptured, and remained hospitalised for five weeks until 1 July. A garda witness estimated the street value of the drugs at €40,768. Monzon admitted to ingesting the pellets in Colombia, Brazil, France and Spain, and claimed he had not received the promised $3,000 payment. The judge back‑dated the sentence to the date of his arrest, noting his lack of family ties in Ireland and his financial desperation. The court did not discuss any further legal proceedings.
Josh McEnroe, 24, of Dublin 8, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his role in a firearm discharge incident in Dublin 2 on November 15, 2022. McEnroe pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting another person in possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 32-month sentence, describing McEnroe's culpability as "in the middle" of the co-accused and towards the lower end. The court noted that McEnroe's two co-accused had already been sentenced in October 2023. Brandon Kelly, 21, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition for an unlawful purpose and received a global seven-year sentence. Jamie Byrne, 28, pleaded to aiding and abetting the reckless discharge of a firearm and was jailed for 27 months. Evidence indicated that following a verbal altercation with a juvenile, McEnroe dropped a jacket, which the boy later retrieved. Kelly and Byrne subsequently returned on a motorbike, with Kelly appearing to carry a firearm, which was then discharged. No injuries were reported. McEnroe, who has 48 previous convictions, apologized to the court, stating he had turned his life around and is now drug-free and working part-time.
A 25‑year‑old man, Ryan Craig, was sentenced to six years in prison, with the last twelve months suspended for two years, for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm. He also received a four‑year sentence for endangerment, both running concurrently and back‑dated to October 2024. Craig drove a van onto a footpath in Clondalkin, dragging a 25‑year‑old nephew of convicted drug dealer John Gilligan, Dillon Gilligan, for up to 30 feet before leaving him on the roadside with a fractured skull and pelvis. Craig fled the scene without assisting the victim, an act described by the judge as a deliberate purposeful act of dangerous driving motivated by rage and hatred. The court disqualified Craig from driving for fifteen years. The sentencing hearing noted Craig's prior convictions for drug possession and public order offences, but the judge considered the current incident far more serious. The unnamed 25-year-old pleaded guilty.
Justin Doyle, 29, of Carlow, was on temporary release from a four‑year prison term when he repeatedly called the home of a woman he claimed owed him money for a drug debt. Over a two‑week period he threatened to "chop you up" if she did not pay, and made further harassing calls, including one in which he said she had only paid €4,650. The woman had already paid a total of €15,600 by November 2024. Doyle had previously been convicted of demanding money with menace at Kilkenny Circuit Criminal Court and had 110 prior convictions. At Carlow Circuit Criminal Court he pleaded guilty to four counts of demanding money with menace. Judge Eugene O'Kelly sentenced him to six years in prison, suspending the final two years on the condition of probation and compliance with the Probation Service for two years. The sentence was back‑dated to November 2024 when Doyle first entered custody.
Reece O'Brien, aged 23, pleaded guilty to money laundering and having the proceeds of crime, and was sentenced to two years and six months' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for two years on strict conditions. He was found to have €5,595 in cash, cannabis, weighing scales, bagging equipment, a Volkswagen Golf, high‑value clothing and a PlayStation 5 in his apartment, all seized during a Garda search. O'Brien also spat at a Garda and threatened to "bite their faces off and kill them." Stephanie Boylan, aged 24, pleaded guilty to money laundering and received an 18‑month sentence, suspended for three years on strict conditions. Boylan had no prior convictions and was found to have paid for the car with cash from the proceeds of crime. Both defendants' pleas and youth were considered by Judge Orla Crowe.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Billy Burns, aged 55, was accused of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, between 12 and 15 August 2022. He pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity and admitted to killing her. The jury heard that Burns had previously broken his mother's jaw in 1993 and had a history of verbal abuse and drug use. Witnesses, including his siblings Sharon and Shane Kelleher, testified that Burns was often violent and that their mother had tried to help him despite fearing his aggression. Gardaí interviewed Burns on 16 August 2022, during which he denied responsibility for the murder and claimed he had not killed his mother. The trial continues before a jury of eight men and four women.