A 37‑year‑old man, Edward Sweeney of Arundel Drive, Glasgow, was remanded on continuing bail after appearing before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dún Laoghaire District Court. He faces eight charges under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998. Six charges allege possession of child pornography on various electronic devices seized at a Monkstown address. On 13 March 2019, a MacBook Pro was alleged to contain 7,343 images and 2,108 videos; three USB devices were alleged to hold 16,545 images and 690 videos, 141 images and 548 videos, and 2,474 images and 2,076 videos. Two further possession charges involve a black OnePlus phone with 23,217 images and 832 videos, and a grey Dell laptop with 21 images and 30 videos, both seized at an Alma Road address on 21 July 2023.
Paul Agbons, a 25-year veteran of the Mater Hospital in Dublin, has secured €10,000 in compensation for racial discrimination after being wrongly accused of sexually interfering with a patient. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) found that a manager, FH, made an unconscious bias-based decision to suspend Agbons based on his race and nationality, despite no evidence linking him to the allegations. Agbons, a black Irish citizen, was suspended for six days before the hospital concluded he had no case to answer. The WRC adjudicator noted that the manager's actions had a clear racial overtone and ruled that the suspension was direct discrimination. The compensation was awarded considering the short duration of the suspension and the hospital's need to balance two difficult situations.
A woman in her 30s accused of stabbing her partner with an eight-inch chef's knife has been remanded in custody after a judge said there was a "huge" likelihood of a further serious incident if she was released on bail. The woman appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with assaulting her partner and causing him harm at a residence in Co Dublin on July 25, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997. The man suffered a stab wound to his right forearm and was taken to hospital. Garda Andrew Shanley objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the allegation and concerns that the woman could commit a serious offence while on bail. The judge refused bail and remanded the woman in custody to appear before Court 2 at the Criminal Courts of Justice at 10.30am on August 12.
Ongoing industrial action by solicitors affected criminal hearings, including a case involving alleged organised prostitution by Brazilian nationals across the capital. Brazilian woman Bruna Da Silveira was listed for sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a charge of participating or facilitating the activities of a criminal organisation. Defending counsel informed Judge Orla Crowe that his instructing solicitor would not be attending, "in solidarity with all other solicitors". The case was adjourned to Friday for a sentence hearing. Da Silveira pleaded guilty to participating or contributing to the activities of a criminal organisation. The court heard that the defendants were linked to the recruitment in Brazil of vulnerable young women who were coerced into sex work here. The allegations related to ten brothels and the defendants were considered flight risks with no ties to this jurisdiction.
The High Court has granted permission for the publication in a national newspaper of the names of over 300 former Christian Brothers who are now co-defendants in a civil abuse claim. These individuals are not accused of abuse but are being named in the hope that they will come forward. The case was heard by Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who granted the motion brought by the plaintiff's legal team. The plaintiff was abused by Christian Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s while attending school in Co Kilkenny. Coughlan received two jail terms in 2023 for indecent assault. The court has previously criticized David Gibson, the current head of the Christian Brothers, for an obstructive approach towards civil lawsuits. As an unincorporated association, the Christian Brothers cannot be sued unless a nominee is provided. Gibson has refused to act as a nominee, forcing litigants to take legal action against individual members. The case is being brought by a male survivor of abuse against Coughlan and Gibson. The names of 341 individuals will be published in the Irish Independent.
A brave Paddy Power worker helped unmask a repeat robber by pulling at his face covering during a raid, enabling gardaí to identify him from CCTV. Charles Darcy, who has 64 previous convictions, claims to have undergone a "sea change" and wants to attend drug treatment. He pleaded guilty to robbery of car keys and unauthorised taking of a car and robbery at Paddy Power. Judge Jonathan Dunphy said he was not prepared to "roll the dice" by immediately releasing Darcy to attend residential treatment. He ordered a probation report and adjourned the case until October 9 for finalisation. The court heard that Darcy had a significant poly-substance addiction problem and these crimes were committed to get money to fuel that addiction. He has a difficult history and has been in and out of custody since he was a young man. He has had a recent awakening with the help of his sister, who is committed to helping put him on the right track.
A 33-year-old man, Patrick Fitzpatrick, arranged a 'straightener' in a Wicklow playground during which a father-of-seven, William Moorehouse, was stabbed to death, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, which involved two armed groups. The court heard that Moorehouse, described as a 'loving son and devoted father,' sustained five stab wounds. Fitzpatrick, who had 28 previous convictions, was accused of arranging the fight following an earlier incident in which a youth was allegedly attacked. The 'straightener' was intended as a form of alternative dispute resolution, with members of two families involved. However, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation, with 14 people participating in the fight. Detective Sergeant Ger Brennan confirmed that Moorehouse was found unresponsive after the stabbing, and that weapons, including knives and firearms, were involved. Fitzpatrick's defence argued that the incident was not a Traveller feud but a misguided attempt at resolving a dispute. Victim impact statements were read by Moorehouse's sisters, who spoke of his popularity and the profound loss felt by the family.
Staff waited nearly two years to get their split of over €5,000 in customer gratuities from a tap-to-tip machine installed at a Limerick City café in unexplained circumstances, a tribunal has heard. At the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), both the former manager of Esquires Coffee Limerick and the proprietor of the business denied responsibility for the installation of the electronic tip machine. The owner said she did not know it was there at all until the manager came looking for her share of the proceeds. By the time the tips were distributed, a quarter of the money had been eaten up by fees charged by the machine's provider, JustTip, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) noted in a decision published today. The tribunal has now ordered Rise and Grind Ltd, trading as Esquires Coffee Limerick on Catherine Street, to pay €100 in compensation to the café's ex-manager, Hueian Hsiao, for a delay in paying her wages.
A trial date has been set for a woman and a teenager who are accused of murdering Scarlett Faulkner, a mother of one, who died last March. Ms Faulkner, aged 29, passed away three weeks after an alleged assault that took place on the R494 at Birdhill, County Tipperary, on 21 March of this year. A 40-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl have been charged with her murder, and the charges were brought earlier this month. Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who is presiding over the Central Criminal Court case list, has scheduled the trial for October 27 next. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against the two accused individuals, who now face the prospect of a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim's death and the serious nature of the charges against the defendants.
A 22-year-old man from New Ross, Co Wexford, has been charged with multiple assault and hate-aggravated assault charges following an alleged racist attack on two men outside a Tesco supermarket in Cherrywood, Dublin 18. The incident, which occurred on March 14 last year, allegedly involved the accused shouting, 'Come out, you Indians. I'll show you,' before punching one of the men in the face. The victim suffered a cut to his eyelid and bruising around his eye, while the second man was allegedly grabbed from behind but not injured. The court heard that the alleged incident was unprovoked and not linked to any demonstration or protest. The charges are based on the alleged racist motivation of the accused. The case was adjourned until October 13 to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence.
A Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast has been given a trial date. Ahmed Abdirahman (33) is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her house in south Belfast. The trial is set for January 11, 2027, with a case management date on October 30. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions noted the cross-border dimension of the case. The court previously heard that a psychiatric issue in the case had resolved, allowing the trial to proceed. The accused has not been previously convicted and is currently in custody. The case is expected to take around four weeks, with the court preparing for the trial after addressing any remaining legal issues.
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, accused of the murder of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, expressed concern over the delay in serving the book of evidence, which has not been provided despite the case being listed multiple times. Stephen Faulkner BL, representing Duffy, noted the murder dates back to 2006 and the book is still not ready. Simon Matthews BL for the State said the book of evidence will be served on October 12. Duffy, who was extradited from Scotland, is charged with the murder of Donaldson and possession of a shotgun and ammunition. Donaldson, a former Sinn Fein official, was shot dead in 2006 after publicly admitting to being an MI5 informer. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder. Duffy's lawyers are seeking bail but face opposition from gardaí due to the lack of evidence served. The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting a murder that occurred over two decades ago, with the delay in serving evidence raising concerns about the fairness of the trial.
A judge has described it as 'outrageous' that solicitors who had left the criminal legal aid panel instructed another solicitor not to represent their client at a contested bail hearing. Patrick Daly (57) of Burton Park, Leopardstown Road, Dublin 18, appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, where gardaí objected to bail on the grounds that he was a flight risk. Mr Daly faces five charges, including failing to appear in court, two counts of being intoxicated in a public place, refusing to provide his name and address to a garda, and causing €80 worth of criminal damage by urinating in the custody area at Dundrum Garda Station. Judge Watkin asked solicitor Andrew Vallely, who was present in court, to speak to the accused and consider representing him for the bail application. Mr Vallely initially told the court that he was reluctant to step in because the accused was already represented by another solicitors' firm.
Judge Anne Watkin discussed the challenge of balancing fairness with public safety as she dealt with a case where the accused had no legal representation due to ongoing industrial action by solicitors. The case involved Felipe Gonzalez Tadilha Nunez (26) of Mount Pleasant Avenue Lower, Dublin 6, who was accused of throwing two bags of suspected drugs into the Grand Canal and fleeing from gardaí. He appeared in custody before Dún Laoghaire District Court, charged with obstructing Garda Lee McEnroe under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Watkin noted that Nunez had no solicitor because his was participating in the industrial action over criminal legal aid fees. She stated that she had to be more lenient in his case but also emphasized the need to ensure dangerous individuals were not released onto the streets. Nunez was granted bail on his own bond, subject to daily check-ins at Rathmines Garda station, surrendering his passport, and not applying for other travel documents. The court warned that failure to comply with these conditions would result in custody.
The sentencing hearing for Ross Deegan, who assaulted broadcaster Brendan Courtney, has been adjourned to allow for the preparation of an updated probation report. Deegan, 22, of An Riasc, Finglas, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Courtney on February 27, 2025, at Usher's Quay in Dublin. The incident occurred when Mr Courtney was walking home along the quays around 9.30pm. He approached a car after believing the occupants were addressing him, only to be assaulted by Deegan and a co-accused. Mr Courtney sustained a concussion and a fracture to his eye socket and was hospitalized the following day. Judge Martina Baxter ordered the preparation of a probation report and remanded Deegan on continuing bail. The judge requested that the probation officer review CCTV footage of the incident. The court viewed footage showing Deegan running at Mr Courtney and punching him multiple times. The co-accused is also before the courts. Deegan voluntarily contacted gardai on March 5, 2025, to admit his involvement in the assault. The case has been adjourned to October.
A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a man in Tipperary last year when he was just 15. At the Central Criminal Court, the teenager, who cannot be named due to his juvenile status, was charged with murder on March 10, 2025, but pleaded not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, stated that the plea was acceptable to the State and noted that the boy was 15 at the time of the offence. He requested that a probation report be prepared and asked the court to set a sentencing date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the sentencing for September 28, with the defendant remanded on bail to appear back before the court on July 29. The judge also directed that victim impact reports be prepared in the case. The court may review the sentencing date on July 29.
A 21-year-old man accused of breaching a barring order appeared in Tallaght District Court by video link from Cloverhill Prison. He claimed that a GP had not referred him for a psychiatric assessment, stating that his case was not unique enough. The judge ordered that the assessment be carried out, emphasizing that court directions must be followed. The defendant's mother was in court and expressed concern about her son's mental health, stating that medication was not sufficient. She told her son to keep his head down and do his bit, saying she was doing her job as a mum. The judge remanded the man in custody until July 27 to allow the psychiatric report to be completed. The case highlights the importance of following court orders and the challenges faced by families in accessing appropriate medical care for their loved ones.
The High Court has rejected arguments against the extradition of Jonathan Gill to Northern Ireland to face a murder charge related to the killing of Robbie Lawlor. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath did not issue an extradition order but remanded Gill in custody until July 29. Gill is accused of participating in a joint enterprise to murder Lawlor in 2020 as part of a gang feud. His lawyers argued that the UK courts would not provide the same protections as the Court of Justice of the European Union regarding evidence from the Encrochat system. However, the judge said the UK legal system would ensure a fair trial. Gill remains in custody, having previously been denied bail. The court will consider the extradition order after Gill and his legal team have time to review the judgment.
Erin Nugent, a veteran manager at HIV Ireland, is facing disciplinary action after being accused of bullying and transphobia by a colleague, Rebecca de Havilland. Nugent is also pursuing a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, alleging she was penalised for raising concerns about the use of public funds. The tribunal heard that Nugent questioned de Havilland's worth in the organisation and made insensitive remarks about her health status. De Havilland, a 68-year-old trans woman living with HIV since 1987, described the workplace environment as hostile and the meetings as battles. The investigation found allegations against Nugent, including questioning de Havilland's health and worth. HIV Ireland's former treasurer, Hugh Nolan, stated that an investigation recommended disciplinary action. The case has been adjourned to the autumn, with Nugent expected to give her evidence. The tribunal will consider whether Nugent's actions were discriminatory or bullying.
A man accused of breaching a protection order by repeatedly slapping his wife on the back of the head has been granted bail after a judge found there was no evidence that he was likely to intimidate her. The man, in his 40s, appeared before Judge Anne Watkin at Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with breaching the order. It is alleged that he slapped his wife a number of times on the back of the head and shouted at her, putting her in fear. Garda Michael Grennan objected to bail, but Judge Watkin granted it, noting that the complainant could have declined to attend for any number of reasons. The conditions of bail include that the accused must reside at a new address, notify gardaí of any change, provide them with his phone number, and stay away from the family home. He was also ordered to have no contact with the applicant. The case was adjourned for eight weeks for disclosure, and legal aid was granted to the defence solicitor.
A separated husband was spared a conviction despite allegations that he threatened to throw his former wife out of a window. The court decided against conviction after hearing that the man would not be able to travel to the US for work if he had a criminal record. The woman alleged that the defendant repeatedly pressured her to drop the protection order and threatened to throw her out the window. However, the court found that a conviction would have serious consequences for the defendant's livelihood, as he worked in a role closely connected with US companies. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant had no previous convictions and that both parties had moved on. He warned that nothing like this should ever happen again and struck out the case, leaving the man without a recorded conviction. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
A Ukrainian woman accused of committing burglaries in south Dublin, including one at the home of a 99-year-old woman, has been refused bail. The woman, who is in her 30s and of no fixed abode, faces multiple charges, including two burglaries, unlawful entry into a vehicle, trespassing, and an alleged assault on a garda. Judge Anne Watkin described the allegations as serious and violent, noting the woman's conduct during the hearing and her likelihood to reoffend. The court heard that the woman allegedly confronted occupants at a residence, grabbed them by the throat, and demanded money. She is also accused of assaulting Garda Odhran Boyle during her arrest. The judge refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of reoffending. The woman is due to appear again for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.
A self-described jihadist, Abdullah Khan, who previously inspired by Isis set fire to a pub owned by Conor McGregor and stabbed a garda in Dublin, has not cooperated with a psychologist assessing his risk. However, Khan has agreed to undergo a full assessment by a prison psychologist before sentencing. Khan pleaded guilty to eight charges, including arson, assault on a garda, and engaging in terrorist activity. The court heard that Khan was part of a wider group of like-minded radicals and that his actions were similar to terrorist attacks in Europe. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered a probation report to assess Khan's radicalisation and the need for post-release supervision. The court adjourned the case to July 27 to confirm if Khan will engage with the risk assessment process. Counsel for Khan stated that he is willing to abide by the conditions set out in the probation report and undergo a full assessment by a prison psychologist.
A PwC employee, Jasch Asher, has lost a challenge to his dismissal after being found to have worked remotely from India for weeks when he should have been based in Dublin. The company discovered through access card data and internet traffic that he had been working from India since September 2024, violating his contract which required him to be based in Ireland. Asher claimed he could not return to Dublin due to his landlord selling his accommodation, but the company found he had no intention of returning. PwC suspended him for a disciplinary investigation and eventually terminated his employment. The adjudicator ruled that Asher was the author of his own predicament, as he intended to remain in India indefinitely despite the contractual requirement to be in Ireland. The termination was deemed justified due to his refusal to comply with his obligations.
A journalist has accused an animal rescue charity of penalising her for making protected disclosures and has argued that she has either been suspended for the past two years or unfairly dismissed. Alison O'Reilly, a newspaper reporter, broadcaster and author, has filed complaints against Kildare Wildlife Rescue under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, and the Equal Status Act 2000. The details were disclosed at a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) case management hearing on Tuesday. Ms O'Reilly's solicitor, Gerard Cullen, said his client had made protected disclosures and had been victimised and penalised in a very gross fashion. His client had raised concerns with the charity in relation to public health. After a suspension took effect on 1 July 2024, his client was subject to non-engagement from the charity. Mr Cullen characterised Ms O'Reilly's involvement with the charity as an employment relationship for the purposes of the Protected Disclosures Act. Kildare Wildlife Rescue disputes this position.
Brian Dunne (41) of Ringsend, Dublin 4, has been granted bail after appearing before Judge Conor Fottrell at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Dunne is accused of assaulting a Tesco worker and damaging a garda station custody area on July 5. The court heard that Dunne had no legal representation due to the ongoing solicitors' strike over legal aid rates. Garda Rob Brennan stated there was no objection to bail as Dunne was unrepresented. Dunne was ordered to stay away from Baggot Street Upper, sign on daily at Irishtown Garda Station, and be of sober habits. The case highlights the impact of the legal aid dispute on the justice system, with delays in cases and difficulties in securing legal representation. The matter was adjourned to January 4 for further proceedings.
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, who is charged with the murder of Denis Donaldson, have expressed disappointment over further delays in serving the book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court. Duffy, who was brought before the court, had been remanded in custody until today for the service of the book of evidence. The court was previously informed that the book of evidence was not yet complete and was awaiting final statements. Today, Michael Bowman SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the prosecution was not in a position to serve the book of evidence and that there was still some outstanding material. Brendan Grehan SC for the defence said he was disappointed that the book of evidence was not available today. He noted that his client was present to have the book served on him and that he has a bail application pending in the High Court. The case was adjourned to July 27, with Duffy to be produced on that date.
X Internet Unlimited Company, the applicant, is challenging the Irish media watchdog Coimisiún na Meán in High Court judicial review proceedings. The case, heard before Mr Justice Cian Ferriter, concerns the Commission's decision to refer complaints, received under the EU's Digital Services Act, to its internal supervisory team for potential future investigation. X's counsel, Neil Steen SC, alleged the Commission was "kicking the can down the road," arguing that this internal referral unlawfully broadened the investigation and acted beyond the Commission's powers. X contended that the delay damages its reputation and that the Commission failed to make required pre-decision notifications. The Commission, represented by David Fennelly SC, denied these claims, asserting it has the broader power to appoint an authorised officer to investigate. In a related March ruling, the High Court awarded legal costs against X after it failed to obtain a stay order on the investigation. The judge noted that X understated the public interest in the orderly operation of the complaints process under the Digital Services Act and the Broadcasting Act 2009. X had argued that the ongoing investigation would cause serious and irreparable harm. The matter was adjourned and continues tomorrow before Mr Justice Ferriter.
A 24-year-old man from Dublin has been refused bail after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a laneway on September 29, 2025. Appearing before Dún Laoghaire District Court, Judge Anne Watkin refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the strength of the evidence, including CCTV and DNA evidence. The defence argued the accused was not a flight risk and had cooperated with gardaí. However, the judge noted the complainant was very nervous and that the evidence was compelling. She described the case as one of the most difficult she had dealt with, but ultimately ruled that the seriousness of the charges and the evidence meant bail must be refused. The accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison until July 7, with legal aid assigned.
A District Court judge has refused jurisdiction in the case of a woman who admitted stealing €5,500 in cash while working at Paddy Power, stating that taking that amount of money from an employer while in a position of trust was "not a minor matter." Connie Redmond (22), of Longmeadow Apartments, Conyngham Road, Dublin 8, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing €5,500 in cash from Paddy Power at Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 4, on May 6, 2025. Redmond informed the court that her solicitor was not present due to the ongoing industrial action over legal aid rates. Judge Anne Watkin stated that the case should not proceed without the accused having legal representation. She also said she would be refusing jurisdiction, emphasizing that taking that amount of money from an employer while in a position of trust was not a minor matter. The judge ordered disclosure and adjourned the matter until September 8 for a Book of Evidence to be prepared and directions from another court.
A 62-year-old Dublin man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a south Dublin Luas stop has been granted bail, despite Garda objections. The accused, who is legally entitled to anonymity, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with the alleged offence. A garda objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged crime. Gardaí stated they were present at the Luas stop but did not witness the incident. The court heard that gardai had obtained CCTV footage of the alleged incident. The accused was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time and was arrested at his home the following morning. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the alleged assault was at the lower end of the scale of sexual assault offences and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a likelihood of further offending if bail was granted. The accused was granted bail on his own bond of €500, with conditions that he have no contact with the injured party, including through social media.
The trial of Ahmed Abdirahman, a Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast, is set to proceed after a psychiatric issue in the case has 'melted away'. The court previously raised concerns about Abdirahman's mental health, but the prosecution now states the case is ready for trial. Abdirahman is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her home in south Belfast. The case was delayed due to the defense's failure to engage with a psychiatrist, but progress was made when Abdirahman spoke to a psychiatrist on one occasion. The defense now seeks a trial date, with the court listing the case for mention on July 3 and indicating an early trial date. The prosecution emphasized that there is no issue with Abdirahman's fitness to be tried, and the trial is expected to last three weeks. The case continues with the court preparing for the trial and addressing any remaining legal issues.
The High Court is seeking further information from Greek authorities before ruling on the extradition of a Limerick man wanted on a human trafficking charge, after hearing that jails there are effectively 'being run by the prisoners' due to overcrowding. Barristers for Jeremiah O'Brien (56), who is alleged to have attempted to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, told the High Court that overcrowding in one Greek prison had been recorded at 164%. Lawyers for the State said that any issues raised about the levels of overcrowding and violence Mr O'Brien could experience if he is surrendered needed to be addressed by the Greek state. It is alleged that Mr O'Brien and two other named persons acted jointly on November 22nd, 2017, to facilitate the transportation of 66 people, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy. The boat stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.
Denise O'Brien (42) of Fels Point, Dan Spring Road, Tralee, Co Kerry, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after taking a bench warrant last week. She is accused of 98 counts of fraud, including deception, forgery, and using a false instrument, under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Oisin Clarke BL, defending, explained that his client did not appear on June 15 because she believed the court date was set for June 18, citing a rail ticket she had purchased for that date. He also mentioned that she had been previously in hospital. Counsel requested that the court readmit her to bail. Judge Orla Crowe set an arraignment date of November 16, when O'Brien is due to enter a plea. The judge noted her history of non-attendance but agreed to re-admit her to bail on her own bond of €100. She must sign on daily at a local garda station, provide her phone number, surrender her passport, and refrain from applying for any other travel documents.
The vice-principal of a Muslim school has won €40,000 for constructive dismissal after he said his position became untenable due to a power struggle among the administrators of the Clonskeagh Mosque in Dublin. Noureldin Abdelgawwad filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 against the Al Maktoum Foundation, which operates the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland. He claimed that after the death of the founder and the formation of a new board, there was a rupture in the organization, leading to a breakdown in trust and professional interference. Abdelgawwad said his salary was withheld and that he resisted handing over student data to the new board, fearing a breach of data rights. He was repeatedly pressured by the CEO and eventually quit. The adjudicator noted a complete breakdown in trust and awarded him €40,000 for financial losses and an additional €1,000 under the Payment of Wages Act.
A Sligo man, Barry Young, has appeared in court in Dublin following an arrest warrant from Northern Ireland, where he is wanted for the murder of gangland figure Robbie Lawlor in 2020. Young, 41, faces charges of murder and possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. He is the second individual to be brought before the extradition court as part of a joint Garda-PSNI investigation into Lawlor's murder. The PSNI believe Lawlor's murder was linked to a drugs feud involving criminal elements in Dublin, Sligo, and Drogheda. Detective Sergeant Aoife Cronin confirmed Young's identity based on the warrant and informed him of the charges. Young's legal team requested a video link appearance for the next court date, and he was remanded in custody until then.
Almost 200 witnesses are involved in the case of Michael Kelley, a former US soldier charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine. A nine-week trial is set to begin in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in January 2027. Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Gaine, 56, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and 21, 2025. The court was told that there are 191 witnesses in the book of evidence, and the case is estimated to last up to nine weeks. Kelley is currently in custody in Cork Prison, and video arrangements have been made for his appearance on video-link. His defense team has informed the court that his solicitor, Patrick Mann, is applying to cease acting for him, and Frank Buttimer has been retained as his new solicitor. The trial was set for January 11, 2027, in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, as the court could not allocate a case of this length to Cork.
A tribunal upheld the dismissal of Alan O'Neill, a senior Aer Lingus flight attendant, who was accused of abusing his power by refusing a passenger access to the onboard bathroom, leading to the passenger being reduced to tears. The tribunal found that O'Neill's actions amounted to gross misconduct, and the airline decided to terminate his employment after 12 years of service. The incident occurred during a flight from Marseilles to Dublin, where O'Neill allegedly refused the passenger access to the bathroom on safety grounds. The passenger was reportedly upset and swore at O'Neill, leading to a confrontation. O'Neill was accused of using an angry and unprofessional tone, and the passenger was temporarily banned from flying. The tribunal heard that O'Neill claimed he was under personal strain and that the passenger triggered him. The airline's legal team argued that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was a reasonable response. The tribunal concluded that the disciplinary process was fair and that the dismissal was warranted.
A man charged with an alleged terrorist plot to destroy a Galway mosque has claimed he cannot get a fair trial due to the wording of the Explosives Act. The High Court has reserved its judgment in the case brought by 39-year-old Karolis Peckauskas of Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth. Mr Peckauskas is charged with possession of an explosive substance – four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide – under such circumstances as to give rise to a reasonable suspicion that he did not have it in his possession for a lawful object at O'Moore Place, Portlaoise, Co Laois on November 4 last year. Mr Peckauskas has not entered a plea in relation to the charge and a stay has been imposed on his prosecution until the resolution of his High Court challenge. Papers lodged by Mr Peckauskas' legal team claim that the wording of Section 4 of the Explosives Act places an "impermissible burden" on the applicant.
Jonathan Gill, accused of murdering Robbie Lawlor, has challenged his extradition to the UK, arguing that he would not receive the same legal protections in UK courts as he would in the European Union. His legal team highlighted that evidence from EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform, may not be admissible in UK courts, unlike in the EU, where individuals can challenge the admissibility of such evidence through the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. The UK, however, does not have the same protections, and Gill's legal team claims this would breach his fundamental rights. The Minister for Justice argued that EncroChat messages are admissible in both the EU and the UK, and that Gill has multiple avenues to challenge their use in UK courts, including through the European Court of Human Rights. The court has remanded Gill in custody ahead of a bail hearing, with a judgment on extradition to be delivered later.
Discrimination complaints against the organiser of a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament have been dismissed by a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator. The claims, brought under the Equal Status Act 2000 by Michail Michailidis, Makarios Michailidis, and Elena Arabova-Michailidis against Grappling Industries Corp, were thrown out after the hearing was disrupted by the claimant. The adjudicator, Michael McEntee, had to leave the room due to the disruptive and loud behaviour of Michail Michailidis, who was representing himself and the other complainants. Despite attempts by the adjudication officer and a representative from the Citizens' Advice Service to proceed, the hearing could not continue. A porter also intervened, asking Michail Michailidis to stop shouting as it was causing disturbance. The adjudicator had previously warned the claimants of potential termination of the case due to the disruptive conduct, but received no response. As a result, the adjudicator concluded that the case was not properly founded and therefore unsuccessful, citing a High Court ruling on the termination of similar cases for disruptive behaviour at hearings.
A Circuit Court Judge has refused to remand a woman on bail for her role in facilitating a criminal organisation, despite noting that there are currently 53 mattresses on the prison floor. Judge Brian O'Callaghan stated that the defendant, Tamara Olaye, has had poor compliance with bail conditions in the past. Olaye, from Galway, pleaded guilty to money laundering offences between 2022 and 2024. Gardai obtained warrants to access her bank accounts and found over €20,000 transferred to a third party. Olaye claimed the money came from her work in beauty and fast food, but gardai linked it to organised crime. The court heard that Olaye had failed to sign on 41 times and was not residing at her address on eight occasions. Her defence counsel requested a Probation Report, which the judge agreed to. Olaye was remanded into custody until July 23, with the judge emphasizing the need to protect the public despite the prison conditions.
Jonathan Gill, aged 44, faced a High Court bail hearing in connection with an extradition warrant issued by Northern Irish authorities. He is charged with murder in relation to the death of Robbie Lawlor on 4 April 2020, and with possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol between 2 and 5 April 2020. Both charges carry potential life sentences. The Criminal Assets Bureau has assessed a liability of over €860,000 against Mr Gill, primarily comprising interest on unpaid income tax dating to 2005. Gardaí objected to bail, citing the seriousness of charges, alleged links to organised crime, and concerns regarding access to cash and potential flight risk. Mr Gill's father offered an independent surety of €100,000, which the State accepted as suitable. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath adjourned the bail application to 3 June, pending clarification regarding Mr Gill's tax payments. The extradition hearing is scheduled for the same date.
A café manager, Vedrana Miskic, has won €3,500 in compensation after her former employer, Aspenvale Ltd, was found to have engaged in discriminatory harassment. The incident occurred at The Cake Café in Dublin 8, where Miskic claimed her boss, Giulio Takacs, belittled her accent by referring to her as 'Sofía Vergara,' a Colombian-born actress. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) upheld two employment rights breaches against Aspenvale Ltd. Miskic alleged that Takacs made racist and sexist remarks and created an uncomfortable work environment. She also claimed that Takacs accused her of failing to inform a former employee about payroll changes. Takacs denied making discriminatory comments but admitted to using the nickname. Adjudication officer Catherine Byrne found that Miskic was credible and that Takacs had manipulated WhatsApp messages. The harassment was deemed a breach of the Employment Equality Act 1998, and Miskic was awarded four weeks' wages in compensation. Additionally, Aspenvale Ltd was found to have breached the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994 by not providing a written statement of job conditions. The total compensation awarded was €7,524.
Ben Whelan, a 26-year-old diabetic man, was acquitted of public order charges after being found slumped over a railing in Ballsbridge. The court heard conflicting accounts from gardaí and the defense about whether Whelan was suffering a medical emergency or acting aggressively drunk. Whelan claimed he was in need of insulin and repeatedly told gardaí he required medical help. His girlfriend testified that he was unwell due to a lack of insulin and that she informed the gardaí of his condition. Judge Anne Watkin dismissed the charges, noting the lack of detailed notes and the possibility that Whelan was experiencing a medical episode rather than being intoxicated. The judge acknowledged that Whelan had admitted to being aggressive but questioned whether his actions met the legal threshold for a public order offense. The court ruled that there was enough doubt to dismiss both charges, considering the possibility that Whelan was in need of medical assistance rather than being drunk. Ben Whelan pleaded not guilty.
A man charged with murder at a Wicklow playground has pleaded guilty to violent disorder and producing a knife during a fight. Patrick Fitzpatrick admitted to using unlawful violence and producing a knife in the course of a fight at Ballywaltrim playground in Bray. He had also been charged with the murder of William Moorehouse, but the trial for that charge has been vacated. Fitzpatrick will appear again in July for a sentencing hearing. The court heard that the incident involved multiple individuals and that Fitzpatrick's actions were part of a broader altercation. His guilty plea to the lesser charges has led to the dismissal of the murder charge for now, with the focus shifting to sentencing for the violent disorder and weapon-related offense.
A Brazilian national, Gabrial Fereira Motta Valladares, is facing trial on three counts of attempted murder after allegedly slashing three men in Dublin's Stoneybatter area on February 9, 2025. The accused is also charged with assault causing harm to the same men, as well as possession of a black scissors and a Tactix box-cutter knife. The trial, which is expected to last three weeks, is scheduled to begin on November 9, 2026. The case was listed for case management on July 3, 2026. Gardaí, including unarmed officers and detectives supported by Armed Support Units, responded to the incident, and the accused was initially intercepted and detained by an unarmed plainclothes garda. The charges stem from the alleged slashing-type neck wounds sustained by the victims during the attack.
A Limerick teenager has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to helping a criminal gang possess a firearm with intent to endanger life last year. John O'Donovan (19), of Valley View, O'Malley Park, Southill, Limerick, will appear before the court again on July 13 for a sentencing hearing. The charge to which he entered the plea states that between April 26 and May 8, 2025, O'Donovan, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation, participated in or contributed to activity intending to, or being reckless as to whether such participation or contribution could, facilitate the commission of a serious offence by that criminal organisation or any of its members, to wit, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. In a related matter, Shane Blackhall (21) of Mungret Court, Watergate Flats, Limerick, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, cannabis and diamorphine for sale or supply at Mungret Court on June 10, 2025.
A man accused of repeatedly slapping his wife after she did not cook him dinner has been granted bail, despite telling gardai he would 'go to India and not return'. The accused, in his forties, is charged with assault causing harm under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Garda James Norris stated the alleged incident occurred late at night when the man returned home intoxicated. He allegedly slapped his wife multiple times, pulled her duvet, and followed her into the kitchen, where he slapped her again, causing her to fall. The alleged victim, who was not present at the hearing, is now seeking a safety order through the Family Courts. Garda Norris opposed bail, citing the accused's flight booking to India and his potential flight risk. The defence, led by Patricia Camillon, argued the accused has strong family ties, works part-time, and cares for their children. She noted his limited English and that he had a return flight booked. The accused is willing to surrender his passport permanently and has no prior court history.
Jonathan Gill, aged 44 and with an address in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court in relation to an extradition warrant issued by Belfast Magistrates' Court. Mr Gill is wanted in Northern Ireland to face charges of murder in connection with the death of Robbie Lawlor in April 2020, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. His legal team sought an adjournment of the bail hearing to review documentation from State bodies covering interactions spanning two decades, received late on the previous day. Counsel indicated she was unable to advise the court on the timeframe required for this review. Mr Justice Sean Gillane adjourned proceedings to 3 June, with liberty to apply for an earlier hearing. The extradition hearing is scheduled for the same date. The defence has raised concerns regarding the admissibility of proposed evidence under EU law provisions, despite its validity under United Kingdom law.