Court archive
2026-03-02 · Monaghan
Sean Monaghan was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to eight counts of indecent assault against his younger sister in their family home in 1962 and 1963.
2026-03-02 · Dublin
David Hearns was jailed after pleading guilty to assaulting two gardaí during an attempted arrest in Dublin, as a female accomplice allegedly sprayed corrosive liquid into one officer's eye.
2026-03-02 · Dublin
A Dublin man was jailed for three-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to assaulting his former partner, including spitting at her, striking her with a bicycle and choking her.
2026-03-02 · Cork
Akbar Moqadar was convicted of orally raping a vulnerable woman in a swimming-pool steam room. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath imposed seven years with the final 12 months suspended and placed him under post-release probation supervision.
2026-03-02 · Wexford
Michael Sinnott was sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a 15-year-old girl in her home in 1994, after a jury convicted him of the offence.
2026-02-27 · Carlow
William McCarthy admitted criminal damage to a wall and cigarette machine and theft of cigarettes and cash at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Carlow. The Carlow Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the case while a victim impact statement and governor's report are prepared; a sentence date is still to be fixed. William McCarthy pleaded guilty.
2026-02-27 · Carlow
Joe Curtin was jailed for 26 months after pleading guilty to one robbery and two attempted robberies in Hanover Park, Carlow. The court heard that three incidents occurred within ten minutes and that Curtin had 75 previous convictions. Judge Mary Morrissey treated the early guilty plea, cooperation and remorse as mitigation while describing his moral culpability as high.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Raymond Ariwi was sentenced to six months in prison after a jury convicted him of engaging in offensive conduct of a sexual nature. The case concerned an incident in which he followed a woman after she got off a Luas and offered her money for sex. Raymond Ariwi pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Onkar Singh, a 46-year-old Dutch national, pleaded guilty at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and possession of €3,035, identified as proceeds of crime, on October 11, 2024. He also admitted to possessing a €5 note intended for identification in connection with a drug trafficking offence. Prosecution evidence alleged Singh was a 'mid-level' operative in an €8.5 million cannabis operation, where he was observed moving pallets containing 426kg of cannabis at a Ballymount storage unit. While defense counsel Garret Baker SC argued Singh was not the architect of the scheme and accepted no forensic evidence directly linked him to the drugs, Judge Sinead Ni Chulachain described the case as 'very serious.' The judge noted it was 'hard to understand' how Singh, who has no prior convictions, became involved. Defense counsel submitted that Singh should be permitted to depart from the presumptive mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, proposing that part of the sentence be suspended on the condition that Singh immediately leaves the jurisdiction. Singh, who has been in custody since his arrest, is described as 'marooned' in an Irish jail far from his family in the Netherlands. The court adjourned the matter until next month for finalisation.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Craig Kennedy's four-month sentence after dangerous driving and criminal damage involving a scrambler bike and a garda patrol car was halved on appeal, with two months suspended subject to engagement with Men Overcoming Violent Emotions. Craig Kennedy was convicted.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Derek Smith received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at a Ballymun building site. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for a year after hearing that the tools had been recovered following a search of Smith's address.
2026-02-27 · Limerick
A former scout leader is appealing five convictions for offences against three young cousins, including rape and sexual assault. His defence argues that an anonymous letter said to be from a juror, a complainant's reference to rape and the prosecution closing speech made the convictions unsafe. Ms Justice Nuala Butler said the court would reserve judgment; the man continues to deny the offences. The unnamed 63-year-old pleaded not guilty and was acquitted.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Brian Carroll was convicted of exposing his genitals to a customer at a Three store in Nutgrove and received a five-month prison sentence suspended in full for 12 months at Tallaght District Court. Brian Carroll pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Bernard Browne received a consecutive two-year sentence for sexually assaulting and indecently assaulting a boy at a Dublin school between January 1990 and February 1991. The former caretaker was already serving nine years for similar offences against three boys. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin cited grooming, breach of trust, the age gap and the profound impact on the victim.
2026-02-27 · Dublin
Joseph Lawlor was sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering Michael Ryan in Finglas after a jury rejected his claim that the stabbing was carried out in self-defence.
2026-02-26 · Dublin
Daniel O'Neill was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to assaulting a woman causing her harm. Garda Thomas Conneely found O'Neill strangling her outside her home. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for two years and ordered him to have no contact with the injured party.
2026-02-26 · Carlow
Dion Timmons pleaded guilty to money laundering after €12,374.64 was deposited into her account in 23 transactions connected to a social welfare fraud and other payments. Judge Mary Morrissey adjourned sentence to next Thursday to consider documents submitted on Timmons's behalf; she was remanded on continuing bail.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Shane Flynn, 46, of Markievicz House, Dublin 2, pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine, heroin, cannabis and tablets worth €396,441 for sale or supply. He was on bail for a similar offence when the drugs were found in a van and a Glasnevin house. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a consecutive three-and-a-half-year sentence.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Robert Gaffney, 27, of Pinewood Green Road, Balbriggan, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two money-laundering charges involving a bank account and a Revolut account. The court heard that more than €44,000 moved through the accounts while he had no legitimate income. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three-year sentence with the final six months suspended.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Stephen Connolly, 67, of Hampton Wood Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having a kilogramme of cocaine worth €70,000 and €129,930 in criminal proceeds. The court heard he stored and moved drugs and cash after forced retirement. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a five-year prison sentence.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Shawndell Gaston, 31, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing cannabis at Dublin Airport after travelling from New York with his mother. The court heard 48 packets worth €424,000 were found in their suitcases. Judge Martin Nolan jailed Gaston for four years; Hellasha Tingman is due to be sentenced separately.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
A 22-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons received a three-year term for a knife robbery at Dean Swift Square, Dublin 8. The court heard he and others assaulted a man, stole his phone and wallet, and left him with a deep calf wound. The term is consecutive to a nine-year sentence for a separate attack on a woman, with the final 12 months suspended. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Dean Paget, 37, of Carnlough Road, Cabra, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a robbery committed on December 3, 2020. Paget pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Castleknock Road. A count of assault causing harm was struck out, while two counts of making a threat to kill and production of an article were taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-and-a-half-year jail term, which dates from his guilty plea in January. As Paget is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the attempted murder of his former partner, he will not serve additional time for this offence. Prosecution evidence alleged that Paget and co-accused Megan Creighton attacked a man recovering from hip surgery near the Dublin canal. Creighton, 37, of Blanchardstown, was jailed for three years in 2022. The victim reported a bite mark to his nose and abrasions, stating he believed he was going to die. Defence counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC highlighted Paget's remorse and the delay in bringing charges. Judge Crowe described the incident as a sustained, physical, violent robbery, setting a headline sentence of six years before reducing it to four and a half years based on mitigating factors.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Bakuani Diasivi, 26, of Cardy Rock Crescent, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to affray after punching an 11-year-old boy on a Dart while on bail. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Diasivi had 24 previous convictions but no previous convictions for violence. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18-month sentence suspended on strict conditions and directed a €1,000 payment to the boy's family.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A bus driver who ran a red light and knocked down an e-scooter rider has asked the court not to disqualify him from driving, as his career depends on his license. Svetoslav Trifonov (46) was driving along Malahide Road when he hit Fiona Pekaar (32), who suffered multiple injuries and required two surgeries. Trifonov pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm and has no previous convictions. His defense highlighted his impeccable driving record and the impact a disqualification would have on his career and family. The court heard that the victim still suffers physically and emotionally from the incident. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case to March 4 for finalisation, as she considers whether to disqualify Trifonov from driving.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Lawyers for the Director of Public Prosecutions have informed the High Court that there is a reasonable degree of urgency in the case of a convicted child rapist who is alleged to have breached the conditions of his release. The man, who was sentenced to 15 years in 2009 with the final two and a half years suspended, was required to undergo counselling and be supervised by the Probation Service for 10 years after his release. The case was listed for mention before the Central Criminal Court, and the court was informed that the defendant may have breached his release conditions. Prosecuting counsel requested that the case be listed again to clarify jurisdictional matters. The court agreed to list the case for mention on March 10, noting the urgency of the matter. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder. Joseph Richards, aged 35 and from Lanesborough Square in Finglas, was convicted in connection with the death of Robert Sheridan, 45, who was shot at his front door in Ballymun on 5 October 2018. Mr Justice Paul McDermott found the killing was meticulously planned and involved considerable coordination to lure the victim to answer the door. Richards, who initially faced a murder charge, will serve the seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with six months suspended, after completing his current prison term, resulting in an effective sentence exceeding twelve years. The judge noted Richards has ninety-nine previous convictions and acknowledged his guilty plea and efforts to address drug addiction while imprisoned. The victim's family delivered impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by his death.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 63-year-old Dublin man who was seen as the 'cool older cousin' by six children he groomed and sexually assaulted has been jailed for seven years. The man pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults, which occurred between 1983 and 1990, and again in 2000. The abuse took place at his family homes in Dublin and Cork. The victims, who were his cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the abuse as 'shameless exploitation.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the predatory nature of the offences and the breach of trust. One of the victims, who was aged nine to 11 when the abuse occurred, described being frozen in fear and feeling guilty for years. The court heard that the defendant had previously received a suspended sentence in 2005 for sexual assault. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to seven years, taking into account the defendant's remorse and health issues. The victims' impact statements highlighted the lasting trauma and the breakdown of family relationships.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A motorist who dragged a garda during a chase, leaving him with multiple injuries, has been given a suspended five-year sentence. Dylan Walsh (33) pleaded guilty to endangerment, damaging a garda vehicle, and driving without insurance. The incident occurred in May 2024 when Walsh, who was intoxicated and suffering from mental health issues, refused to stop for gardai and dragged one of them for six meters before ejecting him. The garda sustained injuries to his arm, neck, head, and elbow and was out of work for five months. Judge Pauline Codd noted the aggravating factor of the charge being against a garda and the serious injuries sustained. Walsh has 12 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences. The judge took into account his mental health issues, his remorse, and the Probation Service's report indicating a medium risk of re-offending. Walsh was ordered to be disqualified from driving for 10 years and to engage with the Probation Service for three years. The injured garda described significant financial and psychological effects, and his career path has changed due to the incident.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 36-year-old man who raped his former partner in a hotel room and threatened to gouge her eyeball out with a spoon has been jailed for nine years. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim was left fearing for her life. The man was convicted of sexual assault, rape, and threats to kill the woman at a Dublin hotel. He has over 70 previous convictions, but no prior sexual offence convictions. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the intimate relationship between the pair was an aggravating factor and described the rape as 'appalling'. He imposed a headline sentence of 11 years, but suspended the final year for three years on condition the man remains under probation and undertakes recommended courses. The victim described how the crimes changed her life and left her in fear for her life. The man denied all offending at interview and initially claimed they had not had sex in the hotel. In her victim impact statement, the woman said she had washed her skin with bleach and was terrified to socialise.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A man found with cocaine worth €100,000 was selling the drug to repay "sinister parties" who had used a pipe bomb to intimidate him after he racked up gambling debts in the hundreds of thousands of Euro, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has heard. Craig Harris (34) came forward from the District Court on signed pleas to possession of cocaine for sale or supply. He received a five-year sentence from Judge Pauline Codd in July 2023 with four years suspended. When gardai searched his home, a pipe bomb was found near Harris's car. Judge Codd accepted evidence that Harris owed money to other sinister parties and acknowledged that the father of three fully co-operated with the garda investigation and expressed remorse and shame for his involvement in the offence. She said that Harris's gambling addiction was the root cause of the offending but that it did not justify the lengths he went to in order to support that habit. Harris was sentenced to 10 years in prison with the final two years suspended.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A driver who tailgated a stolen motorbike, leading to a fatal collision, has been jailed for three years. Andres Grans De Lima Sores (38) pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Calvin Gilchrist (19) and failing to remain at the scene. The incident occurred on Finglas Road, Dublin, when Sores, driving a car, tailgated the motorbike for nearly 500 metres. Both vehicles crossed to the wrong side of the road, and an oncoming taxi attempted to avoid the collision but was involved in a crash with the motorbike. Mr. Gilchrist sustained serious cranial injuries and died in hospital. Sores fled the scene and was identified months later through CCTV footage. The court heard that Mr. Gilchrist was riding a stolen motorbike without a helmet, and his actions contributed to the tragedy. Judge Pauline Codd noted the serious nature of the case and the impact on Mr. Gilchrist's family, who expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Sores was also banned from driving for seven years and received a suspended sentence for leaving the scene.
2026-02-23 · Tipperary
A dentist who defrauded the HSE of €58,000 over 17 years has been jailed for one year and ordered to pay €100,000. Jerome Kiely (47) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of deception, including one sample count of dishonestly inducing the HSE to provide a payment for dentures. The court heard that Kiely had two bank accounts containing over €1.5 million, which were frozen. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kiely had mental health issues and a history of depression, and his wife asked the court not to jail him. Despite this, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with two years suspended, and ordered Kiely to pay €100,000 to the HSE. The judge acknowledged Kiely's remorse and his good work history but emphasized the seriousness of the case. Kiely's reputation as a dentist has been destroyed, and the court noted that he may not be able to practice again.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Twin brothers Sean Farrell and Eric Farrell, aged 21, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murder relating to the death of Ionel Nicolae Diaconu in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on December 11, 2023. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that the manslaughter pleas met the case. Defence counsel noted that the brothers were 19 at the time of the incident and have no significant previous convictions, requesting the court to consider probation reports. The defendants are currently held in custody at Castlerea Prison. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 for a sentence hearing and ordered the preparation of two probation reports. The judge remanded the Farrell twins in custody until that date. Regarding the victim's family, prosecution counsel stated that Mr Diaconu's relatives do not live in Ireland and have previously attended proceedings remotely. The court did not record a final conviction or sentence at this stage, as the case remains adjourned for sentencing.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Sammy Hutch (50), a member of the Hutch family who is not involved in gangland activities, has been jailed for six additional years for possessing an improvised pipe bomb. Hutch, who is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for robbery, was caught by gardai in April 2024 with the device at his home. The bomb was found to be ready to use, and the court heard that Hutch had texted an accomplice about attaching it to gas meters. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the aggravating factors, including the nature of the device and the alleged unlawful purpose. Hutch has 103 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. His defence highlighted his long history of drug abuse and his efforts to get clean. The judge reduced the headline sentence of nine years to six years, which will run consecutive to his existing sentence. Hutch's family and a letter from a local horse and pony club were presented in court, and legal aid was requested for an appeal.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Shane Murphy, a 36-year-old man with a history of 60 previous convictions, had his six-month jail sentence overturned on appeal and replaced with a fully suspended sentence. Murphy was convicted of theft and threatening behavior after stealing wine from a crêperie and later using threatening language in public. His defense argued that the original sentence was unduly severe, citing his engagement with homeless support and detox programs. The court acknowledged his difficult circumstances but noted his extensive criminal history. Judge James O'Donoghue suspended the sentence for two years, with conditions that Murphy must enter probation, seek rehabilitation if needed, and avoid alcohol. The judge warned that if Murphy failed to comply, he would serve the full nine-month sentence. The appeal highlighted the need for a balanced approach to sentencing, considering both the severity of the offenses and the defendant's efforts at rehabilitation.
2026-02-20 · Mayo
A Knockmore man has been sentenced to four years in prison at Castlebar Circuit Court for offences including the savage mauling of a woman by his unmuzzled dog. David Barrett, aged 41, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm following an attack on November 20th, 2022, at Mount Falcon estate. The victim sustained life-changing injuries including severe lacerations and puncture wounds requiring emergency surgery and ongoing treatment. Judge Eoin Garavan noted the dog had been wandering loose and described Barrett's casual attitude toward the danger posed to the public. Barrett also pleaded guilty to assaulting two female gardaí who attended his home in July 2024 whilst responding to a domestic disturbance report. The court heard he was heavily intoxicated and attacked both officers with violence. The global sentence comprised two years for the dog attack and three years for assaulting the gardaí, with the final year suspended. Barrett was ordered to engage in mental health services, substance addiction treatment, and probation supervision upon release.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Jason Whelan and Vivian Hanley, a couple with a history of drug use and debt, pleaded guilty to possessing over €230,000 worth of drugs at their home in Finglas. They admitted to being under duress and fear due to threats, and the drugs did not belong to them. Hanley, who has 15 previous convictions for road traffic offenses, has taken steps to address her drug addiction and is now in education and employment. Whelan, who became addicted to cocaine during lockdown, claims to be clean and has a work history. The court acknowledged their vulnerable positions and the threats they faced, adjourning sentencing until May for a probation report and urine analysis. The judge considered the possibility of deviating from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, given their low position in the drug world and their efforts to improve their lives.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
A man accused of falsely imprisoning and strangling a woman had his bail revoked after refusing to sign on at Pearse Street Garda Station, claiming the conditions there infringe his human rights. Elric Kibangou Diansa (36), originally from France and residing in Dublin since November 2024, had previously been granted bail for charges of false imprisonment and intentionally or recklessly strangling a woman on June 20, 2025. Gardaí had objected to bail under the O'Callaghan principles, citing the seriousness of the charges, the alleged breach of bail conditions, and concerns about possible interference with the injured party. The court heard that Mr Kibangou Diansa had not provided a new address and was believed to be couch surfing. He stated he stopped signing on because he was required to wait between two-and-a-half and three hours at Pearse Street Garda Station, which he described as overcrowded and dirty, with vomit on the floor and drunk people spitting in the waiting area. He claimed it was a breach of his human rights and civil liberties.
2026-02-20 · Carlow
Paul Rowland was convicted of strangling his then-partner at her home in County Carlow in January 2025. The woman testified that Rowland, who was intoxicated, grabbed her by the neck and strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. She managed to escape and barricaded herself and her son in a bedroom before contacting the gardaí. Rowland was found not guilty of the two assault charges but was convicted of the strangulation charge. The court heard that Rowland had previously tripped the woman and pushed a pool table into her, causing injuries. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before convicting him. Rowland was remanded in custody for sentencing in March. The court acknowledged the woman's account of the incident and the severity of the strangulation charge, which was a new offense added to the Non-fatal Offences Against The Person Act in 2023. Rowland denied the allegations and claimed he was not intoxicated, but the gardaí confirmed he was unfit for questioning due to his level of intoxication.
2026-02-20 · Carlow
A serial offender, Joe Curtin, has been remanded in custody pending sentencing for a mugging and two attempted robberies in Carlow town. Curtin, who has 75 previous convictions, admitted to the crimes in court. The incidents occurred within ten minutes of each other in Hanover Park at 8:30 pm. The first victim was punched and had his belongings taken. A second victim was approached by Curtin, who became aggressive when refused. A third man intervened, and Curtin attempted to take his phone but was unsuccessful. The gardaí were alerted and Curtin was arrested. The court heard that Curtin's addiction to alcohol and drugs, as well as his mental health issues, were central to his offending. His defense argued for structured recovery programs. The judge adjourned the case for sentencing. The prosecution emphasized the need for Curtin to receive help, while the defense highlighted his willingness to remain drug-free. Joe Curtin pleaded guilty.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Joseph Lawlor was found guilty of murdering Michael Ryan by a Central Criminal Court jury, despite his claim that the stabbing was a coincidence. The jury rejected his self-defence argument after deliberating for eight hours and 57 minutes. Lawlor will be sentenced to life imprisonment next week. His second trial followed the collapse of the first due to late evidence disclosure and allegations of coaching a witness. During the trial, enhanced audio revealed Lawlor threatening Ryan, undermining his self-defence claim. CCTV and neighbour recordings showed multiple altercations between the men. Lawlor claimed he stabbed Ryan in self-defence after Ryan threatened to throw grenades through his windows. The jury did not accept his claim of reasonable force or honest belief in the need to attack Ryan.
2026-02-20 · Sligo
A 70-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the systematic sexual abuse of five of his children over two decades at various addresses in County Sligo. Noel Farrell of Rathedmond Estate, Sligo, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and 19 counts of indecent assault and sexual assault. The abuse included rape, sexual assault, and inappropriate touching of victims aged between two and seventeen. Evidence revealed that Farrell locked children in rooms for extended periods without food and forced them to drink urine. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the case as "truly shocking" and noted the absence of mitigating factors beyond the guilty plea. He imposed a headline sentence of 30 years, reduced to 20 years. Four of the five victims waived anonymity to allow Farrell's identification. The judge commended the complainants for their fortitude in confronting their experiences. Farrell has been in custody since his guilty plea in November.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A man has failed to convince an appeal court that his conviction for "egregious" driving on the M50 was a case of mistaken identity and will be jailed for five months. Freddie Hegarty was convicted in the District Court of four counts of dangerous driving and was sentenced to five months imprisonment for the first count, along with a ten-year driving disqualification and a €1,000 fine. He later lodged an appeal against his conviction. Garda David Jordan testified that during a pursuit, Hegarty drove a BMW through a red light, accelerated hard, and cut off road users on the M50. He said that he saw the registration of the car and notified colleagues on the radio that there was a vehicle driving dangerously. Garda Jordan said that during the pursuit, which lasted for about 10 to 15 minutes, the car accelerated hard, veering left and right and cutting off road users. He said that the car went through a red light and eventually proceeded to Connolly Memorial Hospital.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A man has been given a suspended sentence after an automatic monitoring system alerted Google to the presence of 15 files of child abuse material in his cloud storage. Austin Odibei pleaded guilty to possession of child sexual abuse material in April 2019. Judge Orla Crowe sentenced him to 18 months, suspended for three years. The investigating garda outlined that Google notified the relevant authority in America in March 2019 about the suspected presence of CSAM on an individual's Google account. Gardai were notified and a Google account and mobile number were linked to the defendant. His home was searched in April 2019, and several devices, including a phone and a camera, were seized. Garda analysis of the devices recovered 13 files of CSAM, including eleven videos and two images, which were found on the memory card in the camera. Two further videos were found on the phone. The court heard that the victims were not identifiable.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
Serial offender Ronaldo Otto, who goes by the name Samantha, has been jailed for five years after sexually assaulting a vulnerable autistic man. Otto, originally from the Philippines, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old autistic man on February 1, 2023, in a laneway in Dublin. The victim, who uses a disability card for the bus, was followed by Otto, who sat beside him and asked for his phone number. Otto then groped the victim and forced him down a laneway, where he performed oral sex on him. The victim reported the incident to his parents and attended the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. CCTV footage and DNA evidence linked Otto to the crime. Otto had previously been given a suspended sentence for throwing boiling water on a man in 2019, but it was reactivated after he was convicted of another sexual assault in 2022. Judge Orla Crowe noted the victim was vulnerable due to his disability and described Otto's actions as predatory and intimidating.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A 40-year-old father of four has been jailed for four years for storing almost €100,000 worth of cocaine in his home and shed. Paul Dardis was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, charged with possession of drugs for sale or supply at his home on November 18, 2022. Garda Michael Leahy told the court that gardai carried out a planned search of Dardis's home that day and found a total of €99,169 worth of cocaine at various locations, including his kitchen and bedroom. Most of it was seized from a garden shed, along with mixing agents and €64 worth of heroin. Weighing scales were also found. Dardis later took full responsibility for all drugs found in his home. He said he was storing the cocaine in exchange for a reduction in his own personal drug debt. Gda Leahy agreed with Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC, defending, that both Dardis and his partner had mental health difficulties. He said that Dardis showed no signs of wealth and had not come to garda attention since.
2026-02-19 · Mayo
PJ Higgins, 47, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to assault causing harm to his brother, Michael Higgins, at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo, on July 27, 2022. The defendant admitted to hitting the victim over the head with a shovel, an act Judge Eoin Garavan noted could easily have been fatal. Michael Higgins was taken to Mayo University Hospital unconscious and bleeding, with a CT scan revealing fluid on the brain. He was discharged three days later but reported ongoing headaches, blurred vision, and fear for his life. The court heard the incident arose from an entrenched, longstanding family dispute. Judge Garavan delayed sentencing until the conclusion of two other cases against family members to ensure all background information was available. A probation report placed PJ Higgins at moderate risk of re-offending but noted he accepts responsibility and shows genuine remorse. The judge highlighted that the offence occurred the day before PJ Higgins was due to be sentenced for a previous threat to kill or cause serious harm, for which he served 12 months in custody. Defence counsel argued the act was impulsive rather than premeditated. The matter was adjourned to July 23 to finalise the sentence.
2026-02-18 · Dublin
A 25-year-old Dublin man was sentenced to six years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended, for assaulting his pregnant partner and making threats against his ex-girlfriend. The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault causing harm and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the incident in August 2024, he punched, dragged, and kicked his pregnant partner in the stomach, knowing she was pregnant. He had previously been on bail for threatening to petrol bomb his ex-girlfriend's home. The court heard that he had a history of violent behavior, including breaches of protection orders and criminal damage. The victim, who was three months pregnant at the time of the assault, declined an ambulance and did not want to leave her children. The man was arrested after a five-day drugs bender and had a history of addiction. His defense highlighted his mental health issues and history of child sexual abuse, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the assault on a pregnant woman.
2026-02-18 · Dublin
The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) was granted High Court permission to sell three high-end vehicles, a BMW M2, a BMW M3, and an Audi Q7, seized from former Real IRA member Nathan Kinsella. Barrister Daragh Breen BL, representing the CAB, described the cars as assets of "very high worth" and in depreciation. Mr Justice Liam Kennedy granted the application to appoint a CAB receiver to sell the vehicles, with proceeds to be held pending a substantive hearing. The matter was adjourned to next month. Kinsella, of Blackrock, Co Dublin, was not present. In 2024, Kinsella pleaded guilty to three counts of failing to furnish tax returns for capital acquisitions tax in 2018, 2019, and 2020. He was sentenced to one year in prison. Previously, in 2014, the Special Criminal Court sentenced him to two years for membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, for acts committed on September 13, 2012. Kinsella has 17 previous convictions, including road traffic offences and impeding a prosecution.