Ms Sylvia Deehan, 46, sued Loughlinstown Inn Ltd for damages after claiming she was pushed and injured ribs during an Ann Summers lingerie party held in the pub on 21 January 2011. She alleges a woman tried to grab a prize—a ring thrown by an Ann Summers representative—when she fell against a loudspeaker. Deehan says she was unable to breathe and was hospitalized for two weeks. The pub's counsel argued the claim was "ludicrous" and that Deehan failed to prove negligence. Witness testimony from a DJ and staff was deemed unreliable, and engineering evidence about risk assessment was rejected. The High Court reserved judgment, with no decision announced yet. The case remains pending in the High Court.
A 21‑year‑old man from Mooretown Road, Swords, pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue on 28 October. He shouted insults at gardai, calling them 'pricks' and 'wankers', and told them to 'go fuck your mothers' while a fight erupted at the nightclub. The court noted he had seven prior convictions, including a suspended four‑year drugs sentence. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service instead of a two‑month prison term.
The High Court heard conflicting evidence on the second day of an action brought by Sylvia Deehan against Loughlinstown Inn Ltd, trading as the Lough Inn Public House. Ms Deehan alleges she injured her ribs after being pushed by another woman while reaching for a prize thrown by an Ann Summers representative during a party at the South Dublin venue in January 2011. The defendant denies the claim, asserting Ms Deehan was ejected for rowdy behaviour and that any injuries occurred outside. Witnesses including bar staff and the Ann Summers representative stated they did not see the fall, and the pub manager noted CCTV footage did not show it, though the recordings were later erased. Conversely, DJ Dave Carraher testified he saw Ms Deehan fall against a speaker. Engineer Barry Tennyson provided technical evidence suggesting the prize-throwing activity was dangerous without a risk assessment. The matter was previously dismissed in the Circuit Court, prompting this appeal. The hearing is ongoing.
Rory Grant (48) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant and having no insurance on May 20, 2013, at Chieftain's Drive in Balbriggan. Judge Patrick Clyne sentenced him to four months, suspended for two years, for the driving offence, and a concurrent four-month sentence, suspended for two years, for the insurance offence. Grant was also disqualified from driving for four years. Stephen O'Shaughnessy (23) pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. The matter was adjourned until May 1st, with the judge requiring O'Shaughnessy to cooperate with Probation Services and provide €376 in compensation. Sean Lynch (26) is alleged to have assaulted a person by sticking a lit cigarette in their eye at Home Nightclub in Balbriggan on July 31, 2011. He was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until March 27th. Billy Atete (44) pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 2. He was fined €250 and disqualified from driving for four years.
Sylvia Deehan, a 46‑year‑old mother of two, sued the Lough Inn Public House after claiming she was pushed by another woman during an Ann Summers lingerie party and fell against a loudspeaker, injuring her ribs. The incident occurred during a ladies' night before a stripper performance. Deehan alleged that a prize—a ring—was thrown in the air by an Ann Summers representative, and that she was shoved aside while reaching for it. She said she could not breathe properly and spent two weeks in bed recovering. The case was dismissed by Judge Jacqueline Linnane in the Dublin Circuit Court; Deehan appealed to the High Court. At the appeal hearing, she denied being asked to leave the pub, denied drinking jägerbombs, and denied any attempt to take a chicken curry meal. The case remains pending.
The Court of Criminal Appeal has set aside the convictions of two nightclub doormen from Sligo and Co Mayo who were sentenced in 2011 for assault causing harm. Frankie Murphy of Stephen Street, Sligo, and John Molloy of Creggs Road, Ballina had each received three-year suspended sentences and were ordered to pay €10,000 following their conviction by Sligo Circuit Criminal Court jury in October 2011. The incident occurred in February 2009 at Envy nightclub in Sligo town, resulting in serious injury to the complainant. On appeal, the Court of Criminal Appeal found that the trial judge's charge to the jury had failed to adequately address the separate defences raised by each defendant, including self-defence and accident. Justice Elizabeth Dunne ruled that the convictions were unsafe and should be quashed. The State indicated it would seek further instructions regarding the matter, with the case listed for mention at a future date.
The Central Criminal Court heard the trial of 21‑year‑old Michael Kinsella, accused of murdering 31‑year‑old Adil Essalhi in Tyrrelstown, Dublin, on 6 January 2011. Kinsella pleaded not guilty. The jury has been deliberating for almost two hours and has paused for the weekend. The court noted that Kinsella's uncle, Wayne Kinsella, was convicted of the murder in 2012. Witnesses testified that Essalhi met Wayne and another woman in a Dublin pub, then returned to their Tyrrelstown apartment where a group drank. Essalhi's body was found in a ditch behind Tyrrelstown Plaza, with attempts to burn it. Judge Paul Carney highlighted that key witnesses were alleged liars, and the prosecution, led by Alex Owens SC, argued that a machete and another knife were used, describing the killing as a "Goodfellas‑style execution." The defense, represented by Patrick Marrinan SC, contested the evidence of two weapons and the alleged motive. The jury will resume deliberations on Monday.
A Dublin man pleaded guilty at Swords District Court to threatening and abusive behaviour following an incident at a public house on September 22nd, 2013. Damien Murtagh, aged 28, of Clonee, Dublin 17, also admitted violent behaviour at Swords Garda Station and refusing to provide gardaí with his name and address. Garda Elaine Duffy gave evidence that Murtagh became verbally abusive in the pub car park after being asked to leave due to intoxication, making threats towards her and other members. The court heard Murtagh had consumed considerable alcohol while attending an All-Ireland football final. He has 21 previous convictions including six for public order offences. His defence solicitor submitted that Murtagh's memory of events remained unclear and he acknowledged his behaviour was unacceptable. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail until April for a Probation and Welfare Report, indicating consideration of 240 hours community service in place of two months imprisonment if deemed suitable.
A 21‑year‑old man, Richard Woodruffe, pleaded guilty in Swords District Court to using threatening and abusive behaviour and being intoxicated outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 28 October. He shouted insults at Garda Alan Carroll, calling the officers 'go fuck your mothers', 'pricks' and 'wankers', claiming he was intoxicated because of the stress of pending drugs charges. Woodruffe, who has seven previous convictions including a four‑year suspended sentence for drug offences, was arrested at about 3 a.m. after a fight erupted. Defence solicitor Fiona Darcy said he was embarrassed, apologised and offered to do community service. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered a Probation & Welfare report to assess suitability for community service, required Woodruffe to apologise to the Garda, and remanded him on continuing bail with the case adjourned to 3 March.
Diarmuid Connolly, a 25‑year‑old Dublin footballer, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Anthony Kelly, who sustained a fractured eye‑socket in an unprovoked attack at McGowan's pub in Phibsboro on 6 August 2012. Connolly had issued an unreserved apology, accepted by Kelly, and paid €5,000 to Barnardos and the Rape Crisis Centre, though Kelly declined compensation. Judge Patrick Clyne, after reviewing updated medical reports and Kelly's victim impact statement, described the assault as unprovoked and noted that Connolly's charitable donations exceeded the maximum fine the court could impose. The judge ordered Connolly to complete an anger‑management course and requested a certificate of completion, adjourned the case to May, and asked for a probation report. Connolly's offence carries a possible sentence of up to one year in prison.
Martin Maloney, a 30-year-old actor from Swinford, Co. Mayo, is scheduled to stand trial in Dublin District Court on May 6 regarding two alleged assaults. The defendant, known for his role in the series Hardy Bucks, has pleaded not guilty to two counts under Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. He is accused of assaulting security staff Brian Smith and Mark O'Shaughnessy on October 9, 2012, following an alleged dispute over a toilet queue at The Big Tree pub. Prosecution evidence alleges Maloney placed Smith in a headlock, exacerbating a previous injury, and later struck O'Shaughnessy, causing dental injuries that required fillings and root canal treatment costing between €700 and €1,000. Judge Patricia McNamara accepted jurisdiction for a non-jury trial at district court level, declining to send the case to the Circuit Court. She emphasized that Maloney remains presumed innocent. Defence solicitor Tony Collier confirmed the charges are being contested, noting the availability of significant CCTV footage and the expectation of up to eight prosecution witnesses. The trial is anticipated to last a full day. Legal aid was previously granted to Maloney, as the court heard his work is not steady and he could not fund legal fees independently. The matter is currently at the pre-trial stage, with the hearing date fixed for May 6.
In a Swords District Court hearing on 21 January 2014, Cillian Mahoney, aged 22, was charged with assaulting two men outside The Wright Venue nightclub on 25 November 2012. The court adjourned the case to 24 March, noting that Garda interviews had been completed and the case was ready for hearing. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded Mahoney on continuing bail pending the March hearing. In a separate matter, Fortunato Nardoni, 28, was subject to a bench warrant for failing to appear in court over a no‑insurance driving charge dated 10 December 2012. Judge Dempsey issued the warrant after Nardoni did not attend. A third defendant, David Fortune, 32, was charged with possession of a knife on 26 December 2013. A bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear, and the court adjourned his case to 17 February, remanding him on his own bond. All proceedings were conducted under the jurisdiction of Swords District Court.
David Donnelly, 20, of Lusk, pleaded guilty to assaulting Jennifer Coffey in a Lusk graveyard on 5 August 2012, fracturing her nasal bone, and to making threatening phone calls to her father Michael Coffey on 6 April 2013. He also pleaded guilty to smashing a pub window at The Strand Bar in Skerries on the same date. Sergeant Tony Tighe reported that Donnelly admitted striking Ms Coffey twice in the face. A later scuffle in a Skerries pub left Donnelly with a bloodied nose after he smashed a glass window with his elbow. Donnelly paid €220 for the window damage. Judge Dermot Dempsey remanded him on continuing bail pending a Probation & Welfare Report, ordered him to attend addiction services, and warned that a custodial sentence would be imposed if the report was unsatisfactory. The case was adjourned to 27 March.
Diarmuid Connolly, a 25‑year‑old Dublin football star, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Anthony Kelly at McGowan's pub in Phibsboro on 6 August. The attack, described as unprovoked, occurred at 3.40 a.m. and involved Connolly punching Kelly in the face and continuing to strike him on the ground, resulting in a fractured eye‑socket. Connolly issued an unreserved apology, accepted by Kelly, who shook hands with him after a hearing but declined compensation. Connolly paid €5,000 to Barnardos and the Rape Crisis Centre. The case was listed again, but Connolly was excused from attending. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for 29 January before Judge Patrick Clyne. The offence carries a possible sentence of up to one year. Connolly has no prior convictions.
Martin Maloney, the actor known for his role in Hardy Bucks, appeared at Dublin District Court to face three assault charges. He is accused of assaulting a male and causing harm to two other men at The Big Tree pub on Dorset Street in central Dublin on October 9 last year. Maloney, who resides in Swinford, Co. Mayo, made no reply when charged in September and has not yet indicated how he will plead. The matter is at the pre-trial stage, with the decision on jurisdiction regarding the trial venue adjourned. Judge Alan Mitchell noted that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions are pending due to difficulties viewing CCTV evidence. These directions will determine whether the case remains in the District Court or is sent to the Circuit Court. Medical reports are to be furnished to Maloney's solicitor, Tony Collier. The judge ordered Maloney, who is on bail, to appear again next month. Additionally, the court granted Maloney free legal aid after he demonstrated an impecunious position, with a weekly income not exceeding €250. His lawyer stated that Maloney lacks steady work to fund legal fees, and cash found on him at arrest was attributed to previous work payments.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello of Richmond Hill, Monkstown, admitted guilt for the attempted murder of 17‑year‑old Josh Leahy, who was stabbed six times in the back after leaving a nightclub on May 30, 2012. Costello had previously pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder, assault causing harm, and unlawful possession of a knife. The jury heard Leahy's testimony of being attacked by a group, the presence of a knife, and the subsequent medical treatment at St. James's Hospital. Prosecutor Mr Paul Burns informed the court that the other two charges would be considered. Judge Paul Butler accepted the plea, remanded Costello on bail, and scheduled sentencing for March 7, ordering victim impact reports for that date. No objection was raised to Costello remaining on bail. The case remains at the trial stage.
In a Dublin court, 18‑year‑old Tadhg Costello pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, assault causing harm and unlawful knife possession after stabbing Josh Leahy, also 18, at Johnson's Court on 31 May 2012. CCTV of the altercation was shown to the jury. Prosecutor Paul Burns argued that Costello, aged 17 at the time, stabbed Leahy in the back during a confrontation that began after a nightclub visit on 30 May. Leahy testified he was attacked by a group, stabbed seven times, and suffered a punctured lung. Witnesses, including Emmanuel Mihaylov and Garda Philip Gleeson, identified Costello as the knife‑bearing assailant. Costello denied involvement, claiming he had swapped clothing and did not throw the knife. The trial proceeded before a jury of eight women and four men under Mr Justice Paul Butler.
David Lee, a 30‑year‑old from Newtown Court, Northern Cross, was found guilty of assaulting Garda Shane Haughney and using threatening and abusive behaviour at The Estuary Pub in Swords on 25 March. Lee had previously pulled Garda Haughney over several tables in a public house, then struck the officer with an object, causing a laceration to the garda's head. Lee had earlier been involved in an incident at a house in Castlegrange, where he was seen by gardai after speaking to them. He pleaded guilty to the assault. Judge Alan Mitchell sentenced Lee to a four‑month suspended sentence, suspended for one year, and banned him from any premises licensed to sell alcohol in the Dublin area for one year. The judge also ordered that Lee not be under the influence of alcohol in public. Lee has 23 prior convictions and is described by his defence solicitor as a chronic alcoholic heavily addicted to cannabis.