Daniel Kinahan appeared before the Special Criminal Court without legal representation after being extradited from the UAE. He was charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation between 18 October 2015 and 6 April 2017, a period covered by section 71A of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The court, presided over by Justice Patrick McGrath, remanded Kinahan in custody until the next sitting of the Special Criminal Court in October. Kinahan stated that he did not expect to obtain bail and thanked the court for the opportunity to apply. The prosecution was led by Dean Kelly SC and Tessa White BL. The hearing was conducted in an out‑of‑hours sitting, with Kinahan arriving under armed escort from Casement Aerodrome after an Irish Government jet transferred him from Dubai. The court set no trial date at this stage. The case is pending further proceedings. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
A 77-year-old man with 470 previous convictions has been sentenced to two months in jail for threatening and abusive behaviour towards Luas staff. Paddy McCann, who was released on bail but failed to appear in court, was arrested for being intoxicated in a public place and failing to appear in court while on bail. He pleaded guilty to the charges and was sentenced to two months in prison, to run concurrently with his existing three-month sentence for theft and public-order offences. His solicitor, Andrew Vallely, argued that McCann suffers from various medical issues and was more cogent when sober. Judge Anne Watkin noted that McCann had initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea, which did not help his case. She sentenced him to two months in prison, taking into account his medical conditions and the fact that he was already serving another sentence.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
Bruna Da Silveira, the partner of the head of an international crime gang, has been sentenced to three years in jail for her role in running a brothel-keeping organisation in Dublin. The court heard that Da Silveira, who arrived in Ireland on a student visa, was involved in managing the brothels and facilitating the movement of nearly 30 young Brazilian sex workers. She was found to have €737,000 in proceeds from prostitution passing through her accounts between 2024 and 2025. The court heard that the women were subjected to poor working conditions and were only allowed one day off a month. Da Silveira pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation and was sentenced to three years in prison. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Da Silveira's involvement in the criminal organisation and the trans-national movement of money were aggravating factors. She reduced the headline sentence of five years to three and a half years, taking into account mitigating factors such as Da Silveira's guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí.
Barry Wheeler, a 49-year-old rickshaw operator formerly of Cabra Drive, Dublin 7, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the anal and oral rape of a teenage boy. Wheeler pleaded guilty to these charges, which occurred between August and October 2001 when the victim was aged 14 to 15 and working for Wheeler's business. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that Wheeler abused a position of trust and authority, causing profound and lasting effects on the complainant's adult life. Although the court set a headline sentence of 12 years, it reduced this to nine years in mitigation for Wheeler's guilty pleas and cooperation with the investigation. The judge suspended the final year of the sentence on strict conditions, specifically requiring that Wheeler have no contact with the injured party. During sentencing, defense counsel Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC highlighted Wheeler's background and stated that if any part of the sentence was suspended, Wheeler intended to return to the United Kingdom, where he has recently resided. The court commended the injured party's fortitude in reporting the abuse, noting that the conclusion of the case would allow the victim to move forward. Wheeler had previously denied involvement to gardai, claiming the allegations were born of malice, but his guilty plea at trial resolved the matter.
A 72-year-old man who admitted to raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter and sexually assaulting her on multiple occasions between December 2020 and January 2021 has been sentenced to eight years in prison. The victim, now 20, described the severe emotional and psychological impact of the abuse, including anxiety, stress, and fear, which led her to leave home and abandon her education. The judge noted the significant age disparity, breach of trust, and the fact that the abuse occurred in the family home. The man pleaded guilty and expressed remorse, which the court considered as mitigating factors. However, the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the long-term harm caused to the victim. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 12 years due to the man's age and lack of prior convictions. The man will also be under post-release probation supervision.
Paul Rowland, a man who attempted to strangle his partner in her own home, has been jailed for six years. Rowland, who had denied the charges, was convicted of intentionally or recklessly strangling his partner on January 29, 2025. The court heard that the victim had asked Rowland to leave the property but he refused, and the incident occurred in the presence of their infant child. Judge Mary Morrissey noted the high moral culpability in the case and the fact that Rowland had been drinking and was physically and emotionally abusive towards his partner. She set a headline sentence of six and a half years but reduced it to six years, taking into account Rowland's homelessness, his time in custody, and his lack of remorse. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma she experienced, including chronic pain and the impact on her children.
A man in his 20s who threatened to throw acid in his wife's face, called her a 'fat bitch,' and punched her in the stomach while she was pregnant has been jailed for three and a half years for sexual assault and coercive control. The Central Criminal Court heard that the man had a history of abusive behavior, including kicking and punching his wife before they married. During their marriage, he continued to use derogatory language and physically abused her, even threatening her life. The woman described the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse, including feelings of betrayal and the lasting emotional scars. The man was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and coercive control. The judge noted the severity of the abuse and the impact on the victim's life, but also considered the man's early guilty plea and cooperation with the gardai. The sentence was backdated to April 23 of this year.
A 51-year-old man from Offaly has been jailed for 11 years for sexually assaulting a five-year-old girl over a 12-month period. The abuse occurred while the girl and her family were living with her grandparents. The girl disclosed the abuse to her mother when she was eight, and the man was later convicted of 12 counts of oral rape. The court heard that the man had an intellectual disability due to a traumatic brain injury sustained in childhood, but the judge ruled that this did not affect his culpability. The victim's parents expressed their support for their daughter and emphasized that the abuse was not her fault. The judge noted the breach of trust, the girl's age, and the prolonged nature of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man was sentenced to 11 years, with five years of post-release supervision. The judge expressed hope that the girl would be able to move forward with the support of her family.
Fabio De Oliveira Monteiro, a 28-year-old man from Carlow, has pleaded guilty to allowing his bank account to be used to launder €9,650 stolen from a woman through a phishing scam. The victim was tricked into deleting her banking app by a caller posing as her bank, resulting in €19,300 being stolen from her account. Monteiro admitted to providing his account details in exchange for €400, as he was in financial difficulty due to his mother's medical bills and a small drug debt. The court heard that Monteiro has nine previous convictions for road traffic offences and is considered to be at the bottom of the criminal chain in the operation. His defense argued that Monteiro was a victim of others who preyed on his desperation for cash. The judge remanded Monteiro on bail for sentencing next November, noting that he has since secured new employment and is unlikely to come to further garda attention.
Two criminals have been jailed for seven and a half years for their parts in a murder conspiracy targeting Thomas McDonnell, an innocent victim of a "vicious extortion racket". Jason Dunne and Craig Hayes, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder McDonnell, were sentenced by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The court heard that McDonnell, who had no involvement in criminality, was targeted because a family member owed a €100,000 drug debt. The judge noted the level of planning and the fact that the attack happened in broad daylight in a public place, which aggravated the offending. McDonnell, who suffered two bullet wounds and has ongoing health issues, was forced to leave Ireland out of fear for his and his family's safety. The judge set a headline sentence of ten years but reduced it to seven and a half years, taking into account the guilty pleas and lack of remorse from the defendants.
Martin Lyons, a 31-year-old man with 146 previous convictions, has been jailed for three years for threatening to burn down the family home of a Carlow pub owner while armed with a clawhammer. Lyons was on bail at the time of the incident, which occurred in March 2024. He entered the pub claiming that a former employee owed him money and threatened to burn down the owners' home. The court heard that Lyons had significant addiction issues with alcohol and drugs, and had spent time in a residential treatment unit. His defense highlighted his remorse and the support he receives from his family, including his parents and children. The judge set a headline sentence of five years but reduced it to three years, suspending the final 12 months for two years on the condition that Lyons engages with the Probation Service and maintains his sobriety. Martin Lyons pleaded guilty.
James Greengrass, a 25-year-old British man with a significant mental illness, has been ordered to be released from Cork Prison into the care of his parents in the UK to serve the suspended portion of his sentence. Greengrass was found guilty of attempting to cause serious harm to a fellow psychiatric patient by putting him in a chokehold until he turned blue. The court heard that Greengrass believed the victim was a 'shapeshifting demon' who would kill him and his family. His defense argued that his mental illness and the support of his family made it more appropriate for him to be in the UK rather than in Ireland. The judge noted that Greengrass had been institutionalized for three-and-a-half years and that his mental health required ongoing support. The suspended sentence of five years and six months will be served in the UK, with strict conditions including medication compliance and regular contact with gardai.
Sabrina Keogh, aged 40 and resident of St Mary's Park, Carlow, pleaded guilty to the murder of Darren Quigley outside a house in Carlow town on 21 October 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded her in custody until 6 October, when she will be sentenced to a mandatory life imprisonment term for murder. The judge also ordered impact statements from members of the victim's family.
Luke Caplice, a 29-year-old man from Knockane, Ballylooby, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a charge that he attempted to murder Patrick Williams at Knockane on October 11, 2025. The court noted that Caplice is currently being held in Limerick prison but is "anxious to be sentenced in Dublin." Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to November 2 and directed that a victim impact statement be prepared. The case is at the sentence stage, with the plea of guilty recorded. No final sentence has been imposed, and the matter remains adjourned pending the preparation of the victim impact statement and the scheduled hearing date.
Clinton Byrne, aged 44, was jailed for three and a half years after Garda surveillance uncovered €90,220 in criminal cash in a taxi at Fortunestown. The operation, triggered by confidential information, revealed Byrne transporting the money for a criminal organisation. Byrne had previously been convicted in April 2023 for moving €280,000 of heroin, receiving a four and a half year sentence with the final six months suspended. He was out on temporary release when the cash offence occurred. Byrne pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the cash and wrote a letter to Judge Dara Hayes claiming he was coerced and that the job involved only a small amount of money unrelated to drugs. The judge noted the offence was aggravated by his temporary release status and suspended the final year of his earlier sentence, requiring him to keep the peace and engage with the Probation Service for a year after release.
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for 15 years and six months for drugging his daughter and her friends during sleepovers and recording himself raping one of the girls. The man pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, child cruelty, and possession of child pornography. The court heard that the man invited his daughter's friend on a sleepover, drugged her with sleeping pills and muscle relaxants, and then raped her in the woods. The man's phone was seized by gardaí, revealing encrypted footage of the rape and child abuse images. The victims, including the man's daughters and their friends, made victim impact statements detailing the severe emotional and psychological trauma they experienced. The judge noted the breach of trust and the deliberate recording of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man expressed remorse and the judge considered his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 17 years due to the man's cooperation and remorse.
At the Central Criminal Court, an unnamed 45-year-old man was sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of his young daughter. The defendant pleaded guilty to four charges of rape and eight charges of sexual assault, which the State accepted as sample charges representative of a pattern of abuse occurring in their County Wexford home between January 2022 and June 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of 17 years for each rape count and 10 years for each sexual assault count. In mitigation, the judge noted the defendant's early accountability, lack of previous convictions, and good work history. He was sentenced to 13 years for the rapes and seven years and six months for the sexual assaults, all to run concurrently. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended for three years, placing the defendant under Probation Service supervision to follow all necessary directions and treatments. The judge ordered no direct or indirect contact with the victim, including via social media, unless written permission is granted by the victim's mother until the victim turns 18, or by the victim herself thereafter. The defendant is also prohibited from unsupervised access to anyone under 18 and placed under post-release supervision for eight years. The court heard victim impact statements from the daughter and her mother, who described the abuse as a profound betrayal.
A 55-year-old man who raped and sexually abused his stepdaughter from the age of six has been denied permission to withdraw his guilty pleas and has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison. The man pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of attempted rape, and seven counts of sexual assault between 2007 and 2013 in Co Wexford. He initially entered his pleas during the first day of his Central Criminal Court trial in October of last year but later sought to resile from them, an application that was refused. The victim, who was aged between six and 12 at the time of the abuse, has been protected by not naming the defendant. The court heard that the man was in a relationship with the girl's mother and was her de facto stepfather. The abuse included acts such as masturbation, dry humping, and oral sex, and the man would buy the girl toys and sweets as gifts. The abuse stopped for a time before resuming in 2010.
Two Dublin men, Michael Andrecut (24) and Brandon Hennessy (23), have launched appeals against their convictions for their roles in the fatal attack on Tristan Sherry, who shot and killed gangland figure Jason Hennessy Snr in a busy restaurant on Christmas Eve 2023. Andrecut's legal team argued that the trial court failed to adequately consider the element of provocation, as he had just witnessed the fatal shooting of someone close to him. Hennessy's lawyers challenged the prosecution's identification of their client on CCTV footage. The incident occurred when Sherry and another gunman entered Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, shot Hennessy Snr, and were then attacked by Hennessy's party. Three individuals, including Andrecut, were found guilty of murder, while Hennessy was convicted of violent disorder. Andrecut received a life sentence, while Hennessy was jailed for four and a half years, with six months suspended. Hennessy was later sentenced to six years for an unrelated assault. During the sentencing, the court acknowledged the extreme situation but emphasized that unlawful violence cannot be justified.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has decided not to pursue a re-trial and has dropped all charges against Chantelle Harcourt, the partner of double killer Derek Boyd. Harcourt was accused of impeding Boyd's prosecution by making a false statement to gardai. Boyd, who was jailed for life earlier this week, had previously been serving the suspended part of his sentence for killing his sister. Harcourt, who was on trial, had pleaded not guilty to the charge. The State's case was that Harcourt knew about the events that occurred in Boyd's home and deliberately avoided telling the truth to officers. After a three-week trial, the 11 jurors were unable to reach a verdict on the single count against Harcourt. The trial judge remanded Harcourt on continuing bail. Today, the prosecuting counsel informed the court that the DPP was not seeking a retrial and that a nolle prosequi would be entered on the charge against Harcourt. Harcourt was then discharged from the indictment.
An unnamed boy, aged 15 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to a count of defilement at a home in April 2025. He was originally charged with rape and sexual assault. The Central Criminal Court heard that the boy defiled a 16-year-old girl while she was intoxicated and unwell at a house party. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced the now 16-year-old defendant to a period of detention of one year and six months. The judge noted that while all sexual offences are crimes of violence, this incident did not involve gratuitous violence beyond the act itself. A headline sentence of five years for an adult was reduced to two years and three months to account for the boy's youth and immaturity. After considering his personal circumstances, guilty plea, and mitigating factors, the judge determined that a fully non-custodial sentence was not appropriate. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the imposition of sentence until October, when the final six months of the 18-month period of detention will be suspended on strict conditions, including that the boy engage with the Probation Service.
A dangerous driver who gave gardai the 'middle finger' and reached speeds of around 170km/h on the M1 before acting 'extremely aggressively' during his arrest has failed in his appeal to overturn his conviction. Cornelius Kaiser (47) was convicted in the District Court of two counts of dangerous driving on the M1, along with other charges including failing to produce insurance and refusing to provide a blood or urine sample. He received a total of seven months imprisonment and a five-year driving ban. During the appeal, Garda Alan Macklin testified that on December 13, 2023, officers received an anonymous report of dangerous driving. The black Audi was seen weaving through traffic at high speeds, with the driver giving the gardai the middle finger. The vehicle was stopped at the toll, where the driver slammed the brakes and pushed past the barrier. Gardai boxed in the car, leading to Kaiser's arrest. He was highly aggressive and refused to provide a breath sample.
Two High Court judges have criticized solicitors for withdrawing their services from cases involving child complainants and serious historic sexual offending, leading to adjournments. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the situation as 'intolerable,' noting that solicitors were not instructing barristers in several sexual assault cases. This included the sentencing of a Meath defendant for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old in the 1990s. The court heard that the solicitor had withdrawn services despite the complainant being in counseling. Mr Justice Paul McDermott emphasized that lawyers cannot withdraw from cases on the cusp of finalization and adjourned the sentencing hearing to Friday. The judges expressed frustration over the impact of the withdrawals on the justice process, with Mr Justice Hunt noting that the DPP had been informed of the 'industrial action' affecting the cases. The court highlighted the need for legal advisors to be present and for cases to be concluded, even in the face of such challenges. The unnamed 12-year-old pleaded guilty.
Tom Hassett, a retired post office manager, has been jailed for eight years for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in the 1980s. Hassett was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault following a trial. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including her relationships, mental health, and confidence. She stated that the abuse had shaped her experiences and that she had carried the burden of the secret for many years. The judge, Mr Justice David Keane, noted the high breach of trust involved in the case and the significant harm caused to the victim. He imposed a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes but reduced it to eight years, taking into account Hassett's age, health, and otherwise good character. The victim expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that it confirmed the wrongfulness of the acts and that she was finally heard. Hassett denied the charges and was represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, who highlighted his work history and family life.
A trainee pilot, Chris Brady, was jailed for six years after being convicted of raping a sleeping college student during a night out in Dublin. The victim described the incident as an 'ordinary night out' that turned into a traumatic experience, affecting her studies and mental health. Brady claimed the encounter was consensual, but the court found that the victim was asleep when the rape occurred. The victim's impact statement highlighted the profound emotional and psychological impact of the crime, including the feeling of being exposed and humiliated during the trial. Brady's defense argued that his character, including his involvement in charity and sports, should be considered, but the court emphasized the severity of the crime. The judge noted the 'intrinsically higher level' of the sexual violation of a sleeping person and the 'profound' impact on the victim. Chris Brady pleaded guilty.
A serving garda, who was found guilty of child cruelty against his two daughters, now accepts his guilt and acknowledges the serious impact the conviction will have on his career. The 48-year-old defendant was acquitted of two counts of raping his wife but convicted of child cruelty and assault causing harm against his daughters. The court heard that the accused subjected his daughters to 'unreasonable chastisement' for most of their childhood, leading to emotional and psychological trauma. The victim impact statements from both daughters highlighted the lasting effects of their father's behavior, including anxiety, depression, and insecurity. The judge acknowledged the father's acceptance of guilt but noted that the case was fully contested. The man is on bail pending sentencing and will undergo a psychological report as part of the process.
Two Westmeath brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in the mid-nineties have now been identified for the first time. John Owens (72) was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault against three teenage girls. His brother, Martin Owens (66), was also found guilty of sexually assaulting two of the victims. The victims, aged 14 to 17, were babysitting for Owens' children. During the trial, it was revealed that Owens groomed the victims and used alcohol to manipulate them. Martin Owens was sentenced to five years and six months, with the final six months suspended. The victims described the lasting trauma and emotional impact of the abuse. John Owens was sentenced to eight years, with a total headline sentence of 15 years reduced due to guilty pleas. The victims expressed relief in finally having their abusers identified and acknowledged their suffering.
A man who sexually abused and attempted to rape the 12-year-old daughter of his deceased friend has been jailed for nine years. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. The abuse occurred between January 2021 and September 2021. The victim's mother became friends with the accused after her husband's death. The court heard that the accused made the girl sit on his lap and asked her to kiss him and for sex. He also forced her to touch him and attempted to rape her on her birthday. The accused denied the allegations and claimed the girl was "ill in the head". The judge noted the age gap as an aggravating factor and the vulnerable nature of the victim. The accused has previous convictions and struggles with alcohol. The sentence was reduced from 11 years to nine years, taking into account mitigating factors. The unnamed 51-year-old was acquitted.
A man who was 18 when he raped a 15-year-old girl during a birthday party has been jailed for seven years. Patrick Faulkner (24) was convicted of rape after a trial in Limerick. The victim, who wished to waive her anonymity, told the court that Faulkner told her to get the morning after pill after the attack. The victim was at the party with friends and had consumed alcohol. Faulkner followed her upstairs and raped her despite her repeated protests. The victim later told a friend she had been raped and sent a message to a Snapchat group. Faulkner denied the charge, claiming the girl consented. He has previous convictions for harassment and public order offences. The judge noted the victim's mental trauma and the lack of mitigation due to Faulkner's denial. The sentence was reduced from eight and a half years to seven and a half years, taking into account his cooperation with the investigation and his young age at the time of the offence.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister and asked why the victim hadn't screamed has been jailed for six years. The 24-year-old Carlow man was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim described the emotional impact of the attack, including self-harm and feelings of disgust towards her body. The judge noted the age disparity and breach of trust as aggravating factors. The accused denied the allegations and did not express remorse, which limited mitigation. The sentence was suspended for six months, with conditions including good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service. The victim expressed hope for healing with the support of her family and friends. The accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has no previous convictions.
A 32-year-old lorry driver has been jailed for five years for importing over €1 million worth of cannabis through Dublin Port. Andrew Cooley, from Ballyoran, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to importing more than 50 kilos of cannabis at Dublin Port on June 7, 2025. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a seven-year sentence with the final 24 months suspended on strict conditions. During the incident, Cooley was driving an articulated lorry and refrigerated trailer when he was stopped at the port. He initially denied having anything to declare, claiming he was carrying Amazon goods. However, an inspector detected the smell of cannabis and found 31 packages hidden under clothing, with a street value of €1,007,000. Cooley claimed he did not know the value of the drugs and estimated it was worth "10 grand." The court heard that Cooley had eight previous convictions, mainly for road traffic matters, and had been disqualified from driving twice.
Derek Boyd, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a north Dublin home on June 9, 2024. The jury unanimously rejected the defence of self-defence, finding Boyd guilty after a trial where he had pleaded not guilty. Justice Melanie Greally described the killing as senseless and motiveless, noting Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a prior manslaughter sentence for his sister's death when the offence occurred. The court ordered that Boyd's suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter be referred back to the Circuit Court for re-entry. The State entered a nolle prosequi on a separate charge of assault causing harm against Boyd. Chantelle Harcourt, 34, who pleaded not guilty to impeding Boyd's prosecution, remains subject to that charge; the jury recorded a disagreement on the related counts, meaning the matter was not concluded. The victim's family described Boyd as a monster in an emotional impact statement. Boyd's sentence dates from August 5, 2025.
A mentally ill man, Eoghan Peavoy, who was given a suspended sentence for harassing a barrister, has contacted her within days of his release from in-patient psychiatric care, according to court proceedings. Peavoy, who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, was released in October 2025 but contacted the barrister with 14 emails and 21 texts, including sexually suggestive messages. The court heard that Peavoy had previously harassed the barrister for years with sexual and threatening messages, causing her significant distress. He was also before the court for breaching the conditions of his suspended sentence, which included no contact with the victim. The court is considering reactivating the suspended sentence and has requested further reports on Peavoy's mental health and availability of treatment at the Central Mental Hospital. The judge noted that Peavoy's risk of re-offending is high and that the case could not be finalised due to the need for further information. Eoghan Peavoy pleaded guilty.
A naturalised asylum seeker has been jailed for one year after being found in possession of child sexual abuse material, which he distributed on WhatsApp. The defendant, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing the material between September 2021 and May 2022. His lawyers argued that his background as a victim of extreme sexual violence and attempted murder in his home country affected his reaction to the material. The court heard that the material included Category 1 child pornography and was distributed to 12 recipients. The defendant's defence highlighted his mental health issues and the need for professional counselling. Despite the mitigating factors, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final two years for two years. The court noted that the defendant had no previous convictions in Ireland and that he expressed remorse for his actions. The judge ruled that there was no need for a probation supervision order following the man's release from prison.
A judge has spoken out against the toxic masculinity of social media influencers after sentencing a young man to six years in prison for raping a 14-year-old girl. The defendant, who is now 21, pleaded guilty to raping the girl at a house party in Co Clare in July 2024. The victim, who is now 16, was intoxicated and vulnerable when the defendant lured her into a bathroom and raped her. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the defendant's actions had a significant impact on the victim's life and warned against the influence of online pornography and toxic masculinity on young men. The judge reduced the initial sentence of 10 years to seven and a half years, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The sentence was suspended for 18 months, with conditions including no contact with the victim in perpetuity and a ban on sexual offences for 20 years.
A north African doctor has been jailed for 10 years for the rape, coercive control, and assault of his wife over a three-year period. The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm but denied two charges of rape and one of coercive control. He was convicted of these charges following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo. The couple met in north Africa and married in 2010, later having three children. They moved to Ireland in 2017, where the woman did not qualify to work as a doctor and stayed at home. The man worked in various regional hospitals, and the family moved frequently according to his work. The woman testified that her husband used abusive language, isolated her, and imposed financial control. She experienced anxiety and panic attacks due to his behavior. The rape counts relate to two incidents between 2018 and 2019, including one during Ramadan. The court also heard about multiple assaults, including one where the man used a laptop to beat her.
Former Olympic swimming coach George Gibney has accepted the verdicts of the jury who found him guilty of sexually abusing young girls 50 years ago and will not appeal his convictions, his lawyers have said. Gibney, 78, was found guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape of four young swimmers between 1971 and 1981. He was extradited from the United States last year to face the historic allegations. One victim told the court how she had to witness Gibney being "feted and lauded" and "hero-worshipped" by the Irish establishment. The abuse took place at various locations, including Glenalbyn swimming pool and Trojans swim club. The abuse took the form of kissing, inappropriate touching, digital penetration, and forced oral sex.
A 25-year-old man, Jakub Rybar from Dublin 16, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Central Criminal Court. He was originally charged with the murder of Michael McCann in Dublin on or about July 2, 2025. Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the court that Rybar could be arraigned on a second count for the offence of manslaughter. The trial date of October 26 was vacated by the judge. Michael Lynn SC and Carol Doherty BL, defending Rybar, requested a sentence hearing date around December 1 to obtain a psychological report. Ó Dúnlaing mentioned he would make an application regarding the first count in due course. Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter until December 7 and ordered the preparation of a victim impact report. Rybar was remanded in custody until that date.
Two getaway drivers involved in separate shootings linked to a violent gang feud in Limerick have each been sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. John O'Donovan (19) and Shane Blackhall (21) were third-tier members of the O'Donoghue organised crime group, which has been in a violent feud with the Collins group since 2022. The feud has led to 36 shootings and various attacks using explosives. Blackhall was the driver of a Volkswagen Scirocco used in a drive-by shooting on Hyde Avenue, where a Glock semi-automatic pistol was fired. Blackhall crashed the car into a lampost and was found to have cocaine, heroin, and cannabis in his home. O'Donovan was involved in a separate incident where a Lexus was used to meet a hit team before an Audi was set on fire. Both men pleaded guilty and were sentenced with suspended terms. The judge noted their early guilty pleas and their efforts in prison to rehabilitate.
An Isis-inspired jihadist, Abdullah Khan, has refused to engage with court-requested risk assessments and psychological analyses ahead of his sentencing for setting fire to a pub owned by Conor McGregor and stabbing a garda in Dublin. Khan pleaded guilty to eight offences, including arson and assault. The court expressed disappointment that Khan would not engage with the assessments, which would have helped in structuring his sentence. Khan is expected to require significant post-release supervision. The court will finalize his sentence on October 12. Khan was charged with arson, assault, and engaging in terrorist activity. He claimed his actions were motivated by anger at insults to the prophet Muhammad and a desire to send a message to McGregor and the Irish government. Khan's lawyers confirmed he would not engage with probation officers or psychologists.
A 39-year-old Dublin woman has been jailed for 15 months after waving a samurai sword out of her window at her former partner and gardai, shouting threats such as, 'first one through the door is getting their legs cut off.' She pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm and one count of producing a samurai sword in May 2021. The incident occurred in the presence of her children, and the court heard that she had made progress in becoming drug-free. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the seriousness of the charges and the impact on the children. The woman was also found to have 25 previous convictions, including 21 for road traffic offences. The court accepted that she was in a distressed and agitated state at the time, had mental health issues, and was prescribed antidepressants. The woman's defence highlighted her difficult background and that she was in the throes of addiction on the day of the incident. She has since detoxed from heroin and methadone while in custody and is currently drug-free.
Anthony Kinlan (47) has been jailed for six years after carrying out two daylight robberies using an e-scooter and a realistic imitation handgun. He robbed a Paddy Power bookmakers in Dublin 3 in February 2024, stealing €875 in cash, and later robbed a CeX video exchange store on Liffey Street in July 2024, stealing €593 in cash. Gardai found €12,075 worth of stolen goods in his home in March 2025. Kinlan pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery, one count of possession of an imitation firearm, and one count of possessing stolen property. He has 39 previous convictions and a history of drug addiction. His defence highlighted that he had been drug-free for 10 years before relapsing and that he has since detoxed while in custody. Judge Orla Crowe noted the terror caused to customers and staff during the robberies and imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
Ricky Adame (27) has been jailed for 12 months after customs at Dublin Airport discovered 2,000 cannabis capsules in his lost luggage. He arrived in Dublin on January 11, 2026, and reported his luggage missing the following day. Customs found the capsules, which had a total street value of between €22,000 and €55,000. Adame pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply. He has no previous convictions and was in custody since his arrest. The court heard that he travelled with a co-accused who was found in possession of €240,000 of cannabis. Adame's defence argued that he was a 'bit of a patsy' who did not know what was in the bag but knew it was illegal. He was experiencing financial difficulties at the time and was due to receive €2,000 for his role. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offence but accepted mitigating factors, including Adame's good character and his signed guilty pleas. She imposed a two-year sentence, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions.
Nathan Coakley Hutch (33) has been jailed for five years after assaulting a tourist and stealing an elderly man's car. He has 109 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of each incident. He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm, assault causing harm, and the unauthorized taking of a motor vehicle. In January 2023, he hit a man repeatedly with a bike saddle, causing injury. In June 2024, he headbutted a tourist, causing a fractured nasal bone and mild concussion. In June 2025, he stole a car worth €28,000 from an elderly man. Coakley Hutch has a cocaine addiction and used drugs as a coping mechanism due to threats he faced. His defence highlighted his efforts to address his addiction and his cooperation with the court. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factor that he was on bail at the time of the assaults and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
Gerald McCormick (39) of Clonee, Dublin 15, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the false imprisonment of a victim at an address in Ongar, Dublin 15, on July 21, 2023. Judge Ronan Munro at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found McCormick guilty of false imprisonment and a separate offence committed at the direction of, for the benefit of, or in association with a criminal organisation. The judge described the incident as designed to instil terror and assert dominance, noting McCormick's role involved supervision and reporting from a second car. No portion of the sentence was suspended, and it was backdated to when McCormick entered custody. The court acknowledged McCormick's previous convictions and his status as being on the run prior to the offence. In a related matter, co-accused Jamie Geoghegan (28) of Clondalkin, Dublin, received a custodial sentence of six and a half years in March 2024. Geoghegan pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and one count of false imprisonment. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds, fractures to his tibia and wrists, and cuts to his leg during the incident. The judge commended Gardaí for their rapid detection and professional investigation of the complex case.
A grieving father, Daniel Hutchinson, was jailed for six and a half years after using a champagne bottle to strike a man 12 times on the head and face. The incident occurred during a three-day binge following the death of Hutchinson's 10-year-old child. Hutchinson pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm. The court heard that the victim was attacked on North Earl Street and woke up in Beaumont Hospital surrounded by his family. CCTV footage showed Hutchinson striking the victim while he lay on the ground. Hutchinson, who had 10 previous convictions, was unable to remember the incident due to intoxication. The injured man suffered multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and required surgery. He now suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and can no longer work in his trade. Hutchinson's solicitor said he offers a profound apology and has been in custody since the offence.
Tracey Jessop, a victim of marital rape, described how she had to defend her reputation against false allegations made by her former husband, Joseph Jessop, during a sentencing hearing. Jessop was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of rape and assault. The court heard that Jessop had a history of violence, including punching and headbutting his wife, and raping her on multiple occasions. Jessop initially claimed that someone else had carried out the assault and later denied the charges, claiming consensual sex. Jessop made false allegations to Tusla and the gardaí, which caused Ms Jessop to live in fear of not being believed. In her victim impact statement, Ms Jessop described the emotional toll of the attacks and the stress of defending herself against false allegations. The judge noted that Jessop used demeaning language and belittled Ms Jessop throughout the trial. He sentenced Jessop to 10 years, reducing the headline sentence of 11 and a half years due to mitigating factors.
Graham Carey, a truck driver, will be sentenced for incitement to hatred after a livestream in which he referred to refugees as 'rape-ugees' and threatened to throw their 'bleeding corpses into the sea'. The incident followed a local allegation of sexual assault, which was later found to involve a local man. Carey's livestream led to anti-migrant protests and was recorded and shared online. He was found guilty of incitement to hatred and distribution of a recording likely to stir up hatred. During the trial, Carey claimed the alleged assault was set up to target him and that he was a 'political prisoner'. The prosecution highlighted the serious nature of his remarks and the impact on the community. Carey has previous convictions for driving offenses and threatening behavior. The unnamed woman pleaded not guilty.
A Carlow man, Patrick Connors, was jailed for three years and nine months after a fatal crash in 2014. The Ford Puma he was driving was found to be unroadworthy, with failed NCT, no working handbrake, and rusted brakes. Connors was speeding at 111 km/h in an 80 km/h zone when he lost control, leading to a collision that killed his uncle, Patrick Doran. The court heard that Connors fled to the UK after the incident and was brought back via a European Arrest Warrant. Judge Mary Morrissey acknowledged the impact of the tragedy on the Doran family and noted their compassion towards Connors despite the loss of their loved one. The judge also considered aggravating factors, including Connors' previous convictions and his flight from the jurisdiction. The sentence included a suspended portion and a 10-year driving ban. Patrick Connors pleaded guilty.