Martin O'Flaherty, aged 73, was convicted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of 14 counts of indecent assault and one attempted indecent assault against seven boys who were his pupils between 1978 and 1981. He had previously been tried five times since 2022 and had 103 convictions for indecent assault of 22 other boys. He is serving an effective sentence of eight years, two months and three weeks, with an earliest release in August 2028. Reporting restrictions were lifted as no further matters are pending. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a global five‑year sentence for the seven victims in this case, bringing his total convictions to 29 boys. The court heard that O'Flaherty denied the allegations, cooperated with the investigation, and does not intend to appeal. The judge noted his age, health, and past service as mitigating factors but also cited the seriousness of the offences and the breach of trust as aggravating factors.
Radu Budai, 40, of Lucan, was found guilty of Revenue offences for selling untaxed Romanian cigarettes and alcohol in his shop on Upper Dorset Street. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 7 March 2023. Revenue officers, led by Marie Treacy, entered the shop and discovered bottles of wine without Irish tax stamps, boxes of brandy and wine, and homemade alcohol in large plastic containers. A female employee showed officers a Romanian identity card and was interviewed. Budai was present during the search but was not questioned. The court heard that the goods were seized. In mitigation, his defence counsel argued that Budai was trying to compete with larger shops, had family responsibilities, and had health issues including sleep apnoea and a gastric balloon surgery. Judge Martin Nolan acknowledged Budai's family situation but noted the profit motive and the €27,000 loss to Revenue.
Thomasz Pysz, 46, of Clonee, Dublin, was found guilty of four counts of theft from the Department of Social Welfare between 2019 and 2021. He used the PPS number of a relative who had left Ireland in 2016 to claim benefits while working under a different PPS number. Pysz received €9,235.50 in Disability Allowance and €16,303 in Pandemic Unemployment Payments through this scheme. Garda Stephen Byrne reported that the relative's bank account was used for wages and that the relative was not charged with any offence. Pysz repaid part of the money and has an outstanding debt of €21,814. He pleaded guilty, citing mental health issues and marital breakdown. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 20‑month suspended sentence, requiring the freezing and transfer of €10,917 from Pysz's account to the Department of Social Welfare and noting a separate payment agreement with the Department.
During the sentencing of a 26‑year‑old man who had orally raped and defiled a 14‑year‑old girl in 2020, Judge Melanie Greally told the survivor that the legal system had failed her. The judge noted that the case had loomed over the victim for far too long and that new protocols now exist to prevent such delays. The man, who was 21 at the time of the offence and whose name is withheld to protect the victim, pleaded guilty to oral rape, defilement and sexual assault. He had no prior convictions. The judge set a headline sentence of 8.5 years, imposed a six‑and‑a‑half‑year term with the final year suspended, and ordered two years of post‑release supervision, prohibiting any occupation that would bring him into contact with underage females.
In a major drug‑seizure case, eight men have been convicted for their roles in a 2.25‑tonne cocaine haul that was seized from the MV Matthew, a Panamanian‑registered bulk carrier. The shipment, valued at over €157 million, was intercepted by Army Rangers in September 2023. The defendants—Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk (32), Vitaliy Vlasoi (32) and Vitaliy Lapa (61); Iranians Soheil Jelveh (51) and Saeid Hassani (39); Dutch national Cumali Ozgen (49); Filipino Harold Estoesta (31); and Jamie Harbron (31)—were charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Six pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine for sale or supply on the MV Matthew between 24 and 26 September 2023, with a market value exceeding €13 000. Lapa and Harbron pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply between 21 and 25 September 2023. The Special Criminal Court will sentence the men on 3 and 4 June.
Eight defendants have been scheduled for sentencing before the Special Criminal Court on June 3 and 4, following their guilty pleas in connection with the seizure of 2.25 tonnes of cocaine aboard the MV Matthew. The vessel, a Panamanian-registered bulk carrier, was boarded by Army Rangers in September 2023, resulting in what is described as the largest cocaine seizure in Irish history, with an estimated value exceeding €157 million. Mykhailo Gavryk, Vitaliy Vlasoi, Soheil Jelveh, Saeid Hassani, Harold Estoesta, and Cumali Ozgen pleaded guilty to possessing controlled drugs for the purpose of sale or supply between September 24 and 26, 2023, while on board the vessel outside the State. Ukrainian national Vitaliy Lapa pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply at a location within the State between September 21 and 25, 2023. Jamie Harbron, of the UK, also pleaded guilty to attempting to possess cocaine for sale or supply during the same period. The court heard evidence that the ship, owned by a Dubai-based company, used its Automatic Identification System to simulate a false position while sailing from Curacao. It was intended to meet a fishing boat named The Castlemore for the physical transfer of the drugs. The matter is now at the sentencing stage, with specific dates set for the disposal of these cases.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing on 7 April 2025, Eric O'Driscoll, aged 23, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment for possessing a .223 calibre Remington AR‑15 semi‑automatic rifle in Finglas on 1 January 2022. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended, and the court imposed a one‑year restriction on O'Driscoll's association with six named individuals. The judge noted O'Driscoll's youth, lack of prior convictions, and his willingness to cooperate with probation. The case stemmed from video evidence on O'Driscoll's phone showing him and his brother Glen Ward, aged 32, firing the rifle from the back door of a house in Finglas. Ward pleaded guilty to the same offence and faces sentencing later in 2025. Ward has 20 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences, and one for assault and criminal damage. The court described the videos as a "display of strength" intended to intimidate. The hearing was presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 7 April 2025, 30‑year‑old Robert Broughan was sentenced to a mandatory life term for the murder of his best friend, Roy Hopkins, 34, who was beaten to death with a baseball bat on 31 July 2020. Broughan admitted to striking Hopkins on the forehead, side of the head and nose, intending to make his head "explode" and to kill him. He claimed no prior conflict, stating the friendship had never involved a "cross word". Broughan also confessed to having put petrol on the bat and to having taken Solpadeine tablets before the attack. The court noted his previous convictions for criminal damage and public order offences, and his history of substance misuse. Hopkins' mother delivered a victim impact statement describing the tragedy and the lasting pain inflicted on her family. The sentence was back‑dated to 1 August 2020, when Hopkins died after being taken to Naas General Hospital.
In a Tallaght District Court hearing, Judge Patricia McNamara sentenced Dumitru Lupu, a 30‑year‑old cleaning‑company owner from Boherboy, Saggart, to pay €150 for criminal damage and €100 to a garda charity after he urinated all over a garda cell while intoxicated. Lupu, who has no prior convictions except for traffic offences, was arrested following a verbal altercation at his home on 30 September 2022. Garda officers described him as unsteady, aggressive and abusive, and he laughed when informed of the damage. The judge noted that, given his occupation, Lupu "would have been in a good position to clean up his own mess" but that it was too late. He was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service pending a probation report on 12 May. The court also ordered a €100 donation to Little Blue Heroes, a charity for children with disabilities. Dumitru Lupu pleaded guilty.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Noel Ryan, 48, pleaded guilty to hijacking a car and abducting a child. He took a vehicle in Mountjoy Square on 23 September 2024, leaving a five‑month‑old baby alone for almost three hours while the mother struggled to stop him. CCTV showed the mother holding the door as Ryan drove away, and the baby's tears were captured. Ryan used the mother's credit card 12 minutes after the theft. He was arrested the next day and admitted he did not know a child was in the car. The court heard victim impact statements from the mother and father, describing terror and lasting trauma. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Ryan's addiction and early guilty plea, imposed a headline sentence of nine and a half years, reduced to seven years in prison, back‑dated to his custody date.
William Kiely, aged 52, was sentenced to six years' imprisonment after pleading guilty to three counts of dishonestly appropriating money from Barrington Capital Ltd's accounts between 2007 and 2010. The court found that he had transferred about €2 million of investors' funds into unauthorised stock‑market trades, losing roughly $1.47 million USD and €700,000 in the process. Kiely also pleaded guilty to operating the company with intent to defraud creditors from July 2008 to February 2010 and to falsifying a financial statement on 12 March 2010. He had set up Barrington Capital as a legitimate investment vehicle to buy U.S. commercial property, but after the 2008 crash he diverted the money to the stock market and used it for lifestyle expenses and personal payments. No investors received any restitution, and the court noted the significant financial and emotional harm suffered by the victims. Kiely is also disqualified from serving as a company director for five years.
Nathan Robinson, 30, of Dublin 7, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of stolen property after selling a Live U600 electronic transmission device, valued at €25,000, for €50. The device had been stolen from an RTE cameraman's car and was tracked via an Apple AirTag to an electronic hardware store where Robinson was seen on CCTV entering, opening a rucksack, and taking the equipment. Garda Conor Flynn obtained a search warrant for Robinson's home, seizing clothing matching the footage. Robinson, who has prior burglary convictions and a history of handling stolen property, admitted possession and was cooperative. No victim impact statement was presented. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Robinson's drug addiction and cooperation, sentenced him to a fully suspended 20‑month prison term, with the sentence suspended in full.
Les Byrne, 49, of Shancastle Park, Clondalkin, was found with four pipe bombs in the back of his van during a Garda search on 24 March 2024 after an overwhelming cannabis smell was detected. Byrne pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession or control of the devices, which were later confirmed to be effective bombs. He has 24 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to six and a quarter years, noting Byrne acted under instructions from third parties but played a vital role in the operation. The judge highlighted Byrne's guilty plea, cooperation, family responsibilities, and the fact that he was a low‑rung member of an organised crime group involved in a feud that has escalated with arson, intimidation and attacks on homes. The case involved text‑message evidence showing Byrne's reluctance to keep the bombs and his desire to dispose of them.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Eric Thomas, 49, was found guilty of false imprisonment and sexual assault of a teenage boy aged 14 or 15 between January 2004 and July 2006. Thomas, who has 34 prior convictions including ten for sexual assault, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended for two years under Probation Services supervision. The victim, who was a happy, class‑clown teenager, described feeling sick, dirty and scared after the assault, and said the incident changed his life, leading to aggression, drug use and a desire to leave. Thomas denied the allegations and claimed he had never known the victim. The court noted Thomas's history of mental health issues, rehabilitation efforts in prison, and his acceptance of the verdict. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the victim's profound impact. The sentence reflects both aggravating and mitigating factors.
Paul McGrath, 66, of Dublin 1, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for laundering nearly €150,000 in crime cash. He pleaded guilty to concealing the source of property, knowing it was proceeds of crime, at the Coachman Inn on 4 October 2024. Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau had received confidential information about a man suspected of receiving large sums from criminal gangs and laundering them for a fee. McGrath met the third party at the Inn, handed a plastic bag containing €146,950 to the other man, and was later stopped by Gardaí. A hidden compartment in his Volkswagen Passat, opened with an electronic fob, was found to contain the cash. Two phones were seized from McGrath's vehicle and 17 unused phones from his home; Gardaí believed they were used for criminality. McGrath, who has 42 prior convictions, claimed he owed money for an "ounce of green" and had a dependency on alcohol and cannabis.
Marius Elisei, 47, of Whitworth Road, Drumcondra, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment for assault causing harm after striking an off‑duty Garda with a bottle outside Heuston Station. The incident occurred on 25 September 2023 when the Garda, who had just disembarked from a train, confronted Elisei for drinking in public. Elisei, holding a beer bottle, raised it and hit the Garda on the forehead, causing a gash that required three stitches. The Garda was off work for 15 days following the attack. Elisei, a repeat offender with 22 prior convictions, including 16 public order offences, pleaded guilty. He was in custody since 21 January after a bench warrant was executed. The judge, citing Elisei's history of alcohol‑related aggression, imposed the 20‑month sentence backdated to 25 January. The Garda declined to give a victim impact statement. The court noted Elisei's remorse and his difficulty being away from family. The sentence was imposed by Judge Martin Nolan.
Stephen Connolly, a 40‑year‑old businessman from Rath Gael, Clondalkin, was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four years' imprisonment for laundering €291,790 that he claimed was the proceeds of a drug offence. The money was found rolled and in separate bags during a planned search at Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford, on 4 May 2017, and Connolly's fingerprints were on the cash. He admitted possession of the money and that he had stored and counted it with his brother, Mark Connolly, who had previously received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence for his role. Connolly's defence counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, argued that his client was a family man with mental health issues and was not directing the operation, and presented a heartfelt apology. Judge Martin Nolan noted Connolly's responsibilities as a business owner and family provider before imposing the four‑year term. Stephen Connolly pleaded guilty.
Padraic Troy, 29, of Golden Gardens, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary, was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for two counts of rape, anal rape and two sexual assaults of a female acquaintance in 2021. The victim, who was discharged from hospital after an ambulance transfer, had called Troy for assistance. He met her at 3:24 am, accompanied her to a car, and during the journey he began kissing her. After another man left, Troy raped, anally raped and sexually assaulted her in her bedroom. The victim reported the assault the next day, and a DNA profile matched Troy. He denied the allegations, claiming consensual sex. The court noted the victim's life was profoundly affected, citing loss of employment, anxiety and trust issues. Justice Melanie Greally imposed the ten‑year sentence, back‑dated to the date Troy entered custody, and a one‑year post‑release supervision order.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 3 April 2025, Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Paul Kelly, 46, to seven and a half years' imprisonment for repeated rape and sexual abuse of his younger brother, Anthony Kelly. The judge noted that the abuse occurred between 1995 and 1999, when Paul was aged 16 to 20, and that it involved 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape and 12 counts of anal rape. Anthony, aged 10 to 14 at the time, had suffered lasting trauma and had come forward with a complaint in 2021. Judge Greally said the case was aggravated by the regularity of the offending, the extended period, the breach of trust and the fact that it took place within the family home. She also addressed letters from members of Paul's family, stating that it is "not permissible" to write privately to a judge about reporting restrictions, and that justice must be administered publicly. Paul Kelly was convicted.
A 35‑year‑old Ukrainian man, Oleksandr Strymbu, was sentenced to five years in prison by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for laundering more than €1 million in cash in exchange for food. He pleaded guilty to handling €1 058 575 of proceeds of crime at his rented house in Knocklyon on 13 June 2024. Garda Kate Gilligan reported that the house was searched and over €1 million in cash was found in six shopping and gift bags in his bedroom, some in vacuum packs and others tied with elastic bands, with a cash‑counting machine on the coffee table. An additional €25 900 was found in an upstairs bedroom. Strymbu claimed he was merely collecting money for a housemate, had no knowledge of the source or amount, and was not paid but received fuel and food. He described himself as an idiot and said he trusted a relative.
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Natalie Brennan, a 33‑year‑old junior finance administrator at the College of Anaesthesiologists of Ireland, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft for taking €22,857 between September 2022 and January 2023. Brennan had been hired in 2014 and was regarded as exemplary until behavioural changes were noted in 2019 after a new relationship. She had previously received wage advances to pay her boyfriend's debt, which were repaid. In December 2022 she took leave and returned in January 2023, when discrepancies were found in the accounting system. Brennan admitted the theft, apologized, and resigned. Garda Sergeant Fionnuala Lawlor testified that the stolen money was transferred to accounts in Brennan's name. The court, noting her cooperation, remorse, and lack of prior convictions, imposed a fully suspended sentence of two and a half years, citing domestic financial pressure as a contributing factor. The judge highlighted the breach of trust but deemed imprisonment unjust.
A 52‑year‑old Kuwaiti man, Faleh Al Anisi, was sentenced to two and a half years' imprisonment, backdated to the day he entered custody on 24 May 2024, for assisting the entry of six non‑nationals into Ireland. He had travelled from Lisbon to Dublin, claiming the trip was a holiday but the court found the explanation implausible. At Dublin Airport he handed over his British passport, revealing his Kuwaiti origin, and later returned to customs to explain that he had flown from London to Lisbon the day before and then to Dublin. He admitted carrying a brown paper bag containing genuine passports of the six individuals, who had no documents and had arrived on the same flight from Lisbon. Al Anisi pleaded guilty to three counts of assisting the entry of a person in breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004.
Mark Fitzgerald, 39, of Clondalkin, Dublin, voluntarily turned himself in to Gardaí in May 2022 after admitting he had sent sexually explicit messages and photos to over 100 under‑age girls on Snapchat. Gardaí recovered 1,490 conversations from April 2022, in which Fitzgerald had initiated 136 chats with girls aged 12 to 14, asking for their age and photos, and offering to send pictures of his genitalia. He also requested images of the girls' faces, bodies and genitals, and claimed he had no sexual intent. Gardaí preserved the material and presented it to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan, noting Fitzgerald's self‑reporting and mitigating circumstances, imposed a two‑year prison sentence.
Sean O'Faolain, 48, of Castleknock, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching his ex‑partner at Dublin's Olympia Theatre and again outside the venue, leaving her with a permanent scar. He was sentenced by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 20 months' imprisonment, back‑dated to 19 February 2025. The court noted the victim suffered a deep cut to her chin, fractured jaw, damaged teeth, bruising and ongoing medical and dental costs. O'Faolain had no prior convictions, had pleaded guilty early, and had character references. The judge considered his intoxication and work history but found a custodial sentence appropriate. The sentence was imposed with no suspended portion, and the effective custodial term is the full 20 months. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Raymond Fortune, 43, of Latchford Drive, Castaheany, Dublin 15, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 2 April 2025 for possessing drugs worth over €1.4 million. He pleaded guilty on 4 July 2024 to two counts of possession of drugs for sale or supply. Garda surveillance, triggered by confidential information, led to his arrest when he was driving a white Transit van. Gardaí seized 7 kg of cannabis (valued at €140 000) and, after searching a storage unit at Rosemount Business Park, found 64 kg of cannabis (valued at over €1.2 million) and 623 g of ketamine (valued at €37 380). Adult diapers were used as a "cover load". During a home search, mixing agents were discovered. Fortune admitted addiction to cocaine and alcohol, claiming his addiction spiralled after his brother was charged with murdering their father in 2019.
Conor Stewart, 29, was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading guilty to assault causing harm and possession of a samurai sword at Kilcross Grove, Sandyford, on 18 June 2020. The offence stemmed from an alleged €50 drug debt owed to the victim's brother. Stewart, who lives in Kilcross Court, Sandyford, was accompanied by another man when they attacked the victim, striking him on the back of the head and leaving a cut on the left side of his head. The victim was treated in hospital for a cut to the back of his head and a larger wound to the side of his head, which required stitches, and has since fully recovered. Stewart's previous convictions include criminal damage and burglary. The court accepted his guilty plea as valuable and noted that he had been on remand in prison, only recently receiving a bed in his cell due to overcrowding.
Tony Wasiu Amusa, 30, of Russell Green, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three counts of possessing the proceeds of crime between 2020 and 2021, with a total amount of €33,733. Judge Martin Nolan described Amusa as an energetic participant in the laundering scheme but judged him to be "not much of a threat to society." He imposed a 27‑month sentence, suspended in full on strict conditions, and warned Amusa that this was his last chance before any further court appearance.
Conor Stevenson, 26, of Abbot Court, Cualanor, Dun Laoghaire, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for a violent robbery that took place on 30 March 2021 in Glenageary, Co Dublin. Stevenson pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The incident involved a 15‑year‑old boy who refused to hand over his backpack. Two men approached the teenager and his friend, demanding the bag. The boy resisted, grabbing his backpack and telling the men to "fuck off." Stevenson grabbed the boy's neck, pushed him to the ground, and dragged him into nearby bushes where he continued to assault him. The teenager eventually yielded, saying "fine – you can take the bag," and the robbers fled. The boy reported the mugging immediately. Gardaí analysed CCTV footage, identified Stevenson as a suspect, and arrested him. During the trial, the prosecution described the robbery as "impulsive" and not pre‑meditated.
In a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, Dr Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, testified that Brian Ibe, aged 23, suffered from schizophrenia and was in an acute psychotic state when he fatally assaulted 65‑year‑old Peter Kennedy. Monks argued that Ibe's psychosis, triggered by homelessness and cannabis use beginning in June 2018, contributed significantly to the assault and that Ibe may not have understood the nature of his actions. He suggested the court consider a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Ibe has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder charge and to assault causing harm to Garda Brendan O'Donnell, who was punched during Ibe's detention. The trial is proceeding before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.
Asiah Boudakhan, aged 20 and without a fixed address, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Temple Bar Square on 14 March 2024. CCTV footage showed her sitting on the victim's legs while restraining him, then punching him, and later another accomplice striking the victim with a bottle. The victim's injuries were described as relatively minor, and no medical report or victim impact statement was presented. Boudakhan was intoxicated at the time and had no prior convictions. Defence counsel noted her history of early drinking and homelessness. Judge Martin Nolan, recognising the victim's full recovery and Boudakhan's lack of a criminal record, imposed a 20‑month suspended sentence, suspending the entire term in full.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Lee Roche, aged 33, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage on 15 December 2023. The assault took place at his then‑partner's home in Donaghmede, where Roche dragged her headfirst down the stairs, pulled out her hair extensions, grabbed her breast, pushed into her ribs and struck her on the head, causing her ear to ring. He also hit her again after a brief conversation. Roche had no prior convictions and was reported to have a cocaine‑use problem, which he was addressing. He has since cared for his children and grandfather, and set up a running club in Coolmine. Judge Martin Nolan, citing a letter from the victim praising Roche's current contributions to family and community, imposed a four‑year suspended sentence, fully suspending the custodial term. The sentence was not read aloud in court. The victim's impact statement was submitted but not read.
Daniel Blanaru, 37, was convicted of the murder of Larisa Serban at the Central Criminal Court. The jury, comprising ten men and two women, deliberated for three hours and two minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. Blanaru had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ms Serban at her home in Rathmore, Athboy, Co Meath, on or about August 12, 2022. The prosecution alleged she died from a sustained and brutal attack, including a fatal stab wound to the chest. Although Blanaru initially told gardaí he was guilty, he later claimed the stabbing was accidental. The court heard evidence of prior threats and controlling behavior alleged by the victim's family. Following the conviction, Blanaru will be sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment at a sentencing hearing scheduled for April 10. Members of the victim's family will be invited to make statements to the court at that time. The matter is now at the sentencing stage, with the specific disposal to be determined by the judge on the specified date.
A 54‑year‑old man was sentenced to eight years in prison, with the final twelve months suspended, for attempted rape, sexual assault and threatening to kill his step‑daughter in County Limerick between 2011 and 2019. The victim, aged eight to sixteen at the times of the incidents, described repeated sexual advances, an attempted rape while lying on a bed, a sexual assault while she was on a couch, and a threat to kill her with a knife after she warned him she would tell her mother. The man pleaded not guilty and claimed he had cooperated with the investigation and complied with a 2020 barring order. The judge, Justice Melanie Greally, imposed post‑release supervision for two years, forbidding the defendant from any occupation that could bring him into contact with children and from any contact with the victim, her mother or family. The sentence was delivered in the Central Criminal Court. The unnamed 54-year-old was convicted.
Brian McCann, aged 41, pleaded guilty in the District Court to assault under Section 3 of the Non‑Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 after punching an e‑scooter rider in the face on 24 February 2022. The victim, who was riding an e‑scooter on Belcamp Lane, Coolock, was struck once in the nose, bled, but did not seek medical attention. McCann received a three‑month custodial sentence in April last year. On appeal, Defence counsel Adrian McDonagh BL argued that the victim's impact statement was "remarkably benign and kind" and that the sentence was "too harsh" given McCann's mental health difficulties, including paranoid schizophrenia. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan noted the victim's "extremely generous" statement, acknowledged McCann's medical issues and apology, and agreed to suspend the entire three‑month sentence for 12 months on the condition of good behaviour and maintaining peace.
Gerard Tier, 34, of Casement Drive, Finglas, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or cause serious harm on 21 August 2021. The court also considered two other counts of possession of an explosive substance and a threat to kill or cause serious damage. A Molotov cocktail was found at Tier's house and he threatened to burn it down. Garda Paul Higgins described Tier as extremely violent, resisting arrest and requiring four officers to restrain him. Tier head‑butted the floor, threatened the officers, and claimed he had previously killed a Garda. While in hospital he admitted to drinking and taking cocaine. The court noted a petrol smell and a bottle with petrol and a rag, confirming the Molotov cocktail. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a custodial sentence of two years, citing Tier's violent conduct and the dangerous nature of the device. The sentence was imposed at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Luke Kelly, 54, of Griffith Parade, Glasnevin, was sentenced to five years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply on 4 August 2023. Garda Gary Duke explained that police had received confidential information that some DHL employees were using the company as a cover to deliver drugs. A search warrant was executed at Kelly's home after he was stopped driving a yellow DHL‑branded van. Officers found six kilograms of cannabis in the van and an additional kilogram in the passenger seat, all wrapped in DHL packaging. Kelly led officers to a shed at his mother's house where they discovered 30.5 kilograms of cannabis and 11.04 kilograms of cocaine, valued at €1.38 million. He had no prior convictions. The court noted his long marriage, children, grandchildren and lifelong employment, and that he had been under significant stress and substance misuse at the time.
A 25‑year‑old man was sentenced to 12½ years in prison for raping and smothering his wife during an armed attack in Dublin in September 2023. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim, who now raises her children alone, had been isolated from her Travelling community after bringing her former husband to court. The court noted the man had 35 prior convictions, including theft, burglary, robbery and breach of a protection order. He denied the rape and assault, claiming the victim fabricated the allegations. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo set a 13‑year sentence, suspended the final six months, and imposed conditions including engagement with the Probation Service. The sentence was handed down after the man's supporters shouted at the victim and were removed by Gardaí. The case was placed in the 10‑15‑year headline sentencing category by the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Rachel Redmond, 34, was found guilty by a jury of impeding the Garda investigation into the murder of drug dealer Jordan 'Jordo' Davis. The jury heard that Redmond collected the shooter, Wayne Cooney, from a bus stop minutes after he killed Davis and later checked him into the Clayton Hotel near Dublin Airport. Redmond denied knowing Cooney had committed murder, claiming she was unaware of his criminality and that she had only helped him because she loved him. The prosecution described her testimony as "risible" and argued that she knowingly obstructed the investigation. The judge remanded Redmond in custody pending a sentencing hearing on 12 May. No other charges or outcomes were reported in this article.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Michael Ward, aged 44, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years' imprisonment for assault causing harm after pleading guilty to two separate assaults on a 19‑year‑old woman. The first assault occurred on 16 December 2023 when Ward, who had 53 prior convictions, allegedly locked the woman in an apartment on Parnell Street, struck her, and prevented her escape. She jumped from the first‑floor balcony, sustaining injuries and later receiving medical care. A second assault on 3 March 2024 involved Ward striking the woman, choking her, and threatening her with a pliers. The court noted the woman's repeated attempts to leave and the ongoing relationship between the parties. Ward's plea of guilty and expressed remorse led the judge to reduce the initial seven‑year sentence to four-and-a-half years, backdated for time already spent in custody.
The trial of Rachel Redmond, 34, accused of impeding the apprehension of her then-partner Wayne Cooney following the murder of Jordan Davis, has been adjourned. The jury, comprising three men and nine women, ceased deliberations for the weekend after four hours and 13 minutes of consideration over two days. Presiding Judge Paul Burns instructed the jurors to return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday at 10am. Ms Redmond, from Coolock with an address in North Belfast, pleaded not guilty to two counts of knowingly impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Cooney on or about May 22, 2019. The prosecution alleges she drove Cooney from the scene and checked him into a hotel to help him evade justice. The judge emphasized that the State must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ms Redmond knew Cooney had committed the murder at the time of her actions, noting that subsequent knowledge is insufficient. He further directed the jury to consider each of the two distinct counts separately and to reach unanimous verdicts. While the jury heard that Cooney was convicted of the murder, and that Ms Redmond's brother, Robert Redmond, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Mr Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison, these facts do not constitute a finding against Ms Redmond. The matter remains ongoing, with the jury's verdict pending.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, Dr Marie English, a clinical psychologist, testified that she found no evidence that Brian Ibe, aged 23, was feigning or exaggerating schizophrenia symptoms during the murder of Peter Kennedy, a 65‑year‑old man, on 28 April 2020. Ibe, who pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, was admitted to the Central Mental Hospital in 2023 after being on the waiting list since 2020. Dr English defined feigning as fabrication or gross exaggeration of symptoms and, after conducting various tests, concluded there was no evidence of such fabrication. The prosecution maintains that Ibe does not meet the legal criteria for a not‑guilty‑by‑reason‑of‑insanity verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act. Ibe also pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for assaulting Garda Brendan O'Donnell at Newbridge Garda Station on or about 29 April 2020, where the Garda was left with a bloody nose and a bruise under his eye.
Michael Mooney, 40, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or seriously harm his ex‑girlfriend's new partner on 23 July 2020. He sent about 50 Facebook Messenger messages in one day, including threats such as "stay away from her or you'll pay with your life" and calling the victim a "nobody". He later apologized, saying his words were "all talk". Mooney has a history of three threats to kill, three criminal damage convictions and 30 road traffic offences. He met with Gardaí, exercised his right to silence, and a victim impact statement was submitted but not read aloud. The judge, Martin Nolan, imposed a two‑year suspended sentence, directed Mooney to pay €2,000 to the victim or a charity, and warned that his behaviour was not cost‑free. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
An unnamed 44-year-old woman was sentenced in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of cannabis with intent to supply. The offence occurred on 16th January 2023 at her Dublin home. During the search, a minor son indicated the presence of drugs, and the defendant admitted to possessing cannabis and her own methadone. Police recovered cannabis, plastic bagging, and two sets of electronic scales, with the drugs valued between €12,000 and €14,000. The defendant has 12 previous convictions, including three for drug possession for sale or supply, all dating back more than 20 years. Her defence counsel highlighted her history of addiction, noting she began using methadone at age 12 and has remained on it since. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three-year term of imprisonment but suspended it in full. The matter was finalised with this suspended sentence.
Stephen Bedford, 38, was sentenced to 16 months in prison by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for driving a jeep into a crowd at an anti‑immigration protest on 15 February 2023. Bedford, who had previously been convicted for overstepping the line at protests, was livestreaming the incident to Facebook. Garda Eoin Cannon testified that Bedford's vehicle collided with an injured protester, who was later taken to hospital. Footage from Bedford's phone showed him leaving a blocked junction, crossing onto the opposite side of the road, and turning into a lane where the protester stood. Bedford pleaded guilty to driving through a crowd, creating a substantial risk of death or serious harm. The judge noted the speed was not great but that Bedford could have caused injury, and he was jailed for 16 months.
A 21‑year‑old man, who had posed as a teenage girl online, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting a four‑year‑old boy and for multiple offences involving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). He pleaded guilty to the assault, to five counts of possession of CSAM, one count of possession of CSAM on Snapchat, two counts of producing CSAM, and two counts of distributing CSAM. The court noted that the victim was aged between 16 and 18 at the time of the offences and that the man had been in custody since his arrest in May 2024. Evidence showed he had over 1,500 files of CSAM, had communicated with boys aged 12 to 15 on Snapchat, and had encouraged them to produce and send sexual content. The judge imposed a six‑year sentence, with the final 18 months suspended on strict conditions, including probation supervision after release.
A 26‑year‑old father of three was given a three‑year suspended sentence after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of cannabis for sale or supply at his Dublin home in July 2023. He admitted that he had been holding €17,000 worth of cannabis for a fee of €100, claiming the money was to help cover the costs of his children's illnesses. Gardaí found the drugs in a backpack when they entered the apartment after the defendant had left for ten minutes. The defendant said he was motivated by his children's health problems, all of whom suffer from hip dysplasia, with the eldest having had surgery and the middle child two surgeries. He had a prior conviction for possession of knives, which was under a suspended sentence at the time. Judge Martin Nolan, after considering the circumstances, imposed the suspended sentence.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Rachel Redmond, 34, is currently at the jury deliberation stage. Ms Redmond, from Coolock, Dublin, with an address in North Belfast, stands accused on two counts of impeding the apprehension of her then-partner, Wayne Cooney, following the murder of Jordan Davis on or about May 22, 2019. She has pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution alleges she knowingly drove Cooney from the scene and checked him into a hotel to help him evade prosecution. Defence counsel argued she did not know Cooney had committed a crime and urged the jury not to convict her by association. The jury is currently deliberating and has been adjourned until 10am tomorrow to continue their consideration. In related proceedings, Cooney has been convicted of the murder. Additionally, Ms Redmond's brother, Robert Redmond, pleaded guilty in April 2024 to conspiring with Cooney to murder Mr Davis and was sentenced to seven years in prison. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul Burns, instructed the jury that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Ms Redmond knew Cooney had committed the murder at the time of the alleged acts, and that each count must be considered separately.
William Greene, 48, of Bective Square, Phibsborough, was jailed for 16 months after making 11,043 nuisance calls to emergency services between 8 March and 9 November 2023, jamming lines for 129 hours. He pleaded guilty to two counts of persistently using the telecommunications system to cause annoyance, interference or needless anxiety. The calls, made from two phone numbers, were monitored and linked to Greene, who was arrested in October 2023. He denied owning the phones but was found with a Nokia mobile and a second phone during searches. Greene had a suspended sentence for giving false information in a hoax 999 call and 20 prior convictions. The court noted his alcohol addiction and mental health issues, and he was sentenced to three years with the final 20 months suspended on bond.
Three men—Anthony Hickey (39), Fabio Vicente (42) and Matin Zolfaghari (34)—were sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for a gang rape and sexual assault that occurred on 31 August 2019 in a Dublin nightclub. Hickey received 16 years, with the final year suspended; Vicente also received 16 years, suspended; Zolfaghari received 14 years, suspended. All three pleaded not guilty. The judge described the conduct as "cruel, cynical and depraved" and noted the victim was in a vulnerable state. The court directed the men to be supervised by Probation Services for three years after release and back‑dated their sentences to the date of custody. The sentencing hearing included the victim's impact statement, in which she accused the men of recording and sharing videos of the assault and of laughing at her refusal. The judge emphasised that blame rested solely with the men and praised the Garda investigation. No further legal outcomes are mentioned in the article. Anthony Hickey was convicted. Fabio Vicente was found guilty. Matin Zolfaghari was convicted.
In a victim impact statement read to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, a woman who was sexually abused by her cousin when she was eight years old addressed the 40‑year‑old defendant, telling him: "May you never be free. May you be haunted like I have been." The defendant had pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault committed in 1999 when he was 15 and the victim was eight. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended on strict conditions. The court noted the repeated nature of the offences, the victim's ongoing suffering, and the defendant's guilty plea, expressions of remorse, lack of prior convictions and good work history. The victim described the abuse as not innocent curiosity, detailing the impact on her trust, mental health and life trajectory. The defendant was instructed to apologise, and the court considered his family situation as context rather than excuse.