In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 42‑year‑old postman David Byrne was convicted of dangerous driving causing the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne. Byrne, who suffers from Type 2 Usher Syndrome, had previously pleaded not guilty to the charge and to related offences of dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue a licence and making a false statement on an insurance application. The jury found him guilty on all three counts. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced him to five years' imprisonment, reducing the headline figure of eight years to five on the basis of mitigating factors such as his cooperation, good record and remorse. Byrne was ordered to attend his son's First Holy Communion before reporting to Mountjoy Prison. The sentence includes treatment for his medical condition while incarcerated.
Stephen Collins, 27, a disqualified driver with 85 prior convictions, was jailed for five years after an intoxicated, high‑speed crash on Davitt Road, Dublin. While under the influence of alcohol and drugs, Collins struck a cyclist who was turning right at a green light, sending her airborne and causing a cut to her forehead. He then lost control, hit the wall of The Marble Arch Pub, collided with a curb, and head‑on struck another vehicle, injuring its driver. Collins fled the scene, leaving the injured parties behind. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and failure to assist. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Collins' long history of offences and lack of respect for traffic law, imposed the sentence and a ten‑year driving disqualification. The incident remains a significant incident of road‑traffic violence in Dublin.
In a Dublin court, 42‑year‑old David Byrne, who has Type 2 Usher Syndrome, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne on 16 October 2015. Byrne pleaded not guilty to the charge and to related offences of dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue a licence and making a false statement on insurance. The jury convicted him on all three charges. The court heard that Mrs Dunne was walking home with a shopping trolley when Byrne's car struck her, flinging her into the air before stopping. Byrne has no prior convictions. Judge Patricia Ryan remanded him on bail pending sentencing. The Dunne family, led by son John, expressed that they will never forgive Byrne for killing their mother, citing the lack of remorse and apology. Byrne's counsel requested leniency, noting his rehabilitation and the single accident in 20 years of driving with the disease.
John Luong, 42, was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of theft from Icon Plc between November 2013 and November 2014. He stole a total of €156,497 by altering invoices and substituting his own IBAN details, diverting payments meant for the company into his personal account. The amounts ranged from €3,000 to €35,000 per incident. Luong, an accounts administrator, admitted a gambling addiction that drove the theft, estimating he had taken about €70,000. He had been suspended and later dismissed after an audit revealed the diversions. The judge described the theft as a "huge error of judgement" and a breach of trust, noting that none of the stolen money has been recovered. Luong has seven prior convictions for road traffic offences. The court acknowledged his personal suffering but emphasized the seriousness of the financial loss.
Pawel Wisniewski, 43, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for stealing thousands of litres of diesel from an Applegreen service station in Balbriggan over three days in August 2019. He also received a two-and-a-half year sentence for possession of cannabis for sale or supply and a firearm at a grow‑house in Tallaght, and a two‑year sentence for the diesel offence, all to run consecutively. Wisniewski, a qualified electrician and former Polish army serviceman, used a cloned Applegreen card to pump diesel into his van, stealing €5,220 worth of fuel. He was also convicted of driving without insurance. His girlfriend received a suspended one‑year sentence. Wisniewski was disqualified from driving for three years and his sentence was back‑dated to October 2019. The court noted this was the first case involving large‑scale diesel theft of this nature. Pawel Wisniewski pleaded guilty.
In January 2016, Marjo Cayabyab, aged 27, was driving a car at an excessive speed and was slightly over the legal alcohol limit when he struck two women, Claire Hewitt and Ann Keating, on Hartstown Road, Clonsilla, Dublin. The collision occurred on a wet road after a long bend, and the vehicle spun out of control, hitting both women. Hewitt died within an hour of the crash, while Keating sustained serious injuries and remains in ongoing treatment. Cayabyab pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death and serious bodily harm. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found that his speed and alcohol level were aggravating factors. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, a four‑year driving ban, and a headline sentence of four to five years was reduced to two years due to mitigating circumstances. The court noted his remorse and lack of prior convictions.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced five members of the McDonagh family for violent disorder at Old Castle Drive, Clondalkin, on November 19, 2016. Martin McDonagh Snr, Ellen McDonagh, Nora McDonagh, Helen McDonagh, and Shannon Sherlock all pleaded guilty to the charge. The court heard that the incident followed an argument at a shopping centre, after which the defendants allegedly arrived at the O'Reilly family home armed with a sickle, two hurleys, and a baton. Judge Martin Nolan described the event as a "disgrace" and noted that while the McDonaghs made numerous attempts to strike the O'Reillys, no serious injuries were inflicted. The judge imposed a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr, noting his "remarkably modest record" despite 13 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic matters. Two-year suspended sentences were imposed on each of the four women, none of whom had previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Martin McDonagh Snr used the sickle only to threaten, that Nora McDonagh was unarmed, and that Shannon Sherlock was due to give birth. The judge emphasized the need for self-control and noted that the O'Reilly family has since relocated, with both families now getting on with their lives.
Lea Peacock, 25, of Rush, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing the death of Jane Dardis at Rush Road, Skerries, on October 25, 2016. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Peacock to a nine-month suspended sentence and disqualified him from driving for five years. The judge concluded Peacock did not deserve a custodial sentence, noting the accused had no previous convictions, was remorseful, and had cooperated with gardai. Judge Nolan found the explanation that Peacock swerved to avoid a pedestrian to be unbelievable, instead attributing the swerve to the interplay between the driver and the front-seat passenger. The court heard Peacock had consumed four glasses of wine and was travelling at 80km/h in a 60km/h zone. In mitigation, counsel highlighted Peacock's remorse and lack of intentional wrongdoing. The judge expressed condolences to the deceased's family, who described themselves as devastated. The maximum penalty for the offence is two years' imprisonment. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the suspended sentence and driving disqualification.
Eoin Jarvis, 26, of Corduff Grove, Blanchardstown, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving, driving without insurance, reckless endangerment and unlawful use of a vehicle. On 11 April 2017, he drove a stolen car at 180 kph along the N1/M1 motorway, causing it to become airborne over a roundabout before crashing on the far side. Jarvis had taken 28 sleeping tablets before driving and was heavily intoxicated at the time of arrest. Garda John Delaney reported that the crash was witnessed by two plain‑clothes officers. Jarvis exited the vehicle, ran across four lanes of traffic and was taken to a petrol station where he was arrested. The court noted his 57 previous convictions and that he was not involved in the burglary that stole the car. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Jarvis' guilty plea and cooperation, and imposed the three‑year sentence.
Jonathan Conway, 36, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for stealing a BMW that had been left with its keys inside by the owner. He drove the vehicle in a highly dangerous manner, losing control at a roundabout, briefly becoming airborne and crashing into a lamppost and the wall of a pub. Two female passengers suffered minor injuries. Conway had 120 prior convictions, mainly for traffic and public order offences, theft and court‑appearance failures. He pleaded guilty to taking possession of a car without consent, dangerous driving, driving without insurance and refusing a sample. The judge imposed a five‑year driving ban and noted Conway's limited cooperation with Gardaí, his guilty plea and rehabilitation efforts. He was also in custody on other district court matters. The court heard he had lost a local‑authority accommodation in Blanchardstown. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court by Judge Melanie Greally.
A 38‑year‑old driver, Aisling Keogh, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm after striking a pedestrian, Paschal Walsh, in Rathfarnham on 29 December 2015. Keogh had been driving at 43 km/h, within the 50 km/h limit, and applied her brakes when she first saw the man. She left the scene, tended to the injured man, called an ambulance and later reported the collision to Gardaí. CCTV and forensic analysis confirmed the circumstances. Walsh was taken to Tallaght Hospital, suffered a sore arm and ribs, was later put into an induced coma and died, but the court ruled his death was not a direct result of the collision. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Keogh to 125 hours of community service in lieu of a six‑month prison term, imposed a four‑year mandatory driving ban, and confirmed her suitability for community service.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Gerard McDonnell, aged 27, and Christian Goonery, aged 30, were sentenced for hijacking a skip‑hire truck. McDonnell, who was already serving a seven‑year driving ban, pleaded guilty to stealing a mechanically propelled vehicle, unlawfully seizing the truck, endangerment and two counts of dangerous driving. Goonery pleaded guilty to unlawfully taking the vehicle and being a passenger. Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a five‑year prison term on McDonnell with two years suspended and a ten‑year driving ban. Goonery received four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. The court noted the incident was opportunistic, involved a hammer threat, and resulted in the driver sustaining bruises and a knee injury. The defendants' prior convictions and mitigating factors were considered in sentencing.
Joseph Kiernan, aged 34, was deported from the Netherlands after serving a partially suspended three‑year robbery sentence. He was then jailed in Ireland for six years for a series of driving and drug offences. In November 2014 he pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a stolen Ford Mondeo and possession of €648 of cannabis near Dublin Airport. In January 2015 he pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a stolen BMW and dangerous driving around Gormanston, Meath. In May 2015 he pleaded guilty to possession of €3,566 of cannabis at a premises he shared with his partner on Gardiner Street, Dublin. The court imposed a four‑year sentence for the earlier drugs charge, consecutive to another four years for the later drugs offence, with the final two years suspended. Kiernan was banned from driving for 20 years. He had 55 prior convictions, including robbery, vehicle theft, burglaries and possession of stolen property.
David Byrne, a 42‑year‑old postman from Kilcullen, was found guilty of dangerous driving causing the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne on 16 October 2015. Byrne had pleaded not guilty to the dangerous driving charge and to other counts, including dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue a licence and making a false statement on an insurance application. The jury, after three and a half hours of deliberation, returned a majority verdict on the dangerous driving charge and unanimous guilty verdicts on the remaining counts. Judge Patricia Ryan remanded Byrne on continuing bail and set sentencing for 4 May. Byrne's case involved his Usher Syndrome Type 2, a condition that impairs vision in low light and peripheral vision, and the prosecution argued that he had been advised not to drive since 1997.
In a dangerous driving causing death trial, the prosecution argued that David Byrne, 42, could not have seen the road because he has no peripheral vision due to Usher Syndrome Type II. Prosecutor Fionnuala O'Sullivan said a fully sighted driver would have seen 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne as she crossed Collins Avenue East, Killester, on 16 October 2015, and that Byrne's decision to drive with this condition, despite doctors' advice, made his driving dangerous. She also alleged Byrne obtained a driving licence by deception, answering "no" to a medical difficulty question, and failed to disclose his eye condition to his insurer. Byrne denies dangerous driving and the licence fraud, pleading not guilty. The jury will deliberate tomorrow, with the trial before Judge Patricia Ryan.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 42‑year‑old postman David Byrne denied dangerous driving that caused the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne on 16 October 2015. He also pleaded not guilty to dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue a licence on 30 September 2014 and to making a false statement on insurance. Byrne claimed he had not driven at the time of the fatal collision, had not been speeding, had not drunk, and had obeyed traffic signals. An optometrist, Aengus Morrin, testified that Byrne had Usher Syndrome, diagnosed in 1997, and that his peripheral vision was "very, very poor – almost non‑existent". Dr Paul Kenna, a clinical ophthalmologist, confirmed the diagnosis and noted that Byrne had been advised against driving in daylight or at night. The trial continues with closing arguments pending.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 42‑year‑old postman David Byrne pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving that caused the death of 70‑year‑old Patricia Dunne on Collins Avenue East, Killester, on 16 October 2015. Byrne also pleaded not guilty to dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue him a licence on 30 September 2014 and to making a false statement when taking out insurance on 16 September 2015. The court heard that Byrne had an eye condition, Usher Syndrome Type 2, diagnosed in 1997, and that he had been strongly advised not to drive. Byrne denied being told not to drive and claimed he had never disclosed the condition to his insurer.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Keith Tiswell, aged 33, was sentenced to three and a half years' imprisonment for possessing over €124,000 worth of cannabis and cocaine. The drugs were seized during a surveillance operation at an apartment in Clondalkin, where Gardaí observed Tiswell drive a black BMW into an underground car park, exit 20 minutes later, and admit to having "cannabis in the boot" before handing over a cocaine package. Tiswell pleaded guilty to possessing 5.9 kg of cannabis valued at €119,600 and 67.5 g of cocaine worth €4,725. He has 57 prior convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. The judge, considering his guilty plea, cooperation, and character, imposed the sentence backdated to his May 2017 custody entry. The case highlighted the Gardaí's use of CCTV evidence and the defendant's stated drug debt and mental health issues. The sentence was confirmed by Judge Martin Nolan.
Eamon Colley, a 51‑year‑old Dublin businessman, was found guilty of making false statements after he abandoned his Porsche Boxster in Phoenix Park following a hit‑and‑run incident on 14 February 2017. Colley had crashed into a motorist who was stopping to let a deer cross the road, causing €9,413 in damage to the victim's Volkswagen Golf. CCTV footage showed Colley driving away with smoke from his Porsche's front and later yelling at a car‑park ticket machine. He reported the vehicle stolen at Blanchardstown Garda Station on 15 February and again at his business address the same day. The court accepted his admissions of being intoxicated and of leaving the scene to avoid drink‑driving prosecution. He was sentenced to a 21‑month suspended term and an 18‑month driving ban, with no prior convictions recorded.
In a dangerous driving trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 70‑year‑old Patricia Byrne was killed on Collins Avenue East in Killester on 16 October 2015. Van driver Sandjis Jansons testified that he slowed his delivery van when he saw Byrne crossing the street, stating she was "already on the road" and not on a pedestrian crossing. He claimed he had no idea what she would do and that the car that struck her was driven by David Byrne, 42, who has pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing Byrne's death. Byrne also pleaded not guilty to dishonestly inducing the National Driving Licence Service to issue him a licence and to making a false statement in an insurance application. The prosecution alleged Byrne had Usher Syndrome Type 2, a condition that impairs vision in low light, and that he failed to disclose this when applying for a licence or informing his insurer.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Declan Hendley, a 49‑year‑old former community worker, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm in a public place with the intention of intimidating a security guard at a Centra shop on Poppintree Parade, Ballymun, on 25 May 2015. The court found that Hendley had brought an air‑soft AK‑47 type imitation gun to the shop after a verbal altercation with the guard, who was attempting to move a group of young people outside. Hendley had threatened the guard with a pole during a brief physical confrontation, then returned ten minutes later with the imitation firearm, which was found to be non‑functional. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two‑year sentence, suspending the final 14 months on strict conditions. The case highlighted Hendley's 29 prior convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and his claim that the incident was a "moment of utter madness.".
A man convicted of driving his car at gardaí has been jailed following an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Paul McGillion, aged 33 and resident at Ard Caoin, Manorcunningham, County Donegal, pleaded guilty in Letterkenny to reckless endangerment, dangerous driving, drink-driving, and driving without insurance and a valid licence on 25 July 2015. He received a wholly suspended three-year sentence in May 2017. The Court of Appeal found the original sentence unduly lenient and imposed a new three-year term with the final two years suspended. Mr Justice Alan Mahon noted that Garda Michael Kilcoyne sustained severe injury with life-changing consequences during the incident. The judge stated that offences involving driving a vehicle at gardaí performing their duties demanded a custodial element. McGillion's significant rehabilitation and employment record were acknowledged but could not justify a wholly non-custodial sentence given the gravity of the offence and his history of relevant convictions.
Anthony Heffernan, 32, of Blanchardstown, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for robbery. He pleaded guilty to robbing a Centra shop in Huntstown on April 8, 2017. Prosecution evidence stated that Heffernan entered the store armed with a knife, shouted at a staff member, and took approximately €250. He subsequently surrendered himself to gardaí at Blanchardstown Garda Station, identifying himself on CCTV footage. The court heard that Heffernan was a gambling addict who had run out of cash to bet, and he was transferred to a psychiatric unit after his arrest. He has 13 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. Defence counsel Sarah Connolly BL highlighted his cooperation, remorse, and efforts to overcome addiction through Gamblers Anonymous and programs at Coolmine. Judge Martin Nolan noted letters demonstrating Heffernan's positive character and past difficulties. The judge stated that a custodial sentence was not justified and imposed a two-year suspended term.
A 36‑year‑old labourer, Aidan O'Hara, was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment for assaulting his ex‑girlfriend, Jessica Ayodeji, in their car while driving around Dublin. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that O'Hara, of Hand Caravan Park, dragged Ms Ayodeji back into the vehicle after she tried to escape at traffic lights, and that he had also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and failing to remain at the scene of a collision on the same day. The court noted that O'Hara had 14 prior convictions, including assaults, drug offences, burglary and criminal damage, and that he had a history of violent conduct toward partners. He was also banned from driving for two years. The judge highlighted that O'Hara had cooperated with Gardaí, shown remorse, and completed an alternative to violence course while in custody. The sentence was back‑dated to the time he entered custody in July 2017.
Andrew Dunne, 33, was sentenced to four years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing almost €110,000 worth of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis at his Drimnagh home on July 7, 2016. He also admitted to two counts of endangering gardaí on August 7, 2016, during a high-speed chase that involved ramming a patrol vehicle and dragging a sergeant. Judge Martin Nolan described Dunne as a good family man and father who was unlikely to re-offend, noting he was a "mature man who had got himself into difficulties." The judge stated it was not necessary to include a suspended period in the sentence. Dunne was also disqualified from driving for six years. Prosecution evidence indicated Dunne was intoxicated and under threat from a drug debt, while defense counsel argued he was in a state of intense fear and paranoia. The court heard Dunne had rehabilitated himself and is now drug-free.
Two Dublin men, Martin Cully (35) and Eugene Traynor (40), were sentenced to seven‑year prison terms, partially suspended, for unlawfully seizing a vehicle and forcibly removing a woman from her car. The incident occurred on Old Connacht Avenue, Bray, on 15 June 2017. Cully, who had previously been disqualified from driving for 30 years, also pleaded guilty to two dangerous driving charges. Judge Patrick Quinn imposed a lifetime driving ban on Cully, suspended the final two years of his sentence and the final two and a half years of Traynor's sentence, and required both men to remain drug‑free and engage in treatment programmes. The court noted a high‑speed chase that ended with the car crashing into a pole. Cully had 67 prior convictions, including seven burglaries; Traynor had 20 prior convictions, including robbery and theft. The victim, who suffered nightmares and flashbacks, gave a victim impact statement describing her fear and helplessness during the attack.
Brandon Crosbie, 19, was sentenced to three and a half years in jail after a high‑speed chase that saw him crash into five vehicles during rush hour. He pleaded guilty to three counts of endangerment, one of dangerous driving and one of driving without insurance at locations in Ballymun and Finglas on 24 April 2017. Garda Carl McSweeney described how Crosbie drove a Hyundai at very high speed toward a patrol vehicle on Longdale Terrace, forcing the garda to take evasive action. Crosbie then drove through traffic, colliding head‑on with a car, then weaving between lanes and hitting a stopped vehicle at a red light, and finally rear‑ended a taxi on St Margaret's Road, pushing it forward. He has 47 prior convictions, all at District Court level, for offences including assault, criminal damage and dangerous driving.
Patrick McArdle, a 48‑year‑old former mechanic and casual truck driver from Co. Armagh, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing the death of Slawomir Korytowski, a married father‑of‑two who was travelling with four other motorcyclists to catch a ferry to Scotland. The fatal incident occurred on 3 July 2015 at North Wall Quay when McArdle, who had been disqualified for drink‑driving for six years a year earlier and for further driving offences last year, pulled out of a loading bay and briefly crossed onto the wrong side of the road. Korytowski, panicking at the oncoming lorry, applied the brakes, was thrown from his bike and struck under the wheel of another lorry, dying at the scene. The judge, citing McArdle's misjudgment and the aggravating factor that he was not legally permitted to drive, sentenced him to ten months' imprisonment and a six‑year driving ban.
Christopher Walsh, 32, was sentenced to two years in jail, with the final 14 months suspended, for deceiving Close Brothers Motor Finance. He obtained a €20,000 car loan to clear drug debt, claiming a friend had collected the car after he allegedly failed to repay. Walsh had signed a contract for a Skoda Superb, paid a deposit, and then cancelled his direct debit the next day. He admitted to drug addiction and had no intention of repaying the loan. The court noted his remorse and that he had taken control of his drug addiction. Judge Martin Nolan credited his efforts but also highlighted his prior convictions, including 13 previous offences, 12 of them for road traffic. Walsh agreed to repay the finance company at €100 per month. He is a father to a six‑month‑old son and has a forklift job available. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
In a 2018 case, a 20‑year‑old driver, Melvin Rattigan, was sentenced to 240 hours of community service for dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to cyclist Laura Briggs. Rattigan, who had no full licence or insurance, collided with Briggs on Lower Dominick Street on 13 May 2015, after failing to see her on a green light while turning from Dorset Street onto Dominick Street. He fled the scene, claiming panic, and later pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The judge noted the offence was at the lower end of seriousness because Rattigan was neither speeding nor intoxicated, and highlighted his good character and educational efforts. Rattigan paid €3,000 for redress, which Briggs declined, directing it to St Francis' Hospice and a youth charity. A probation report was ordered to assess his suitability for community service.
Luke Connors, a 29‑year‑old from Fairgreen Upper, Hacketstown, was sentenced to 16 months in prison for deceiving an 89‑year‑old Dublin woman, Mary Doherty, into withdrawing €400 from her bank account. Connors pretended to be a roof‑repairer for Doherty's sister and walked with her to the bank in Tallaght on 25 November 2016, standing across the road while she withdrew the cash. He pleaded guilty to dishonestly inducing the withdrawal. Connors had 11 prior convictions, including road traffic offences and two thefts. Judge Martin Nolan described the crime as "shameful" and imposed a 16‑month sentence, suspending the final 12 months. The court ordered that the €700 Connors brought to court be transferred to Doherty. The case was prosecuted by Gerardine Small BL, with Garda Kevin Boland presenting CCTV evidence of Connors walking with the victim to the bank. Connors was later arrested at a shopping centre.
Two men, Dubliners Derek Naylor (46) and Paul Goddard (57), were sentenced at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following their guilty pleas to possession of cannabis resin at Clearwater Shopping Centre car park, Finglas on August 24, 2016. Both defendants admitted their charges and were found guilty. Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced both men to four years but suspended each of their sentences. Goddard also admitted possession of amphetamine and cannabis at his home on the same date. Naylor, a taxi driver with no previous convictions, and Goddard, who has four previous convictions for minor road traffic offences, were described by the judge as being at the lowest end of the ladder in the drugs industry. The judge noted that Goddard's involvement was an act of desperation due to threats to a family member, while Naylor became involved due to a drug debt. The court ordered that Naylor continue his mentorship role at the Coolmine therapeutic community programme, and that Goddard engage with the Probations Service on offence-focused work. The matter was adjourned following the sentence.
Kosmas Ompante, 29, was jailed for three and a half years after a drunken chase in a stolen Mercedes led to a multi‑vehicle collision at Cappagh Road, Finglas, on 3 August 2017. He admitted taking a litre of vodka, tablets, driving under the influence, without a licence or insurance, and causing three counts of criminal damage. Ompante had 17 prior convictions in the UK and one in Greece. The judge noted he was well over the drink‑driving limit and drove recklessly, endangering others. He was also disqualified from driving for six years. The incident caused injuries to the driver and passenger of the car he crashed into, including chipped teeth, a fractured shin and soft‑tissue injuries. Ompante expressed remorse and said he hoped he had not killed anyone. The case was prosecuted by Diarmuid Collins BL and defended by Luigi Rea BL. Kosmas Ompante pleaded guilty.
Patrick McDonnell, 28, of New Line Close, Mountrath, was sentenced to five years in prison after a series of drug‑related offences and dangerous driving. He pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine for sale or supply, dangerous driving and reckless endangerment at Castlecomer on 27 January 2017, and to possession of cannabis and cocaine at Ballyroan on 16 January 2016. During a drug bust near the Kilkenny/Laois border, gardaí found 300 g of cocaine in a tupperware container. McDonnell fled, driving his car at speeds up to 100 km/h, crashing into a garda vehicle and injuring two officers. He also crashed into a car exiting a driveway. The court noted his history of drug offences and his statement to a garda that he had "not done anything". Judge Martin Nolan imposed the five‑year sentence, citing the reckless conduct and the injuries caused to the officers.
Joseph Walsh and Michael Gilmartin, who pleaded guilty to firearms offences linked to a garda investigation into the "New IRA," had their sentencing adjourned until February 5. The co-accused admitted to possessing a 9mm parabellum pistol, a magazine, a double-barrel sawn-off shotgun, and ammunition at Chestnut Drive, Cobh, on September 14 last year. They also admitted to an assault at Cork Circuit Court. At the sentence hearing, the court heard that Walsh initially took a "no comment attitude" but later stated he had a "fair idea" the bag contained something illegal. Walsh has previous convictions, including assault causing harm in 2013 and a suspended sentence in 2010. Gilmartin, who also initially remained silent, later told gardai he feared for his life. He has only previous Road Traffic Act convictions. Defence counsel for Walsh highlighted his guilty plea and a reference from a former employer. Counsel for Gilmartin argued he was of outstanding good character, suffered from health issues, and was not a "prime mover" in the offences. Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, stated they had a "fair bit to think about" and adjourned the matter. The case was not concluded or finalised at this stage.
Ronald Flynn (54), of Mount Nugent, Ballyjamesduff, Co Cavan, has been sentenced to two years in jail following his guilty plea at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing just under 10kg of cannabis at Citywest Avenue, Citywest Business Park, Dublin on November 19, 2015. Flynn admitted to the charge and was found guilty. The court heard that Jason Flynn, currently serving a five-year sentence for drugs offences, had accrued a drug debt, which was then transferred to his father. Jason Flynn wrote a letter from prison appealing for leniency for his father, stating it was 'all his fault'. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged that Ronald Flynn felt 'coerced' to take part in the operation as he was told his son would be 'killed by Christmas'. However, the judge noted that Flynn, a 'mature man', made a decision to involve himself in serious crime. Detective Garda William Armstrong testified that he posed as a UPS delivery man to intercept the parcel of drugs, valued at €198,900. Flynn was arrested after collecting the package and made full admissions. Flynn has 19 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. Michael Bowman SC, defending, stated that Flynn was threatened with the death of his son unless he collected the drugs. The judge agreed to stay the start of the sentence until February 26 next. The matter was adjourned for the purposes of appeal.
A Dublin man has been sentenced to 32 months' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to assaulting a champion power lifter at College Green on 17 January 2017. Dermot Dowd, aged 25, of Allenton Gardens, Tallaght, stabbed the injured party with scissors after being asked to leave a nightclub entrance. The victim, Thomas Gleeson, sustained a 10-centimetre wound to his back and lacerations to his shoulder, requiring hospital treatment. The assault prevented Mr Gleeson from competing in European weightlifting championships and caused him to withdraw from representing Ireland in his sport. He was absent from work for 38 weeks and reported suffering anxiety and chest pains since the incident. Judge Martin Nolan noted the offence fell at the higher end of the assault scale given the severity of injuries and the weapon used. Dowd, who has 42 previous convictions, is also facing sentencing in the New Year for dangerous driving causing death in Donegal. The sentence was backdated to 17 January 2017.
A Mayo man and former member of the Anti-Corruption Taskforce has been imprisoned for a hit-and-run incident involving a garda sergeant. Joseph Doocey (51) of Knoxbarret, Ballina, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a nine-day trial in October on charges of endangerment, dangerous driving, and assault causing harm to Sergeant Declan Casey. The offences arose from an incident on 8 June 2015 near Font Cross, Ballina, when Doocey failed to stop at a garda checkpoint. He drove his vehicle at Sgt Casey, struck him multiple times, reversed over his foot, and collided with a van before driving at speed towards the sergeant while he remained on the roadway. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended, conditional on Doocey signing a bond restricting online posts about gardaí and court personnel. When Doocey refused to sign, the judge imposed the full custodial term. He was also disqualified from driving for five years. Joseph Doocey pleaded not guilty.
Ryan Fitzpatrick, aged 20, pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and dangerous driving in Dublin. He was charged with leading a high‑speed chase that forced parents and schoolchildren to take evasive action near a Donaghmede school, and with driving a Toyota Prius at up to 120 km/h, overtaking on the wrong side of the road, causing a two‑car collision, side‑swiping a Garda car and bypassing a road block. The court noted his previous road traffic and drug convictions. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced him to three years' imprisonment but suspended the sentence in full, citing his early plea, employment, completion of a barber training course and the potential for a "make or break point" in his life. The judge also disqualified Fitzpatrick from driving for five years. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 17 February 2016. The sentencing decision was made on 18 December 2017.
Nathan Coakley (24) has been sentenced to five years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his role in an armed robbery. Coakley, of Buckingham Street Upper, Dublin, pleaded guilty to possessing a kitchen knife during a hold-up at a Spar shop on Long Brook Quay on December 10, 2015. His accomplice carried an imitation firearm and assaulted a staff member when unable to access a time-locked safe. The raiders escaped with €6,114, which was never recovered. Judge Cormac Quinn imposed the five-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended, conditional on compliance with the Probation Services. The court noted that a victim, who has since relocated to Donegal, found the robbery traumatic. Coakley's previous convictions number 82, predominantly for road traffic offences, though Judge Quinn acknowledged his recent achievement in becoming drug-free and noted the absence of prior violent crime convictions.
Derek Reville, 40, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to stealing a suitcase and its €250 worth of contents from the Arc Bar, Liffey Valley, on July 21, 2017. He also admitted to endangerment on the M50 and at a junction at Clonshaugh Road, dangerous driving at Bothar Na Life, Lucan, and having no insurance at Greencastle Road, Coolock, on the same date. Prosecution evidence detailed that Reville led gardai on a ten-minute chase, driving his Renault Laguna at speeds up to 180 kmph, weaving through traffic, and driving the wrong way down a dual carriageway. The chase ended when he crashed at Greencastle Road. Judge Martin Nolan described the actions as "reprehensible" and the driving as "deplorable." Reville, who had 17 previous convictions, was on bail for seven other offences and had a four-month suspended sentence at the time. The court imposed a three-and-a-half-year jail term, backdated to when he entered custody. He was also banned from driving for four years.
A Mayo man convicted of assaulting a garda sergeant has maintained his innocence, claiming he was "set up" and "framed" by gardaí. Joseph Doocey, aged 51, from Knoxbarret in Ballina, was found guilty by jury verdict in October of eleven counts including assault causing harm to Sergeant Declan Casey, dangerous driving, and criminal damage following a hit-and-run incident on June 8, 2015 near Font Cross, Ballina. The incident involved Doocey's vehicle striking Sergeant Casey at a checkpoint, subsequently reversing over him, and driving dangerously before being abandoned near Killala. Doocey testified that gardaí had conducted a prolonged campaign against him and alleged witnesses were planted and evidence tampered with. His legal representative described him as fundamentally honest, though acknowledging his strong opinions. Sentence finalisation was adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court pending Doocey's agreement to cease any hostile conduct towards Sergeant Casey and his family. Doocey remained remanded in custody.
Alan Horan, 49, was jailed for one year after taking a SuperValu delivery van and driving it in a high‑speed five‑minute chase through Clondalkin. He had lifted the van keys from a counter while the delivery driver was on his rounds. Horan pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dishonestly appropriating keys, endangerment, dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The chase took place around Moorefield Parade and Cappaghmore, where children were playing. Garda Vincent Daly described Horan's driving as reckless, noting he drove at 80 km/h in a 15 km/h zone and over 100 km/h at a roundabout. Horan was arrested after the chase and smelled strongly of alcohol. The judge, Martin Nolan, called the offence "very stupid, opportunistic" and imposed a one‑year sentence, disqualifying Horan from driving for five years. The court noted Horan's 84 previous convictions, including a hit‑and‑run, and his drug and alcohol dependency.
David McDonagh, 42, of St Margaret's Halting Site, Ballymun, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to handling stolen property on 6 April 2015 and possession of stolen property on 16 April 2015. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to two and a half years imprisonment, suspended for the same period on the condition of keeping the peace and good behaviour. He was ordered to pay €4,200 compensation to the victim and to engage with the probation service for 12 months. The judge also suspended his driving licence for two years because he had used a vehicle without insurance and failed to produce insurance. McDonagh was identified as the "front man" in a stolen car operation that involved Volkswagen Passat and Golf vehicles advertised on the Done Deal website, with false number plates, NCT and tax discs. He has 81 previous convictions, 59 of which are road traffic offences, and one theft conviction.
Gerard Cleary, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possessing nearly two kilos of cocaine for sale or supply outside his residence at Shon Valley Apartments, Lucan, Co Dublin, on August 8, 2017. Judge Karen O'Connor handed down a three-year sentence but suspended the final 18 months, resulting in an effective custody period of 18 months. The court accepted that Cleary admitted to holding the drugs under pressure from a third party to repay a €9,000 debt accrued through his own cocaine use. Analysis confirmed the packages contained 1,976 grammes of cocaine with a street value of €138,837. During sentencing, the judge considered testimonials, including a letter from Cleary's mother detailing his troubled childhood and his role as a drug purchaser for her at age ten. Defense counsel Caroline Biggs SC argued that Cleary was a functioning addict who had been coerced into this transaction and had no prior history of drug dealing. The court noted Cleary's 14 previous convictions, nine of which were road traffic offences, and his current engagement with addiction services. The matter was concluded with this suspended sentence.
Edward Maher, a 31-year-old father-of-two from Ballyfermot, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possessing €286,020 worth of heroin. The defendant pleaded guilty to possessing the 2.04kg cache at Orchard Lawns, Ballyfermot, on December 19, 2016. Prosecution evidence indicated Maher agreed to bag the drugs for €100 and a "bit of smoke," though he claimed he did not know the full extent of the operation. Gardaí discovered him in a back shed with the drugs, scales, and a blender during a raid. While Maher has 12 previous minor road traffic convictions, his defense counsel, Luigi Rea BL, argued for a fully suspended sentence, citing his lack of serious offending history, minor role in the enterprise, and resolved cannabis addiction. Judge Martin Nolan rejected the request for a wholly suspended sentence, deeming the crime too serious. The judge noted that although Maher was near the bottom of the criminal chain, he committed a "grave error of judgement" by taking the chance. Consequently, Maher was jailed for three and a half years. The court record confirms the procedural stage as sentencing, with the guilty plea and the resulting custodial sentence as the finalised disposal.
Stephen Feery, 28, of The Water Rill, Malahide, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing a stolen vehicle and criminal damage to electric gates at an apartment block in Balgriffin. He stole a Euro Car rental on 24 February, was pursued by Gardaí, sprayed with pepper spray, collided with gates, fled, and was later found hanging from a window of his brother's apartment. The damage to the gates cost €3,500. Feery has 128 prior convictions, including burglary, dangerous driving and driving without insurance, and a 2008 suspended sentence for endangerment. He left school at 12, has three children, and had completed a residential drug programme. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced him to two years, suspending ten months, with strict conditions. The case was investigated by Garda Jason Flynn.
Sean Kerins, a 26-year-old Limerick man with 105 previous convictions, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed in Clondalkin on October 9, 2016. Kerins pleaded guilty to unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal damage to an unmarked patrol car, and two counts of dangerous driving. The court heard that Kerins, who was disqualified from driving at the time, drove a stolen Honda Civic at speeds exceeding 160 km/h during a police pursuit. He failed to stop, drove through red lights, and subsequently reversed at speed into a patrol vehicle, causing damage. Defence counsel Carol Doherty BL highlighted Kerins' difficult background, lack of parental support, and drug use, describing him as heavily institutionalised and genuinely apologetic. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Kerins' challenging life circumstances but characterised him as a "menace to society" who endangered the public. The judge imposed a three and a half year sentence, suspending the final year on strict conditions. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
Jason Molyneaux, 26, of North William Street Flats, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing a screwdriver with intent to use it in connection with the unlawful use of a motor vehicle. The offence occurred on 9 May 2016 at East Wall Road, Dublin 3, when he was a passenger on a stolen motorcycle. Molyneaux had 120 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, and no history of violence. Judge Karen O'Connor described the offence as "particularly horrible" and noted the significant inconvenience caused to the motorbike owner, Matthew Leonard, who had lost his independent transport and had to extend his commute from half an hour to two hours. The judge imposed a two‑year sentence, suspended in full, and ordered Molyneaux to pay €1,000 compensation to Leonard. She warned that a repeat offence would trigger the full sentence. Molyneaux's co‑accused, William Baker, received a similar suspended sentence and a €2,000 compensation order.
Mark Donovan, 49, of Liscarne Court, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty to possessing €160,000 worth of cocaine for sale or supply at his rented unit in Rowlagh Shopping Centre. Gardaí discovered a large bag of suspicious powder during repairs, seized 2.3 kg of cocaine, a Colombian bank note and a list of names written in Donovan's hand. Donovan admitted storing the drugs for about six weeks, claiming financial pressure and fear for his safety. He denied that the list was a drug‑tick list, stating it was of business contacts. Donovan had previously been convicted of a minor road traffic offence. He has been in custody since the offence and will be sentenced on November 16, with the court noting he is facing a custodial sentence.