An accountant with a prior conviction for theft stole nearly €30,000 from Foxrock Golf Club, a court has heard. Cheryl Robinson (49) from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to ten charges of theft between October 2018 and July 2020. She previously served a two-year jail sentence in 2010 for stealing €125,000 from a former employer, using the name Cheryl Byrne. Garda Padraig Nagle explained that staff at the golf club noticed discrepancies in the accounts and initiated a forensic investigation, which revealed that Robinson had redirected supplier payments to her own account. Although she did not admit to the theft during garda interviews, the transactions were easily identifiable. Robinson's defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, highlighted her personal circumstances, including her separation in 2022, sole care of her three children, and financial difficulties. She has no financial support from her ex-husband and is in arrears on her mortgage. Kennedy stated that Robinson is deeply ashamed and acknowledges her mistakes, emphasizing her efforts to support her children.
At Castlebar Circuit Court, two parents have admitted to multiple counts of child cruelty following an investigation into the abuse of their six children. The case emerged after two teenagers walked into a garda station in the west of Ireland to report ongoing physical and emotional abuse. Over 188 secret audio recordings made by one of the young complainants were presented to the court, with extracts depicting instances of striking and verbal abuse directed at children as young as one year old. The defendants, a man in his fifties and a woman in her forties, changed their pleas to guilty after their trial commenced in May. The father pleaded guilty to four sample counts while the mother admitted two counts from a total of thirteen charges on the indictment. Evidence heard during sentencing proceedings this week included a recording of a 999 call made following an alleged serious assault on the eldest son. All six children were subsequently placed in emergency care. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday at Castlebar Circuit Court.
Rui Mendes, 45, of Ardrahan, Co Galway, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault committed at an address in Galway on November 27, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Brian O'Callaghan handed down an 18-month custodial sentence but deferred the commencement of the term to January 20 to allow Mendes to spend the Christmas holidays with his family. The judge suspended the final six months of the sentence in recognition of the substantial rehabilitation work undertaken by the defendant. Mendes was placed under the supervision of Probation Services for 12 months post-release. Additionally, the court ordered that €2,000, provided by Mendes as a token of remorse, be paid to the victim within four weeks. The judge noted that the assault occurred while the victim was asleep and was for self-gratification, despite her clear prior rejection of his advances. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
A woman who set fire to a bus during the 2023 Dublin riots, causing nearly €500,000 in damage, was sentenced to six years in prison. Leanne Kelly (34) told the judge to 'fuck off' and refused to provide a urine sample. She pleaded guilty to criminal damage after throwing a piece of cardboard, which she had set alight using a nearby burning garda car, onto the bus. The bus was empty but completely destroyed. Kelly, who was homeless and addicted to drugs at the time, was identified through 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. She had 66 previous convictions and was on bail for other offences. The court heard that the riots began after a stabbing incident earlier that day. Dublin Bus employees described the events as violent and threatening, with the company suffering a loss of about €1.9 million. Kelly's defence argued she had no political motivation and was under the influence of drugs. Judge Baxter noted Kelly's actions were 'gratuitous' and 'breathtaking' and that she fed into the 'mob mentality' of the riots.
A woman who scammed her pensioner friend out of €30,000 over a five-year period by falsely claiming to be investing in a Lanzarote pub was sentenced to make restitution. Geraldine McGrath, who pleaded guilty to three counts of deception, had misled her friend into making regular cash payments. The victim, now in her early 80s, has no real savings and has been unable to afford a headstone for her son's grave. McGrath, who has no previous convictions, was ordered to repay the money and had already put aside €3,000 in court. The court heard that McGrath had health issues and was on disability allowance, making it difficult for her to repay the full amount. Judge Jonathan Dunphy said the court would give her more time to make repayments and ordered that €3,000 be handed over immediately with a further €1,000 by Friday. McGrath was also remanded on continuing bail until March 23. The court heard that the victim had been deceived for years and that McGrath had written a letter of apology to the injured party.
A serial arsonist, Colm Dowling (68), was jailed for 15 months after attempting to set a garda's car on fire using vegetable oil and causing over €7,000 in damage to a commercial premises. Dowling pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage and has eight previous convictions, including four for arson. He was found with a lighter and vegetable oil near the garda's car, which had charred tissue and vegetable oil on the windscreen. In another incident, he repeatedly drove a van into a gate, causing damage to the registration plate and wing mirror. The business owner found the damage suspicious and checked CCTV footage. Dowling was identified through the footage and later returned to retrieve the broken registration plate. He has a history of alcoholism and mental health issues, including major depressive disorder. His defence argued that his actions were due to a relapse and a sense of grievance. The judge noted the targeted nature of his offending and imposed a two-year sentence with nine months suspended.
A 64-year-old man, Richard O'Brien, who sexually abused and raped his sisters, niece, and daughters, is appealing his conviction, arguing that allowing victims to give evidence via video link was unfair. O'Brien was convicted of 63 counts of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against five victims between 1975 and 2011. His appeal focuses on the fairness of allowing some victims to give evidence by video link, as the defence claims the jury was deprived of seeing the witnesses in person. O'Brien's counsel argued that the medical reports did not justify the use of video link for some victims and that the lack of consent for certain rape counts was not adequately established. The prosecution countered that the judge had discretion in allowing video evidence and that the jury had an adequate opportunity to assess the witnesses' demeanour. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal.
Patrick Skipton (42) was jailed for seven years after being found guilty of demanding money with menace and harassment. He initially demanded €50,000 from a victim who had held money for him during the pandemic, which he spent on drugs. The victim, with help from family, paid the amount. Later, Skipton harassed the victim again, demanding €40,000. The victim, who had since become clean and was working, was pressured to sell his car. Skipton's associate collected €6,230 from the sale, and the victim was ordered to take out a loan. However, the victim alerted gardaí, leading to Skipton's arrest. Skipton has a history of drug use and multiple convictions. He expressed remorse and is now clean. The judge noted the victim impact statement, which described the "reign of terror" inflicted by Skipton, and sentenced him to nine years, with two years suspended.
Darragh Quigley, 26, of Carndonagh Road, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough, 64, on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. At the sentence hearing in the Central Criminal Court, the court heard that Quigley followed Ms McCullough and her husband from the Powerscourt Centre before striking her from behind with a seven-inch knife. The blade passed through the back of her head, entering on the left and exiting on the right. Ms McCullough, who was watching the Christmas lights switch-on, removed the knife herself and handed it to her husband. She described the attack as random and unprovoked, stating it permanently altered her sense of safety. Quigley, who has no previous convictions but a history of mental health issues, told gardai the act was random and he had gone into town with a knife. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC submitted that Quigley had ceased taking his antipsychotic medication and suffered from bipolar affective disorder. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the incident as a truly shocking and extremely serious offence. He remanded Quigley in custody today until January 19, when he will be sentenced.
A woman who posted on Facebook expressing hope for the safe return of a missing man, while she had in fact helped dump his body in a quarry, was described as 'pure evil' by the victim's mother during a sentencing hearing. Linda Ring detailed the devastation her family faced after her son Stephen Ring was killed and his body was discarded in Carrigfoyle Quarry. Jane Corcoran, who had pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of another individual and assisting in moving the remains, was sentenced to be heard again in February. The court heard that Corcoran had posted on social media while knowing the victim was dead and had lied to gardai. The victim's mother expressed deep anger and sorrow, stating that Corcoran's actions were unforgivable and that she would be haunted by what she did. Corcoran had a previous conviction for theft and faces a maximum sentence of ten years. The victim's family described Stephen as a loving and generous individual, and his death has left them in deep grief.
Daryl Smith (22) was jailed for seven years for arson and reckless discharge of a handgun during a feud between crime gangs. He was captured on CCTV setting a house on fire and later firing a handgun at another home. Smith's own home was later attacked in retaliation. The court heard that much of the evidence against him was found on his phone, including videos of firearms and cash. Smith's defense highlighted his difficult background and youth, arguing for a reduced sentence. The judge noted the crimes were part of a gang feud and sentenced Smith to seven years, taking into account his guilty pleas and potential for rehabilitation. Smith's co-accused, Jordan Domican, was previously sentenced to seven and a half years for facilitating the criminal organization.
A driver who crashed a car into an articulated lorry at high speed and walked away from the scene while his friend lay dead in the passenger seat was jailed for six and a half years. Jake Kelly, who was driving at 162km/h on a road with a 60km/h speed limit, was helped out of the car by the truck driver but then left the scene. The body of his friend, Ross Rice, was discovered hours later. The court heard that Kelly had no idea if Rice had survived the crash and later told gardai he thought Rice might have been in the fields nearby. The victim's family described the loss as devastating, with Rice's mother having died in 2020 and Rice having an 11-month-old baby with his partner. Judge Martina Baxter noted the tragic circumstances and the irony that Rice had been banned from driving, yet Kelly drove his car without a licence. Kelly was found to be remorseful and has been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Jake Kelly pleaded guilty.
A serial car-jacker, Shane Ward, was jailed for three and a half years after being identified through a live-stream of his crimes. Ward, who has 63 previous convictions, committed two car-jackings in Dublin, with the second occurring shortly after his release on bail. During the first incident, Ward and his accomplices approached a couple in a parked car, claiming to be gardai, and stole their vehicle. The second incident involved a taxi driver on Dame Street, where Ward assaulted the driver and stole the vehicle. The court heard that Ward was clearly identifiable in the live-stream footage. The victims described the emotional and physical impact of the crimes, with the taxi driver suffering lasting trauma and financial loss. Ward's defense highlighted his difficult upbringing and current efforts in addiction counseling. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and imposed a five and a half year sentence with two years suspended on strict conditions. Shane Ward pleaded guilty.
A 38-year-old man from Avondale Heights, Rathdrum, has been sentenced to six months in prison after being caught driving on the M50 while under seven active driving bans. Stephen O'Brien pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to driving without insurance and without a licence on 18 November last year. Garda Shane Hogan stated that O'Brien has 33 previous convictions, 31 of which are related to road traffic matters. Nine of these convictions are for driving without insurance and seven for driving without a licence. The court heard that O'Brien has been disqualified from driving nine times, with seven of those disqualifications currently in place. His defence solicitor, Patricia Camilon, said O'Brien works as a tree surgeon and had been relying on an unreliable driver to get to work. O'Brien has since sold his car and accepted that he should not have driven. Judge Conor Fottrell described O'Brien as a serial offender and said he had no choice but to impose a custodial sentence.
A man described as a 'manipulative monster' with a history of violence against women has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his eight-year-old daughter and attempted murder of his partner. Muhammed Al Shaker Al Tamimi, who pleaded guilty to the crimes, was given a consecutive ten-year sentence for the attempted murder of his partner, Aisha Al Katib, which will be served before the life sentence. The court heard that Al Tamimi, who had previously held Aisha against her will and forced her to have sex without her consent, stabbed his daughter in front of Aisha, who was paralyzed and unable to move. Aisha described the moment as one of the most traumatic of her life, with Al Tamimi smiling directly at her as he cut his daughter's throat. The judge emphasized the domestic violence aspect of the case and the extraordinary level of violence, stating that the sentences were appropriate.
Kaide Fowler, a drug dealer who endured a 'sad life' marked by poverty and neglect, has been jailed for four and a half years for drug dealing and money laundering. Fowler, who has a history of drug use and criminality, admitted to selling heroin, cannabis, and cocaine and possessing large sums of cash believed to be from the proceeds of crime. His wife, Catriona Hyland, received a suspended sentence for her role in the drug-related activities. Fowler's defence highlighted his difficult upbringing, including drug use by his parents and significant neglect. Despite his previous convictions, the court acknowledged his efforts to rehabilitate, including being drug-free in prison and attending school. Judge Martin Nolan noted Fowler's long-standing drug-related convictions but emphasized the need for custodial sentences due to the seriousness of his crimes. Kaide Fowler pleaded guilty. Catriona Hyland pleaded guilty.
Lee Byrne and Sam Garvey, who committed a 'senseless and violent' robbery in Dublin, have been jailed for one year after reoffending despite being given a chance by a judge. Both pleaded guilty to the robbery, which involved a victim being attacked and robbed on Phibsborough Road. Judge Elva Duffy initially adjourned the case for 12 months, giving them an opportunity for rehabilitation, but after they reoffended, she imposed a custodial sentence. Byrne and Garvey were involved in assaults and criminal damage, with Byrne serving a two-year sentence and Garvey in custody until next May. The victim suffered serious injuries and continues to feel the emotional impact of the attack. Both men expressed remorse and sought to address their addiction issues, but the court ruled that their reoffending made a custodial sentence necessary. The case highlights the challenges of rehabilitation for individuals with substance abuse issues.
A 'high risk' convicted rapist has been jailed for four years after a woman discovered him raping her with a carrot. The 63-year-old man, who has previous convictions for rape and sexual assault, pleaded guilty to raping the woman with an object in his home on dates between September and October 2023. The woman, who was a close friend of the man following the breakdown of her marriage, said her life has spiraled out of control since the incident. The court heard that the man was aware of her vulnerable position and took advantage of it. The woman's victim impact statement described the rape as having a 'tremendous' impact on her life, leading her to drink more to 'block out' the incident. The man, who has multiple health issues including mental health and addiction problems, wrote a letter of apology and is willing to engage with the Probation Service for his rehabilitation. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon imposed a six-year sentence, suspending the final two years on strict conditions.
Derek Moore (AKA Hutch), a convicted killer with a long history of dangerous driving and drug use, was driving at 158km/h and under the influence of cannabis when he struck a Ukrainian grandmother, Valentyna Linck, in Dublin. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm and driving under the influence. The collision left Linck with severe injuries, including facial and head trauma, a stroke, and a brain bleed. She spent a month in a coma and requires ongoing rehabilitation. Moore's driving was described as 'completely outrageous' by the judge, who ordered a probation report and adjourned the case for further proceedings. Moore, who has 44 previous convictions, including manslaughter and assault, was disqualified from driving for five years at the time of the incident. The court heard that Moore was high on cannabis and had a history of drug use, which contributed to his reckless behavior. The victim's medical costs and loss of income were estimated at over €250,000.
A chef was sentenced to three years in prison after being caught with over half a million euros worth of cannabis. Lin Yan, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply in March 2025. Gardai received information from customs that a drugs detection dog had detected cannabis in a pallet. The pallet was delivered to an address in Palmerstown, but no one was there to receive it. Yan answered a call and signed for the delivery. Gardai kept him under surveillance and found cannabis in the pallet. Yan was arrested and the drugs were analyzed, revealing a total value of €571,000. Yan has no previous convictions and was employed as a chef in Ireland. His defense argued that he was on the lowest rung of the drug ladder and had been taken advantage of. The judge considered these factors and sentenced him to three years in prison.
A man was jailed for two years after being caught with nearly €400,000 worth of cannabis at Dublin Airport. Aidas Bauraitis, 25, pleaded guilty to importing cannabis for sale or supply in April 2025. Customs officers noticed Bauraitis acting suspiciously and found 19.9kg of cannabis in his bag. Bauraitis admitted collecting the bag in Bangkok and said he was in financial difficulty, supporting his family. His defense highlighted his cooperation, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge noted the value of the drugs as an aggravating factor but considered Bauraitis's financial pressure and his position on the lowest rung of the drug ladder. He was given a six-year sentence with four years suspended. Bauraitis intends to return to Lithuania after his release.
A chronic drug addict with 245 previous convictions was jailed for four years after attempting to rob a shop with a knife. Carl Byrne, 37, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of drugs for sale or supply. He entered a shop with another man, took items, and threatened staff with a knife. Gardai found drugs in his possession during a separate incident. Byrne's defense highlighted his long-term addiction and early guilty plea. The judge noted his extensive criminal history and chronic drug problem but considered his remorse and early plea. She sentenced him to three years and nine months for the attempted robbery and two concurrent sentences for drug possession, with the final nine months suspended for one year.
A criminal who assaulted, raped and coercively controlled his partner during a six-week relationship in which she endured 'violence and extreme degradation' will remain in prison after a court today rejected his appeal against conviction. Dean Ward (38), also known as Dean Alexander Fowkes, was convicted following a trial in June 2022 of twelve offences, including four assaults, one false imprisonment, one making a threat to kill, two counts of production of articles, three counts of rape and one count of coercive control on dates between June 11 and July 17, 2019. Ward, who was jailed for 17 years, does not accept the verdict of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence. He was also jailed in 2016 for four years for falsely imprisoning and assaulting a young mother in November 2015. Survivor Ms Sinéad O'Neill, who was the victim in both cases, was also convicted in the trial. At Ward's sentence hearing, Ms O'Neill told the court she had led a quiet, happy life and had wanted someone to share it with. 'It only took him six weeks to destroy me,' she said. The matter was adjourned at the appeal stage.
Josh Tierney, a 22-year-old soccer coach from Balbriggan, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply at an address in north Balbriggan on May 31, 2024. The prosecution alleged that gardai seized several bags of suspected cannabis, valued at €17,673, during a search warrant execution. Tierney admitted to possessing the drugs to pay a debt owed to a relative. Judge Jonathan Dumphy noted that while the case reached the custodial sentence threshold, exceptional circumstances allowed for a departure from the mandatory ten-year minimum. The judge considered aggravating factors, including the seriousness of the charge, Tierney's previous convictions, and a moderate risk of reoffending, alongside mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and admissions. Testimonials described Tierney as a valuable member of Balbriggan Football Club. The court sentenced Tierney to two years and nine months in prison, suspending the final eighteen months for two years. Consequently, he will serve fifteen months in custody. Additionally, Tierney was placed under the supervision of probation services for two years post-release.
A man who set his ex-girlfriend's car on fire has been sentenced to sixteen months in prison. Kevin Kinsella (35) of Annesley Close, Ballybough, Dublin 3, pleaded guilty to one count of arson committed in the Summerhill area of Dublin on July 2, 2024. He has 21 previous convictions. Garda Shane Costello testified that Kinsella was standing beside the car with flames coming from it and had a lump hammer in his hand. The court heard that Kinsella had a strong smell of petrol on him and had singed and burned the hair on his arms and some of his clothing. The damage caused to the car was €4,500. The injured party's insurance paid €3,000 in compensation, and Kinsella was repaying the rest of the money. His defence highlighted his guilty plea, remorse, and contributions to society. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kinsella has a strong work history and has contributed to his local area and community. He said that there was good mitigation in the case and sentenced him to sixteen months in prison.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced three defendants connected to a 'jugging' theft scheme. Margarita Maughan nee McDonald, 35, pleaded guilty to four money laundering offences and possession of proceeds of crime. The court heard that approximately €192,000 passed through accounts in her name between 2013 and 2020 while she claimed jobseekers allowance. Judge Orla Crowe described the activity as a 'family enterprise' where female relatives played a vital role in surveillance and transport. Acknowledging that Maughan was not the primary target of the investigation and accepting her sincere regrets, the judge imposed concurrent sentences of 18 months on each count, suspended in full on the condition that she keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years. Separately, Michael McDonald, 24, pleaded guilty to possession of proceeds of crime, including a Ford Focus and designer goods. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a two-year suspended sentence. Additionally, Patrick McDonald was jailed in October 2024 after pleading guilty to possessing cash that was the proceeds of crime. The prosecution alleged that male relatives carried out the thefts while female relatives assisted with surveillance and logistics. None of the stolen money has been recovered.
At the Special Criminal Court in Dublin, seven men were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to import controlled drugs between February 27th and March 14th, 2024, contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. All defendants pleaded guilty to the charges. The court, presided over by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, determined that the group had engaged in a serious conspiracy involving extensive planning and reconnaissance in west Cork. The judge noted the defendants had underestimated local communities and law enforcement. The headline sentence of 18 years was reduced by one-third to reflect the guilty pleas. Kiumaars Ghabiri, an Iranian national resident in the Netherlands, along with Spanish nationals Mario Angel Del Rio Sanz and Anuar Rahui Chairi, who remained on land, each received 11 years imprisonment. Spanish national Angel Serran Padilla, who took to sea, was also sentenced to 11 years. His countryman Pedro Pablo Ojeda Ortega received 10 years. Juan Antonio Gallardo Barroso and Serbian national Aleksander Milic, the youngest of the group, were each sentenced to eight years. The combined sentences total 70 years.
A money mule who allowed scammers to channel almost €3,000 through his Revolut account during two "smishing" frauds has been directed to the Restorative Justice Programme. Josh Pope (22) of Priorsgate, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to two counts of engaging in handling the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court heard that two separate "smishing" scams in April 2023 resulted in €2,946 being lodged into Pope's Revolut account. One injured party lost €711, while a second victim lost €2,235 after receiving fraudulent text messages and supplying their bank details. Pope had been offered €200 to allow his account to be used and had shown "sympathy" for the victims in his victim impact statement. He is currently studying culinary arts at Maynooth and has no previous convictions. Judge Karen Dowling directed Pope to engage with the Restorative Justice Programme and adjourned the matter to 3 April for an updated report, when the matter is expected to be finalised.
A 'blatant' thief who stole from the same Circle K garage 27 times in six months has been placed on probation at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Andrew Connors (40), of Kilbogget Grove, Cabinteely, pleaded guilty to the 27 theft offences, committed between June and late November at Circle K on the N11 in Cabinteely, Dublin 18. All charges were brought under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001. The court heard Connors repeatedly targeted the Circle K premises, stealing alcohol on almost every occasion. Items taken included cans of Guinness, Smirnoff Ice, Malibu, Captain Morgan and Jameson Ginger. His behaviour was described as 'pretty blatant', often walking out with cans or bottles before staff realised what had happened, without any confrontation. Judge Anne Watkin noted that garages 'are easier targets' for this type of offending. Connors is currently serving a six-month sentence imposed by Judge Martin Nolan in the Circuit Criminal Court following a breach that led to the reactivation of a suspended sentence.
A 29-year-old woman from Coolaney, Sligo, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison after pleading guilty to making a false criminal complaint at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Nicole Chambers alleged that a male prison officer had sexually assaulted her in a hospital cubicle whilst escorting her for medical treatment in August 2020. Hospital CCTV footage, corroborated by the officer's female colleague and medical staff, established that the officer never entered the cubicle and remained outside in accordance with protocol. When confronted with the footage, Chambers initially maintained her account before later retracting the allegation and apologising to the officer and prison service. Judge Martin Nolan described the allegation as malicious and self-serving, noting it had caused profound harm to the victim and could have resulted in a trial absent the camera evidence. The judge acknowledged Chambers' complex psychiatric history and functional neurological disorder but found she understood the distinction between right and wrong. She has 34 previous convictions, including an earlier custodial sentence for making false reports.
Rhys Murphy, 20, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possessing a knife in the early hours of 4 May 2025, an offence under section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act. The court heard that gardaí were flagged down at Glenview Park during a late-night chase, where a knife was observed being thrown from a vehicle. Murphy was identified as the person who discarded the weapon, which was subsequently recovered and produced in court. Although defence counsel Michael Hennessy argued that Murphy was a passenger who instinctively threw the knife after it was handed to him, the judge noted that Murphy made no reasonable explanation for possessing it. Judge Patricia McNamara examined the six-inch knife and commented on its appearance. She described Murphy as pleasant but naive and vulnerable to negative peer pressure, warning that possessing a knife increases the likelihood of its use. The court noted Murphy has previous convictions for traffic matters and theft, but none for weapons. In sentencing, Judge McNamara remanded Murphy on continuing bail until 16 January. On that date, he will appear again before Tallaght District Court to engage voluntarily with the Restorative Justice Programme. The judge advised him to stay out of trouble in the interim, stating the court would review his progress at the next hearing.
A man has been jailed for eight years for his role in an aggravated burglary during which a woman was attacked with a wrench in the bedroom of her home. William Doyle (24) of Knocknarea Road, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to aggravated burglary on November 20, 2021. His co-accused, who was responsible for the attack on the woman and a second attack on her husband, has previously been jailed for 12 years. Doyle was 19 years old at the time of the burglary and had initially denied the offences and elected for trial. He fled to the UK and was arrested and extradited back to Ireland in July this year. Garda Stephen Daly told the court that the woman woke to an intruder in her bedroom just before midnight. She was attacked with a wrench, requiring stitches to her face and head. Her husband was also attacked with the wrench. The burglars escaped before gardaí could catch them. Doyle was ultimately nominated as a suspect and was arrested in April 2021.
A Dublin man has been jailed for one year for threatening to kill his former partner after the 'red mist descended' when he was made aware of a serious sexual allegation against him. The 26-year-old man pleaded guilty to sending a message of a menacing character by telephone in November 2022. Evidence was heard that the man was arrested in early November 2022 on foot of outstanding warrants and at this point, he became aware of the allegation. He was brought to the Criminal Courts of Justice and received bail. Several hours after he became aware of the allegation, he made the call threatening his former partner. The woman told gardai that he said he was going to kill her and her junkie boyfriend and slice her face. He used his brother's girlfriend's phone and made the call as he was leaving the courts building. Gardai seized the phone and established that the call lasted one minute and six seconds. The woman told the court she is constantly afraid and suffers with anxiety.
A Brazilian woman who claimed she was threatened and felt forced to bring more than €65,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland has been jailed for two years. Cleoviany Pedrosa (26) carried 35 pellets of cocaine in her luggage but also swallowed over 60 pellets of the drug. She told gardaí that she had initially agreed to transport the drugs because she was under financial pressure but when she tried to change her mind, she was threatened and forced into delivering the drugs. She was promised €3,000 for her role, and her flights and hotel stay were paid for. Pedrosa pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cocaine for sale or supply on March 16, 2025. She is a mother of six with no previous convictions. The court heard that customos officers felt Pedrosa was acting suspiciously and stopped her after she got off a flight from São Paulo. Officers found 35 pellets of the drug in her suitcase.
A High Court judge has expressed concerns about children's unsupervised access to the internet while sentencing a 16-year-old boy for orally raping his six-year-old sister and distributing images of the abuse. The boy had unsupervised access to the internet from a young age and was exposed to pornography. The judge highlighted the damage caused by unchecked internet use and called for action from the tech world and lawmakers. The boy pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including oral rape and distribution of child pornography. The court heard that the victim was taken into care and is now doing well with her foster family. The judge imposed a four-and-a-half-year detention sentence, suspended on the condition that the boy engage with the Probation Service. The judge emphasized the importance of rehabilitation and the need for strict supervision to ensure public safety.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced Bayleigh Fox and Saoirse Richardson for the robbery and assault of a trans woman at Devil's Lane, Cabinteely. Fox, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault causing harm aggravated by hatred, while Richardson, 22, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault causing harm. Judge Martin Nolan described the incident as a "savage attack" where the victim was lured to a quiet area and assaulted. The court noted the victim suffered significant physical injuries and psychological trauma, including PTSD. Although the judge found the motive regarding an Xbox unclear, he emphasized the outrageous nature of the attack on a defenceless victim. Both defendants offered mitigation, including early guilty pleas, young ages, cooperation, and participation in rehabilitative programmes for addiction. The judge acknowledged their "close to perfect mitigation" but stated they must endure prison terms. Fox was sentenced to 18 months in prison, and Richardson received a one-year sentence. The prosecution was brought under legislation introduced late last year, highlighting the hate-aggravated nature of the offence against the victim.
A 59-year-old man from Silloge Park, Ballymun, Dublin 11, who claimed he found a bag containing over €19,000 worth of cannabis and three shotgun cartridges in a local park, has been given a fully suspended three-year sentence. Anthony White pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply and unlawful possession of the shotgun cartridges. He told gardai he found the items in an area where bikes are burned and hid them to avoid his brother discovering them. However, Garda Tommy Kinneally stated he did not believe White's explanation. Judge Martin Nolan noted that White was holding the drugs for some small reward and considered his low level of culpability, as well as his personal circumstances. The judge said White was a mature man who would have known his actions were wrong but concluded there was little use in sending him to prison. White has no previous convictions and has been working on a Community Employment scheme.
A father and son sold a motorhome that had been stolen from the UK and fitted with fake plates eight times to an unsuspecting buyer who used his inheritance to buy it. John Tracey and Jordan Keogh pleaded guilty to handling stolen property. The motorhome had been cloned so that it was unrecognisable as a stolen vehicle. The buyer later discovered the motorhome was stolen and was left out of pocket. Keogh used part of the money to pay off a drug debt. Both men were sentenced to suspended terms, with conditions that they pay the victim back. The court noted that both men had enough experience with vehicles to be suspicious of the motorhome and were seriously reckless in their actions.
A 23-year-old who was stopped by gardai with almost €7,000 in crime proceeds in a sock will no longer serve 15 months additional jail time for the offences, after a judge gave him a 'break' and varied his sentence on appeal. Ross Kavanagh was originally sentenced to 15 months in custody for money laundering and drug-related offences. He was found with €6,900 in cash and €1,696 worth of cannabis. His lawyer argued that Kavanagh was the 'breadwinner' of his family and was under pressure. The judge varied the sentence, suspending the six-month term for the sale and supply of drugs charge for 12 months from his release. He also ordered the forfeiture of the cash and the destruction of the drugs. Ross Kavanagh was convicted.
A businessman who charged €120 per hour for padel and pickleball lessons sent 'intimidating' and 'threatening' texts to a coach who was left short on his wages after being let go due to low demand, according to a tribunal. William McGlade, founder of 'House of Padel' in Dublin, accused the coach, Andrés Martínez-Cuquerella, of 'lying about the job you're doing' and 'manipulation of your worth' in messages revealed during a Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) hearing. Martínez-Cuquerella, who was employed for eight weeks before being terminated in March, has now secured an order for unpaid wages and notice following a rights complaint. His base pay was €14 an hour, with a €30-an-hour premium for coaching, which customers were charged €120 for. He was owed €224 in public holiday pay, €336 for accrued annual leave, and an underpayment of €16 for an hour's coaching.
A man described as a 'suitable dupe' has been jailed for five years after transporting over €830,000 worth of heroin. Stuart O'Brien (46) of Rutland Grove, Crumlin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of heroin for sale or supply on March 15, 2023. Gardai were conducting a surveillance operation in north Dublin after receiving confidential information. O'Brien was seen meeting a co-accused at a service station on the Malahide Road, where he was handed a bag containing heroin. The bag was later transferred to a third man, who was stopped by gardai and found to be in possession of 12 slabs of heroin weighing 5.9kg with a value of €831,000. O'Brien was arrested, but no evidence was obtained during his interview. He has two previous convictions, and the other co-accused has since died. O'Brien's defence highlighted his medical history, including a brain hemorrhage over 20 years ago, and his lack of trappings of wealth or addiction issues. He also noted that O'Brien has a job offer and receives disability benefits when not working.
A robber who carried out a vicious raid on a shop was caught after gardai used CCTV to trace him back to his apartment. Keith Kinlan (50) pleaded guilty to robbery at Spar on Gardiner Street, Dublin 1. He was sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. Gardai identified Kinlan through CCTV footage and found him in his apartment the following day. He has 125 previous convictions and was on bail for theft and fraud at the time. His defense argued it was a crime of desperation due to his drug addiction. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged his drug addiction and rehabilitation efforts, but sentenced him to four years and six months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
Peter Kelly, a former teacher at a Spiritan-run school, has been jailed for 10 years for the indecent assault of eight boys over 30 years ago. Kelly was convicted of 28 counts of indecent assault at Willow Park School, where he was accused of being one cog in a machine of systematic abuse. The victims, now in their early 50s, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing, with some suffering from psychiatric issues, addiction, and intergenerational harm. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the bravery of the victims and the significant damage caused by Kelly. The abuse occurred in various locations, including classrooms and the school gym, and involved games such as 'The Muppet Show' where Kelly would tickle and molest the children. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including PTSD, insomnia, and panic attacks. Kelly's defense argued that he never owned a passport and that the school had its own disciplinary regime. The judge imposed a global consecutive sentence of 10 years, noting the lack of acceptance of the verdict by Kelly. Peter Kelly pleaded not guilty.
Three men, Anas Altahlh (40), Issa Al Aboud (43), and Mohamad Alsourani (43), were jailed for three years after being found in possession of over €345,000 in cash. The men arrived in Dublin from Denmark and were en route to Istanbul when Gardaí intercepted them on the Drumcondra Road. During the search, Garda Shauna Ferncombe discovered two suitcases containing €206,000 and €135,000, along with an additional €4,900 in a backpack. The men, who are originally from Syria and now reside in Sweden, claimed they were visiting as tourists and to look for work. They had no previous convictions and were assisted by interpreters during the hearing. The court heard that the men were likely acting as couriers for the illicit funds. Judge Martin Nolan stated that the men must have known they were handling illegal money and imposed a three-year sentence, backdated to the date they were taken into custody.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to harassment, trespass, breaching a protection order, and assault. The man was found to have sent hundreds of messages to his former partner through the Revolut app after she blocked him on other platforms. He also turned up unannounced at her home and caused her physical harm. The victim stated that the man's actions left a deep psychological scar and changed her life significantly. The man also assaulted his current partner after discovering he had an affair with the first victim. He was found guilty of assault causing harm and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. The judge noted the impact of the man's actions on both victims and imposed a global sentence, including a 15-year no-contact order with the first victim.
Dean Joyce, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of threatening to kill and one count of simple assault of his then partner at an address in Tallaght on November 6, 2024. The court heard that Joyce had 341 previous convictions. Prosecution evidence alleged that Joyce pursued his partner, who was eight months pregnant, outside their home while brandishing a hammer, threatening to kill her and their unborn child before forcing her back inside. He allegedly confiscated her phone until the following morning. A further count of production of an article was taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe described the conduct as heinous offending towards a woman in advanced pregnancy. While acknowledging Joyce's childhood deprivation and mitigating factors, the judge set a headline sentence of six years, reduced to four years. To incentivise rehabilitation and protect society, the judge suspended the final six months of the sentence, conditional on Joyce remaining under the supervision of the Probation Service during that period. Joyce has been in custody since his arrest.
The DPP accepted pleas of guilty to assault causing harm from four defendants after alleged victim Barry Moore (34) refused to testify. Jason Hennessy Jr (28), Brandon Hennessy (22), Kenneth Fitzsimons (45), and Dean Fitzsimons (25) had been charged with false imprisonment and causing serious harm, offences carrying potential life sentences. The State accepted the lesser pleas, which carry a maximum ten-year sentence, on a full facts basis. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter for a sentencing hearing on January 26 next year. Mr Moore, who was arrested on a bench warrant, maintained his refusal to give evidence despite warnings of a prison sentence for non-cooperation. The DPP indicated Mr Moore would be released from custody. Devon Hennessy, who previously pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning and assaulting Mr Moore to enhance criminal gang activities, is not part of this current trial. The court will hear evidence including photographs, medical records, CCTV, and statements made to gardai, as the State seeks to admit these without cross-examination.
A jury has unanimously convicted Christopher Devine of murder, rejecting his claim that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to heavy cocaine and alcohol use. Devine, who shot Michael Tormey five times in the victim's front garden, argued that his mental state diminished his capacity to control his actions. However, the court accepted the prosecution's argument that Devine acted deliberately. The trial revealed that Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The jury rejected the defense's claim that he was too intoxicated to form an intention to kill. The judge, Ms Justice Melanie Greally, adjourned the case until December 19, when Devine will face a mandatory life sentence. The Tormey family will be invited to make statements on that date. Devine had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The trial heard conflicting expert opinions on whether Devine met the criteria for diminished responsibility or cocaine intoxication. The jury deliberated for over four hours and found Devine guilty of murder.
Serial sex offender Philip Murphy has been jailed for 15 years for the repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother and two young girls over 30 years ago. The judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, noted that Murphy represents an ongoing danger to society and ordered that he remain under post-release supervision for 10 years. Murphy was convicted of 15 counts of rape and sexual assault, and his half brother, Michael Murphy, was jailed for four years for raping one of the girls. The victims, who were all young children at the time, described the abuse as traumatic and ongoing. Murphy threatened the older girl that he would abuse her younger sister and kill her father if she did not comply with his demands. The judge emphasized that Murphy's actions were gravely wrong and that the victims were not at fault. Michael Murphy was also sentenced for raping a girl when he was around 16 or 17. The victims spoke of the lasting impact of the abuse, including mental health issues and addiction.
Ruth Lawrence, a 46-year-old defendant, was sentenced to two mandatory terms of life imprisonment for the murders of Anthony Keegan and Eoin O'Connor. The Central Criminal Court jury had previously found that Lawrence and her boyfriend, Neville van der Westhuizen, acted as a unit to lure O'Connor to their home, where he was shot. The panel also accepted that Keegan was shot by van der Westhuizen and that Lawrence was equally liable for the outcome under joint enterprise. Lawrence had pleaded not guilty to both counts of murder, which occurred between April 22 and May 26, 2014. Justice Tony Hunt handed down the concurrent sentences, backdating them to October 4, 2022, when Lawrence entered custody. The court heard four victim impact statements detailing the trauma suffered by the families, who noted Lawrence's lack of remorse and her decade-long flight to South Africa, where she changed her name and appearance. Van der Westhuizen is currently serving a 15-year sentence in South Africa for separate offenses, with an application to return him to Ireland for trial to be considered upon his release. The judge acknowledged the vindication for the families after a lengthy legal process.