In May 2021, Oliver Kane, 41, who was homeless and suffering from mental health issues, voluntarily appeared at a Garda station to confess that he had attempted to rape a 21‑year‑old woman in Ardee on 16 November 2020. Kane explained that he had approached the woman with the intention of forcing her into a secluded area, but she resisted and escaped. He admitted the assault and expressed regret. The victim, who has suffered ongoing mental health problems, stated that the incident had caused nightmares, sleep difficulties, and depression, and that she had taken time off work and begun counselling. Kane has a prior conviction for a public order offence. At the Central Criminal Court, the case was adjourned to 14 June to allow for a psychiatric assessment, and Kane was remanded in continuing custody. The prosecution noted that the victim's anonymity was maintained, while the defence highlighted Kane's untreated depression and psychosis. Oliver Kane pleaded guilty.
Michael Hoolohan, 42, was jailed for three-and-a-half years after he fired a handgun at four youths in a Dublin housing estate on 16 April 2020. Gardaí were alerted by residents hearing the shots and later recovered spent shell casings and ammunition from the scene. CCTV footage linked a Toyota Hiace van, parked outside Hoolohan's home, to the shooting, and forensic analysis found firearms residue in the vehicle. Hoolohan pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and reckless discharging of a firearm. He had 11 prior convictions for road traffic and public order offences. The court accepted that he did not intend to harm the youths but had fired to frighten them, describing the incident as a disproportionate parental reaction. The judge noted Hoolohan's family responsibilities and community involvement but imposed the custodial sentence. The youths involved made no complaint. The case was presented as a moment of madness by the defence.
Keith Devine, 26, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for assault causing harm after he repeatedly stamped on the head of an unconscious homeless man and knocked out the victim's false teeth. The incident occurred in a laneway at Glovers Alley, Dublin 2, on 4 June 2020. Devine punched the victim eight times, stamped on his head five times, and then went through his pockets, though he did not steal anything. The victim was taken to hospital for a head wound and later discharged. Devine pleaded guilty and had 28 prior convictions, including drug possession and public order offences. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑year sentence, suspended the final 12 months on strict conditions, and back‑dated it to June 2020. The sentence requires Devine to comply with Probation Service directions for 12 months after release. The case was prosecuted by Katherine McGillicuddy BL and defended by Keith Spencer BL.
Kyle Rafferty, 23, of Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 1 kg of cocaine for sale or supply. He was found with a paper bag containing €70,000 worth of cocaine, which he admitted was "coke in the bag" and that he was holding it for someone to collect to pay a drug debt. Rafferty has 11 prior convictions, including traffic offences, assault and public order. He was arrested after a Garda tip‑off and surveillance of a house. The court accepted his guilty plea, his cooperation and the fact that he had a drug problem, and sentenced him to three years' imprisonment. The judge noted that Rafferty had not attracted Garda attention since his arrest and was "keeping away from criminality.".
At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Edward Maguire and Suzanne Maguire pleaded guilty to attempting to induce Axa Insurance to pay out on a false claim dated September 22, 2017. The defendants alleged an elderly motorist reversed into their vehicle, causing damage and spilling hot coffee, but CCTV footage proved no impact occurred and Edward Maguire was not in the car. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Edward Maguire to two years in prison, suspended in full on strict conditions requiring him to engage with the Probation Service for two years. She described the conduct as a nasty offence against an elderly man, noting he followed through on the claim despite the plan's flaws. Suzanne Maguire's case was adjourned to October 11 to allow her time to complete a drug rehabilitation course, with the court accepting she is making progress with her addiction. She was remanded on continuing bail until that date. The judge stated she was giving Suzanne an opportunity to address her addiction but made no guarantees. Both defendants have extensive prior convictions, including theft and public order offences, though neither had previous Circuit Court convictions. Defence counsel highlighted their difficult upbringings and recent efforts to address addiction and maintain stability.
A man has pleaded guilty to rape and oral rape following a violent assault on a woman at her Dublin home in January 2018. Peter Loughran, aged 36, of Glasnevin Downs, Ballygall, Dublin, met the victim through the dating application Tinder before arriving at her apartment. During the attack, Loughran assaulted the woman, filmed her without consent, and subjected her to sustained sexual violence. The victim, who feared the incident would continue indefinitely, eventually escaped by feigning illness and summoning gardaí. Medical examination confirmed injuries to multiple areas of her body. Loughran initially denied the allegations to gardaí, claiming the contact was consensual. The Central Criminal Court has adjourned sentencing to April 30th, when victim impact evidence and mitigation will be heard. Loughran has four previous convictions including drugs possession, drink-driving, and public order offences.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Nathan Harold, 26, was sentenced to three-and-a-half years' imprisonment for robbery and assault. The offence occurred on 22 November 2019 at Camden Place, Dublin city centre, when Harold, then on bail, approached an intoxicated man, Cathal Doyle, who had been refused entry to a nightclub. Harold punched Doyle repeatedly, knocked him to the ground, and stamped on him as he was leaving. Doyle's phone and wallet were taken. Harold had no fixed address, previously lived on Ratoath Avenue, Finglas, and had 55 prior convictions, including theft, drug possession and public order offences. He pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and was described by the judge as having seized an opportunity to prey on Doyle. The court imposed the sentence accordingly.
Shauna Kavanagh, aged 33, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of assault causing harm and two counts of assault on James Street, Dublin, on 9 December 2017. The assaults involved punching Thomas Coogan, a family friend, to the face when he tried to break up a fight outside the Malt House Bar, causing Coogan a fractured skull and brain bleeding. Coogan later died of cancer. Kavanagh also punched bar man Ian Byrne and threw a bottle at event manager Denis Heatly during a karaoke session. She was found to have a history of two minor convictions for public order and failing to produce a specimen. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced Kavanagh to two years' imprisonment, suspending the final 12 months, and directed that she serve the term in a women's prison, noting her psychological vulnerability and the fact that she had been living as a woman in London prior to the incident.
In a case heard by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Jamiee Griffin, aged 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching another man in the entrance to a District Court on 10 November 2017. The victim sustained a cut to his lip, an injury observed by a nearby Garda and captured on security footage. Griffin, who has 30 prior convictions including assault, affray, violent disorder, obstruction of a peace officer, public order and road traffic offences, was found to have no victim impact statement or complaint filed. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his history and recent efforts at rehabilitation, imposed a 12‑month sentence and suspended it in full for 12 months. The court recorded that Griffin had taken positive steps, was not abusing drugs, and had not attracted significant Garda attention since 2017. The case concluded with the judge's decision to suspend the sentence, reflecting his apparent maturity and change of behaviour.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Jordan Murray, aged 23, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment for possession of a firearm and ammunition. The case stemmed from a police search of a taxi that stopped at Neilstown Road, Clondalkin, on 31 July 2020. Gardaí discovered a Glock 9mm handgun, 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and a small amount of cannabis in the vehicle. The handgun's serial number had been filed off, and Murray offered no explanation for its presence. He had previously pleaded guilty to the firearm offences and had nine prior convictions for public order offences and theft. The judge noted that the detective's suggestion that Murray had obtained the gun for revenge after a prior assault could not be relied upon, and he emphasized that the gun could have been used to threaten, injure, or kill. Murray's record was considered, but the judge highlighted his apparent willingness to reform while in custody.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Dean Fitzpatrick, aged 28, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching David Curran on Grafton Street on 15 February 2017. Curran suffered a broken nose, three jaw fractures and a fracture above his eye, requiring surgery and extensive stitches. The assault left him with lasting nerve damage, forced him to drop out of college and lose his degree, and caused a significant increase in his anxiety and depression. Fitzpatrick was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended on the condition that he engage with Probation Services and addiction treatment for 12 months. The judge also noted Fitzpatrick's 70 prior convictions, including assault, theft, public order and road traffic offences. The case highlighted the severe physical and psychological impact of the assault on the victim.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Elmer Habibovic, 31, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a guilty plea for possession of cocaine for sale or supply. Gardaí seized €25,500 worth of cocaine and €6,000 cash from his home on 19 April 2018. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Habibovic had sufficient savings to repay a €15,000 gambling debt and that the drug trade was for financial gain. He had eleven prior convictions for public order and road traffic offences, all dealt with in the District Court, and had not offended since July 2009. The judge described the offence as falling in the upper end of the lower range for such cases, citing the amount of drugs and the service provided as keeping "kingpins from justice." The sentence was suspended on strict conditions, including compliance with Probation Service directions for 18 months post‑release.
Thomas Griffin, 26, of Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his role in a high‑speed Garda chase that exposed multiple cars and a pedestrian to "very considerable danger." He pleaded guilty to two charges of endangerment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 June 2018. The judge, Melanie Greally, described the driving as "very extreme in nature" and noted that Griffin was intoxicated with drugs and alcohol during the incident. Griffin had 46 prior convictions, including assault, road traffic and public order offences. The judge suspended the final 12 months of a three‑and‑a‑half‑year term, citing his demonstrated potential and confrontation of his demons while on remand. The chase involved speeding over 140 km/h in a 100 km/h zone, running red lights, driving on the hard shoulder, and forcing other traffic to take evasive action.
Chad Redmond, 27, of Belclare Park, Ballymun, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault and criminal damage for an incident on 24 February 2019 at an apartment in Finglas, north Dublin. He entered the apartment of his ex‑girlfriend, shouted, kicked the door down and grabbed her by the throat. Redmond dragged her to the bedroom, threatened to kill her and burn the place down, and attempted to take their three‑year‑old daughter from her mother. He twisted the victim's right hand and fled, later trying to re‑enter. Redmond was on bail at the time and was arrested the following day. He had been under the influence of cocaine. The court noted his prior convictions for burglary, criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences. Judge Elma Sheahan described the case as "disturbing" and sentenced Redmond to three and a half years, suspending the final nine months.
Elmir Habibovic, 31, of Woodvale Avenue, Hartstown, Dublin 15, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing €25,500 worth of cocaine for sale or supply on 19 April 2018. He admitted holding the drugs for about five days to clear a €15,000 gambling debt, claiming he was "messing with money" and trying to make money from gambling. The cocaine was found in a drawer on a dining table, along with almost €6,000 in three envelopes in his bedroom. Habibovic and a second man were arrested, but he took full responsibility for the drugs. He has 11 prior convictions for public order and road traffic offences, all dealt with in the District Court, and has not offended since July 2009. Judge Elma Sheahan remanded him on continuing bail pending sentence, adjourned the case to January, and noted he is a self‑employed personal trainer who will need time to get his affairs in order.
Caroline Connors, aged 34, threw a television from the second‑floor balcony of her apartment in Sandyford, Dublin, in what she described as a "moment of madness" triggered by her ex‑partner. The TV fell onto a grandmother who was walking hand‑in‑hand with her granddaughter across a pedestrian crossing. The grandmother sustained leg and chest injuries and was taken to hospital that day. Connors, who had been intoxicated at the time of arrest, pleaded guilty to endangerment at her address on 27 June 2018. She had two prior convictions for criminal damage and public order. The court heard that the grandmother feared she and her granddaughter might have been killed. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Connors to three years' imprisonment, suspending the entire term on strict conditions.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Karl Fields, aged 26, pleaded guilty to possession of more than €13,000 of cocaine for sale or supply at Abbotstown Avenue, Finglas, on 3 January 2018. The court heard that Fields had a drug debt of about €28,000 and that he acted as a lookout while others "cut" the cocaine inside the house. Four men were present in the kitchen when Garda David Moran and his colleagues entered on a search warrant; two escaped, while Fields and a co‑accused were arrested. Gardaí seized large bowls of white powder, a blender, a hydraulic press, weighing scales and mobile phones, with the total value of cocaine found at €69,074. Fields has 173 prior convictions, including drug offences, theft, knife possession, traffic and public order offences. The co‑accused received a four‑year sentence with the final two years suspended earlier in the month.
Wojciech Strojek, 37, was sentenced to five‑and‑a‑half years in prison after he held a knife to the throat of his then‑girlfriend in her Dublin home, threatening that she would never see her children again. The incident, which lasted about 30 minutes, also involved Strojek cutting her left wrist and pouring water over her trousers. Earlier that year he had pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, assault causing harm, production of an article and making threats to kill at Barnwell Lane, Ongar, and to assault causing harm at James Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown. He had also assaulted the victim's ex‑husband and a paramedic in the months leading up to the attack. Strojek had no prior convictions in Ireland but had ten convictions in Poland for assault, threats, intoxicated driving and public order. The court noted his history of alcohol abuse and his claim of memory loss regarding the incident. Judge Martin Nolan imposed the sentence.
Paul O'Leary, 51, of Follyhouse Lane, New Ross, Co Wexford, was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The sentence was imposed after O'Leary pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin, on 24 April 2017. Garda surveillance had revealed O'Leary's van parked at the quay, where he and a second driver transferred two cardboard boxes containing just over 17 kg of cannabis, valued at €350,104. O'Leary's role was described as that of a courier with no wider involvement. He has two minor prior convictions for public order offences. The judge noted his modest work history, gambling addiction, mental health issues, and role as a devoted father to three children, and accepted that a favourable probation report placed him at low risk of re‑offending.
Wanye Kelly (33) has been given a three-year suspended sentence for endangerment at Ninth Lock Road, Clondalkin on May 24, 2017, following a guilty plea. The incident occurred after a verbal exchange with Peter Adams (38), who was in court for sentencing. Kelly initially denied attempting to knock Adams down but changed his perception after viewing CCTV footage. He has nine previous convictions, including public order, trespass with a knife, criminal damage, and assault causing harm. At the sentence hearing, Garda David Gilmore noted that Kelly presented himself at the station on the day of the incident before gardaí had nominated him as a suspect. His defence, Paul Comiskey O'Keeffe BL, stated that Kelly had stopped taking painkillers for an ankle injury around that time, which may have contributed to his quick temper. Judge Melanie Greally acknowledged Kelly's remorse and mitigating factors, including his sobriety for three years, engagement in restorative justice, and running a successful business. She described his driving as 'an absolute outrage' but decided not to impose an immediate custodial sentence. Kelly had €3,000 in court as a token of remorse for Adams. The matter was adjourned for the sentence hearing, and the suspended sentence was handed down with conditions.
A 25‑year‑old man was jailed for six years after raping his partner and assaulting her with a sweeping brush and a knife. He pleaded guilty to rape, assault causing harm and possession of an article at an address in Co Clare on 11 September 2018. The victim, whose identity is protected, had been in a relationship with the accused for about a year. In the days before the offence the man grew paranoid about alleged infidelity, searched her phone for evidence and, on the afternoon of the incident, found her at home with smoke and disarray. He struck her with a brush, threw a knife into a wall, forced her to the ground, demanded an apology, and raped her. She escaped and called Gardaí. The man had 40 prior convictions, including assault and public order offences.
Ross Kenny, 28, of St Anthony's Road, Rialto, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of a handgun on Reuben Walk on 12 March 2019. Gardaí saw him on CCTV carrying what appeared to be a handgun; on arrival they found he was intoxicated and holding a plastic airsoft pistol. Kenny claimed he had taken the weapon from youths who had thrown snowballs at him and was "messing" with it. Garda Colm Reynolds described his behaviour as reckless and "acting the cowboy". Kenny had 25 prior convictions, mainly for public order and drug offences, and one for possession of a stun‑gun. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to one year imprisonment, fully suspended on strict conditions, after noting that the people of Reuben Walk would have been greatly alarmed had they seen him with the weapon.
Sean Nolan, 36, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of his partner Amanda Carroll, 33, who was found dead in her apartment on 21 October 2018. The trial heard that Nolan and Carroll had been involved in a road‑traffic collision earlier that day, fled the scene, and were later intercepted by Gardaí. Nolan was under the influence of an intoxicant; his blood was taken for drink‑driving or drug‑driving concerns. Carroll was arrested under the Public Order Act, struck out at Gardaí, and was handcuffed with her hands behind her back. A taxi driver, Andrew Farrell, testified that Nolan told him he loved Carroll and that she was a "great girl" hours before the killing. The prosecution argued that Nolan's act of putting his hands on Carroll's throat and mouth intended to kill, making him guilty of murder rather than manslaughter. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Michael MacGrath and a jury.
In October 2018, Amanda Carroll, 32, was strangled to death by her partner, Sean Nolan, 36, in Cabra, Dublin 7. The couple had begun a volatile relationship about four months earlier, exacerbated by heavy alcohol consumption. On the day before Carroll's death, they engaged in a binge‑drinking session that began early and continued across various Dublin locations. Nolan, intoxicated, crashed his car at 5.30 pm and was arrested; Carroll was also detained for a public order offence. Both were released around 8 pm. They resumed drinking, were observed intoxicated between 10 and 11 pm, and were later seen entering Carroll's apartment on CCTV. The next morning, Carroll's son, then 16, discovered her body in her bedroom. Nolan was subsequently arrested, questioned, and re‑arraigned. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, while the prosecution argued he intended to kill or cause serious injury.
Paul O'Leary, 51, of Follyhouse Lane, New Ross, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply after a Garda surveillance operation uncovered two cardboard boxes containing just over 17 kg of cannabis with a street value of €350,104 in his van. O'Leary's role was described by his lawyers and the Garda as that of a courier; he had no wider involvement in the drug transfer. He had two minor previous convictions for public order offences and no criminal history beyond that. O'Leary had advertised himself online as a "man with a van" offering delivery jobs to escape debt, a strategy that attracted others. He expressed deep shame and remorse, and his counsel highlighted his ordinary background, employment history, and community contributions. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 16 November 2020 to allow a probation report to be prepared.
Sandra Kavanagh, aged 40, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of making a gain by deception for receiving €27,079 in rent supplement payments between 24 September 2015 and 7 June 2018. She had vacated the address at Kildonan Road, Finglas West, in August 2015 but continued to collect payments for that property. Detective Garda Jason Weir reported that Kavanagh had received 130 payments during the period. She has 67 prior convictions, including robbery, theft, knife production, public order and road traffic offences. The defence noted that a 2008 accident left her with significant physical injuries and that she has lived with friends and in hostels since leaving the address. Judge Pauline Codd ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for finalisation on 12 October.
James McDonagh, aged 33, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted robbery and one count of assault causing harm. On 15 March 2020, while intoxicated, he approached two women returning from IKEA, claiming his girlfriend had coronavirus, and attempted to steal handbags, kicking and punching when they resisted. A third woman intervened, leading McDonagh to target her handbag; both women fell and the incident was recorded. Later that day he assaulted Patrick Sylvester, punching him and throwing a traffic cone. McDonagh admitted drinking that day and cited prior alcohol problems. He has 55 previous convictions, including assault and public order offences, and has two children. Judge Martin Nolan emphasised that McDonagh should stop drinking if he wishes to reform. The court imposed the two-and-a-half year custodial sentence.
David Rodgers, a 47‑year‑old language teacher, was arrested on 30 October 2018 for selling cannabis on Henry Street, Dublin. Gardaí found nearly €25,000 worth of cannabis in his home, including glass jars and a makeshift grow‑house. He initially claimed the plants were natural herbs but later admitted to selling cannabis. Rodgers pleaded guilty to one count of possession of cannabis for sale or supply. He has 12 prior convictions, mainly for theft and public order offences. His defence lawyer described him as having an unusual profile: he left school at 15, later returned to complete his Junior and Leaving Cert exams, and became an English teacher for foreign students. He has lived abroad and speaks Spanish, German and Arabic. Rodgers suffered a brain injury after being assaulted by his brother, leading to memory and learning difficulties. He had been studying for a languages degree at DCU but had to abandon it.
James Cash Wall, a 27‑year‑old from Wicklow, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for burglary and trespassing after he gate‑crashed a 21st birthday party at Aine Kenny's home on Stillorgan Road, south Dublin. The homeowner confronted him on the stairs, and when he claimed to be "with Jason" she realised he was lying and called for security. Private security and Garda Patrick Collins were present. Wall tried to flee, tripped, and dropped stolen jewellery. A crowd at the party blocked his escape and demanded he empty his pockets. He was arrested, found very drunk and initially unfit for interview. Wall pleaded guilty to the December 30 offence. He has 79 prior convictions, including car theft, public order offences and nine burglaries. The judge, Martin Nolan, noted that Wall was drunk but still attempted to steal, and the sentence was back‑dated to December when he entered custody.
In October 2017, John Murdiff, aged 33, and an accomplice stole items from Andrew Stammers, a former heroin addict, in Adare Lane, Dublin. Stammers had overdosed that night, but it could not be determined whether he was dead when the theft occurred. Murdiff later returned to the lane, discovered Stammers was not breathing, and sought help. He was charged with theft and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Murdiff had 50 prior convictions, including theft, public order, and assault causing harm. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, consecutive to a three‑year term for assault, after a judge noted his remorse and the tragic circumstances surrounding Stammers' death. The case highlighted the difficulties in determining the exact time of Stammers' death and the impact on his family.
Robert Maxwell, 26, was found guilty of endangering Simon Ryan by driving a van into a group of people in Nenagh on 6–7 August 2017. Maxwell struck Ryan, knocked him to the ground, drove over him and then drove at him again. He pleaded guilty to the endangerment and to three public order offences. The Tipperary Circuit Criminal Court had imposed a wholly suspended four‑year sentence on 28 June 2019, but the Court of Appeal deemed it unduly lenient. The appeal court quashed the original sentence and re‑sentenced Maxwell to four years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. He must enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. Maxwell had 28 prior convictions, many for road traffic offences, and had been disqualified from driving on several occasions.
In a 2020 hearing, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Garda Sean Lucey, 42, to a fully suspended one‑year prison term for assaulting RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand during anti‑racism protests in Dublin in February 2016. Lucey struck Hand's camera with his baton and then hit him in the groin, causing significant bruising and pain. Hand's victim impact statement described sleeplessness, worry and stress, noting the incident shattered his confidence. Judge Greally rejected Lucey's claim that the assault was an error of judgement, stating his regret fell short of an apology and that a donation to a charity was an unsuitable gesture of remorse. She cited Lucey's clean record and lack of prior offences, viewing the act as an aberration, and therefore suspended the sentence. The conviction was for assault causing harm; Lucey was acquitted of criminal damage. The case highlighted the need for restraint and self‑control in public order situations. Sean Lucey pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda Sean Lucey, aged 42, was set to be sentenced for assaulting RTÉ cameraman Mr Colm Hand during street protests on 6 February 2016. Lucey, a public order officer stationed at Crumlin Village and Sundrive Road, struck Hand in the groin with a baton while Hand was filming. Hand suffered bruising and pain and later described sleeplessness, worry and stress in his victim impact statement, claiming the incident shattered his confidence. Lucey pleaded not guilty to one count of assault causing harm and to damaging Hand's camera. He was convicted of assault after a five‑day trial in December and acquitted of the criminal damage charge. The judge adjourned finalisation of the case until the following Friday, remanding Lucey on continuing bail while considering a deferred sentence under Section 100 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 17 February 2020, Derek Devoy, aged 37, pleaded guilty to possessing a RAK‑PM63 sub‑machine gun with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury at Crannogue Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11. The court accepted his single‑count plea and set a trial date of 10 June for two additional Public Order charges – assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant on the same day. Devoy had previously faced charges for possession of a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, a 9mm Makarov PM 63 sub‑machine gun, and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property. The case remains pending for the remaining charges. The court did not impose any sentence at this stage.
In a 2018 incident on Phibsborough Road, 28‑year‑old Gary Gibson attempted to steal a bicycle and, when confronted by retired RTÉ broadcaster Cathal Mac Coille, struck him on the head with a bolt cutter. Gibson fled, jumping into a canal to evade capture, and was later apprehended after a ten‑minute standoff. He pleaded guilty to assault and attempted theft, and to possession of a Stanley knife. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two and a half years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. Gibson's prior convictions include burglary, firearms offences and public order matters. The assault left Mac Coille with a lump and bruise on his forehead, forcing a three‑week break from a programme about the Pope's visit and a €125 expense for new bicycle wheels and a lock. The case highlighted the impact of the assault on Mac Coille's broadcasting work.
In a December 2019 court hearing, Declan Turner, aged 23, was sentenced to 28 months' imprisonment for a November 2018 knife attack on Garda Aine McGroarty and Garda Killian Owens. Turner, who had a history of violent offences and mental health issues, had been drinking before the incident and was described by the judge as a "very violent individual." He attacked the gardaí with a large knife after a neighbour had called the police to a Balbriggan apartment. McGroarty struck Turner on the thigh with her baton, and the gardaí managed to escape the apartment with the tenant. Turner was arrested after the incident and pleaded guilty to assault, possession of knives, criminal damage, public order and breaching a barring order. The judge noted Turner's underlying mental health problems and his alcohol intake as contributing factors to his behaviour. The sentence was imposed with a suspended portion, leaving the effective custodial term at 28 months.
The prosecution case has closed in the trial of Garda Sean Lucey, who has pleaded not guilty to one count of assault causing harm to Colm Hand and damaging his camera at Cathedral Street, Dublin city centre, on February 6, 2016. Lucey, a 42-year-old garda stationed at Crumlin Village and Sundrive Road, was detailed to a public order unit during confrontations between protesters and gardaí. On the fourth day of the trial, before Judge Melanie Greally and a jury, the prosecution called Garda Colm McGagen, who stated he feared for his safety amid an aggressive crowd with covered faces. McGagen testified that he did not use his baton to strike anyone and that he gently moved freelance photographers, including the complainant, on 15 occasions for their safety. He noted he did not know Hand was an RTÉ cameraman. Dr Ciara O'Carroll testified that she examined Hand on February 8, 2016, finding a bruise on his upper right thigh and no other injuries. She prescribed sleeping tablets and declared him unfit for work for one week, though he had returned to work by April. The trial continues.
During a 2016 protest on Cathedral Street, Garda Sean Lucey (42) was accused of striking RTÉ cameraman Colm Hand with a baton and then striking Hand in the groin. The incident occurred while RTÉ reporters Colman O'Sullivan and Hand were moving across a Garda line to avoid confrontation between anti‑racism protesters and a far‑right group. O'Sullivan testified that a Garda advanced from the line and hit Hand's camera before striking him. Hand reported being hurt and the pair left the area. Garda Michael Dibley, David Laird and others from the public order unit described the situation as hostile, with Gardaí outnumbered and under pressure from protestors. The trial heard that the Garda unit was tasked with preventing protesters from reaching supporters of the far‑right group and that batons were used only after other means failed. The case is pending in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Sean Lucey pleaded not guilty.
In a 2019 case, Mark Halligan, aged 45, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill or seriously harm a parish priest, Father Peter Byrne, at a church in Balally, Dundrum, on 11 September 2016. Halligan, who suffers from a religious persecution disorder—a form of schizophrenia—followed the priest into the sacristy with a large knife and warned that he would cut the priest's fingers off. A parishioner witnessed the threat and called the Gardaí, who arrested Halligan on the scene. He has 17 prior convictions, including theft, drug misuse, criminal damage, public order offences and road traffic offences. The judge accepted that Halligan was delusional at the time and, after confirming he had received suitable treatment and had not repeated such behaviour, imposed a three‑year prison sentence, fully suspended on the condition that he keep the peace, behave well for three years and be supervised by the Probation Service for 18 months.
A man has been sentenced to twelve years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his conviction on charges of rape, oral rape, and sexual assault. Richard Moloney, aged 41, of Tullaskeagh Drive, Roscrea, County Tipperary, was found guilty of offences against his then 16-year-old foster daughter at their home on 16 July 2016. The jury's verdict followed trial in July this year. Mr Justice Alex Owens imposed the sentence this morning, noting Moloney's breach of trust as a foster parent and his denial of wrongdoing throughout proceedings. The judge described the crimes' impact on the victim as profoundly destructive. A four-year post-release supervision order was also imposed, with conditions including distance from the victim and engagement in alcohol treatment. Moloney carries ten previous convictions for assault and public order matters. The victim, who has waived anonymity, expressed satisfaction with the sentencing outside court.
Derek Tuohy, 37, of Lucan, was sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at his home on 1 November 2017. The offence involved him head‑butting his then partner, Samantha Murphy, picking her up by the neck and throwing her out of the house. The incident followed a Halloween party where Tuohy had been intoxicated. He punched Murphy three times on her right thigh, head‑butted her to her right temple, kicked her in the stomach, and then lifted her and threw her out of the house. Murphy suffered a fall down the stairs and was left barefoot on the street. She later obtained a protection order. Tuohy had nine prior convictions for road traffic and public order offences and had made no contact with Murphy or their child since the incident.
Anthony Conway, 35, of Sheridan Court, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of a knife with intent to intimidate after entering Dominick Inn topless on 12 August 2018. He had heard a rumour that his partner was having an affair with the barman and went to confront him. The barman used a pole to defend himself and the confrontation ended quickly; Conway dropped the knife and left. He had 18 prior convictions, including theft, drug offences and public order offences. Judge Pauline Codd noted that Conway was under the influence, had a difficult background, and was involved in caring for his five children. She sentenced him to two years imprisonment, suspended in full, with strict conditions including supervision by the Probation Service for two years.
In a High Court judicial review, Garda Noel Gibbons successfully had disciplinary findings quashed that had alleged he made a racist remark to a 14‑year‑old teenager detained in June 2017. The internal Garda investigation had found him in breach of discipline and fined him €200, with the Garda Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) set to enforce the decision. Gibbons, who denies ever using racist language, argued the investigation was fundamentally flawed, that he was denied legal representation and the right to cross‑examine witnesses, and that the findings were made without reasons. The court agreed that the findings could be quashed, the fine cancelled, and no further disciplinary action would be taken. The case was resolved with Gsoc updating its records accordingly. The teenager, of eastern Asian descent, was not named due to his age. The incident involved a verbal altercation at a Dublin Garda Station following a public order situation in Temple Bar.
Jack Murphy, 21, was jailed for 15 months after breaking into St Joseph's CBS Secondary School in Fairview on February 5, 2019, causing €1,077 in damage. He pleaded guilty to trespass and criminal damage. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a two‑year sentence, suspending the final nine months on conditions. Garda Sandra Lavin described how the alarm triggered a search that found Murphy inside the secretary's office, where a fire extinguisher had been used to break the lock. Murphy has 43 prior District Court convictions, including theft, robbery, public order offences and failing to appear. He has a chronic history of cocaine and cannabis abuse, began using drugs at 14, and has suffered serious brain injuries from a 2016 car accident. The court noted he had been clean of drugs while in custody.
Keegan Davidson, 25, was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final two years suspended, for laundering €104,107 obtained through an "invoice redirection" fraud. He supplied his bank account details to a criminal gang that used them to receive payments from a bogus email sent to an engineering company. Davidson withdrew about €43,759 from various bureaux de change and post offices in Dublin, converting portions to British pounds and US dollars. He pleaded guilty to four offences under the 2010 Money Laundering Act for transferring or converting money knowing it was the proceeds of crime. The court noted he had no evidence of involvement in the fraud beyond laundering, and that the bank recovered roughly €46,000 from his account. Davidson's prior convictions include possession of knives, public order, theft, trespass, and a suspended sentence for possession of a sawn‑off shotgun. The judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation and imposed the suspended sentence on conditions.
A 36‑year‑old man named Derek Devoy has been ordered to stand trial before the Special Criminal Court, a non‑jury court, after the Director of Public Prosecutions applied for a Section 49 order. The court, composed of three judges, will hear the case on 8 October. Devoy was previously charged at Dublin District Court in March with possession of a RAK‑PM63 submachine gun, a Yugoslavian M75 hand grenade, a 9mm Makarov PM63 submachine gun, and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition, all with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury. He is also charged under the Public Order Act for assaulting a garda and a garda sergeant on the same day. The court has accepted the DPP's request that the ordinary courts are inadequate to secure effective justice in this matter. The case will proceed in the Special Criminal Court.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Tumenbayer Dashnamjil, aged 48, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after attacking his then partner on 17 March 2018. The incident began after Dashnamjil had consumed a bottle of Jack Daniels around midnight, during which he threw objects and later punched his partner on the right cheek. He then followed her to the bathroom, choked her, and threatened that he would "kill everyone." The victim reported feeling in fear for her life and that Dashnamjil had repeatedly said he was not afraid of the Gardaí and would kill her if she called them. Dashnamjil, who has 13 prior convictions including assault, theft and public order offences, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. The judge noted a disturbing background of alcohol‑related behaviour and previous convictions. The sentence was imposed in the presence of the victim's testimony and Dashnamjil's admission of guilt.
Jason Kane, aged 24 of St Attracta Road, Cabra, Dublin, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment following his guilty plea to assault causing harm and production of a knife at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offences occurred on September 3, 2018, outside his residence. The court heard that Kane slashed a woman's face with a Stanley knife during an altercation, causing a six-centimetre wound to a cosmetically visible area that will leave a permanent scar. Kane claimed he initially believed the knife in his pocket was a lighter and intended only to stun the victim with its handle. The judge noted that application of a knife to the head or face constitutes serious offending. In mitigation, the court considered Kane's guilty plea, expression of genuine remorse, and work history as a chef. The sentence was backdated to September 5, 2018, when Kane first entered custody. Kane has previous convictions for assault and public order offences.
Patrick O'Driscoll, aged 21, was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in Cork of raping a sleeping woman on 10 May 2016 while her boyfriend slept beside her. The victim, who remains anonymous, stated that the assault occurred from behind and that she tried to wake her boyfriend, leading to a confrontation. O'Driscoll denied the charge, claiming he had been invited to sleep in the bed, a claim refuted by the boyfriend. He was arrested for a public order offence before the full extent of the incident was known. O'Driscoll, who has 37 prior district‑court convictions, was sentenced to ten years, reduced to seven years by the judge to account for mitigating factors such as his young age and personal circumstances. He remains in custody. The court noted no restriction on publishing his identity but advised caution in reporting the location. The victim's impact statement described lasting emotional harm, nightmares, and feelings of shame and anger.
Ruairc Bell, 44, pleaded guilty to possession of a syringe with intent to threaten or cause injury after a syringe fell from his underwear during a confrontation with Garda Damien Byrne at Store Street Garda Station on 29 March 2017. Bell was arrested, searched, and a needle containing heroin was found. He held the needle toward the garda, prompting a struggle that ended with Bell restrained. Judge Cormac Quinn sentenced Bell to 18 months imprisonment, suspended in full on the condition of keeping the peace and good behaviour for that period. Bell has 12 prior convictions, including robbery, theft and public order offences. His defence lawyer, Karen Dowling, noted he was homeless at the time, drug‑free for two years, and had apologised to the garda. The judge cited the seriousness of the offence and the impact on the garda as aggravating factors, while Bell's guilty plea, remorse, age and treatment history were mitigating factors.