Lee Hyland, 40, of Millrose Estate, Bluebell, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to endangerment and dangerous driving. The court heard that on July 12, Hyland led gardaí and a helicopter on a high-speed chase along the N7. He allegedly drove the wrong way down a dual carriageway, broke red lights, and mounted a footpath, forcing other motorists to take evasive action. The pursuit ended when Hyland fled on foot and was apprehended. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hyland had 22 previous convictions, including four for dangerous driving, and was disqualified from driving at the time of the offence. She observed that he only pleaded guilty on his trial date and remarked on the significant garda resources deployed. The judge imposed an 18-month custodial sentence, suspending the final six months for two years. Additionally, Hyland was disqualified from driving for a further four years.
Eduard Hupalov was fined €300 and disqualified from driving for two years after pleading guilty to drink driving on Belgard Road. Gardaí said he had glassy eyes and slurred speech, while testing found 61mg of alcohol per 100ml of breath within three hours of driving. Eduard Hupalov was convicted.
Sunday Onwukaike, 49, of Saggart, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of drugs for sale or supply. He pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis with a market value of €13,000 or more at an address in Lucan on July 27, 2024. The court heard that gardaí carried out a controlled delivery of a parcel intercepted by customs, which contained 11kg of cannabis valued at €211,910. Onwukaike signed for the parcel and was arrested, indicating he was paid €1,000 to collect it. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the offence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, but departed from this in exceptional circumstances. Considering his guilty plea, lack of prior drug convictions, family circumstances involving a child with complex needs, and remorse, the judge set a headline sentence of five years. She imposed a sentence of three years imprisonment, suspending the final six months on strict conditions. Onwukaike, who has two previous road traffic convictions, was jailed for two and a half years.
Ahmet Ramic, 26, of Tallaght, Dublin 24, was sentenced at Tallaght District Court after pleading guilty to driving without a licence and dangerous driving at Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, on January 22, 2025. The incident involved Ramic speeding past an unmarked Garda patrol car before crashing into a ditch. Judge Brendan O'Reilly noted that Ramic had three previous convictions, including two for lack of insurance, but accepted that he had completed a restorative justice road safety programme and secured employment. For the charge of driving without a licence, the court imposed a €1,000 fine, a one-month driving disqualification, and a four-month custodial sentence suspended for two years. Regarding the dangerous driving allegation, the judge convicted Ramic of the lesser offence of careless driving and imposed a €4,000 fine, payable within 12 months. The judge highlighted the serious consequences of road danger, noting 36 deaths on Irish roads this year, while acknowledging Ramic's cooperation and immediate apology at the scene. A recognisance of €300 cash was fixed in the event of an appeal. The proceedings concluded with these specific fines, disqualifications, and suspended sentences being handed down.
Brandon Abrahams (33) of Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for participating in a criminal organisation and committing nine related offences, including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a false instrument. Abrahams admitted guilt to these charges, which occurred between 2022 and 2024. He was found to have benefited from an An Post smishing scam, in which €500,000 was stolen from about 30 accounts to benefit about 50 criminals. During a Garda raid in 2024, a laptop containing extensive personal debit card information was discovered. Abrahams was also involved in creating sophisticated fake documents, including UK driving licences and utility bills, which were used to set up accounts in financial institutions and sold to other fraudsters. A total of €147,230 passed through his accounts during the relevant period. Abrahams has 55 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, theft, deception, drugs, and criminal damage. His co-accused, Kim Porter (31) of Casement Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to 10 related offences, including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine, and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Evidence in her case was heard earlier this week and was adjourned to July for finalisation. Judge Martina Baxter noted concerns about Abrahams' assertions regarding his relationship with Porter and his claims of suffering from PTSD, gambling, and drug addiction, which she found lacking in evidence. She also highlighted his lack of honesty and high risk of re-offending. Abrahams' sentence was backdated to September 2024, with no portion suspended.
Nigel Kennedy was charged after an incident at McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, that left a man in his 50s in serious condition in hospital. The charges include dangerous driving, assault causing harm, violent disorder and robbery; Dún Laoghaire District Court remanded Kennedy in custody and listed a possible bail application for March 18.
Denniss Anolins pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified at Anglesea Road in Dublin 4. Judge Anne Watkin convicted him and imposed a three-month prison sentence, taking the guilty plea into account.
Iwana Waldynsk was fined after the court found she had refused to provide a blood or urine sample following her arrest. Judge Anne Watkin imposed a €1,500 fine and disqualified Waldynsk from driving for four years. Iwana Waldynsk pleaded not guilty.
Carl McGuinness received a ten-year sentence, with the final year suspended, for a series of vehicle thefts, dangerous driving and related offences in Dublin. Judge Martina Baxter also disqualified him from driving for ten years after noting his 106 previous convictions. Carl McGuinness pleaded guilty.
Craig Kennedy's four-month sentence after dangerous driving and criminal damage involving a scrambler bike and a garda patrol car was halved on appeal, with two months suspended subject to engagement with Men Overcoming Violent Emotions. Craig Kennedy was convicted.
Dziugas Odinas pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and endangerment after a high-speed pursuit involving 12 garda vehicles and the Garda national air support unit. He also pleaded guilty to possession for sale or supply of MDMA, Ecstasy tablets and Alprazolam tablets. Judge Sarah Berkeley adjourned the case to May 11 for finalisation and remanded him in custody.
A motorist who dragged a garda during a chase, leaving him with multiple injuries, has been given a suspended five-year sentence. Dylan Walsh (33) pleaded guilty to endangerment, damaging a garda vehicle, and driving without insurance. The incident occurred in May 2024 when Walsh, who was intoxicated and suffering from mental health issues, refused to stop for gardai and dragged one of them for six meters before ejecting him. The garda sustained injuries to his arm, neck, head, and elbow and was out of work for five months. Judge Pauline Codd noted the aggravating factor of the charge being against a garda and the serious injuries sustained. Walsh has 12 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. The judge took into account his mental health issues, his remorse, and the Probation Service's report indicating a medium risk of re-offending. Walsh was ordered to be disqualified from driving for 10 years and to engage with the Probation Service for three years. The injured garda described significant financial and psychological effects, and his career path has changed due to the incident.
Jason Whelan and Vivian Hanley, a couple with a history of drug use and debt, pleaded guilty to possessing over €230,000 worth of drugs at their home in Finglas. They admitted to being under duress and fear due to threats, and the drugs did not belong to them. Hanley, who has 15 previous convictions for road traffic offenses, has taken steps to address her drug addiction and is now in education and employment. Whelan, who became addicted to cocaine during lockdown, claims to be clean and has a work history. The court acknowledged their vulnerable positions and the threats they faced, adjourning sentencing until May for a probation report and urine analysis. The judge considered the possibility of deviating from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, given their low position in the drug world and their efforts to improve their lives.
A man has failed to convince an appeal court that his conviction for "egregious" driving on the M50 was a case of mistaken identity and will be jailed for five months. Freddie Hegarty was convicted in the District Court of four counts of dangerous driving and was sentenced to five months imprisonment for the first count, along with a ten-year driving disqualification and a €1,000 fine. He later lodged an appeal against his conviction. Garda David Jordan testified that during a pursuit, Hegarty drove a BMW through a red light, accelerated hard, and cut off road users on the M50. He said that he saw the registration of the car and notified colleagues on the radio that there was a vehicle driving dangerously. Garda Jordan said that during the pursuit, which lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, the car accelerated hard, veering left and right and cutting off road users. He said that the car went through a red light and eventually proceeded to Connolly Memorial Hospital.
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) was granted High Court permission to sell three high-end vehicles, a BMW M2, a BMW M3, and an Audi Q7, seized from former Real IRA member Nathan Kinsella. Barrister Daragh Breen BL, representing the CAB, described the cars as assets of "very high worth" and in depreciation. Mr Justice Liam Kennedy granted the application to appoint a CAB receiver to sell the vehicles, with proceeds to be held pending a substantive hearing. The matter was adjourned to next month. Kinsella, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was not present. In 2024, Kinsella pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to furnish tax returns for capital acquisitions tax in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Previously, in 2014, the Special Criminal Court sentenced him to two years for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, for acts committed on September 13, 2012. Kinsella has 17 previous convictions, including road traffic offences and impeding a prosecution.
A jury has found that Detective Superintendent Rory Sheriff used reasonable force when striking a former Garda, John Bowe, with a baton during an 'extreme' high-speed car chase in rural Wexford in 2014. The civil trial jury agreed that Sheriff's actions were proportionate and justified following what he described as the most 'extreme and dangerous driving' he had ever witnessed. Bowe was arrested after a 20-minute chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Sheriff testified that Bowe turned back with a 'metallic object' in his hand and lunged at him, prompting him to strike Bowe over the head with a baton. Bowe claimed he sustained injuries and was diagnosed with 'functional neurological disorder', but the claim was denied. Sheriff's legal team argued that it was 'miraculous' that no one was killed during the chase. The court awarded costs to Sheriff's legal team for both trials, pending any appeal.
Patrick McDonagh, aged 25, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison after he threw a carton of chips at pensioner Michael Whitfield and then struck him with his car on Clonshaugh Road on 3 November 2021. Whitfield, now 66, suffered a catastrophic head injury that left him unable to walk, with severe speech difficulties and requiring full‑time care. He spent five weeks in an induced coma, ten months at Beaumont Hospital, five months at the National Rehabilitation Hospital and is now a full‑time patient in a specialist brain‑injury care setting. McDonagh pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm; the court noted his lack of previous convictions at the time but recorded 17 prior convictions thereafter. The sentence was set to run consecutively with a seven‑year term for false imprisonment, assault, threats to kill and burglary, with six months suspended on conditions including Probation Service supervision.
A former garda, John Bowe, has sought damages from a civil court jury after being struck on the head with a baton by Det Supt Rory Sheriff during a high-speed chase in Wexford in 2014. Bowe was arrested following the incident and later convicted of dangerous driving. He claims that the use of force by Sheriff was excessive and that he suffered injuries leading to a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder. His legal representative, Mark Harty SC, argued that Bowe was being unfairly portrayed as a liar and that the defence was attempting to gaslight the jury. On the other hand, Det Supt Sheriff's legal team, led by Richard Lyons SC, defended the use of force, stating that Bowe's actions were extremely dangerous and that no one was harmed due to the detective's intervention. The court is considering whether Sheriff used reasonable force during the arrest. If not, the jury must determine the award of damages and potential loss of earnings for Bowe.
The High Court has refused the State's application for leave to appeal a decision declining to extradite a convicted sex offender to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath ruled that the case was exceptional, finding it would be disproportionate to order the surrender of Paul Lomas, aged 41, with an address in County Donegal, given the age of the matters in question and the type of sentence involved. The Northern Irish authorities sought Lomas's surrender for six offences dating back approximately 15 years, including five conviction matters and one charge of driving whilst disqualified from January 2011. The convictions stemmed from assaults on police officers and breaches of a Risk of an Interim Sexual Harm Order imposed following a 2009 conviction. Mr Justice McGrath noted that Lomas had served his custodial sentence for the serious offences and subsequently developed family connections in the State. The judge concluded the case had reached the threshold where refusal of surrender was warranted. The unnamed respondent pleaded guilty.
A serial roads offender, Owen Comerford (35), of Balally Drive, Dundrum, Dublin 16, has been sentenced to four months in prison and disqualified from driving for 10 years after being caught driving for a third time while banned. Comerford pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a valid licence in Sandyford Village, Dublin 18, on 16 January last. The court heard that Comerford was driving a black 2010 Vauxhall Insignia in a public place while uninsured and without a valid licence. Judge Anne Watkin noted that Comerford has 99 previous convictions, including multiple charges for driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and various other offences. He has been disqualified from driving on three previous occasions, with this being his third conviction for driving while disqualified. The court was informed that Comerford had most recently been disqualified in November and was already subject to a 10-year driving ban at the time of the offence.
Brian Grendon, a convicted criminal, was given a fully suspended sentence for failing to pay income tax on over €27,000 in cash seized from his home. Grendon denied being a 'main player' in an organised crime group and claimed the cash was legitimate. The court heard that the cash was found in envelopes in his bedroom and that Grendon had a history of criminal convictions, including 18 for road traffic offences. The prosecution argued that the cash was the proceeds of crime, but Grendon maintained it was from his car business. The court accepted a plea deal, and Grendon was sentenced to 18 months, which was suspended for three years. The judge noted that the offence was at the lower end of the scale and did not warrant a custodial sentence. Brian Grendon pleaded guilty.
A dangerous driver who crossed four lanes of traffic before jumping from his moving car and fleeing from gardai on foot has had his four-month jail sentence reduced by a month on appeal. Patrick O'Keefe was convicted of dangerous driving, failing to produce insurance, and driving without a licence. He was given a custodial sentence of four months and a driving ban of 15 years. His appeal was based on his addiction issues, residential treatment, and a good relationship with his children. Judge Ronan Munro reduced the sentence to three months, noting that O'Keefe had made some strides but was still 'floating along'. The appeal court heard that O'Keefe had 80 previous convictions and that the garda who witnessed the incident described the dangerous driving as severe.
Garda Keith Lambe, a roads policing officer with 20 years of emergency driving experience, had his careless driving conviction dismissed on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court heard that Lambe was convicted in the District Court of driving without due care and attention in Clonsilla, Dublin 15, on July 4, 2023, contrary to section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961. He was convicted and fined €500. Lambe subsequently lodged an appeal against this conviction. At the appeal stage, Judge Ronan Munro found that Lambe was acting in the execution of his duty when he collided with a civilian driver at a junction while responding to an emergency call. The judge determined that Lambe was not driving in this manner "for the sake of it" and could not be branded as a criminal. Consequently, the conviction was dismissed. The court noted that while the other driver sustained injuries and suffered significant distress, she had done nothing wrong. The judge commended her for her positive steps and wished her a speedy recovery, while affirming that society expects gardai to respond to emergencies and that Lambe's actions did not constitute criminal behaviour.
A court heard that Craig Mains (28) of Hazelcroft Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Shane Daly (27) of Woodhazel Close, Ballymun, Dublin 11, were high on laughing gas when they carried out a random unprovoked assault on a woman on Seamus Ennis Road, Finglas, north Dublin, on the evening of July 18, 2021. The woman was pushed to the ground and suffered injuries including a split lip, cuts to her knee, blood on her face and clothing, and a fractured elbow. One of the men took her mobile phone and damaged it. CCTV footage from a nearby funeral home captured the incident. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage of an iPhone. Daly also pleaded guilty to assault. The robbery charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Daly has 23 previous convictions, including one for affray with a suspended prison sentence earlier this month. Mains has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The victim submitted a victim impact report, which the judge said he would take into consideration. Both defendants expressed remorse and offered apologies. Daly handed over €2,000, and Mains brought €1,000 to court. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2025, for finalisation, with both men remanded on continuing bail to that date.
A delivery driver, David McCann, was given a 12-month suspended sentence for causing the death of Ann Watters through careless driving. The incident occurred when McCann failed to look where he was going while making a right turn, resulting in a fatal collision. CCTV footage showed McCann was not looking ahead when he turned, and the van cut across the center of the road, hitting Ms. Watters. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the momentary lapse in attention and noted that there was no excessive speed or intoxication involved. McCann cooperated with the investigation, expressed remorse, and remained at the scene. The court recognized the devastation caused to Ms. Watters' family and the impact of the victim impact statements. McCann was disqualified from driving for four years. The victim's husband emphasized the need for changes in driver behavior to prevent further tragedies. David McCann pleaded guilty.
Constantin Iosca, 46, was jailed for two years and nine months after being convicted of dishonestly inducing the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) to investigate a fraudulent insurance claim. Iosca had submitted a claim form in 2016, alleging he was injured in a road traffic accident. However, CCTV footage showed him walking unaided and loading a wheelchair into his car, contradicting his claim. Iosca has 19 previous convictions, including theft, road traffic offences, and public order offences. The court heard that Iosca's claim was taken to the High Court, which was an aggravating factor. Judge Patricia Ryan noted that Iosca's medical issues and lack of recent criminal activity were mitigating factors. Iosca was sentenced to three years and six months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions for three years post-release.
Constantin Iosca was convicted of fraudulently claiming compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) after a road traffic accident. Iosca falsely reported being injured while cycling and submitted a claim for compensation. Surveillance footage showed him getting in and out of a wheelchair and walking unaided, contradicting his claim of injury. Iosca had no work history and moved to Ireland from Romania in 1997. He has 19 previous convictions, including theft and road traffic offences. The court heard that Iosca's claim was withdrawn after the CCTV evidence was played. Iosca's defense argued that the engineer's report suggested the incident likely occurred as he described. However, the court noted that the jury found him guilty of deception. Iosca was remanded on continuing bail, with sentencing to take place later.
A chronic addict who committed a series of burglaries, robberies, and weapon-related offences over six weeks has been jailed for five years. Paul Beatty, 39, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including burglary, robbery, and producing a weapon. Judge Orla Crowe described the offences as a 'spree of offending' and noted the fear caused to victims. She imposed an eight-year sentence, reduced to six years with the final 12 months suspended. Beatty's defence highlighted his addiction and current drug-free status in custody, expressing a desire to break the cycle of addiction and offending. The court acknowledged his struggles but emphasized the need for protection from future offending. Beatty has a long history of convictions, including for possession of firearms and road traffic offences.
The husband of Ann Watters, who died after being hit by a delivery van, has called for changes in driver behavior, asking, "How many more people have to die before driver behavior changes?" David McCann, the delivery driver, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Ann Watters. CCTV footage showed that McCann was not looking where he was going when he made a right turn, leading to the collision. McCann, who had a history of road traffic offenses, expressed deep remorse for the incident. Ann's husband, Gary Watters, described the devastating impact of her death on their family and highlighted the need for improved road safety. The court adjourned the sentencing to next Monday, with McCann remanded on continuing bail.
A criminal who took part in an unprovoked, "vicious and sustained" late night city centre attack in Dublin, kicking and punching the victim as he lay on the ground, has been jailed for 18 months. Tony Grimes (26) was with two other young men when they set upon the victim in the Wexford Street area of Dublin after socialising until the early hours of the morning on February 29, 2024. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim fell to the ground in the first 30 seconds of the assault, but the three men continued to punch and kick him as he lay defenceless on the path. After passers-by pleaded with the attackers to stop, they left the scene but not before Grimes returned to kick the man to the head one more time. Grimes, of Goatstown Close, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man. It is an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. He has 29 previous convictions including criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences.
An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court. Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025. Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station. Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question. Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.
Martin Stokes, a 32-year-old man from Clondalkin, Dublin, who was previously banned from driving and had no insurance, had his three-month jail sentence overturned on appeal. He was initially convicted of driving under the influence, driving without insurance, and possessing a sword, which led to a three-month custodial sentence and a five-year driving ban. Stokes' appeal highlighted his mental health issues and his support for his family. The judge, Christopher Callan, decided to suspend the sentence for two years, provided Stokes keeps the peace and avoids further legal trouble. The original disqualifications and fine remain in place. Sergeant Shay Leonard testified that Stokes was found with a sword in his vehicle and had a blood alcohol level of 171mg per 100ml. Stokes has 20 previous convictions, but his last offense was in 2017, and he has maintained a clean record since 2022.
Jordan Gannon (28) was fined and disqualified from driving after being caught behind the wheel while already banned and uninsured. The incident occurred on December 14, 2024, when Gardaí stopped Gannon at a checkpoint and found him unable to produce a valid driving licence or insurance certificate. Gannon had been disqualified from driving for three years as of December 5, 2024. His legal team highlighted his personal circumstances, including his young child with an ongoing illness, and his current apprenticeship in carpentry. Judge Conor Fottrell expressed sympathy for Gannon's situation but emphasized the seriousness of the offences. Gannon was fined €500 for driving without insurance and disqualified from driving for an additional year. An application for legal aid was granted. Jordan Gannon pleaded guilty and was convicted.
The brother of Michael Tormey, a man fatally shot by his brother-in-law Christopher Devine in his own front garden, described his sibling as a 'decent, honest man' who paid the ultimate price for meeting people involved in the drugs trade. Devine was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Tormey, who was shot five times in his front garden. The court heard that Devine had a history of drug-related activity with Mr Tormey and had previously been involved in moving drugs. The jury rejected Devine's claim of diminished responsibility due to cocaine intoxication, finding that he acted deliberately. Victim impact statements highlighted the devastation caused to the Tormey family, with Mr Tormey's brother describing the murder as 'coldly' executed. Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The trial revealed that Devine had a history of previous convictions, mostly under the road traffic act, and had been involved in drug-related activity with Mr Tormey. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
A long-running dispute between a stepfather and three bereaved siblings over the operation and ownership of a Co Meath nursing home has finally settled "in principle" at the High Court. In October of last year, nursing home co-owner Jim Cahill was judged to have left his bereaved step-children alone in the family home before he "cut them off from all income" and was ordered to pay them €410,000 in damages and legal fees. Their mother, Brigid Seepersad, died in a road traffic incident while on holiday in 2008, days after she and Mr Cahill divorced. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said the now-adult Tara, Karl and Desmond Seepersad had, for some years, been without income due under a 2009-2010 settlement agreement with their estranged stepfather, Jim (John James) Cahill. At the High Court today, in finalising that order, Ms Justice Roberts heard from Thomas P Conlan SC, for Mr Cahill, that the matter had "settled in principle" between the parties.
James McMahon, aged 31, of Riversdale Road, Clondalkin, has been sentenced to six years and nine months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the final two years suspended. McMahon pleaded guilty to stealing six vehicles from homes in his local community between February and April 2020, along with possession of stolen property including a laptop, e-scooter, car keys and a handbag. He also admitted using a cloned credit card at a Dublin retailer in May 2019. The court heard McMahon employed a bamboo device fitted with magnets to facilitate vehicle thefts and that evidence of the crimes, including photographs and discussions about stolen cars, was recovered from his mobile phone. One stolen vehicle had previously belonged to the Lord Mayor of Dublin. All vehicles were subsequently recovered, though two sustained damage. McMahon has 114 previous convictions for drug dealing and road traffic offences. Judge Sinéad Ní Chulachain imposed strict conditions on the suspended portion of the sentence.
A 38-year-old man from Avondale Heights, Rathdrum, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being caught driving on the M50 while under seven active driving bans. Stephen O'Brien pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a licence on 18 November last year. Garda Shane Hogan stated that O'Brien has 33 previous convictions, 31 of which are related to road traffic matters. Nine of these convictions are for driving without insurance and seven for driving without a licence. The court heard that O'Brien has been disqualified from driving nine times, with seven of those disqualifications currently in place. His defence solicitor, Patricia Camilon, said O'Brien works as a tree surgeon and had been relying on an unreliable driver to get to work. O'Brien has since sold his car and accepted that he should not have driven. Judge Conor Fottrell described O'Brien as a serial offender and said he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.
Derek Moore (AKA Hutch), a convicted killer with a long history of dangerous driving and drug use, was driving at 158km/h and under the influence of cannabis when he struck a Ukrainian grandmother, Valentyna Linck, in Dublin. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm and driving under the influence. The collision left Linck with severe injuries, including facial and head trauma, a stroke, and a brain bleed. She spent a month in a coma and requires ongoing rehabilitation. Moore's driving was described as 'completely outrageous' by the judge, who ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for further proceedings. Moore, who has 44 previous convictions, including manslaughter and assault, was disqualified from driving for five years at the time of the incident. The court heard that Moore was high on cannabis and had a history of drug use, which contributed to his reckless behavior. The victim's medical costs and loss of income were estimated at over €250,000.
A repeat offender, Michael O'Connell (44), of Patrician Villas, Stillorgan, has been referred to probation services and ordered to complete community service reports following his guilty pleas to criminal damage, intoxication in a public place, and threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour. O'Connell pleaded guilty to these charges on 18 September, 2024, and also admitted to causing criminal damage at Dundrum Garda Station on the same date. Gardaí responded to a call at Patrician Villas on that morning, where they found O'Connell throwing a stone at the front door of his former partner's home. He was highly intoxicated and verbally abusive towards the gardaí. O'Connell has 84 previous convictions, including public order, drug, firearms, and road traffic offences. He was previously given a suspended sentence for criminal damage in 2020. His defence highlighted his history of mental health issues, including paranoid schizophrenia, and his reliance on alcohol and drugs. O'Connell is currently on methadone and has been sober for a period of time. The court noted that he has never worked with probation services despite his long history of offending.
A driver has appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with causing the death of cyclist Gretchen Price Martin in Dublin last year. Oleg Popov (47), of Peyton Court, Rathcoole, Co Dublin, is charged with dangerous driving causing the death of Ms Price Martin at Glenageary Road Upper, Glenageary, on 24 April, 2024. He is also charged with driving a mechanically propelled vehicle while a known defect made it dangerous to the public on the same date. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, told the court that a Romanian interpreter will be required to assist the accused. Judge Anne Watkin adjourned the matter to 10 February next to allow the book of evidence to be prepared. The case is expected to proceed with the preparation of the evidence book before the next court date, and the accused will require interpretation services during the proceedings. The charges relate to the incident that occurred on Glenageary Road Upper, where the cyclist lost her life as a result of the alleged dangerous driving.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that Jim Connors (31) should not have received a fully suspended sentence for dangerous driving that caused serious harm to a taxi passenger and fleeing the scene. Ms Justice Tara Burns stated that the sentencing judge failed to impose a proportionate sentence for the serious nature of the offence. Connors, from Carrickmines, Dublin, pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and failing to assist the injured person. Judge Martina Baxter had initially imposed a four-and-a-half-year sentence, which she suspended in full on the condition that Connors keep the peace and be of good behaviour for five years. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentence was unduly lenient. The Court of Appeal agreed that the suspension was inappropriate, noting that the rehabilitation evidence was not exceptional enough to justify the full suspension. The court quashed the original sentence and resentenced Connors to four years and six months in prison, with a ten-year driving disqualification. A bench warrant was issued for Connors' arrest as he failed to appear for the resentencing.
A man who engaged in a high-speed garda chase with his 13-year-old child in the car, reaching speeds of 160km/h and colliding with two garda cars, has been jailed for two years and nine months. The incident occurred in March 2023 when the man was driving his Jaguar in a suspicious manner. He reached speeds of 100 km/h on rural roads, drove on the wrong side of the road, and collided with one garda vehicle. The garda driver used his two feet to brake the car, which he managed to bring to a stop on the side of the road. The second collision occurred when the man sped up and collided with another patrol car. The child was cared for by authorities while the man was questioned and released that night. He pleaded guilty to two counts of endangerment, two counts of dangerous driving, and one count of driving without insurance. The man has 24 previous convictions, including robbery, attempted robbery, theft, and road traffic offences.
Kenneth Walsh, 57, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of possessing cannabis for sale or supply at his home in Rathfarnham, Co Dublin, on August 28, 2024. Gardai seized eight cannabis plants valued at €6,400 and €15,192 worth of cultivated cannabis herb during a search of his residence. Walsh alleged he grew the substance for pain relief for himself and a neighbour with terminal cancer, following a serious accident that left him bed-bound. The prosecuting garda noted the large quantity but acknowledged Walsh had no prior drug-related convictions and no evidence of distribution was found. Defence counsel highlighted Walsh's 30-year work history and the inability to obtain a supporting letter from the ill neighbour. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged the high quality of the seized cannabis but accepted the defence explanation as meeting the threshold of believability. The judge handed down a sentence of two years, which was suspended in full on a number of conditions. Walsh has 21 previous convictions, mostly for road traffic offences dating back to 2013.
A 62-year-old woman, Marcella Duffy, has been given a fully suspended sentence for causing the death of cyclist John Walsh in February 2024. Duffy's car crossed the road and struck Walsh on Malahide Road, leading to his death in hospital. Walsh was described as a devoted father to three young boys and an avid cyclist. His wife delivered a victim impact statement, highlighting the profound loss of her husband and the devastation faced by their family. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Duffy was driving slightly over the speed limit but found no aggravating factors. He emphasized her lack of prior convictions and early plea, resulting in a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence and a six-year driving ban. The court heard that Duffy remained at the scene and cooperated with gardai. The incident was captured on dash cam footage, and no faults were found with the car or the bicycle. Duffy's defense highlighted her remorse and the impact of the accident on her life. Marcella Duffy pleaded guilty.
Jake Kelly, 22, was sentenced to seven years in prison for dangerous driving that resulted in the death of his friend, Ross Rice, in a crash in July 2023. Kelly was driving at a speed of 162km/h on a road with a 60km/h speed limit when his car crashed into the back of an articulated lorry. The passenger side of the car was covered in tarmacadam, which poured out of the lorry upon impact. Ross Rice died instantly from blunt force injuries. Kelly was helped out of the car by the truck driver and then walked away from the scene. He later told gardaí he was unsure if Rice had gotten out of the car and thought he might have been in the fields nearby. Kelly pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance. He was on bail for other offences at the time. The court heard that Kelly had a history of addiction in his family and had been severely depressed since the incident.
Michael McDonagh, a 49-year-old banned roads offender with over 200 previous convictions, was jailed for three years after driving the wrong way down the hard shoulder of the Naas dual carriageway. McDonagh pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance. He stole a car and evaded gardai by speeding at high rates, breaking red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The pursuit lasted seven minutes, with McDonagh reaching speeds of up to 120km/hr in a 60km/hr zone. Gardai broke off the chase due to the danger. McDonagh was extradited from the UK in 2024 and has been in custody since. Judge Martin Nolan noted the dangerous and reckless nature of the driving and imposed a three-year sentence, along with a five-year driving disqualification.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
John Stokes, an on-bail offender, has received a fully suspended 12-month sentence for causing serious injury in a head-on collision. Stokes was driving at high speed on Lower Lucan Road, leading to a collision that left a woman with a fractured spine. He pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm and was on bail for another offense at the time. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Stokes had failed to appear for sentencing and was on bail for another offense. Stokes has since been working and is engaging with therapeutic services. Conditions of the suspended sentence include engaging with probation services, providing urine analysis, and being disqualified from driving for 12 months. The court heard that Stokes was a learner driver and was not under the influence of intoxicants. Victim impact statements highlighted the physical and mental health struggles faced by the victims, with the woman who suffered spinal injuries having to change jobs and struggle with rent payments.
Fergal Doherty, a repeat offender with a history of road traffic violations, avoided jail after reversing into a supermarket customer, causing a fractured elbow. Doherty pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm in Dalkey, where he had a blood alcohol level just below the legal limit. CCTV footage showed him reversing into the victim, who was walking through the car park. Doherty, who has 20 previous convictions, including 15 for road offenses, was disqualified from driving for two years and received a ten-month suspended sentence. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and the fact that his alcohol level was under the legal limit, but noted the need for him to take greater care while driving. The victim did not prepare a victim impact statement, and the court emphasized the importance of safe driving practices.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.