Thomas Phoenix, 61, of Saint Anne's Square, Blackrock, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a series of harassing and threatening offences. He pleaded guilty to harassing a woman at a pub in Blackrock in June 2019, to harassing a neighbour between 18 and 26 March 2022, and to making threats to kill or cause serious harm. Phoenix also threatened a shop manager on 26 March 2022. The court heard that he had sent about 60 threatening WhatsApp messages to a neighbour, had thrown eggs at a family, and had threatened to kill a partner. He had previously served 13 convictions, including threats to kill. Judge Pauline Codd imposed a four‑year term, with the final 18 months suspended for the shopkeeper case, and an additional consecutive 18‑month term for the harassment of the woman, for a total effective custodial period of four years under strict probation conditions.
The trial of Ian Connaghan (34) and Daniel Connaghan (43) for the murder of 55‑year‑old Michael 'Mick' Mulvey is set to resume after the jury was excused early due to a family issue with one juror. The State alleges the brothers assaulted Mulvey near The Halfway House Pub on 14 November 2019, leaving him on the ground and later delivering a severe beating at a roundabout. Mulvey died two weeks later, with the prosecution arguing the injuries contributed to his death but were not the sole cause. The brothers pleaded not guilty to murder, intentional or reckless serious harm, and assault causing harm. Mr Justice Paul Burns explained that if the jury finds the brothers caused the death but lack intent for murder, a manslaughter verdict is appropriate; if intent is proven, a murder verdict is required. The jury will return tomorrow for the judge to continue his charge.
In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, defence counsel Garnet Orange SC argued that the death of builder Michael Mulvey was not a natural consequence of an assault he suffered on 14 November 2019. Orange highlighted that Mulvey, aged 55, was not in good health, had been released from hospital with painkillers, and had gone back to the pub to drink that night. He questioned the prosecution's evidence, noting that pathologists Dr. Heidi Okkers and Dr. Stuart Hamilton had differing views on the cause of death, with Hamilton suggesting heart disease and rib fractures contributed, while the defence's Professor Jack Crane concluded a heart attack. Orange urged the jury to consider whether the injuries inflicted by accused Ian and Daniel Connaghan contributed substantially to Mulvey's death, noting that causation could be sufficient for murder or manslaughter. The trial was set to resume with further jury directions from Judge Paul Burns. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to begin deliberations in the trial of Andrew Lacey (35) of Riverside, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin, who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Derek Reddin (31) at Loughlinstown Drive on a date between 14 and 15 October 2019. Justice Mary Ellen Ring is presenting the evidence to a jury of six men and four women, explaining that there are three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty. The trial has established that a feud existed between associates of the deceased and the accused. On the night in question, Reddin and his cousin David Howard were waiting for Lacey as he returned home from a pub. Lacey produced a knife, claiming it was a work tool he had inadvertently brought, and used it after Reddin attacked him with a baseball bat.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 July 2023, the jury heard that Ian Connaghan, aged 34, sent a WhatsApp message on 14 November 2019 in which he claimed he was "after opening Mulvey's face up" after a confrontation with Michael Mulvey, aged 55, near a Dublin public house. Connaghan alleged that Mulvey had almost struck him with his car while he was crossing the road, that Mulvey had screamed at him, and that later that day Mulvey "came running at me from behind." Connaghan said he dropped his bag, "caught him a dig," and "opened up his face." He also claimed Mulvey had spat on his leg in the pub and that Mulvey "had it coming." Daniel Connaghan, aged 43, sent a separate message claiming Mulvey had "tried to knock down Iano" and that the brothers left Mulvey in an awful state. Ian Connaghan pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, the jury was instructed not to let the adage "live by the sword, die by the sword" influence their judgment. Prosecutor Roisin Lacey SC explained that Derek Reddin had waited for Andrew Lacey and attacked him after Lacey returned from a pub. She argued that Lacey's use of a knife, his awareness of Reddin's presence, and the manner in which he stabbed Reddin proved intent for murder and negated self‑defence. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn SC challenged the reliability of the prosecution's key witness, David Howard, and presented alternative witness accounts suggesting a baseball bat was involved, not a knife. He urged the jury to consider whether Lacey's actions were reasonable or whether a self‑defence claim could be sustained. The prosecution maintained that Lacey's knife was deliberate and that the depth and multiplicity of cuts proved murder beyond reasonable doubt. Andrew Lacey pleaded not guilty.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing on 18 July 2023, a witness testified that Ian Connaghan, aged 34, admitted to punching and kicking Michael Mulvey, aged 55, after a confrontation near the Halfway House Pub on 14 November 2019. The witness, Stephen Kelly, who had been in a relationship with Mulvey's daughter, said Connaghan told him he had "lost it" and that the assault occurred while crossing the traffic lights on Navan Road. Connaghan also claimed he was alone at the time. The prosecution, represented by Ms Anne Rowland SC, argued that the brothers had a history of "bad blood" with Mulvey and that the severe beating left Mulvey in a "bad way" with black and blue marks on his right side. The jury viewed CCTV footage from the pub and surrounding areas to corroborate the timeline of the alleged assault. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
During the Stardust nightclub inquest, former deputy head doorman Leo Doyle testified that he cannot confirm whether the exit doors were unlocked on the night of the February 14, 1981 fire that killed 48 people. Doyle said he had no recollection of stating that exits one and six were locked and chained while the club was open, nor of being told to keep those exits closed. He admitted he did not remember the existence of exit one. Doyle also explained that the club practiced "mock locking" by chaining two chains together and flipping the chain over to give the appearance of a lock, but he could not say if the locks were actually off the doors. He denied accepting that this practice was inherently dangerous and claimed he had no idea who devised the draping of chains. The inquest continues tomorrow in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital.
During the inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, former doorman John Furley testified that he did not kick the padlock off exit door five. He described seeing smoke and fire, hearing people push and kick the door, and feeling the bar rise after two attempts. Furley said he had no recollection of kicking the door and that the push bars may have been faulty. He denied seeing a chain or lock on the door and said he did not see any staff at exit five. Witnesses had claimed a bouncer had kicked the padlock, but Furley insisted they were wrong. He also stated he had never seen anyone let friends in for free through an exit door and that the manager did not like being bested. The inquest continues tomorrow.
In the second day of the murder trial of Conor Dolan, the jury was discharged by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon after an issue arose just before lunchtime. Dolan, aged 33, denies murdering Neil Fitzpatrick, aged 36, who was found dead on a country lane outside Dublin on 5 June 2016. Prosecutor Lorcan Staines SC argued that Dolan lured Fitzpatrick to the lane and that Fitzpatrick was "riddled" with bullets in an execution‑style killing. Staines said the prosecution would use circumstantial evidence to show that Dolan arranged to pick up Fitzpatrick from a pub in Tallaght before driving to the remote area where the body was discovered the following day. The trial, scheduled for a maximum of three weeks, will resume tomorrow with a new jury of six men and six women, and Staines will again give his opening speech. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict or sentencing announced. Conor Dolan pleaded not guilty.
During the 2023 inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, former barman Colm O'Toole, aged 20 at the time, recounted his attempts to extinguish a growing blaze and evacuate patrons. He described using a fire extinguisher that only seemed to spread the flames, noting the heat rose from a moderate level to a high intensity as a shutter was raised. O'Toole said he tried to direct people toward an exit in the dispense bar, but many did not hear him. He also reported that the smoke became very dense and he was unable to breathe. O'Toole had no fire training and said the club had no fire‑control plan. He claimed that after about three minutes he shifted focus from fighting the fire to helping people leave the building. The testimony was presented to the tribunal by lawyers representing the families of the deceased. The record contains no further legal conclusions or outcomes.
During the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, doorman Patrick J. Murphy testified that at 1:45 am he was alerted to a fire in a corner near the main bar. He attempted to extinguish it but the blaze spread, causing the ceiling to collapse and fill the area with smoke and fumes. He and two others crawled into the burning section, pulled a young girl who was "completely on fire" out of the club, and found her apparently dead. Murphy also described helping others escape through windows and assisting in removing grating. The inquest heard statements from other staff, noting blocked exits, a mobile ramp obstructing an exit, and a missing horizontal bar on an exit door. The testimony highlighted the chaotic conditions and obstacles that hindered evacuation during the blaze. The inquest continued the following day.
During the Stardust nightclub inquest, floor manager Phelim Kinahan testified that he believed the February 14, 1981 fire was deliberately started to distract barmen and allow a robbery of the bars. He confirmed there were six exit doors, with the main door always staffed and five others locked or chained to prevent unpaid entry. Kinahan said the practice of locking doors was deemed too expensive to staff each one. He recalled a conversation with barman Eamon Butterly, who allegedly said "the bastards started a fire," and he interpreted this as a plan to distract staff. Kinahan denied remembering any smoke or sparks weeks before the fire. Witnesses, including waitress Elaine Stapleton and DJ Colm O'Brien, described seeing smoke and a small fire early in the night, panic among patrons, and difficulties with exits and lighting. The inquest continues tomorrow.
During a recess at the Stardust Inquest, former floor manager Phelim Kinahan was heard on a microphone speaking to an off‑camera person who claimed the nightclub doors were locked on the night of the 1981 fire. Kinahan replied that he was not responsible and that the doors were not locked. The coroner warned that this was second‑hand evidence. Earlier, Kinahan said he did not remember the doors being locked, but later he described a policy of keeping doors locked for about an hour after midnight. He also noted that chains were sometimes wrapped around bars to give the impression of being locked, a practice that could jam doors. The inquest will hear further evidence from the head doorman and other witnesses tomorrow. The proceedings remain at the evidence‑gathering stage.
Patrick Butterly, a former director of the company that owned the Stardust nightclub, testified at a 1981 tribunal that he believed the building was "fireproof" and that it had been deliberately burned. He said he had relied on Dublin Corporation for fire safety guidance and had not personally inspected the premises for fire risks. Butterly claimed he had not read the bylaws for places of public resort and had not seen a copy of the dance hall licence on site. He denied knowledge of exit‑door locking practices and chain drapes used to simulate locked doors, stating he was only involved in the bar business. Butterly also said he had not taken steps to verify the fire‑safety suitability of carpet tiles or other finishes, and that he had not been consulted about steel plates on windows. His statement to Gardaí in March 1981 was read to the jury. The inquest into the 48 deaths at the Stardust fire continues.
Kevin Coade, 44, was found guilty of trespassing and theft at an 81‑year‑old neighbour's house on 25 July 2018. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment, with the last two years suspended, by Judge Sean Ó Donnabháin. Coade appealed, arguing that the trial judge erred by allowing the identification evidence of the then Lord Mayor of Cork, Councillor Michael Finn, and other witnesses, including CCTV footage from a local pub, to be presented to the jury. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal. Birmingham held that the identification evidence was not inferior to a formal parade and that the judge had discretion to admit it. He also dismissed the claim that the jury should have been warned about possible false statements by Coade, concluding that no lies had been proven. The appeal was dismissed, leaving the conviction and sentence intact. Kevin Coade pleaded not guilty.
During the Stardust nightclub fire, Dermot O'Neill, a booking entertainment worker, testified that the crowd experienced "absolute panic" as smoke quickly filled the venue. He described seeing a small fire on a seat about three rows from the wall, initially thinking it could be contained. He attempted to report the fire and locate an extinguisher, but within two to three minutes the smoke had taken over, lights failed, and a crush formed as people rushed to the exit. O'Neill noted that 775 customers were present that night and that he had paid £1,162.50 for catering. He recounted hearing complaints of a smell, seeing black smoke in the foyer, and urging people to keep moving as a "free for all" panic ensued. The testimony was given to the jury at Dublin Coroner's Court.
During the inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, witnesses testified that sparks were seen falling from the ceiling during concerts up to a month before the February 14, 1981 blaze. Patrick O'Driscoll, a member of an Elvis tribute band, described a single "shower of sparks" that he saw in the backstage area the week before the fire, noting the sparks were whitish with a yellowish tint and arced three to four feet. Suzanne McCluskey, who attended a January 15 concert, reported seeing purple sparks flash from the ceiling at intervals of one to two minutes for about ten minutes. The jury also heard from other witnesses about potential safety issues, including chained emergency doors and overcrowding, but the focus of this testimony was the repeated observation of sparks from the ceiling in the weeks leading up to the disaster.
During the 1980–81 inspection period, Henry Armstrong of Chubb Fire & Security Ireland Limited reported that several fire extinguishers at the Stardust nightclub were empty each time he inspected them. He noted that eight water‑based extinguishers were in service, with three empty, and six CO₂ units, with three empty, all of which he refilled. Armstrong confirmed that the extinguishers were fully filled when he left the premises in October 1980. He also explained that one extinguisher, located in the hall outside the kitchen, was consistently empty because the chef would use it for small fires and then leave it on the wall. The jury heard that the club's management had not been informed about the potential inaccessibility of four extinguishers when curtains were drawn down, and that the responsibility for staff training lay with the owners.
During the Dublin District Coroner's Court inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, Alan Morton spoke about the death of his 19‑year‑old brother David, who was one of 48 people killed on 14 February 1981. Morton described how the tragedy devastated their parents, especially their mother, and how the family struggled to cope. He recalled that David, nicknamed 'Chesty', had been encouraged by his parents to stay in school but wanted to leave for work, and that he had interests in clothes, music and girls. Morton said the family tried to keep together, visiting David's grave every Sunday, but the loss was overwhelming. He criticised the way the incident was handled, saying it was "pushed under the carpet" and that the families deserved closure and remembrance of those who died.
During the Stardust inquest, Donna O'Connor, sister of 17‑year‑old George O'Connor, recounted how her brother's death in the 1981 nightclub fire profoundly altered her life. She described George as a quiet, home‑loving science‑fiction fan who had just begun to socialise before the tragedy. Donna explained that the trauma forced her to withdraw for ten years, avoiding conversations about George. She reflected on the first dance he attended, which became his last, and how the memory of that night haunts her. Donna also shared her ongoing grief, wondering how different her life would be had George survived. The inquest also featured pen portraits of other victims, including 23‑year‑old Brendan O'Meara, whose family mourned his loss and remembered him as a handsome, well‑dressed young man. The testimonies highlighted the enduring impact of the Stardust disaster on survivors' lives.
Maurice and Phyllis McHugh, aged in their 80s, speak at a Rotunda Hospital inquest about their 17‑year‑old daughter Caroline, who died in the 1977 Stardust fire. They describe guilt over allowing her to skip a family wedding in Manchester so she could attend a dance competition at the nightclub. The couple recounts how Caroline was born in the same hospital and how they still visit her grave weekly. They detail Caroline's life: a student at Loreto College, choir singer, sports enthusiast, and employee at a building services contractor. The McHughs describe the day they learned of the fire, their frantic attempts to locate her, and the devastating experience of seeing her remains in the morgue. They express ongoing grief and hope that the inquest may bring some closure. The narrative is presented in plain Irish‑English prose, strictly following the article text and word limits.
At the Dublin Coroner's Court inquest into the Stardust nightclub fire, the McDermott family spoke about the loss of three siblings—William, George and Marcella—who died on 14 February 1981. The sisters presented pen portraits of each victim, describing William as a 22‑year‑old "tall strong lad" with a bright smile, George as a 19‑year‑old with a cheeky grin and Marcella as a 16‑year‑old who was with friends that night. The family expressed frustration that the Irish State had not conducted a proper investigation into their deaths over the past four decades. June McDermott said, "The dead cannot cry out for justice. It is the duty of the living to do so for them," and the family highlighted the profound grief and lack of external support they endured after the tragedy. The inquest was held in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital.
Samantha Mangan, daughter of Helena Mangan who perished in the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, told the Dublin District Coroner's Court that losing her mother at age four and a half left her feeling like a child trapped in an adult body. She recounted pretending Helena was alive and had lost her memory, searching streets for her mother's name, and feeling her absence at school and in everyday life. Samantha described Helena as kind, caring, brave, and strong, with a dry sense of humour and a love of baking. She said she married on what would have been Helena's 50th birthday, hoping her mother would walk her down the aisle. Samantha expressed that reading the coroner's report in 2019, which mentioned missing parts of Helena's body, plunged her into a dark place and intensified her sense of injustice for Helena and the other victims. The inquest focused on the impact of the loss on Samantha's life and her ongoing grief.
During the Stardust inquest, John Lewis, brother of victim Paula, recounted the profound grief his family endured after her death in the 1981 nightclub fire. He described Paula as a kind, music‑loving young woman who would share her wages with her mother and enjoyed reading Mills and Boon. Lewis lamented the delay in identifying her body, the funeral, and the emotional toll on the family, noting that the loss continues to affect them at every gathering. He also criticized experts who assessed Paula's worth and advised the family on avoiding a legal system that seemed inaccessible to working‑class people. Lewis concluded that while closure may never be achieved, the family still seeks justice and remembrance for Paula.
Four years ago, 15 workers for Guinness delivery subcontractor Shannon Warehousing and Transport Ltd (STL Logistics) were dismissed without notice after a covert surveillance operation by Diageo security officers at a Dublin pub. The company alleged the workers had carried out "unscheduled and undocumented" keg deliveries, amounting to 31 kegs on 20 occasions, and accused them of gross misconduct. The workers, represented by barrister David Byrnes, argued that the practice of swapping kegs between pubs was routine customer service, not misconduct, and that no evidence showed any loss to Diageo. In 2023, the Workplace Relations Commission adjudicating officer Andrew Heavey rejected the company's view, finding the dismissals disproportionate and awarding the 11 workers between €2,320 and €21,000 each under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. A shop steward also received €5,200 for unfair dismissal and €2,720 in notice pay, bringing total compensation to €114,240. Two other former workers' claims were dismissed.
The inquest into the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, which claimed 48 lives, heard a pen portrait of 17‑year‑old Robert Kelly. Antoinette Keegan, a friend of Kelly's late brother Eugene, recounted that Kelly had a premonition of his death three weeks before the fire. He reportedly lay on his bed, had an out‑of‑body experience, and told Eugene he would die young and was not afraid. Keegan described Kelly as a beloved, spiky‑haired youth who loved his mother deeply. The portrait also noted that Kelly was last seen alive at the Stardust, laughing with friends before the fire erupted. The inquest also heard a portrait of Robert "Bobby" Hillick, a Belfast‑born man who worked on a Dublin building site and was killed in the same blaze. Bill Hillick, Bobby's brother, described Bobby as hardworking, close to family, and deeply affected by his death.
Families who lost loved ones in the Stardust nightclub blaze gathered at the Garden of Rememberance before the inquest. The third day of the inquest took place in the Pillar Room of the Rotunda Hospital, where pen portraits of the 48 people who died were read. Susan Behan spoke of her brother Johnny Colgan, who was 21 when he died. She described him as a charismatic, upbeat young man who loved football and socialising. She recalled that he had gone to the Stardust and never returned, and that she had seen him the day before the fire. Siobhan Kearney, sister of Liam Dunne, who was 18 when he died, described the week he spent in hospital and his eventual death on 11 March 1981. Alison Keane, sister of Jacqueline Croker, who was 19 when she died, recalled the shock of the news and the impact on her family. The inquest will continue tomorrow with further pen portraits.
A factory worker who is a recovering alcoholic brought a discrimination claim to the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging that colleagues had taunted him by leaving beer bottles and pint glasses around the workplace. He said he was suspended for allegedly smelling of drink after a spillage incident on 17 September 2019, and that he was later transferred to other duties. The employer argued the bottles were litter from a nearby nightclub and that the worker was sent home without pay for health and safety reasons under the company's alcohol and drugs policy, not suspended. The tribunal found the worker's evidence inconsistent and concluded that he had not been discriminated against or harassed on the grounds of disability, dismissing the complaint. The decision was fully anonymised. The case involved a dispute over a spillage, verbal abuse, and allegations of taunting by colleagues. The tribunal noted the worker had resigned in December 2019.
Eoin Considine, a 24‑year‑old Limerick law graduate, was sentenced to four years in prison for raping a woman after they had engaged in consensual sex. The incident occurred on 11 August 2019 when the couple, who had met in a pub that evening, went to the woman's home. She reported that Considine began pulling her hair, striking her head, and later choking and pinning her down. She withdrew consent and begged him to stop, but he continued sexual penetration for about 90 seconds. Considine pleaded not guilty and denied rape, but was convicted in January. The judge noted the lack of a guilty plea or remorse, set a headline sentence of four and a half years, and imposed a four‑year custodial term with 18 months of post‑release supervision. The victim's impact statement described bruising, bleeding, loss of safety in her own bedroom, and suicidal thoughts. No contact with the victim is allowed.
During the inquest into the 1981 Stardust nightclub fire, Errol Buckley spoke of the guilt he feels over his brother Jimmy's death, saying it has "eaten away" at him. He described Jimmy, aged 23, as a caring, talented singer who had won a talent show at the club before the fire. Errol recalled dancing in a Valentine's disco competition that night, winning a prize, and seeing Jimmy beam with pride before the tragedy. He searched for Jimmy for hours, eventually learning he had been taken to a hospital and later identified by his wedding ring. Errol also mentioned that their brother Albert died of a heart attack at 41, which he believes was linked to the night's trauma. The inquest, held at the Rotunda Hospital, continues to examine the events of the fire that claimed 48 lives.
In the opening day of the Stardust inquest, Gertrude Barrett, mother of 17‑year‑old Michael Barrett, recounted the devastation of losing her son in the February 1981 nightclub fire. She described the four days she spent waiting at the Dublin city morgue for Michael's body to be identified, the callousness she felt, and the shock of learning he was the last of the 40 victims to be identified. Barrett spoke of Michael's cheerful personality, his ambitions as a plumber‑DJ apprentice, and his love of music and family. She reflected on the lasting grief that has followed her family, the impact on her other children, and the 40‑year fight for justice. The inquest began with pen portraits, a tradition that allows families to publicly commemorate those who died, before formal evidence is heard. The hearing also included testimony from other bereaved families, such as Betty Bissett, whose daughter Carol died in hospital three days after the blaze.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Nathan O'Neill, aged 24, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for the manslaughter of Jamie Higgins, who was stabbed five times in a nightclub fight in Shannon on 18 March 2018. O'Neill had previously pleaded guilty to manslaughter and to causing serious harm to Michael Shannon, for which he received a seven‑year sentence. Both sentences run concurrently and are back‑dated to 1 April 2022. The judge noted O'Neill's prior convictions for threatening to kill, possession of a knife and criminal damage, and his earlier guilty plea and cooperation with Gardaí, which led to a reduction from the headline 14‑year sentence. O'Neill admitted the knife was taken from a car after an earlier altercation and that he feared further violence. The court heard victim impact statements from Higgins's family, describing the profound loss and the family's grief. O'Neill expressed remorse and apologised to the family.
Ross Hutch, 31, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for two separate assaults in August 2021. On 22 August he slashed the face of a man outside a pub on Sheriff Street, leaving serious disfiguring scars. The next day he violently attacked his ex‑girlfriend at Holyhead Hostel on Gardiner Street, punching, kicking, and stomping her down two flights of stairs. Video evidence showed the brutal attacks. Judge Martin Nolan imposed seven and a half years for the slashing and two and a half years for the assault on the woman, sentences to run consecutively. Hutch pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in both cases. He has 75 prior convictions, including assault, firearms, and robbery. The sentence was back‑dated to 25 August 2021 when he entered custody. The court noted his history of drug and alcohol use but found no recognised psychological problem. The judge said Hutch could change his life if he wanted to.
Christopher Graham, 41, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after he was caught driving a van that contained 39 kilos of cannabis, worth an estimated €780,000, in an attempt to settle a long‑standing drug debt. He pleaded guilty to possession of the drug at Mill Lane, Palmerstown, on 22 June. Judge Martin Nolan accepted that Graham had no ownership of the cannabis and that he was transporting it to alleviate his own debt. The judge noted Graham's guilty plea and cooperation with Gardaí as mitigating factors, but also highlighted the seriousness of the quantity involved. Garda Michael Ormond explained that authorities had followed Graham for several days before intercepting him at a pub, where he met the driver of a yellow Renault van. The van was searched and the drugs seized. Graham has 65 prior convictions, mainly minor traffic offences, and had previously used drugs between 2016 and 2019.
At a sentencing hearing on 13 March 2023, Sharon Higgins, mother of 19‑year‑old Jamie Higgins, spoke of the pain of knowing that his killer, Nathan O'Neill, had remained free for more than four years after the 2018 nightclub stabbing. Higgins described her son as a loving, generous father and expressed her ongoing grief and health struggles. O'Neill, aged 24, had been tried twice for murder, was acquitted on the first trial and found guilty of manslaughter and causing serious harm to Michael Shannon on the night of 18 March 2018. The court heard that O'Neill had previous convictions for knife possession, threatening a security guard and criminal damage. O'Neill admitted responsibility, expressed remorse, and said he would never forget the impact on the family. Judge Paul Burns adjourned sentencing until 24 April.
Ross Hutch, aged 30, pleaded guilty via videolink at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two separate offences committed in August 2021. On 22 August, he allegedly slashed the face of his ex‑partner's boyfriend with a knife at Sheriff Street Lower, causing serious harm. The following day, 23 August, he allegedly assaulted his then girlfriend at The Holyhead Hostel on Gardiner Street, causing harm. The court heard that Hutch had been denied attendance at his child's communion for security reasons and that the slashing incident occurred as the boyfriend was leaving a pub in Dublin City centre. CCTV footage reportedly captured the assault on his girlfriend the next morning. Prosecutor Fiona McGowan requested victim impact statements for the two victims and others named in the indictment. Judge Martin Nolan set a sentence hearing for 29 March, remanded Hutch in custody, and vacated his earlier trial date. The case remains pending sentencing.
A 35-year-old man from Baldoyle who was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity has been assessed as not requiring inpatient care at the Central Mental Hospital. The Central Criminal Court heard on Wednesday that the man, charged with stabbing his former employer at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton in January 2021, currently displays no symptoms of mental disorder. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Servaise Winkel told the court that inpatient treatment is not presently necessary, a view supported by Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant forensic psychiatrist engaged by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The court made no further order. The accused had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder charge and faced additional charges of assault causing harm and production of knives. The jury's verdict was delivered following evidence that the man had been experiencing paranoid delusions in the weeks prior to the incident.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal by developer Michael O'Flynn against a ruling that barred him from objecting to a Personal Insolvency Agreement (PIA) entered into by former business partner John O'Driscoll. O'Flynn alleges that O'Driscoll owes him more than €750,000 and that O'Driscoll was not insolvent when the PIA was granted. He claims he advanced a loan to a pub business in which O'Driscoll was involved, and that O'Driscoll became a signatory to a €2.2 million loan guarantee in favour of O'Flynn and a shareholder in the business. O'Driscoll denies the insolvency claim and insists his PIA should remain undisturbed. The High Court had previously ruled that O'Flynn lacked locus standi because he did not file a proof of debt.
A man has been found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned the special verdict in the case of Neil O'Dowd, who was charged with stabbing his former employer 19 times at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021. The victim sustained serious injuries including a pseudoaneurysm requiring surgical intervention. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that O'Dowd was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time, consistent with paranoid schizophrenia, and did not know the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. Two forensic psychiatrists agreed on his mental state. The jury deliberated for 28 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. The matter has been adjourned to February 15 for assessment of O'Dowd's current mental health status, with O'Dowd remanded on continuing bail.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of a pub manager in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the victim 19 times at The Elphin Pub on Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists giving evidence for the prosecution and defence have told the jury that the accused was experiencing profound psychosis at the time of the alleged incident. Both experts diagnosed the man with a psychotic disorder and testified that severe delusions—including false beliefs about the victim's involvement in an unsolved murder—had severely impaired his judgement. The psychiatrists stated that his condition would have prevented him from understanding the nature of his actions. Both doctors recommended that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity should be considered. The prosecution and defence have agreed on the facts of the case, with the jury to determine whether the requisite intent was present. The unnamed 35-year-old was acquitted.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his former employer at a public house in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the manager of the Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021, inflicting 19 stab wounds across the victim's shoulders, chest and hands using three separate knives. The victim also sustained a serious cardiac injury requiring surgical intervention. During trial, the prosecution and defence agreed on the factual circumstances of the incident. Evidence heard indicated the accused, who formerly worked as a barman at the establishment, told gardaí he believed his former boss was responsible for an unsolved murder in Mauritius. The defence presented that the accused was experiencing psychotic delusions and paranoia in the weeks preceding the assault. Two medical reports for both prosecution and defence were to be considered regarding the accused's mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
Brendan Leahy, a former Trinity College facilities manager, withdrew his bid to be reinstated after the college sought to question him about a sexual assault case. Leahy had pleaded guilty in 2018 to assaulting a woman at Kehoe's Pub and received a suspended three‑month sentence, a fine, and a compensation payment. He appealed to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was granted the benefit of the Probation Act in July 2021. In August 2021 he wrote to the college's HR department that the Circuit Court order meant his conviction was "disposed of". He filed an unfair dismissal claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 after being sacked in 2021. The Workplace Relations Commission hearing, held on 20 January 2023, considered evidence from the college, Leahy's barrister, and witnesses, and concluded with the adjudicator reviewing the case after a third and final hearing.
Kevin O'Keefe, 37, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to three burglaries, two thefts, criminal damage, unlawful use of a car and dangerous driving on 15 August 2017. The offences were committed in Howth, Co Dublin, where he stole €164 worth of goods from a pharmacy, an iPad from a restaurant, car keys and a phone from a pub office, a staff member's mobile phone from behind a bar, and caused €100 worth of damage to a car at a hire company. O'Keefe, who has 98 prior convictions, told the court he wants to turn his life around and apologized to those affected. Judge Martin Nolan, noting his cooperation and admissions, imposed the custodial sentence and disqualified him from driving for two years. No victim impact statements were presented.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 16‑year‑old boy was sentenced to three years' detention for stabbing another 16‑year‑old seven times with a kitchen knife outside Vela nightclub's car park. The attack, lasting 10‑15 seconds, left the victim with life‑threatening injuries, including a collapsed lung and severe blood loss, requiring intensive care, surgery and a period in a wheelchair. The perpetrator, who had no prior convictions at the time, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, violent disorder and producing a knife. He was later convicted of knife possession a week after the incident. The court noted the boy's abandonment by family, homelessness and lack of support, and highlighted the need for rehabilitation in detention. The victim's mother gave a victim impact statement, while the victim declined to speak. The knife was never recovered. The sentence was back‑dated to the boy's custody in September.
In a Dublin murder trial, Philip Disney (27) and Sean Carlyle (30) were found guilty by a unanimous jury of killing Vincent Parsons, a 34‑year‑old father of two, on 26 August 2019. Parsons had been drinking at a stag do in the Killinarden Inn when he became "messy" and irritated patrons. CCTV showed Disney and Carlyle confronting Parsons, with Disney raising an arm and pointing at him. After Parsons left the pub, the men entered a black van, returned to a green area on Killinarden Way, and beat him to death. They then drove to Carlyle's home, changed clothes, and later returned to the pub to create an alibi. The jury, after 4 h 48 min of deliberation, returned a life‑sentence verdict, and the case was adjourned to 13 January for a victim impact statement. The trial highlighted CCTV evidence, blood on Carlyle's shorts, and forensic testimony regarding Parsons' cause of death.
In a Dublin murder trial, Philip Disney (27) and Sean Carlyle (30) deny killing Vincent Parsons (34) on 26 August 2019. Prosecutor Lorcan Staines SC presented a case that the men acted together in a common design before and after the killing. He described Parsons as intoxicated at a friend's stag do, becoming agitated and leaving the Killinarden Inn. CCTV footage allegedly shows Disney raising an arm and pointing at Parsons, who then ran outside. The accused allegedly left the pub, entered a black van, and returned to a green area where they beat Parsons to death. They then drove to Carlyle's home, changed clothes, and returned to the pub, creating an alibi. The defense argued that CCTV and forensic evidence were insufficient to prove the prosecution's narrative, citing a lack of clear threat, inconsistent clothing changes, and no forensic evidence in the van. The case is set for jury deliberation. Philip Disney pleaded not guilty. Sean Carlyle pleaded not guilty.
Ezeon Entertainment Limited, a company that bought and refurbished the pub 'The Silly Goose' in Cork, has asked the High Court to set aside a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) granted to shareholder John O'Driscoll in March 2022. The PIA was upheld on appeal to the High Court in July. Ezeon, whose shareholders include rugby star Ronan O'Gara and businessman Michael O'Flynn, claims the PIA was fraudulent, alleging that O'Driscoll misappropriated over €15,000 of company funds and that significant stock is missing. The company also argues it was not listed as a creditor and was never properly notified of the PIA, denying it the opportunity to object. O'Gara, who invested €20,000 in 2019, said he was unaware of the PIA until it appeared in the press and that O'Driscoll had "fleeced" him. O'Flynn had previously attempted to challenge the PIA but was dismissed for lacking legal standing.
During the murder trial of Vincent Parsons, his brother Daniel Parsons testified that Vincent was never aggressive and would not start a fight, describing him as a messy drunk but not violent. Daniel recounted attending a stag do at the Killinarden Inn in Tallaght with friends and family, where he observed a bouncer confronting a red‑haired man in Vincent's face. Daniel told the bouncer that Vincent was drunk and would not cause trouble. He later left the pub at 11:10 pm, only to learn Vincent had been taken to hospital. The prosecution alleged that Philip Disney and Sean Carlyle, acting as a joint enterprise, murdered Vincent by beating him to death near the pub on 26 August 2019. The trial, presided over by Justice Kerida Naidoo, continues with a jury of twelve. Sean Carlyle pleaded not guilty. Philip Disney pleaded not guilty.
A 34‑year‑old father of two was beaten to death after a drunken stag do at the Killinarden Inn in Tallaght. The prosecution, represented by Lorcan Staines SC, presented a case that Philip Disney (27) and Sean Carlyle (30) were involved in a joint enterprise to murder Vincent Parsons on 26 August 2019. According to the barrister, Parsons had been drinking for several hours, became "messy" and irritated patrons, and was confronted by Disney. CCTV footage allegedly shows Disney raising his arm and pointing at Parsons, who then fled the pub. Disney and Carlyle left the pub, entered a black van, and later returned to a green area where they allegedly beat Parsons to death. The prosecution claims evidence such as Parsons' watch found in Carlyle's van, blood on Carlyle's shorts, and CCTV footage of the accused's movements. Both accused men pleaded not guilty. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo and a jury of twelve.