Balbriggan District Court heard five matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jennifer Jordan pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and an NCT. She was fined €500 and €100 respectively, with disqualification waived under special circumstances. Liam Daly pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour and intoxication, receiving fines of €300 and €100. Kirian Onyeme pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis; he was convicted, fined €250, and the drugs were ordered destroyed. Jonathan Kendellan pleaded guilty to drink driving. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified for six years. Stephen Nyantaki pleaded guilty to intoxication and non-payment of a taxi fare. The matter was adjourned until December 4th for facts to be heard, with continuing bail granted. All defendants were represented by counsel, and recognisances were fixed where applicable.
In a 2014 Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda authorities refused to conduct a forensic scene investigation after a road‑traffic collision on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, because the victim, 72‑year‑old Paul Woodley, did not die. The case involved 42‑year‑old nurse Barbara O'Toole, who was charged with dangerous driving causing serious harm. O'Toole allegedly left a housing estate onto a main road and collided with Woodley's motorcycle, resulting in the loss of part of his leg. O'Toole pleaded not guilty. The barrister, Pieter LeVert, argued that the refusal was "appalling" and that the collision was clearly serious. Garda Catherine Gunning had requested a forensic examination of the vehicles within five minutes of arriving, but the request was denied on the basis of no fatality. She later resubmitted the request, which was again refused. An inspector did examine the motorbike, but was unaware of the indicator light issue.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Derek Smith, aged 33, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended on condition. Smith, a resident of Holly Road, Donnycarney, pleaded guilty to demanding money with menaces at a Whitehall house on 26 September 2013, claiming he had been intoxicated and acting under instructions. He admitted to threatening to smash the victim's car after the homeowner denied any debt. Smith, who has 13 prior convictions for road traffic offences, expressed deep remorse and described the act as "ridiculous." The judge noted the victim's loss of peace of mind and the seriousness of the offence, while defence counsel argued that a custodial sentence would be disproportionate given Smith's family responsibilities and financial difficulties. The court imposed the suspended sentence, reflecting the defendant's lack of pre‑planning and the influence of others on the night in question. The case remains at the sentencing stage, with no further proceedings reported.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, 42‑year‑old nurse Barbara O'Toole pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to motorcyclist Paul Woodley. The incident occurred on 21 October 2010 on Monastery Road, Clondalkin, when O'Toole allegedly drove a car from the Monastery Estate onto the main road and struck Woodley's motorcycle. Woodley was taken to Tallaght Hospital with an ankle injury and later to St James's Hospital where his leg was amputated below the knee. Witness Keith Gregg, a First Responder, testified that he was 60 feet behind Woodley when a car pulled out of the estate, hit the motorbike, and continued across the road. Gregg described the crash and the motorbike's upside‑down position. The case is before Judge Desmond Hogan and a jury of twelve. The trial remains ongoing.
A man from Drumshanbo, County Leitrim, has had his sentence reduced by two years following an appeal against his conviction for dangerous driving causing death. James McDonagh, aged 54, pleaded guilty to causing the death of Jonathan Gray on St Patrick's Day 2010 on the Hilly Road in Drumshanbo. McDonagh was originally sentenced to seven years imprisonment, with the final eighteen months suspended, at Carrick-on-Shannon Circuit Criminal Court in May 2012. The Court of Appeal has now reduced this to five years with one year suspended. The President of the Court of Appeal found that the trial judge erred in principle by beginning sentencing at the maximum point of the scale. The court noted McDonagh's guilty plea, his engagement in rehabilitation during incarceration, and positive references. However, the judges emphasised the serious nature of the offence, noting McDonagh was heavily intoxicated and had left the scene. His ten-year driving disqualification remains in effect.
In November 2014 the Court of Appeal reduced the sentence of Marius Strelciunas, 33, who had been jailed for five years for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to a 22‑year‑old college student on 23 December 2012. Strelciunas, who was approximately four‑and‑a‑half times over the legal alcohol limit, struck the victim on a path while driving toward Barna, leaving the victim with one leg amputated above the knee and the other below the knee. The appeal court found that the trial judge had erred in principle by not giving sufficient weight to mitigating factors such as Strelciunas' early guilty plea, remorse, and only one minor prior conviction. Consequently, the court suspended three of the five years of the original sentence and reduced the 20‑year driving ban to five years, back‑dating both the sentence and the disqualification to 29 January 2014.
Swords District Court handed down sentences to four defendants. Adam Errity, 21, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis herb for sale or supply. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to three months in prison, noting his 21 previous convictions. Robert Nolan, 46, pleaded guilty to a hit and run, failing to report the incident, and failing to remain at the scene. He was convicted and fined €100, avoiding disqualification. Ehigie Omoruyi, 44, pleaded not guilty to breaching a safety order and stabbing his ex-partner in the right arm. The court convicted him and suspended a six-month prison sentence. Martin Power, 58, pleaded not guilty to drink driving. Judge Dempsey convicted him, fined him €400, and disqualified him from driving for two years. All matters were finalised at the sentencing stage.
David Richards, 26, was ordered by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to pay €5,000 compensation to Susan O'Leary and her husband after hijacking their BMW on New Year's Day 2010. Richards admitted taking the car without permission, drink driving, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance or a licence. He and an accomplice forced the O'Learys out of the vehicle, threatening them with a steering wheel lock and a bottle. The couple fled on an icy road, and Richards later drove the car into a pole and a kerb. Richards, who had three prior convictions, had absconded for four years before being arrested. The judge, Patrick McCartan, noted the seriousness of the offences and warned that payment of compensation might not prevent a prison sentence. Richards remains on bail until January 2025. David Richards pleaded guilty.
John Joyce, aged 28, was sentenced to five months in prison and disqualified from driving for 15 years after pleading guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence on Templeview Avenue, Clarehall, Dublin 13, on 11 November last year. This was his 13th offence of driving without insurance. Garda Michael McCallion testified that Joyce had been observed driving a Ford Focus, jumped out of the car, and ran into a house, explaining that he had no insurance. Joyce has 80 previous convictions, including 12 for driving without insurance. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy noted that Joyce had been assaulted in June while attempting to rescue a taxi driver from a hijack, sustaining serious leg injuries. She appealed to Judge Dermot Dempsey not to imprison him, citing his role as best‑man at his brother's forthcoming wedding and his leg injury.
Swords District Court heard five matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Keith McNamara, 22, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €1,100 worth of cannabis herb and a further possession charge. The judge described the alleged sales as a 'commercial enterprise' and remanded McNamara on continuing bail until December 8th for a restorative justice report. Donal O'Hara, 22, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour towards gardaí; he was convicted and fined €300. Peter Lumsden, 53, pleaded guilty to trespassing in a manner likely to cause fear at his ex-girlfriend's home. He was convicted and sentenced to five months in prison, suspended for three years, with a condition prohibiting any direct or indirect contact with the victim. Mark O'Toole, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply. The case was adjourned until December 8th to hear the facts, and O'Toole was remanded on continuing bail. Michael Casey, 44, was found guilty of driving under the influence of cannabis and Xanax. He was convicted, fined €750, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed until February 28th.
Prezemyslaw Kutak, 42, was arrested on 29 October for drink driving while en route to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in Balbriggan. He was driving a silver BMW with a breath alcohol level of 103mg/100ml. Kutak also pleaded guilty to two separate thefts of wine bottles from a Lusk supermarket: six bottles worth €48 on 22 September and two bottles worth €16 on 27 September. He was convicted of drink driving and the two thefts at Balbriggan District Court. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to a four‑month prison term, suspended for two years, and disqualified him from driving for three years. He was fined €300 in total for the wine thefts. Kutak, a Polish national who has lived in Ireland for 13 years, has one prior road‑traffic conviction and is seeking treatment for alcohol problems. The judge noted his severe alcohol issue and his attempt to attend an AA meeting the following morning.
Eoin Maughan, 37, a Westmeath member of the Travelling Community, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to endangerment, dangerous driving and criminal damage after a high‑speed chase that began in Dublin and ended in Wicklow. The chase started when Maughan's grey Renault Laguna failed to stop at a roundabout in Tallaght, then drove the wrong way around a roundabout, overtook cars on a blind bend and on the wrong side of the road, and entered Brittas village where he attempted to ram a garda patrol car. He drove through the village, was pursued by a garda helicopter, and tried to escape by crashing through a stone wall near the waterworks at Bohernabreena. The pursuit ended when gardai arrested him. During questioning he became aggressive, was pepper‑sprayed, broke an interview table, and punched a garda. The court found the damage to garda vehicles cost €10,874, and that gardai suffered whiplash, facial injuries and one required surgery.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, 32‑year‑old Carl Feighery of Millbourne Crescent, Ashbourne, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing the death of Rosemary Douglas on North Road, Finglas, on 9 July 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him on continuing bail until 4 March 2015, when all evidence will be heard. Prosecutor Diarmuid Collins said there was no objection to bail and requested a victim impact report for the sentencing date.
Swords District Court heard several matters. Dwaine O'Connell, 26, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of €3,000 worth of cannabis resin for sale or supply and €350 of cannabis herb. Judge John Coughlan sentenced him to eight months in prison, but O'Connell appealed the sentence after recognisance was fixed. Jandean Hyland, 26, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, but the case was adjourned until December 1st because the victim was not in court and jurisdiction issues needed resolution. David Bennett, 32, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm; his case was adjourned until November 11th for Judge Dermot Dempsey to determine compensation to avoid a prison sentence. Andrew Cooley, 21, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a specimen and was disqualified from driving for four years and fined €75; a separate charge of making off without payment of a taxi fare was struck out. Kevin Harris, 24, is alleged to have driven under the influence of an intoxicant; his case was adjourned until December 22nd for hearing.
Two Travellers, Owen McDonagh Jnr (23) and Thomas McDonagh (22), were convicted of violent disorder for a May 12, 2013 attack on Gardaí at St Margarets Park, Ballymun. They were part of a group that hurled missiles—including a small motor and a rock—at the officers and threatened to kill them. The court found that Thomas had 92 prior convictions, including burglary and theft, and had recently been disqualified from driving for 20 years for driving without insurance. Owen had 27 prior convictions, including burglary, theft and road traffic offences. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced both men to two years' imprisonment, suspending one year of Owen's term. A third man, John McDonagh (18 at the time), received a suspended two‑year sentence. The incident involved Garda Ronan McMorrow and a second officer who pursued Thomas into the halting site, where the pair threatened and attacked them, forcing the officers to retreat for their safety.
At Swords District Court, Jason McDonagh (19) pleaded guilty to being in unlawful possession of €20 worth of cannabis herb and was ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 by December 17th to avoid a conviction. Nermia Ibrahimovic (40) pleaded guilty to the theft of groceries worth €34.91 and was fined €300 with a warning that her liberty is at risk if she reoffends. James English (22) pleaded guilty to the theft of €130.39 worth of cosmetics and was given the benefit of the Probation Act. Mark Cole (34) faced charges of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply, and the case was adjourned until November 25th. Amy Bergin (20) was found guilty of driving without insurance, without L-plates displayed, without an NCT, and driving on a provisional licence without a qualified driver, and was fined €750 and disqualified from driving for two years. Ryan Montgomery (18) and Dale Monks (19) pleaded guilty to non-payment of a taxi fare of €43 and were ordered to make a charitable contribution of €250 each by November 25th to avoid a conviction. The case of St Margaret, accused of being in unlawful possession of cannabis herb, cannabis resin and cocaine for sale or supply at his home address on April 3rd, and non-payment of a taxi fare of €43, was adjourned.
Rachel Breen, 46, of Skerries, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving that caused serious bodily harm to a six‑month‑old baby on Naul Road, Balbriggan, on 6 October 2012. Judge Desmond Hogan remanded her on continuing bail for sentencing on 18 December 2014.
Leonard Dumbrell, 26, from Wexford, led Gardaí on a high‑speed chase through Dublin's city centre after stealing a car in Ballsbridge. He drove the vehicle at speed, up the wrong way on one‑way streets, and crashed it at Temple Bar Square. The court heard he nearly knocked over pedestrians on O'Connell Bridge while evading police. Dumbrell pleaded guilty to car theft in Dublin 4 and two counts of dangerous driving in Dublin city centre on 2 January 2013. He has 108 prior convictions, including car thefts, assaulting a Garda and violent disorder. Judge Mary Ellen Ring remanded him in custody until sentencing but granted bail to attend an eight‑week residential drug treatment programme, with a four‑week after‑care programme to follow. The court warned that any breach of the bail bond would result in remand in prison. The case highlights the Gardaí's pursuit of a repeat offender with a serious drug problem.
John Douglas, a 30‑year‑old convicted murderer, was sentenced to life in prison in July 2012 for the shooting death of a father‑of‑one in a parked car. In a separate incident, he pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a prison officer at Mountjoy Prison on 26 August 2008. Judge Martin Nolan ruled that a life sentence cannot be extended by an additional term, following a Supreme Court decision. Consequently, Douglas will not serve extra time beyond his life sentence. Instead, Nolan imposed an 18‑month sentence that will run concurrently with the life term, beginning immediately. Douglas, who has 95 prior convictions including a dangerous driving conviction that caused death, was hired to kill 31‑year‑old Aidan Byrne, a front‑seat passenger in a car driven by another man.
A 49-year-old man from Ballyjamesduff, Cavan was remanded in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his arrest on two outstanding warrants. Paschal Kelly, originally from Dublin, was apprehended in Castlepollard, Westmeath on charges including failing to make a valid tax return and threatening to kill a member of An Garda Síochána. Detective Sergeant Daniel O'Driscoll gave evidence of the arrest. Mr Kelly also faced 13 road traffic offences, for which he appeared in the District Court. His defence counsel consented to a three-week custodial remand. He is due to return before the circuit court on 6 November.
Swords District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Sean Brennan, 32, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated and using threatening and abusive behaviour outside Wright's Cafe Bar on June 7th. He was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Thomas Nicholson, 23, was charged with the theft of an €18,000 mini digger from Balbriggan on March 6th. The matter was sent forward for trial at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, and Nicholson was remanded on continuing bail. Gary Daly, 25, pleaded guilty to the unlawful possession of PVP, valued at €1,300, found at his home on November 16th last year. The court adjourned the case until December 15th to allow for a Probation and Welfare report to assess his suitability for a 240-hour community service order in lieu of a four-month prison sentence. James Egan, 29, pleaded guilty to failing to provide a blood, urine, or breath sample at Ballymun Garda Station on December 12th last year. He was convicted, fined €600, and disqualified from driving for four years, with the disqualification postponed for five months until March 30th. Aldona Pastuhova, 42, was charged with having a dog off its lead in a public place. The case was adjourned until November 17th due to the unavailability of the prosecuting garda.
Balbriggan District Court heard multiple matters. Keith Daly pleaded guilty to handling stolen property but was remanded on continuing bail pending a probation report, with the case adjourned to December 11. Lorna Daly, John Scott, and Grainne Kealy were remanded on continuing bail; Daly faces alleged charges of making off without paying and using a false plate, while Scott and Kealy face alleged dangerous driving and careless driving charges, with their cases adjourned to December 11. Denise Creagh pleaded guilty to theft and was convicted, fined €100, and warned of potential custody for future offences. James Whelan pleaded guilty to possessing cannabis and failing to display L-plates; the unaccompanied driving charge was struck out, and he was fined €175. Roberts Trascenko pleaded guilty to drink driving, was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified for two years. Chris Lyaba pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage, and his case was adjourned to January 22 to allow time for compensation. Genadijs Ogurcovs was charged with theft from two shops, and his case was adjourned to October 23 for a plea or hearing date.
In Balbriggan District Court, several cases were heard. Garreth Lokko, 23, pleaded guilty to breaching a safety order by shouting and kicking into his ex‑girlfriend's house, was fined €100 and paid €20 compensation for door damage. Hayden Holloman, 19, admitted unlawful possession of €300 worth of cannabis, was fined €300 after failing to complete voluntary work. Michael O'Brien, 19, was charged with possession of an orange emergency shatter hammer and €150 worth of criminal damage; a bench warrant was issued after he missed court. Janet Murphy, 33, was charged with intoxication and failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant. Paul Dargle, 18, faced drink‑driving and dangerous driving charges, with a hearing set for September 26. Lorna Daly, 32, was charged with petrol theft and use of a false plate; a bench warrant followed her absence. Peter Rogers, 61, was convicted of intoxication in a public place and fined €75.
Swords District Court heard several cases presided over by Judge Dempsey. Mark Jackson was found guilty of attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol after crashing a car in Rathbeale Road; he was fined €750 and disqualified for three years, with the disqualification postponed until January 8th. Jason Harford pleaded guilty to possessing a window-breaking implement and cannabis; he received a three-month suspended sentence for the implement and a €150 fine for the drugs. Sean Brennan pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; the court remanded him on bail until October 13th for a probation report, with 240 hours of community service proposed in lieu of a two-month prison sentence. Edward Doherty pleaded guilty to intoxication and abusive behaviour; he was convicted and fined €200, with a warning regarding future custodial sentences. Philip Garland pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis and was convicted and fined €200. Mark Sheridan, alleged to have threatened to kill another man and possessed an imitation firearm, was remanded on continuing bail until September 8th for service of the Book of Evidence. Ivans Zinkevics, alleged to have committed trespass and intoxication offences, was remanded on continuing bail until September 15th for a hearing.
Swords District Court heard several matters involving defendants who pleaded guilty or faced allegations. Jason Kirwin, 27, pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, while disqualified, and without a licence. Judge Conal Gibbons noted his 79 prior convictions and ordered a Probation Report, adjourning the case to September 15th. Stephen O'Doherty and David Fagan pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a car; Fagan also admitted burglary. Both were remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 15th for sentencing. Rebotilwe Mohlala pleaded guilty to theft and received the benefit of the Probation Act after making a charitable donation. Graham Doyle pleaded guilty to theft; his case was struck out after compensation was paid. Philip Garland, alleged to be in unlawful possession of cannabis, had his case adjourned to July 21st for a plea or hearing date, with the judge remanding him on continuing bail.
Balbriggan District Court heard various matters. James Reid pleaded guilty to hit and run, failing to stop, failing to provide information, failing to keep the vehicle at the scene, failing to report the incident, and having no tax. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted Reid, fined him €400 for the hit and run offences, fined him €100 for no tax, and disqualified him from driving for six months. Piotr Boryslawski pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis. The judge ordered him to pay €300 to the Molly McNally Trust Fund by month's end, stating the charge would be struck out if paid. Several defendants were remanded on continuing bail. James Walsh, charged with cultivating cannabis, was adjourned to September 18 for service of the Book of Evidence. Gareth Lokko, alleged to have breached a barring order and caused criminal damage, was remanded to July 24. Kevin Harmon, alleged to have assaulted another man causing harm, was remanded to September 25 for DPP directions. Lorna Daly, alleged to have stolen petrol and used a false registration plate, was remanded to July 24 for a plea. Jandean Hyland, charged with assault causing harm, was remanded to July 31. Stephane Mbama, alleged to have dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded to July 31. Michael Bollard, alleged to have breached a safety order, was granted bail with conditions and adjourned to July 17.
In a High Court hearing on 2 July 2014, Mr Justice John Edwards ordered the extradition of 35‑year‑old Stephen James O'Reilly from Dublin to the United Kingdom. O'Reilly had been convicted in 2008 of dangerous driving causing death and received a nine‑year sentence, of which 229 weeks and six days remained. He was released on licence, but the licence was revoked after he breached conditions and fled. The court considered O'Reilly's mental health, noting an adjustment disorder, a background risk for suicide, generalised anxiety, borderline intellectual disability, ADHD symptoms and a history of polysubstance abuse. Despite concerns that extradition might worsen his risk of self‑harm, the judge ruled that the public interest in his rendition outweighed those concerns and ordered his surrender. The surrender was postponed until 30 September 2016, when he will have completed an unrelated sentence in Ireland. The court also directed that his medical records be transferred to the UK authorities.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Jerry Flynn pleaded guilty to theft of petrol and dangerous driving. He received a three-month suspended sentence, a €200 fine, and a two-year driving disqualification. He was remanded on a one-year peace bond, conditional on paying €58.94 to Great Gas and €140 compensation to the attendant. Damien Krywult pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving. He was convicted and fined €300 for each offence, with a total two-year driving disqualification. Jeffrey Carter pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and without a licence. He was sentenced to five months in prison, fined €200, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gary Fitzgerald was convicted in his absence of driving without insurance and without an NCT. He was fined €500 for the insurance offence and €250 for the NCT offence, and disqualified from driving for two years. Gabriel Akinsanya pleaded guilty to theft. The judge indicated he would consider 240 hours of community service in lieu of a four-month prison sentence only if Akinsanya completes 40 outstanding hours from 2003. He was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 15. Kim Howard, charged with theft, was remanded on continuing bail until October 6 for a mention.
Rafel Dec, 27, of The Green, Main Street in Rush, was arrested for drink driving after his car ended up in a ditch on Whitestown Road. He was found with a breath reading of 84mg/100ml and refused to sign the intoxilyzer certificate at Balbriggan Garda Station on 22 June. Garda Sergeant Tony Tighe testified that Dec fled the vehicle, was arrested at 2.20 am, and later, after being released at 6.20 am, demanded re‑entry to the station to use the toilet. He was refused and urinated outside the station. Dec pleaded guilty to drink driving and a public order offence. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €500 for drink driving, €100 for the public order offence, disqualified him from driving for three years, and imposed 100 hours of community service in lieu of a month's prison sentence. The sentence was given in Balbriggan District Court.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Catherine Smith pleaded guilty to theft of €213 worth of gardening items from a Tesco supermarket. The judge indicated he would apply the Probation Act if she makes a charitable contribution. Marek Laska pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of digital weighing scales. The judge applied the Probation Act, ordering him to attend HOPE and assist other drug users, avoiding a conviction. Linda Murphy pleaded guilty to stealing four blank cheques from her employers. The case was adjourned until September 11th to allow her to provide the remaining €160 in compensation, with a warning of a custodial sentence if unpaid. John Paul Fitzgerald pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis resin. He was convicted, fined €400, and ordered to destroy the drugs, with the judge warning he is close to a prison sentence. James Walsh, alleged to have cultivated cannabis plants, was remanded on continuing bail to re-appear on July 3rd for a plea or trial. Ann McGann was convicted of attempting to drive while intoxicated. She was disqualified from driving for three years and fined €300.
A solicitor and senior executive with a well known Dublin law firm has been awarded €120,000 in damages for injuries sustained after being struck by a car while cycling to work. Mr Justice Michael Hanna stated that Julian Yarr, Managing Partner of A&L Goodbody, suffered 'very serious injuries' following a road traffic accident on the Rock Road, Blackrock Co Dublin on July 26th 2011. The court was informed that Mr Yarr sustained broken ribs, as well as injuries to his neck, shoulders and hands. Mr Yarr, of Marlborough Road Glenageary Co Dublin, sued the driver of the vehicle, Mr Brian Biggins of Culleen, Headford, Co Galway. It was alleged that as Mr Yarr approached the entrance to the Blackrock Clinic, the defendant turned from the opposite side of the road and struck Mr Yarr, who was thrown into the air, over the defendant's car and into the path of oncoming traffic. It was claimed the defendant drove in a negligent manner resulting in injuries to Mr Yarr. Liability in the action had been admitted. The matter was before the Court for assessment of damages only. In his judgment, Mr Justice Michael Hanna noted that it was fortunate Mr Yarr had been wearing a helmet at the time of the accident, as the injuries could have been more severe. Following the accident, Mr Yarr was taken to St Vincents Hospital, where he was kept for eight days. After considering all the evidence, Mr Justice Hanna said Mr Yarr was entitled to a total of €120,000 in damages.
Raymond Hoey, 45, was disqualified from driving for two years after driving under the influence on 6 November 2013. He had been drinking wine with his wife at dinner when an argument broke out, prompting him to drive away. His wife called the Gardaí, who stopped him at 7:35 pm at Glasmore Park, Swords. Hoey was arrested, gave a blood sample showing 139 mg/100 ml, and was later convicted and fined €400. Judge Dermot Dempsey postponed the disqualification until 1 December and allowed a postponement of the penalty. The case was heard in Swords District Court.
Swords District Court heard multiple matters. Charges against Shane Langan and Kieran Kennedy for mutual assault were withdrawn following an agreement on the division of blame. Sean Cullen, alleged to have breached a protection order, was remanded on continuing bail with strict conditions, including residing at his father's house and remaining sober. Thomas Nicholson, charged with stealing an €18,000 mini digger, was remanded on bail for DPP directions. Luke Nestor pleaded guilty to theft; the judge ordered 200 hours of voluntary work before considering conviction. Jason Mitchell pleaded guilty to cannabis possession and was convicted and fined €200. Mateusz Sniezek pleaded guilty to drink driving and was disqualified for three years, with the ban postponed until December 1st. Oksana Smirnova pleaded guilty to failing to provide a sample; she was convicted, fined €650, and disqualified for four years. Brendan Hill pleaded guilty to public order offences and was fined €300 in total.
At Balbriggan District Court, Edwin Akandu pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified, having no tax or insurance, and lacking a driving licence. He was convicted and sentenced to four months in prison, with an additional six-year disqualification for the uninsured offence. Judge Dempsey noted Akandu had driven just over a year after receiving a previous four-year ban. In a separate matter, Tony Thunder pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to a window in Skerries. The court marked the case peremptory, granting him until July 10th to provide €200 in compensation. Tina Power pleaded guilty to drink driving after giving a urine reading of 297mg/100ml. She was fined €500 and disqualified from driving for three years. James Heraghty, who is alleged to have assaulted a garda, used threatening behaviour, and obstructed an officer, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on September 26th while the State clarifies CCTV footage. Keith O'Gorman, alleged to have assaulted another man at Balbriggan Harbour, was also remanded on continuing bail to appear on July 12th for the hearing of his case.
Balbriggan District Court heard several cases during its recent sittings. Richard Devine (21) had his case struck out after he admitted to assaulting Shane Christy and causing criminal damage to his car in Rush, Co Dublin on May 3rd, 2013. Devine, who was drunk at the time, paid €800 in compensation and completed 200 hours of voluntary work. Judge Dermot Dempsey accepted these actions and struck the case out. Pat Dwyer (60) pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol at Miller's Lane in Skerries on December 22nd, 2013. He was fined €400 and disqualified from driving for three years. Eoin Maguire (29), Cornelius Price (32), and Edward Price (24) were remanded on continuing bail to re-appear before the court on July 17th when they are expected to be served with the Books of Evidence. They are charged with assault causing harm to Clifford Whitehouse and James Whitehouse, and production of a Stanley knife on December 20th, 2013. Cornelius Price and Edward Price are also charged with reckless endangerment of a garda at Balbriggan Garda Station on December 22nd, 2013. Thomas O'Donnell (24), Michael O'Brien (18), and Brian Stokes (21) were remanded on continuing bail for charges of unauthorized carriage in a car. Salius Peciulaitis (30) pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving while disqualified, and drink driving at Dublin Street in Balbriggan, as well as violent behaviour at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 22nd. He was given a four-month suspended sentence, disqualified from driving for six years, and fined €750. Neil Phipps (28) was remanded on continuing bail for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions regarding an alleged assault causing harm to Brian Cranny.
Philip Dunne, a 29‑year‑old wheelchair user, was convicted after a night of reckless driving and violent conduct. On 14 November 2013 he was driving a BMW 5‑series at excessive speed on Lower Main Street, Rush, lost control and crashed into a parking metre, causing €4,000 in damage. He threatened a good Samaritan, Patrick Butterly, and, when Gardaí arrived, threatened and attempted to strike them with his wheelchair. Dunne pleaded guilty to careless driving, criminal damage, threatening and abusive behaviour and Section 2 assault. A charge of failing to give a blood sample was struck out. Judge Dermot Dempsey fined him €300 for careless driving, €100 for assault, €100 for threatening behaviour, and disqualified him from driving for three months. He also paid €4,000 in compensation to Fingal County Council for the damage. The case was heard at Balbriggan District Court.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. The case against Debbie Whelan, 26, of Chieftain's Road, was withdrawn after the alleged injured party refused to co-operate with gardai. Whelan had been charged with the production of an article, namely a wheel brace, during an incident on July 8th, 2013. In a separate matter, Gillian O'Donnell, 38, was charged with unlawful possession of cannabis. Her case was adjourned until September 29th to Swords District Court. Adam Wal, 29, of Chapel Place, pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance on August 24th last year. Judge Dempsey sentenced Wal to four months in prison, suspended for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for three years for the disqualified driving offence and a further four years for driving without insurance, in addition to a €750 fine. Joseph Cruise, 20, of Hazelstown in Rush, pleaded guilty to breaching a protection order on March 15th. The court heard he had been shouting for hours before arrest. Judge Dempsey convicted Cruise and fined him €100, fixing recognisance in the event of an appeal.
Swords District Court heard several matters before Judge Dermot Dempsey. Julie Delaney pleaded guilty to possessing a security de-tagger for use in a theft at Lifestyle Sports. She was convicted, fined €150, and the device was ordered destroyed. Drew Lynch pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of heroin at Jacko Park. Judge Dempsey warned him he was 'sailing close' to a prison sentence before convicting him and imposing a €300 fine. Natasha Reilly, alleged to have breached a protection order by threatening a victim, was remanded in custody with consent to bail. Strict conditions were imposed, including surrendering her passport, staying away from the Broadmeadow address, and providing a satisfactory address. She is to reappear on May 26th. Michael McDonagh, charged with dangerous driving and driving without insurance, was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on July 14th. Additionally, Simon Morrissey's case for being drunk and abusive to gardai was struck out after he donated €200 to St Vincent de Paul.
The Garda Commissioner has sought to have the claim for damages brought by Stephen Costello (43) and his wife, Karen, dismissed. The couple alleges they have been subjected to an ongoing campaign of Garda harassment and intimidation. In 2005, the couple was granted an injunction preventing Garda entry to their home except under a warrant or at the request of a household member. The Gardai deny the claims. Mr Costello believes the Gardai mistakenly think he is involved in the drugs trade, stating he has never been involved in any illegal activity. The Garda Commissioner has asked the court to strike out the Costellos' claims for alleged trespass, intimidation, and harassment. The couple has opposed the application. Mr Justice Michael White reserved his decision. Counsel for the Commissioner argued there was an inexcusable and inordinate delay by the Costellos in progressing their claim. The Costellos' counsel denied any delay, citing changes in legal representation and illness of the barrister. Mr Costello, who worked in the environmental section of South Dublin Co Council, stated the Gardai commenced harassment against him 18 years ago. He said he was first arrested in 1996 and questioned about stolen guns. The detective who questioned him was later discharged and has been convicted of criminal convictions. Another garda who arrested him was convicted and jailed for dangerous driving causing death, while another who arrested Mr Costello was jailed for tax evasion. The couple obtained a High Court injunction against the Gardai, but Mr Costello claims he has continued to face harassment, including being stopped, searched, and strip searched for drugs on multiple occasions. The claims of harassment are denied.
In Balbriggan District Court on 8 May 2014, Andrew Gosson, aged 24, pleaded guilty to threatening and abusive behaviour on 17 December 2013 and again on 16 January 2013 while driving on the M1. He had one prior road‑traffic conviction. Defence solicitor Fiona D'Arcy said he was under severe pressure from a gambling problem and was not working at the time. Judge Patrick Clyne declined to fine him, noting he was better off feeding his children, and bound him to a peace bond for one year. Separately, 87‑year‑old Michael Murphy was remanded on continuing bail in his absence to appear on 5 June after being charged with dangerous driving on 16 November 2013. Finally, 39‑year‑old William O'Gorman was remanded on continuing bail to re‑appear on 26 June after being charged with robbery, assault and possession of a screwdriver outside St Peter's and Paul's Church on 11 April 2014.
Balbriggan District Court heard several matters, including the sentencing of Karl Robinson. Robinson pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and while disqualified at Station Road in Lusk on June 29, 2013. Judge Dermot Dempsey ordered him to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of a three-month prison sentence, following a Probation Services consultation. He was also disqualified from driving for four years. In separate proceedings, Patricia Ferris, alleged to have refused or failed a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on April 21, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing at Swords District Court on June 9. Emma Nevin, charged with selling counterfeit cigarettes at Balbriggan Sunday Market on April 27, was also remanded on continuing bail for a plea hearing on June 9. Debbie Whelan, alleged to have produced a wheel brace during an argument on Chieftain's Road on July 8, 2013, was remanded on continuing bail for a hearing on May 16. Finally, Bridget O'Leary pleaded guilty to the theft of €54.81 worth of groceries from Tesco in Balbriggan on October 8, 2013. She was remanded on continuing bail to reappear on June 12 for the facts of the case to be heard.
A civil engineer from Kingscourt, County Cavan, has been sentenced to three years in prison by the Court of Criminal Appeal for dangerous driving causing death. Ronan Cunningham, aged 30, had pleaded guilty to causing the death of Emanuel Mendez on the N7 Naas dual carriageway in October 2010 whilst driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. The original five-year suspended sentence imposed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in 2012 was deemed unduly lenient and was overturned on appeal. Mr Justice Adrian Hardiman, presiding, described Cunningham's driving—travelling seven kilometres in the wrong direction after consuming approximately eight pints—as "hideous". The court also imposed a 15-year driving ban. Cunningham was afforded one week to arrange his personal affairs before commencing his sentence.
At Balbriggan District Court, Judge Dermot Dempsey handed down a sentence to David Lawrence, who pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, no tax, and no NCT. Lawrence was sentenced to four months, which was suspended, and remanded on a peace bond for one year. He was also disqualified from driving for two years and fined €100 for driving without a licence. In a separate matter, Sean Lynch, charged with assault causing harm, had his case adjourned until September 1st for hearing at Swords District Court. Three men—Eoin Maguire, Cornelius Price, and Edward Price—were further remanded on continuing bail as DPP directions were not ready. They face charges including assault causing harm, production of an article, and reckless endangerment of a garda. James Ward, facing seven charges for inducing lodgements and payments related to non-existent tickets and phones, had a bench warrant issued for his arrest after failing to appear. Wojtek Jedrej, charged with possession of a knife and driving under the influence, was remanded for a May 16th hearing. Stephen Teeling, charged with possession of cannabis, was also remanded for a May 16th hearing.
Paul Mannering, 25, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and driving without insurance at The Five Road, Hedgestown, Lusk, on January 3rd. Judge Dermot Dempsey sentenced him to 240 hours of community service work in lieu of a five-month prison term and disqualified him from driving for two years. Mannering's solicitor stated he was in a 'stupid situation' after borrowing money and being asked to commit the offence. Nicholas Keane, 36, of Balbriggan, was remanded on continuing bail until May 16th regarding an alleged possession of a knife at Hamlet Lane on January 27th. The DPP directed no further charges be brought. James Ward, 43, of Balbriggan, faces seven charges for allegedly inducing victims to make lodgements totalling over €2,000 for non-existent concert tickets and mobile phones. Ward was remanded in his absence to re-appear on April 24th to furnish medical certificates following a reported stroke. Additionally, an unidentified teenager who persistently skipped school was adjourned until October 16th after the National Education Welfare Board reported 'good progress' in his attendance.
Swords District Court heard four sentencing matters presided over by Judge Dermot Dempsey. Dean Fagan, 19, pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with garda direction, and being intoxicated. The judge imposed four months detention for failing to comply with garda direction and two months for threatening behaviour, taking intoxication into consideration. Robert Doyle, 20, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated, using threatening and abusive behaviour, and failing to comply with garda direction; his case was struck out after he paid a charitable donation. Brian Johnson, 27, pleaded guilty to the unauthorised taking of a vehicle and handling stolen property. He was convicted and sentenced to a suspended nine-month term for the vehicle offence, remanded on a peace bond for two years, and given a three-month custodial sentence for handling stolen clothes. Robert Krzemien, 42, pleaded guilty to driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was convicted, fined €400, and disqualified from driving for three years, effective July 1st.
At Balbriggan District Court, David Yeomons pleaded guilty to driving without insurance, driving without a driving licence, and having no NCT. Judge Dermot Dempsey disqualified him from driving for two years and fined him €400 for the insurance offence and €100 for the licence offence, taking the other charges into consideration. In a separate matter, Intaras Balans was alleged to have committed drink driving, driving while disqualified, driving without a licence, and possessing a false tax and insurance disc. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed summary disposal, keeping the case in the District Court. Judge Dempsey adjourned the proceedings until June 9th and remanded Balans on continuing bail. Additionally, Paul Nwoso was alleged to have drink driven and committed several other motoring offences. His case was adjourned until April 3rd, and he was remanded on continuing bail. A 17-year-old defendant, who pleaded guilty to theft from a Skerries pharmacy, was sentenced to three months' imprisonment, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years.
Swords District Court heard three matters. Owen Mooney, 43, pleaded not guilty to drink driving and driving without insurance. Judge Dermot Dempsey convicted him, rejecting his claim he was not the driver. Mooney was sentenced to five months in prison and fined €750 for drink driving, with a six-year disqualification. He received a concurrent four-month prison sentence and eight-year disqualification for driving without insurance. Ivo Ignatenki, 26, pleaded guilty to drink driving and having no insurance. He was sentenced to three months in prison, suspended, and bound to the peace for two years. He was fined €750 and disqualified for six years for drink driving, and fined €200 with a two-year disqualification for no insurance. Raymond O'Hara, 47, is alleged to have committed burglary at Portmarnock Hotel. The matter was adjourned because the injured party was unavailable. Judge Dempsey remanded O'Hara on continuing bail to reappear on April 28th.
Darren Fagan, a former sheet‑metal worker aged 24, was sentenced by Judge Dermot Dempsey at Swords District Court to five months' imprisonment and a ten‑year driving disqualification after pleading guilty to driving without insurance on 2 October 2013 at Barryscourt Road, Coolock. Fagan had 18 prior convictions, including five for no insurance, and was also found to be driving without a licence. Garda Janice Gray reported that Fagan had stopped in Coolock for the offence, apologised, and claimed he had bought the car for his partner to take their child to school. Fagan's solicitor noted that he had been dismissed from his metal‑sheet job in 2008, was hoping to become a gym instructor, and wanted to move to Germany where his sister lives. Judge Dempsey deemed community service unsuitable given Fagan's record, fined him €200 for the licence offence, and fixed recognisance pending appeal.
A man convicted of dangerous driving causing death has been returned to prison following a successful appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the Court of Criminal Appeal. Kevin McArdle, aged 31, of Longfield, Carrickmacross, was originally sentenced to four years with one year suspended by Monaghan Circuit Court in October 2011. The appellate court found the sentence unduly lenient. McArdle was driving with almost three-and-a-half times the legal alcohol limit on December 27th, 2010, when his BMW collided head-on with a vehicle driven by Stephen Connolly on the Carrickmacross to Ardee road. The collision resulted in the deaths of Mr Connolly's wife, their unborn child, and two passengers in McArdle's vehicle. The Court of Criminal Appeal substituted the original sentence with six years imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. McArdle was also disqualified from driving for twelve years and ordered to serve a further one year in custody from the date of judgment.
Rory Grant (48) pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of an intoxicant and having no insurance on May 20, 2013, at Chieftain's Drive in Balbriggan. Judge Patrick Clyne sentenced him to four months, suspended for two years, for the driving offence, and a concurrent four-month sentence, suspended for two years, for the insurance offence. Grant was also disqualified from driving for four years. Stephen O'Shaughnessy (23) pleaded guilty to trespass, theft of alcohol, and handling stolen property. The matter was adjourned until May 1st, with the judge requiring O'Shaughnessy to cooperate with Probation Services and provide €376 in compensation. Sean Lynch (26) is alleged to have assaulted a person by sticking a lit cigarette in their eye at Home Nightclub in Balbriggan on July 31, 2011. He was remanded on continuing bail, and the case was adjourned until March 27th. Billy Atete (44) pleaded guilty to failing to provide a breath sample at Balbriggan Garda Station on February 2. He was fined €250 and disqualified from driving for four years.