Shane Murray, a teenager with 81 previous convictions, was on bail when he punched a homeless man, leaving him with fractures to his skull and face. Murray assaulted Damien Merrigan on a Dublin street in 2023, but left the country after gardai identified him. Merrigan remained in hospital for seven days and later died in 2025. Murray pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm. CCTV footage showed Murray placing something on his hand before the assault. He was identified from CCTV and returned voluntarily in 2024. His defence highlighted his troubled background, including a lack of a father figure and drug use. The prosecution argued for a sentencing range of ten to 15 years due to the unprovoked nature of the assault and the use of an implement. The defence requested a lower sentencing range. Murray's mother was in court to support him. Judge Jonathan Dunphy adjourned the case until Friday to consider the sentencing.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister asked why the victim hadn't screamed during the attack, a court has heard. The 24-year-old defendant, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim, who was not present in court, prepared a victim impact statement detailing the emotional distress and self-harm she experienced following the attack. The court heard that the victim tried to shout out during the assault but found she had no voice. She later told her sister, who confronted the accused, and he denied the allegations, asking why the victim had not screamed. The victim later told her mother part of what had happened, leading to a garda investigation. The defendant, who has no previous convictions, has been in custody since his conviction in April. His defence counsel noted that the accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has not been in trouble with the law previously or since.
A judge has refused to release transcripts of the criminal trials of Michael Shine to the lawyer overseeing a scoping inquiry into how the case was handled, until the complainants have been notified. Shine, who worked at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from 1964 to 1995, was convicted in 2017 and 2019 of sexually assaulting nine complainants. The Government approved an independent scoping exercise in response to requests from Dignity4Patients. Senior counsel Lorcan Staines, the independent facilitator, applied for the release of trial transcripts, but Judge Patricia Ryan ruled that the court could not go against Supreme Court precedent, which states that complainants must be informed before transcripts are released. Staines argued that the information would not be made public, but the judge emphasized that complainants should be aware of where their details are going. The judge allowed the release of indictments on a limited basis. Staines said he had spoken to many complainants and that his report is due soon.
The jury in the longest-running familial abuse trial in the history of the State has found one man guilty of two counts of raping his deaf niece. The 48-year-old defendant, referred to as Accused B, was convicted of two counts of rape on two occasions between 2008 and 2014. The jury is still deliberating on two further counts against him, as well as 16 additional charges against the other five defendants. The trial, which began last October, involves six men aged between 33 and 55, who face a combined total of 20 charges, including 16 related to the main complainant, who is deaf. The abuse is alleged to have occurred over a 19-year period between 1995 and 2014. The trial has seen some charges withdrawn by the Director of Public Prosecutions, but the jury is continuing its deliberations. The court heard that the defendant admitted to gardaí that he had sex with his niece when she was in her early 20s, and the jury found him guilty of two counts of rape at her grandparents' house. The unnamed 48-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 39-year-old man from Mullingar, Gary O'Shaughnessy, was found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity after attacking his partially blind brother with a hammer and knife. The jury reached a unanimous verdict within 32 minutes, noting that O'Shaughnessy suffered from schizophrenia and was under the influence of delusional beliefs that he and his brother were cursed. The defense argued that O'Shaughnessy's mental illness rendered him incapable of understanding the nature of his actions. Psychiatrists testified that he believed the only way to avert a post-apocalyptic curse was to kill his brother. The court accepted that O'Shaughnessy had not been drinking on the day of the attack and that his mental disorder prevented him from knowing the wrongfulness of his actions. Judge Tony Hunt commended the jury for their prompt decision and ordered O'Shaughnessy's commitment to the Central Mental Hospital for psychiatric assessment. The victim, Mark O'Shaughnessy, was found in a critical condition with severe injuries, and the case was described as a "terrible shroud of sadness" by the defense. Gary O'Shaughnessy was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
A 39-year-old man, who has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of his vulnerable brother, told gardai that he tried to kill his sibling with a hammer and by slitting his neck and wrists, a Central Criminal Court jury has heard. Gary O'Shaughnessy is charged with the attempted murder of his brother Mark O'Shaughnessy (42) at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. The brothers were living at Ailesbury House at the time. He is further charged with intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to his brother on the same date and at the same location. Mr O'Shaughnessy has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both charges. Opening the prosecution's case, Ronan Kennedy SC said there is no dispute that the accused attempted to kill and cause serious harm to his brother by stabbing him and striking him on the head with a hammer. Counsel said the case will centre on the mental state of the accused.
A 19-year-old woman waived her anonymity and told the Central Criminal Court that she refuses to remain silent about repeated oral rape during childhood. Noel O'Neill was convicted of three counts committed when the victim was aged between six and 12. The court adjourned finalisation of the case to June 15 and remanded O'Neill in continuing custody. Noel O'Neill pleaded not guilty.
Adrian Behan was found not guilty by reason of insanity of 23 criminal damage charges and 10 theft counts involving telecommunications sites in Mayo and Galway. A jury at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court returned the unanimous special verdict after hearing that he had been experiencing an acute psychotic episode caused by schizophrenia.
A wealthy New Yorker, Henry McGowan, has been found not guilty of murdering his father at a five-star resort in Co Laois by reason of insanity. The 12 jurors accepted evidence from two psychiatrists that McGowan, who was suffering from schizoaffective disorder, was not in control of his actions when he killed his father, John McGowan, at Ballyfin Demesne hotel. Defence counsel Michael Bowman SC argued that the case was tragic, as the father had prioritised his son's well-being over his own. Prosecuting counsel Brendan Grehan SC said John McGowan had travelled from the US to help his son, only to be killed. The trial heard that Henry had a history of mental health issues, including a manic episode in 2022 and a subsequent involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital in Paris. He had also experienced delusional beliefs, including the idea that his father was an imposter. The jury reached a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity after deliberating for just over an hour.
A trial has heard that Henry McGowan, accused of murdering his father John McGowan at a five-star resort in Co Laois, suffered from schizoaffective disorder and was under the delusional belief that his father needed to be sacrificed to protect the plane. Two psychiatrists testified that McGowan was experiencing an acute psychotic episode and met the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The trial heard that McGowan had previously lunged at a family on a flight to Paris in 2022, believing he needed to sacrifice an infant to prevent a war. He was involuntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Paris for 28 days and later received long-term antipsychotic treatment in the US. McGowan's mental state was described as profoundly psychotic, with delusions that his father was an imposter involved in a conspiracy. He believed he was ordained by God to kill his father, who he saw as a source of evil. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the possibility of a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict.
The trial of Henry McGowan, accused of murdering his father John McGowan at a five-star resort in Co Laois, has heard that the accused described impulsive behavior such as buying a pink coat in Harrods and renting a Lamborghini in Paris in the lead-up to the murder. Consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks testified that McGowan was experiencing a relapse of schizoaffective disorder and met the criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. McGowan, who is independently wealthy, had previously been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and had been treated with antipsychotic medication. His family expressed grave concerns for his mental health, and his father had traveled to Ireland on a 'mission of mercy' to help him. McGowan described his father as an imposter involved in a conspiracy and believed he was ordained by God to kill him. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the possibility of a not guilty by reason of insanity verdict.
Henry McGowan, a 31-year-old US national, described in detail how he strangled his 66-year-old father with his bare hands, putting a full fist into his throat, just over an hour after arriving at a five-star midlands resort. The prosecution's case outlined that McGowan had pleaded not guilty to the murder of his father by reason of insanity. The trial heard that McGowan was under the delusion that the person he was killing was not his father but an imposter. Expert psychiatrists for both the prosecution and defense agreed that McGowan was experiencing a relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his father. The prosecution's barrister, Will Fennelly, outlined that McGowan had previously encountered mental health challenges and had not been taking his medication. McGowan arrived at Dublin airport on November 11, 2024, and was later found at the Ballyfin Demesne hotel where he killed his father. McGowan told gardai that he had killed his father and that he had strangled him in a bathroom. The unnamed accused was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
A High Court judge has praised a woman who was sexually abused by her uncle for her victim impact statement, which she said would help other survivors 'find their voices'. Justice Karen O'Connor told the woman that she should be proud of what she had done to help other victims. The woman's uncle, now aged 63, had pleaded not guilty to a number of charges but was convicted by a jury following a trial last year on three charges of indecent assault. The offences occurred between February 1988 and December 1988 in the child's grandmother's home, where the uncle was living. The court heard that the then 25-year-old man would regularly get into bed with the then five-year-old child naked and rub his body against her. Ms Justice O'Connor remanded the man in custody and adjourned sentencing to later this month. She spoke directly to the complainant and thanked her for her 'very eloquent and detailed report'.
Ross O'Rourke, aged 31, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after stabbing his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, 65, 18 times during a psychotic episode in October 2022. A jury of five men and seven women returned a unanimous verdict. O'Rourke claimed he believed his father was linked to criminals and the IRA and that he had received coded messages urging him to kill. Psychiatrists for both sides agreed he suffered from a schizophrenic disorder at the time of the killing. Dr Dearbhla Duffy, at a hearing, stated he continues to lack capacity for informed decisions and needs ongoing inpatient care at the Central Mental Hospital. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered his commitment for treatment, with reviews every six months. The family of the deceased remains in grief. The case highlights the application of the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006.
The family of Maud Coffey, a woman killed by her partner Austin Mangan during a relapse of his schizoaffective disorder, expressed devastation and disbelief over her death. They criticized the HSE Mental Health Services for not providing adequate care, as Mangan had not been taking his medication for three months before the incident. The family agreed with the jury's verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity but emphasized the need for improved mental health services. Mangan had sought help the day before the killing but was sent away with an appointment for the following week. The family described Maud as a 'loving and gentle creature' who had her own mental health struggles. They expressed the impact of her death on their family, including the loss of future plans and the difficulty in explaining her death to their children. The trial revealed that Mangan had a long-standing history of mental illness and had been admitted to mental health services on 30 occasions. The family called for changes to prevent similar tragedies and expressed their support for Mangan's recovery.
A man who stabbed his 'friendly and soft-hearted' father 18 times during a psychotic episode has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity. Ross O'Rourke, who had a previous address in Tullow, Carlow, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, in Kinnegad, Co Westmeath in 2022. The jury returned a unanimous verdict in just 29 minutes, with the judge describing the trial as 'extremely difficult, especially for those who have lost a loved one.' Psychiatrists agreed that O'Rourke was suffering from a schizophrenic mental disorder at the time of the killing and met the criteria for the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The trial heard that O'Rourke developed a delusion that his father was mixed up with criminals and the IRA and that he posed a threat to his life. He stabbed his father to death and then drove to a hospital, where he told his grandmother he had killed her son.
A fire drill delayed jury deliberations in the trial of a man who stabbed his father to death during a psychotic episode. Ross O'Rourke, 31, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to murdering his father. Psychiatrists agreed he was suffering from a mental disorder and met the criteria for the special verdict. O'Rourke believed his father was involved with criminals and the IRA and heard voices telling him to kill him. He stabbed his father 18 times. His defense described his father as a kind and warm-hearted man. The prosecution argued O'Rourke intended to kill his father but the psychiatrists concluded he was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions due to his mental state. The jury was told to return on Monday after the fire drill.
The jury in the trial of Billy Burns, a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother, has ceased deliberations for the weekend and will reconvene on Monday. Burns has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, who was found dead at her home in 2022. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Burns' treating psychiatrist, Dr. Eugene Morgan, argued that he met the criteria for the special verdict, while Dr. Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, stated that Burns understood the nature of his actions. The prosecution has argued that Burns' violent behavior was not due to mental illness but rather drug and alcohol abuse. The jury can return one of four verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, or not guilty.
A jury is expected to begin deliberations in the trial of a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother. The accused, Billy Burns, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was suffering from a manic episode related to bipolar disorder when he killed his mother. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution argues that Burns' actions were not explained by psychiatric illness but by drug and alcohol abuse. The defence maintains that Burns was mentally unwell and did not understand the nature of his actions. The jury has been instructed on the law and the evidence, and deliberations are set to begin tomorrow. The case has drawn significant attention due to the accused's mental health and the nature of the crime.
A prosecution counsel has urged the jury to consider whether the accused, Billy Burns, is attempting to 'pull the wool' over their eyes by feigning psychosis to secure a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. In his closing speech, Mr Sean Guerin SC argued that Burns's violent actions towards his mother were driven by drug and alcohol abuse rather than mental illness. He highlighted the lack of evidence supporting Burns's claim of psychosis and pointed out inconsistencies in his statements to psychiatrists. The defense, led by Anthony Sammon SC, countered that the prosecution's psychiatrist did not effectively challenge the defense's expert opinion. The case centers on whether Burns's mental disorder absolves him of criminal responsibility, with the prosecution emphasizing that Burns understood the nature of his actions and was not genuinely suffering from psychosis. The jury must determine if Burns's claim of insanity is a fabrication to avoid conviction. The trial continues with the judge's charge to the jury expected to be delivered tomorrow.
Helen O'Leary, 75‑year‑old sister of the deceased Miriam Burns, told the jury that she had spoken to Miriam on the phone three weeks before Miriam's death, saying she would have to let her son Billy "go", but Miriam did not want to hear it. O'Leary described Billy as having a manic episode linked to bipolar disorder at the time of the killing, shouting and talking to himself, and being drug‑addicted. She recalled that Miriam had called her upset, saying Billy had "gone out the door" and was "the worst ever that night". O'Leary also said Billy had called her a "fu**ing bitch" and that his siblings were afraid of him. The trial heard two consultant psychiatrists: Eugene Morgan, who said Billy qualified for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Stephen Monks, who said Billy understood the nature of his actions.
Two consultant psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Billy Burns, 55, who killed his mother Miriam Burns, 75, in August 2022, qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr Eugene Morgan, the defence's psychiatrist, testified that Burns was hypomanic at the time of the murder and later deteriorated to mania, with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. He argued that Burns' mental illness meant he did not understand the nature or wrongness of his actions and could not refrain from them, satisfying the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. In contrast, Dr Stephen Monks, the Director of Public Prosecutions' psychiatrist, concluded that Burns' mania, though present, did not remove his capacity to understand the wrongness of his act and therefore did not support a special verdict. Both doctors were cross‑examined by the defence before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women.
An 85‑year‑old former Dublin school teacher was convicted by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of 28 counts of indecent assault against eight boys, with the alleged offences occurring between 1978 and 1989. The jury delivered majority verdicts after more than seven hours of deliberation. The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, made no reaction when the verdicts were read. Judge Elma Sheahan thanked the jury, remanded the defendant on continuing bail, adjourned the case to next month, and directed the preparation of victim impact statements.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing, a man accused of breaching a safety order by sending messages to his teenage son on a PlayStation was found not to have a valid case. Judge Patricia McNamara struck the case out after determining the safety order dated 10 February 2022 lacked a judge's signature and contained a handwritten condition with illegible initials, rendering it legally ineffective. The prosecution's evidence relied on screenshots of PlayStation messages that could not be verified because the console had never been examined by gardaí. The messages, which included Star Wars references such as "I'm your father, don't forget" and "You don't know the power of the dark side," were deemed unreliable. The judge concluded there was no case to answer and dismissed the proceedings. The unnamed accused had the case struck out.
The Central Criminal Court will decide in September whether the State should pay the legal costs of Diarmuid Phelan, a law lecturer and farmer who was acquitted of murdering a trespasser on his farm. Phelan, who has assets in the millions, did not apply for legal aid and instructed four counsel and expert witnesses during his 10‑week trial that ended in January. He maintained that he fired three warning shots in self‑defence and that the fatal shot was accidental. The jury agreed with his defence, finding he was entitled to defend himself when threatened on his land. Sean Guerin SC, one of Phelan's senior counsel, argued that the verdict should entitle Phelan to his costs and that the State's suggestion that even those of means should apply for legal aid misrepresents the scheme. John Byrne SC for the DPP countered that an acquittal does not automatically create a presumption in favour of costs. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
The jury heard that the 24‑year‑old Moldovan national Valeriu Melnic, who stabbed Ion Daghi to death with a kitchen knife, was heavily intoxicated after drinking three bottles of "firewater." Melnic pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The defence argued that intoxication and provocation should reduce the charge to manslaughter, citing Melnic's memory loss and the alleged assault by Daghi. The prosecution countered that Melnic's statement "I will kill you" and the circumstances of the struggle showed intent to kill, making murder the appropriate verdict. Judge Keane explained that intoxication is not a full defence to murder and that provocation must be a sudden, complete loss of self‑control. The jury was instructed to decide between guilty of murder or guilty of manslaughter. Valeriu Melnic was acquitted.
A migrant worker has vowed to appeal after the Workplace Relations Commission dismissed his discrimination complaint against the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage regarding the Local Authority Home Loan Scheme. Aloke Tirawy alleged he faced unlawful discrimination based on his non-EU nationality when Mayo County Council and Meath County Council rejected three mortgage applications in 2024. Though Mr Tirawy met eligibility criteria including a five-year residency requirement, the Housing Agency declined his applications citing a 2023 credit policy not publicly available. Adjudicator Brian Dolan ruled the complaint was misdirected, finding the local authorities rather than the Housing Agency were the service providers and therefore the proper respondents. Mr Dolan expressed sympathy with arguments that the Department's approach fragmented accountability, but concluded the complaints were not well-founded on procedural grounds. Mr Tirawy's solicitor has indicated an intention to pursue the matter further through the courts.
After Richard Satchwell was found guilty of murdering his wife of 25 years, Tina Satchwell's half‑sister Lorraine Howard and cousin Sarah Howard spoke outside the Criminal Courts of Justice. They thanked the judge, jury and the legal team for their professionalism and for bringing the case to a verdict. Howard said the family could not fully express their gratitude and that Tina was a precious sister, cousin, auntie and daughter whose loss had a profound impact. Sarah Howard added that during the trial Tina was portrayed in a way that was not true to who she was, describing her as a kind, loving and gentle soul who loved her animals. The family expressed a desire for privacy to begin healing after the justice they felt had been served.
In the Central Criminal Court, Lubomir Puska Junior, aged 38, admitted to lying to Gardaí about his brother Jozef Puska's whereabouts on the day of Ashling Murphy's murder. He first claimed Jozef had been "a bit sad" and left the house in the early afternoon, but later apologized and revealed he had seen Jozef again after 9 pm, describing him as looking beaten and with lacerations. The court heard that Jozef, who was convicted of murdering 23‑year‑old teacher Ashling Murphy on 12 January 2022, had been living with Lubomir and another brother Marek at Lynally Grove. Lubomir and Marek are accused of withholding crucial information, while Jozefina Grundzova and Viera Gaziova are accused of impeding the investigation by burning clothes. All accused plead not guilty. The trial is before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs with a jury of seven men and five women.
The trial of five accused persons in Tullamore, Co Offaly, continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs and a jury. Jozef Puska has been convicted of murdering Ashling Murphy, a 23-year-old schoolteacher, in January 2022. His brother, Marek Puska (36), and Lubomir Puska Jnr (35), are accused of withholding information crucial to the investigation, charged under the Offences Against the State, Amendment Act 1988. Their wives, Jozefina Grundzova (31) and Viera Gaziova (38), are accused of impeding Jozef Puska's apprehension or prosecution by burning his clothes, charged under the Criminal Law Act 1997. All five defendants, who reside at Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, have pleaded not guilty. The court heard that Marek Puska alleged his brother unintentionally "cut" a woman and described the incident as "probably bad." It is alleged that Marek and Lubomir failed to disclose that Jozef returned home with visible injuries and admitted to causing harm. The women are alleged to have burned clothing between January 12 and 14 to impede justice. The trial is ongoing, with no sentencing or finalisation recorded for the current accused.
A judge dismissed the charges against Jamie Shannon, 30, and Edel Doherty, 51, who were accused of identifying the teenage boys who murdered 14‑year‑old Ana Kriégel. The charges were brought under the Children Act 2001, which prohibits the identification of children who appear before the courts. The defendants applied to have the charges dismissed under the Criminal Procedure Act, specifically Section 4E of the Criminal Justice Act 1999, which bars reporting of the hearing, any evidence, and arguments. The judge, Martin Nolan, delivered the decision after a hearing that began the day before. The court's ruling can only be reported as the fact that a case was taken and the decision made, due to the reporting restrictions. The two teenage boys, aged 13 and 14 at the time, had been convicted of Ana Kriégel's murder in June 2019 and were referred to as 'Boy A' and 'Boy B' in that trial.
Jamie Birmingham, 34, of Drumfinn Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10, was fined €1,300 by Tallaght District Court after a hearing that found he was driving a van on the N81 on 4 April 2020 without a licence, tax or insurance. Garda Michael Gleeson reported that Birmingham was stopped at 3.30am, failed to produce the required documents at a nominated Garda station, and had 39 prior convictions, including three for driving without insurance, violent behaviour at a Garda station and failure to comply with Garda direction. Earlier this year he received a four‑month suspended sentence and a four‑year driving ban for driving drunk and without insurance, and was convicted of three counts of no insurance at Blanchardstown District Court.
A jury has begun deliberating on the case of Brian Ibe, 23, who was accused of murdering 65‑year‑old Mr Kennedy after the victim had taken Ibe's mother into his home. Ibe pleaded not guilty to murder by reason of insanity. Two defence psychiatrists, Dr Stephen Monks and Dr Gaurav Malhan, diagnosed him with schizophrenia, stating he could not control his actions and did not understand their nature. The prosecution's psychiatrist, Dr Mary Davoren, disagreed, diagnosing a dis‑social personality disorder and asserting Ibe met the criteria for the special verdict. The trial also covered Ibe's assault on Garda Brendan O'Donnell, for which he pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Justice Melanie Greally instructed the jury to apply a "healthy skepticism" to the conflicting expert evidence and to consider diminished responsibility if the schizophrenia diagnosis is accepted but the disorder did not fully impair his control.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, consultant psychiatrist Dr Mary Davoren testified that the murder accused, Brian Ibe, first reported hearing voices more than a year after being remanded, on the same day his awareness of a possible not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict was documented. Dr Davoren argued that Ibe's dis‑social personality disorder, not schizophrenia, explained his behaviour. She noted no evidence of hallucinations or psychosis at the time of the offence, only regular cannabis use. Ibe, 23, had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of 65‑year‑old Peter Kennedy and for assaulting Garda Brendan O'Donnell. Dr Davoren said Ibe's deliberate actions—traveling to Kildare, breaking in, stabbing Kennedy—showed intent and knowledge of wrongdoing, undermining a special verdict. The trial will continue before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Brian Ibe, aged 23, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of Peter Kennedy, 65, who had taken his mother, Martha Ibe, into his home after she was living in a car. Ibe was diagnosed with schizophrenia by consultant psychiatrist Dr Gauruv Malhan, who said the mental disorder prevented him from restraining himself. Kennedy was stabbed repeatedly in the neck on 28 April 2020 and died on 12 May 2020. The prosecution, represented by Paul Carroll SC, argued that Ibe did not meet the legal criteria for a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict. Martha Ibe testified that Ibe had become aggressive after smoking cannabis, had delusions of "devil worshippers", and had threatened to kill Kennedy.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 38‑year‑old husband and his 41‑year‑old sister‑in‑law were convicted of assault after a domestic dispute over laundry. The husband was found guilty of two counts of assault causing harm and one count of common assault, while the sister‑in‑law was convicted of two counts of assault causing harm. The incident occurred at the couple's shared home, where the husband and his wife argued upstairs, then the husband slapped the wife, who was later struck by the sister‑in‑law. The wife suffered bruises, cuts and breathing difficulties and was taken to hospital. She has since moved to emergency accommodation and has expressed that the abuse has caused her health problems and emotional distress. The defendants denied the allegations and had no prior convictions.
Charles Colthrust, owner of Blarney Castle, has been granted leave by the High Court to challenge two convictions—drink driving on the M8 in October 2024 and dangerous driving on the M8 in September 2023—on the basis that crucial CCTV footage was lost. The convictions were handed down by Fermoy District Court after the court found the requested CCTV relevant. Colthrust's lawyers had requested preservation of the footage in November 2023, but the footage was overwritten after 28 days and could not be recovered from the public office channel. Defence technicians later retrieved footage from 16 other channels, but not the relevant one. The High Court has ordered a stay of the convictions pending the judicial review, with the case adjourned to April 2026. The review will consider whether the loss of the footage affected the fairness of the proceedings. The case remains at the High Court stage.
Three men—Anthony Hickey (39), Fabio Vicente (42) and Matin Zolfaghari (34)—were found guilty of rape, oral rape and sexual assault against a woman who was recorded repeatedly saying "no" during the attack. The offences took place on 31 August 2019 at an unknown location in a car and in a Dublin house. The jury, after 13 hours of deliberation, returned guilty verdicts on six of the seven charges. Hickey was convicted of rape, oral rape and sexual assault; Vicente of two counts of rape; and Zolfaghari of oral rape. The men pleaded not guilty to the remaining counts. The judge remanded all three men in custody, adjourned the case for sentencing to 10 March and directed the preparation of a victim impact statement. The complainant was present at the verdicts and the court heard her testimony of being drugged, of memory gaps and of being raped twice in a car and once in a house.
Sean Kavanagh (26) was found not guilty of murder by direction of the trial judge, but remains in the case until the jury gives a verdict. He and co‑accused Calvin Dunne (24) pleaded not guilty to the murder of Dylan McCarthy (29) and to violent disorder on 21 August 2022. Kavanagh pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to Eamon McCarthy. He claimed he was defending himself after a fight spilled onto the street from the Bellyard pub, stating a large man in his 50s had attacked him and he responded to protect a friend. The prosecution argued that McCarthy died after punches and a "vicious kick" from Dunne, citing CCTV and a pathologist's report of a tear to the vertebral artery. The trial continues tomorrow.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Philip Marley (53) pleaded guilty to forging deeds and deceiving the Property Registration Authority, while Herbert Kilcline (63) was convicted on eight counts for using false instruments, failing to keep records, and fraudulently registering two rental properties. The false deeds altered ownership of a Phibsborough Road property and a St Mary's Road house, listing non‑owners as title holders. Marley directed searches and engaged a third party to produce maps, and Kilcline prepared a 'Form 3' for registration. The fraudulent registration caused a tenant, ADT/Johnson Controls, to pay €21,000 in March 2018, which was transferred to a U.S. account, and a settlement of €245,250 was paid. The High Court later removed the false registrations, but the Property Registration Authority has not recovered the losses. Both defendants complied with bail and court appearances, and a probation report is pending.
The partner of a man convicted of raping three children between 1999 and 2002 has asked the sentencing judge to give him the "best present" and set him free, claiming he did nothing wrong. The defence counsel argued the defendant was not a danger to the public, had been trustworthy for 24 years, and questioned the benefit of imprisonment. The court heard victim impact statements from two of the victims, who described lasting trauma, loss of trust, and mental health issues. The third victim did not give a statement. The judge adjourned sentencing to 19 December. The article reports the defendant's convictions for sexual assault, oral and anal rape of children aged 7 to 10, and prior convictions for traffic offences and criminal damage. No sentencing outcome is provided in the article.
A law professor, Diarmuid Phelan, aged 56, is on trial for the murder of Keith Conlon, 36, who died from a gunshot wound to the head after an incident at Phelan's farm on 24 February 2022. Phelan, a barrister and farmer, claims he fired his revolver in the air over trespassers and was stunned when one man fell. He has pleaded not guilty. The trial has heard evidence that three men – Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan – were trespassing while hunting. Phelan's shooting record is cited: bronze medals in three pistol competitions (B class) and a gold in a bench‑rest rifle event between 2011 and 2013. The prosecution alleges the third shot was aimed at Conlon, who was shot in the back of the head. The case will continue tomorrow before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Diarmuid Phelan was convicted.
Robert Murphy, aged 42, was convicted of murder after a Central Criminal Court jury found him guilty of killing 24‑year‑old Jamie Kavanagh in a hostel on Harrington Street, Dublin, on 19 April 2023. Murphy entered Kavanagh's room wearing a balaclava and armed with a knife, telling Gardaí he wanted to kill the victim "stone dead". He claimed he had only entered to frighten Kavanagh, but the jury rejected this defence. The trial heard that Kavanagh was stabbed with multiple sharp‑object wounds, the fatal 13‑cm wound on his left flank caused by one of Kavanagh's own knives. Murphy was found guilty of murder and was remanded in custody pending sentencing. The case was adjourned to 16 December for victim impact statements and sentencing. Robert Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A veteran criminal defence solicitor, Cahir O'Higgins (49), has pleaded not guilty to one count of stealing €400 in July 2016 and four counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in December 2017. During a voluntary interview with gardai, O'Higgins stated he returned the €400 to his client, Raul Sanz Quilis, and described providing notes to gardai as a 'grave error of judgement' and 'bullshit notes'. The prosecution alleges that O'Higgins withdrew €600 from Sanz Quilis' bank account, kept €400, and paid €200 to the court to have the case against Sanz struck out. O'Higgins claims he had implied permission from Sanz Quilis to use the card and that he returned the €400. He also said he provided notes to gardai in December 2017, which he later admitted were inaccurate and not contemporaneous. O'Higgins acknowledged he represented Sanz Quilis without explicit instructions and admitted to providing misleading information to gardai.
In the Special Criminal Court, Thomas 'Nicky' McConnell, aged 38, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Gareth Hutch, 36, on 24 May 2016. Barrister Mark Lynam SC argued that McConnell does not match the description of the gunman given by witnesses. Key witness Mary McDonnell, who spent hours in the gunmen's apartment, could not identify McConnell from photographs and described the gunman as having a blonde hair‑lock from the forehead, whereas McConnell has closely cropped black or dark hair. Another witness also described the alleged gunman as blonde. CCTV footage cited by the prosecution, showing McConnell with the second gunman, Jonathan Keogh, was said by Lynam to depict a man of smaller build with different facial features. Lynam acknowledged that McConnell was involved in criminal activity before the shooting and was in possession of a BMW intended as a getaway vehicle, but he stressed that this does not prove McConnell was a shooter. Nicky' McConnell was acquitted.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court is considering whether cannabis-induced psychosis constitutes a mental disorder that could support an insanity defence in the trial of James Kilroy, charged with the murder of his wife Valerie French Kilroy at their home in Kilbree Lower, Westport, County Mayo, between 13th and 14th June 2019. Mr Justice Tony Hunt charged the jury following conflicting expert psychiatric evidence. The defence called Dr Ronan Mullaney and Dr Lisa Wootton, who concluded that Mr Kilroy was experiencing drug-induced or acute psychotic disorder and met criteria for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution's Professor Harry Kennedy argued that cannabis-induced conditions fall within intoxication, which cannot constitute a legal defence. The judge instructed the jury to determine the ordinary meaning of "intoxicating influence" in this context. The prosecution closing submission questioned whether the defence experts' conclusions withstand scrutiny, whilst the defence emphasised toxicology evidence showing no THC intoxication. The jury, having deliberated less than an hour, will resume tomorrow. The unnamed man was acquitted.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts against five of six defendants charged with the murder of Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery, Tralee, on October 5, 2022. Michael Dooley, 29, of Cork, was found guilty of murder after pleading not guilty; he publicly declared his innocence in the courtroom. The jury also convicted Patrick Dooley, 36, of Killarney; Thomas Dooley Senior, 43, of Cork; and Thomas Dooley Junior, 21, of Cork, all of whom had pleaded not guilty. Thomas Dooley Junior was additionally convicted of assault causing harm to Siobhán Dooley, a charge he also denied. The prosecution alleged the group acted with "medieval violence" using bladed weapons, causing fatal injuries including a severed femoral artery. The matter regarding the sixth defendant, Daniel Dooley, 42, of Tralee, who pleaded not guilty to murder, remains pending. The jury was adjourned to continue deliberations on Thursday, as the court could not sit the following day. No sentences have been imposed, and the trial is not concluded.
The Central Criminal Court has entered the closing stages of a trial involving a 61‑year‑old school soccer coach accused of raping and defiling a teenage student. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to 30 counts of sexual assault, four counts of defilement, one count of rape and one count of anal rape, all alleged to have occurred at unknown locations in the State between September 2007 and February 2010. The complainant was aged 15 to 18 at the time of the alleged offences, while the accused was aged 45 to 47. The judge directed the jury that the defendant would be found not guilty of the 30 sexual assault charges, leaving the four defilement counts, the rape count and the anal rape count for consideration. Prosecutor Fiona Murphy SC urged the jury to be satisfied that the complainant was under 17 and that the accused knew this, citing corroborating evidence.
A Central Criminal Court jury has returned guilty verdicts against three defendants in the murder of Thomas 'Tom' Dooley, a father-of-seven, at Rath Cemetery in Tralee, Co Kerry, on October 5, 2022. The unanimous jury found Thomas Dooley Senior (43) and his son, Thomas Dooley Junior (21), both of Cork, guilty of murder. All three convicted individuals had previously pleaded not guilty. Thomas Dooley Junior was additionally convicted of assault causing harm to the deceased's wife, Siobhán Dooley, who sustained a shoulder wound requiring 45 stitches and 30 staples. The prosecution alleged the victim was attacked by a group armed with bladed weapons, resulting in fatal injuries including a severed femoral artery. The jury's deliberations took over eight hours across two days. The matter remains ongoing as the jury is scheduled to return to court to consider verdicts for the remaining three defendants: Patrick Dooley (36), Michael Dooley (29), and Daniel Dooley (42). These three men, who are also charged with murder and have pleaded not guilty, await their findings. The trial is currently at the finding stage for the first group of defendants, with sentencing yet to be determined.
In the Central Criminal Court, Dr Ronan Mullaney testified that James Kilroy, 51, was likely suffering from drug‑induced psychosis when he strangled, bludgeoned and stabbed his wife Valerie French Kilroy at their home. Mullaney described Kilroy's delusional beliefs that his wife was part of a conspiracy to torture and kill him, and that he heard owls and spoke to God. Kilroy had a long history of cannabis use, including high‑THC strains, and had mixed cannabis with CBD. Mullaney argued that at the time of the killing Kilroy was acutely psychotic and that cannabis use probably contributed to this state. He concluded Kilroy met the criteria for a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. The case will be heard by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with a jury of eight women and four men.