Derek Boyd, a garda accused of murdering his partner Mark Carroll, was on a suspended sentence for the manslaughter of his sister when the alleged killing took place. The Central Criminal Court heard that Boyd and his partner Chantelle Harcourt are accused of impeding the prosecution by cleaning the scene. Megan Rock, Carroll's partner, testified that the evening was initially peaceful but turned violent when Boyd and Carroll had an argument. Rock said that Boyd threatened her and tried to set his dog on her, but she managed to escape. She denied that Carroll was a violent person and said that Boyd had previously shot his sister in a tragic accident. Boyd's legal team argued that he had a suspended sentence and was aware of the consequences of any physical altercation. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented, including the alleged threats and the circumstances surrounding the murder. Derek Boyd pleaded guilty.
A burglar who claimed to be a plumber when confronted by a security guard after breaking into an office building and damaging two cars has been jailed for 17 months. Patrick Lynch (51) of Rosemount Glade, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to burglary and damage to an interior door at L Building, Harcourt Street, Dublin 2 on February 8, 2025. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage to cars in the basement of the building. Lynch, who has previous convictions, including seven for burglary, was caught by security guards after breaking into the building. One guard saw Lynch on CCTV with a brick and an implement, while the other encountered him in the basement. Lynch told the guard he was a plumber and had left his access card elsewhere. A Tesla and a BMW were damaged in the basement. The car owners did not prepare victim impact statements. Lynch's defense said he had gone downhill after his wife's death and was trying to fund his addiction to pills. He is receiving medical attention in custody.
A serial criminal, Keith Hall, was released from prison for his role in the 2012 manslaughter of Melanie McCarthy-McNamara when he committed arson and robbery in 2025. Hall had previously been sentenced to 20 years for the manslaughter, which was later reduced. The court heard that Hall was involved in events leading up to the shooting, including agreeing to throw a rock to entice people out of a house. In 2025, Hall was caught on CCTV setting a car ablaze and later robbed a Halfords store. He was identified as one of the suspects and had a history of 112 previous convictions. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hall's high risk of re-offending but acknowledged his cooperation with the Probation Service. She imposed concurrent sentences of three years and six months, with the final six months suspended on the condition that Hall engage with the Probation Service.
A 68-year-old man from Donegal, who was convicted of raping and abusing his sisters in the 1970s, was granted anonymity by the court due to a 'culpable delay' in the prosecution. The victims had waived their anonymity, but the court ruled that the defendant could not be named. The man was convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. His lawyers argued that the delay in prosecution had created a situation where the defendant would face serious public odium. The judge noted the victims' bravery and the long-term trauma they endured. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a two-year concurrent term for the sexual assault charges. The final year of the seven-year term was suspended on strict conditions. The unnamed 68-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A Brazilian brothel-keeper, Ilamar Rodrigues Ribeiro, has had his appeal to reduce his prison sentence dismissed by the court. Ribeiro, who operated a brothel network across rural Ireland and laundered €800,000, was arrested at Dublin Airport in 2023 with child abuse material on his phone. He pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including brothel-keeping, money laundering, and possession of child pornography. The child abuse material, which included images and videos of pre-pubescent children, was described as the most serious category. Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a 10-and-a-half-year sentence in 2025, which included consecutive terms. Ribeiro's lawyers argued that the court should have suspended the sentence for the child abuse material due to his lack of prior convictions. However, Mr Justice Paul Burns ruled that the child pornography charge was of a different nature and required a separate sentence. He stated that the court could not ignore the severity of the offence. The investigation into Ribeiro began after two women came forward with trafficking allegations, leading to the identification of multiple properties used as brothels across Ireland.
George Gibney, the former Irish national swimming coach, has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls over 50 years ago. A Central Criminal Court jury found Gibney, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 74 charges, with five counts admitted by Gibney at the outset. The jury deliberated for over seven hours and returned 40 guilty verdicts. Gibney was extradited from Florida to face the historic allegations. The abuse occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and in his car. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered. Gibney will face a sentence hearing on July 29, with victim impact statements to be prepared for the sentencing.
A man who raped and sexually abused his 10-year-old niece while babysitting her has been jailed for 11 years. The now 35-year-old defendant was convicted of two counts of rape, 10 counts of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The abuse occurred between May 2019 and April 2021 at the family home in Dublin. The man, who is the girl's uncle, would occasionally stay with the family while homeless. The victim, in a victim impact statement, described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, stating that the man used her age and innocence against her. The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl's parents were out, and the man was in loco parentis. The victim expressed that she had to live with the consequences of the abuse every day, including suicidal ideation and self-harm. The man, who has no previous convictions, was originally from Romania and has lived in Ireland for many years.
Tomasz Rozpeda, a Polish national, has been sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after killing his friend, Maciej Nowak, on St Stephen's Day three years ago. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nowak suffered 27 injuries to his head and neck, with his brain twisting within his skull, indicating blunt force trauma from an object or flat surface. Rozpeda initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court was told that both men had consumed substances to excess that night, and that Nowak had a high level of amphetamines and alcohol in his system. Rozpeda's defence highlighted his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions in Ireland, while the court noted the tragic impact on Nowak's fiancée and children. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to six due to Rozpeda's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors. The case was complicated by the lack of clear evidence and the fact that Rozpeda had previously been in contact with Nowak's fiancée to inform her of the incident.
A 34-year-old man was jailed for three years after being convicted of sexually assaulting and raping his young cousin between 2005 and 2008. The victim, who was aged between five and eight at the time, described repeated instances of abuse, including a final incident of oral rape. The court heard that the victim had kept the abuse secret for years before making a formal complaint in 2021. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor noted the aggravating factors, including the victim's young age and the power imbalance. She acknowledged the accused's youth at the time of the offences but imposed a three-year sentence. The victim expressed that the abuse had a lasting impact on her life and that she had to remind herself that the family fallout was due to the abuse, not her speaking out. The accused's defence highlighted his stable relationship and positive testimonials from family and friends, but the court found no remorse. The trial concluded with the judge emphasizing the importance of the victim's courage in coming forward.
A couple who fled Ukraine were caught by gardai with €380,000 in cash in the back of their car during a money laundering operation. Ihor Samotos, a Ukrainian national living in Leitrim, was seen receiving a box of cash from a third party in a Santry carpark. His partner, Sabina Kolukhonova, was a passenger in the car. Samotos had limited work opportunities and became involved in the money laundering operation for an organised criminal gang. Both pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Samotos had made the choice to engage in the criminal activity despite his precarious situation. He sentenced Samotos to five and a half years and Kolukhonova to 20 months in prison, taking into account their guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. The court heard that the couple had come to Ireland separately after the war broke out and had started a relationship. The other man involved in the operation remains before the courts.
Ian Hennessy, 40, admitted to damaging his former partner's property while intoxicated and was given a month to compensate her before a judge decides on his sentence. Hennessy pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal damage at Dún Laoghaire District Court, where a television and a clothes horse were damaged. Judge Ann Watkins noted that Hennessy had not shown remorse by compensating his victim more than 18 months after the incident. The judge emphasized that Hennessy, as an adult, is well able to take responsibility. Hennessy's defence highlighted that he had completed treatment for alcohol addiction, has been sober for six months, and has secured full-time employment. The court adjourned the case until July 27, with the judge instructing Hennessy to repay the damage by then before deciding on his sentence.
On July 1, 2026, the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who attacked a group of children in Dublin, concluded with a detailed account of the events. Leanne Flynn, a creche worker, intervened when Bouchaker pulled a knife from his rucksack and attacked a five-year-old girl. She tackled him, but he stabbed her in the back, causing severe injuries. In the chaos, several children were injured, including one girl who suffered a critical head wound and another with a laceration to the neck. Passersby, including Warren Donohue, Caio Benicio, and Alan Loren-Guille, intervened to stop Bouchaker. Siobhan Kearney helped remove the knife from Bouchaker's grip. A five-year-old girl was found lifeless on the pavement, but she was revived by paramedics and taken to the hospital for emergency surgery. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the girl suffered severe neurological and physical damage, including dystonia and the inability to swallow, requiring lifelong care. Bouchaker, who had a mild cognitive impairment and a benign brain tumour, claimed he was not in his right mind during the attack.
A Ukrainian man, Andrii Pastukh, was jailed after €310,405 in crime cash was discovered hidden in baby food containers, Pringles tubs, suitcases, and a speaker in his Dublin hotel room. Pastukh pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of crime at the Clayton Hotel, Clonshaugh, on November 28, 2025. During a garda operation, he was observed handing over a bag to a co-accused, who later travelled to another hotel in Dublin city centre. When gardai searched Pastukh's hotel room, they found the hidden cash. A simultaneous search of another hotel room uncovered over €311,700 in a safe. Pastukh was arrested and handed over his phone and PIN, which led gardai to discover the Telegram app on his device. He initially made limited admissions but later gave a full account across six interviews. Pastukh claimed he came to Ireland from Athens three days earlier and had been instructed to hand over some of the money to the co-accused. The court heard that Pastukh had no previous convictions and that this was his first involvement in such offending.
A 24-year-old drug dealer, Kabir Adeyemo, has been further sentenced for laundering the proceeds of his own criminal activity in a 'crude and obvious' manner. Adeyemo pleaded guilty to multiple charges of having cash believed to be the proceeds of crime between November 2019 and July 2021. Garda Michael Curtin stated that €18,950 was deposited into Adeyemo's bank account during this period, and that he moved the money between his account, betting accounts, and back to his own. Judge Orla Crowe noted that the laundering was not a complex scheme and that Adeyemo was 'a man involved in crime' at the time. She acknowledged that Adeyemo has 58 previous convictions, including four for drug dealing, and that none of the cash was recovered. However, the judge accepted that Adeyemo has 'started to turn his life around' and is now a good father to his six-year-old son. She imposed a sentence of 18 months, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions.
Michael Geoghegan, a man with a long history of criminal convictions, was jailed for five years after attempting to rob a bookies and two supermarkets. He dropped his phone and €200 at the scenes of the crimes. Geoghegan pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Boyle Sports and two counts of robbery at Lidl. He had a debt of €7,000 and committed the offences to pay it off. His defence argued that he did not intend to hurt anyone and that the weapon used was an airsoft gun. The court heard that the offences were terrifying for the victims, who believed the weapon was real. Geoghegan's mother wrote a letter stating that he has changed since being in custody and is on a methadone reduction programme. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a headline sentence of eight years, but suspended the final year with conditions, including probation and addiction services.
Derek Moore, known as 'Del Boy' Hutch, has had his sentencing for causing serious harm to a grandmother further adjourned due to ongoing industrial action by criminal solicitors. Moore pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious harm to Valentyna Linck in 2022. His sentencing was adjourned until October, with Moore remanded on bail. Moore has a long history of convictions, including dangerous driving and drug-related offences. The collision occurred at high speed, with Moore testing positive for cannabis. Ms Linck suffered life-threatening injuries, including a stroke and brain bleed, and has required extensive medical treatment. Moore has been on bail and has not come to garda attention except for one public order matter. He has recently been diagnosed with ADHD and has a bail variation allowing him to go on holiday abroad while awaiting sentencing.
A Lithuanian national, Karolis Peckauskas, has pleaded guilty to engaging in a terrorist plot to attack a Galway mosque. The charge relates to an attempt to damage the Maryam Mosque by fire between November 4 and 5, 2025, with the offence being aggravated by hatred. Peckauskas, along with Darren Gorman and Garrett Pollock, pleaded guilty to the same charge. Charles Flynn remains charged with the same offence. Peckauskas also faces charges related to the possession of offensive weapons and an explosive substance. He has claimed that he cannot receive a fair trial on the explosives charge due to the wording of the Explosives Act. A stay has been imposed on his prosecution on this charge until a High Court judgment is returned. Peckauskas, Gorman, and Pollock will return for a sentencing hearing on October 5.
A serial thief with 142 previous convictions, Mark Holmes, had his jail term reduced by four months on appeal. Holmes, who has a history of theft and drug addiction, was convicted of multiple thefts from Dublin grocery shops. His defense argued that his offenses were linked to a crack cocaine addiction and a chaotic lifestyle. Holmes was initially sentenced to 20 months in total, but the appeal court reduced the two ten-month sentences to eight months each, to be served consecutively. The court heard that Holmes had been engaging with services and schooling while in custody, and had reduced his methadone usage. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan acknowledged the severity of his criminal history but noted his cooperation and progress in treatment. The reduction was made to reflect his engagement with services and his reduced methadone usage while in custody.
A serial thief with 130 previous convictions has been spared additional jail time after admitting to stealing €165 worth of cosmetics from a Tesco store in Dún Laoghaire. Colin Kevitt (33), of Talbot Street, Dublin 1, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing various cosmetics from Tesco at Bloomfield Shopping Centre on November 23, 2025. Represented by Berna Kennedy BL, Kevitt informed Judge Anne Watkin that he is already serving a 16-month prison sentence for theft. Sergeant Deirdre Ryan highlighted Kevitt's extensive criminal record. Judge Watkin sentenced him to two months' imprisonment, to be served concurrently with his existing sentence. A recognisance of €500 was set in the event of an appeal. The court acknowledged Kevitt's long history of theft-related convictions, but opted not to increase his sentence further.
Ciaran Tate, 29, of Claremorris, Co Mayo, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in November 2024. Following a trial, a jury convicted Tate of aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm, and false imprisonment, while acquitting him of non-fatal strangulation and making threats to kill. The court heard that Tate, who has no previous convictions, assaulted a stranger in her hotel room after she rejected his advances. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight and a half years in mitigation for his lack of prior convictions, co-operation, and remorse. The final 12 months of the sentence are suspended on strict conditions, requiring Tate to engage with interventions addressing sexually harmful behaviour. He is also subject to three years of post-release supervision and a prohibition on contacting the injured party. The judge noted that while Tate expressed horror, his victim empathy was limited due to his tendency to distance himself from the events. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
A 30-year-old man from Carlow has been jailed for seven years after admitting to grooming, raping, and sexually abusing his partner's 13-year-old niece. The abuse occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 in the home they shared. The victim, who was 13 to 14 years old at the time, described the abuse as starting with inappropriate touching and progressing to oral rape. The court heard that the defendant sent the victim text messages, including one where he wrote, "I like what we have, it's weird I shouldn't really." The abuse ended when the girl confided in her mother. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The defendant, who has a history of addiction and violence, expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the victim's courage in coming forward, sentencing him to seven years for the oral rape and eight years and three months for the sexual assault, both to run concurrently.
Peter 'Peadar' Keating, a former senior member of the Kinahan Cartel, appeared in the High Court in Dublin following an extradition warrant issued by the UK. Keating, 45, was sentenced in December 2024 at the Old Bailey to four years and eight months for his role in a failed plot to secure a reduced jail term for Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh by amassing a weapons arsenal. At the time, Keating was already serving an 11-year sentence in Ireland for directing the attempted murder of a rival Hutch gang member. The UK warrant, issued in November 2022, stated that firearms were sourced from the Netherlands as part of a scheme to demonstrate Kavanagh's cooperation. Kavanagh, a senior Kinahan drug trafficker, was jailed in England in March 2022 for 21 years for importing over £30M worth of drugs. Keating's legal team, led by Keith Spencer BL, highlighted significant issues in the case and applied for legal aid, which was granted. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for further proceedings. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
A Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to two prison officers after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an overdose attempt, a court has heard. Dylan Smith (35) of Captains Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to prison officers at the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison on August 19 and 20, 2025. Detective Garda Andrew Harte explained that Smith was found unresponsive in his cell, and when he regained consciousness, he was aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff. Smith made explicit threats against the officers, including stating he would be at the foot of their beds and threatening their children. After being released from hospital and returned to prison, Smith again threatened the officer who found him. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, highlighted that Smith had suffered a serious assault in prison and had incurable bladder cancer. He also noted that Smith had received news about his worsening condition on the day of the incident and took drugs in an attempt to end his life.
Industrial action by criminal solicitors has led to the adjournment of numerous cases in the Criminal Courts of Justice due to a dispute over proposed legal aid reforms. Solicitors are protesting a shift to a flat fee model for legal aid cases, replacing the current system of payment per appearance. This has resulted in the adjournment of cases involving legally aided defendants on bail, with defense barristers not attending or being instructed. The impact was felt in multiple courtrooms, including Court 5 and Court 7, where cases were adjourned to October or November. In the Central Criminal Court, 13 sexual offense cases were affected, with solicitors unable to assist due to the ongoing dispute. The court acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the dispute but set trial dates for some cases, expressing hope that the issues would be resolved soon.
Joseph Gifford, a 40-year-old man with 134 previous convictions, has been jailed for 20 months for stealing a tourist's motorbike in Dublin. Gifford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to taking the motorbike from QPark on May 13, 2024. The victim had arrived in Ireland on a ferry from the Isle of Man and parked his motorbike in the car park. The following morning, he discovered his bike was missing. Gardai obtained CCTV footage showing four individuals entering the car park, with three wearing masks and gloves. Gifford was identified as the fourth person. The motorbike was recovered the next day but was written off. Gifford was arrested in March 2025 and admitted to the crime, but refused to identify the other individuals. The court heard that Gifford has a long-standing addiction issue and is a vulnerable person. His defence highlighted his remorse and willingness to address his addiction. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors, including Gifford's extensive criminal history, and sentenced him to 32 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended for two years.
Aaron McDermott, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed at Beaumont Hospital on April 7, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force or threat, as well as three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to the driver and two children. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of nine years, with the final 12 months suspended on the condition that McDermott engage with The Probation Service for 12 months upon his release. He was also disqualified from driving for two consecutive terms of ten years in relation to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard that McDermott, who was highly intoxicated, held a knife to an infant and threatened the occupants before driving off at speed, causing a crash that left the victim with a fractured ankle. Judge Sheahan described the dashcam footage as harrowing and noted the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the family, including PTSD and financial distress. While acknowledging McDermott's difficult early life and addiction issues, the judge highlighted his 125 previous convictions and disregard for road traffic laws. McDermott expressed remorse in a letter to the court, stating he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
A salesman, Kevin Joyce, who claimed an industry 'rumour mill' made him 'damaged goods' after being unfairly dismissed by Ambu Ltd, has won nearly €40,000 in redress. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that his dismissal in July 2025 was unfair, and Ambu Ltd admitted fault. Joyce, who earned over €160,000, spent over 10 months unemployed after his 'unceremonious dismissal' as territory manager. He alleged that his former employer spread damaging information about him through an email to staff, leading to a 'no-fault' dismissal. Joyce's lawyers highlighted a grievance about a 'disparity' in performance-related pay, with an €18,000 bonus at issue. An external investigator concluded the matter 'needed addressing,' but Joyce was then subjected to a 'no-fault' dismissal. An email to staff announcing his departure read: 'Dear all, today we have decided to part ways with Kevin Joyce with immediate effect.' Joyce stated that the medical device industry is small, and word spread quickly, leading to damaging rumours. He contrasted this with an email sent about a former colleague, which highlighted her achievements.
An American drugs mule left his contact details with airport staff when the luggage in which he was smuggling 14kg of cannabis went missing, a court has heard. Ulises Mendez (30) had flown in from Chicago and left his contact details with airport staff when he found that his suitcase had gone missing. When the luggage showed up, a scan revealed an anomaly and a search of it revealed several black packages wrapped in t-shirts, which were found to be 14.4 kg of cannabis with an estimated street value of €242,516. Mendez returned to the airport the following day but instead of collecting his luggage, he attempted to get a flight back to the States. He was arrested and brought in for questioning and has been remanded in custody since. Mendez pleaded guilty to having the drugs in his possession for sale or supply at Dublin Airport on January 11, 2026. He has no previous convictions. Garda Emmet O'Byrne told the court that Mendez made full admissions when questioned by gardaí.
Christopher Strickland, a criminal with 99 previous convictions, was jailed for assaulting his girlfriend after receiving 'misinformation' that she was pregnant. Strickland kicked the woman in the face and beat her around the head with a stone. He told gardai he was 'glad' he beat her and that she 'deserved it.' The victim, who has since died from an unrelated illness, was found with blood on her head and lip and swelling on her face. Strickland had blood on him and told gardai he had assaulted his girlfriend. Det Gda Jason O'Carroll agreed that Strickland was given 'misinformation' that the victim might have been pregnant and 'he lost it.' The court heard that Strickland's relationship with the woman was built around substance abuse. He has been clean since going into custody. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan said this was a violent and sustained attack on a 'very vulnerable' woman. She noted Strickland's long history of heroin addiction and his steps towards rehabilitation. Christopher Strickland pleaded guilty.
A man from Dublin has been jailed for three and a half years and ordered not to contact his former partner for 30 years after repeatedly breaching court orders and harassing her by sending messages to their 10-year-old child's phone. Judge Martin Nolan criticized the defendant for making life miserable for his former partner and child, noting that he had been given multiple chances to change his behavior. The man had pleaded guilty to harassment over a week-long period in September 2025. He has a history of breaching court orders, theft, assault, and criminal damage. During the period of harassment, he sent over 300 messages, some of which were aggressive and distressing. The victim described the experience as "hell on earth" and said she and her children faced significant emotional distress. The court heard that the man was also on bail at the time for breaching a court order not to contact the injured party.
Clayton Lieghio, a disqualified driver and speeding offender, was jailed for five years after knocking down a pedestrian while performing a wheelie on a scrambler bike. The incident occurred in a 50km/h zone at night, with Lieghio traveling at speeds exceeding 85km/h. The bike was not roadworthy, lacking lights, mirrors, and indicators, and Lieghio was not insured. The victim suffered severe injuries, including head and spinal trauma, and required extensive medical treatment. Lieghio fled the scene and was later arrested. He pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment and had a prior conviction for driving without insurance. The court noted the dangerous nature of his actions and the serious harm caused to the victim, who expressed forgiveness in her victim impact statement.
Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
Gary Byrne and James Reilly, both convicted sex offenders, were jailed for 10 years each for drugging and attempting to rape a teenager in 2016. The men lured the victim to their home under the pretense of a house party before giving him an intoxicant, rendering him unable to move. They sexually assaulted him on the street and again in their home, with Reilly attempting to anally rape him. The victim suffered severe and lasting harm, leading to a loss of identity and self-worth. The court noted the aggravating factors, including the men's previous convictions and the use of an intoxicating substance. Both men were sentenced to 11 years with the final year suspended, and a three-year post-release supervision order was imposed. The victim expressed a desire for the men to be identified and encouraged others to come forward if they had been sexually assaulted.
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for raping a 14-year-old girl in Co Meath in September 2022 and later mocking her with degrading social media messages. The man had previously met the girl through social media, where they chatted for about a year before the rape. During the attack, he told the girl that if she had screamed, he would choke her to death. The man also got a tattoo of the safe word they had agreed on, which he used as a reminder of the rape. In messages to an account set up by the girl's then-boyfriend, the man referred to the girl as a "slut" and said the tattoo was a reminder of her weakness. The court heard that the man had a history of consuming violent pornography, which led to distorted expectations around sex. The victim described the experience as a betrayal of trust and said she felt her vulnerability was mocked. She also expressed fear that she would never be loved again. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and other assaults on children and a teenager at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. The jury heard evidence from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan regarding Bouchaker's first police interview on December 20, 2023, conducted with a French-Arabic interpreter and his solicitor present. During the interview, Bouchaker stated he did not want to kill and described the incident as a mistake, saying he found himself with a knife and blood. He expressed a desire for the gardai to do whatever they wanted, citing a belief that the outcome was in the hands of God. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan SC noted that Bouchaker was interviewed seven times in total. The trial is ongoing, with the jury scheduled to hear the second interview next, followed by the final interview and memos of other sessions. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.
A young man who had sex with a 14-year-old girl and filmed her has been given a suspended 18-month sentence for defilement and producing child sexual abuse material. The 20-year-old from Limerick pleaded guilty to three counts of defilement and one count of producing child pornography. He claimed he thought the girl was 16 years old, but the victim maintained she told him she was 14. The court heard that there was no evidence of force, coercion, degradation, or humiliation. The judge set a headline sentence of three and a half years but reduced it to 18 months, taking into account the defendant's guilty plea, his youth, and his personal circumstances. The sentence was suspended for two years on conditions, including attending counseling. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting mental health effects of the incident, and the defendant's father testified about his son's traumatic childhood and caregiving responsibilities.
A 70-year-old man was sentenced to seven years in prison for the repeated sexual abuse of his daughter between 1994 and 1996. The Central Criminal Court heard that the abuse occurred in the child's bedroom while her mother was working nights. The victim, who was between six and eight years old at the time, came forward with the allegations in 2023 after encountering her father unexpectedly. The accused denied all wrongdoing and attributed the allegations to the victim's mental health issues. The court heard that the family lived in fear of the accused, and the victim described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including panic attacks and isolation. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse, which occurred in the victim's home. The judge acknowledged the accused's cooperation with gardai and his efforts at rehabilitation but emphasized the need for a long prison sentence. The unnamed 70-year-old was convicted.
A thief who threatened to shoot a taxi driver during a Christmas Eve hold-up has been jailed for an offence described as having a 'particular meanness' to it. David Delaney (26) pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 13 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the incident. The taxi driver was targeted in the early hours of December 24, 2023, when Delaney demanded €90 or threatened to shoot him. Delaney also took the taxi driver's dash cam. His defense highlighted his difficult background and current efforts in custody. The judge noted the impact on the taxi driver, who suffered anxiety and stress, and imposed a two-year sentence with six months suspended. Delaney's sentence will be consecutive to his current two-year term for robbery.
A knife-wielding burglar with over 200 previous convictions will be sentenced later this year for a series of break-ins across Dublin. Andrew Cleary (50), who has no fixed abode, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to multiple counts of burglary, theft, trespass, and criminal damage, as well as one count of aggravated burglary, between October 2024 and July 2025. The incidents occurred in various locations, including Sandymount, Killiney, Rathgar, Rathmines, and Ranelagh. Three gardai testified that Cleary entered homes and stole high-value items to sell and fund his drug addiction. In one incident in Ranelagh, a man was working from home when he heard creaking floorboards and saw Cleary entering the room with a knife, demanding money. The victim handed over his wallet and locked the door as instructed. In another incident in Killiney, a monitoring company alerted the homeowner to an activated security alarm. The homeowner viewed footage on his phone and saw Cleary and another man breaking into his home, smashing windows and taking keys. Gardai later apprehended Cleary with stolen items.
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
Luke Donnelly, an amateur fighter, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of his 62-year-old mother, Catherine Henry. The Central Criminal Court heard that Donnelly, who had a history of drug use and mental health issues, kicked his mother to death after she allegedly threatened him. The court was told that Donnelly had walked over his mother's lifeless body and showed no attempt to seek help. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the severity of the violence and the breach of a safety order that had been in place against Donnelly. Donnelly had previously been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. His family expressed deep divisions, with some members condemning his actions and others defending him. The judge emphasized the need for Donnelly to address his drug addiction and mental health issues, and the sentence included a suspended portion to allow for community supervision. Donnelly's criminal history included drug-related offenses, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation while emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
A serial offender with an 'appalling' 137 previous convictions has been given a fully suspended sentence for a series of theft and public order offences. Judge Derek Cooney noted that the defendant, Margaret Connors (41), has struggled with addiction and has made efforts to address it. Connors pleaded guilty to theft, handling stolen property, and public order offences. She stole alcohol and groceries from a supermarket and was found in possession of stolen items. Connors also admitted to stealing from a store and engaging in threatening behavior. She has a long criminal history and accepted responsibility for her actions. Her defense highlighted her addiction and homelessness. Judge Cooney acknowledged her difficult background and the impact of her addiction but warned that if she reoffended, she would face serious consequences. He suspended her sentences for 12 months, emphasizing that her recovery depends on her commitment.
A 19-year-old man, Calum McDonagh, was jailed for two years and six months for being a passenger in a stolen car that struck and killed a pedestrian in Dublin. McDonagh, who has 91 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and unauthorized vehicle use, pleaded guilty to allowing himself to be carried in the stolen vehicle. The incident occurred on July 17, 2024, when the car hit Michael Farrelly, who died at the scene. Gardai pursued the car for 4.2km before stopping it, where they found the victim. McDonagh was identified through CCTV and forensic evidence, including glass shards on his clothing. He admitted to being in the passenger seat and attempted to get out of the car after the collision. The court heard from the victim's brother, who described the tragedy as destroying their lives. McDonagh's defense highlighted his neurodiversity and adverse childhood, leading to a suspended six-month portion of the sentence.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A man who raped a friend at an IPAS centre was jailed for five and a half years after the court dismissed his claim that he was 'not reading the signals correctly' as a 'very weak response'. The defendant, who has a wife and children in Nigeria, pleaded guilty to the rape that occurred in Co Westmeath on June 15, 2025. The victim had gone to the defendant's room after he told her he had brought clothes back from Dublin for her. During the attack, the victim protested, and the defendant later apologised and sent messages to her. The victim recorded their calls and shared them with the defendant's roommates, who then informed the centre manager and gardai. The defendant was transferred to a new IPAS centre and interviewed by gardai, where he falsely claimed a relationship with the victim. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing the severe emotional trauma she experienced.
A man who claimed that his apologies after raping his girlfriend at work were for "poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules" rather than for sexual assault has been jailed for five years. The 29-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, was convicted by a jury at a third trial in the Central Criminal Court of raping the woman in January 2020. The court heard that the couple were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, and the victim had not felt ready for a sexual relationship. The accused man locked the door of a shower cubicle and raped her after she returned to work. The victim later confided in a colleague and gardai were called. The defendant made admissions to a colleague and was arrested. He later claimed that his apologies were for poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules. The victim described the adverse effects on her physical and mental health and relationships.
Dozens of retail theft cases were heard in Dún Laoghaire District Court as part of 'Operation Táirge', a garda initiative targeting repeat offenders in south Dublin. One defendant, Patrick Connors (24), who is already serving a 22-month jail term, was sentenced to three months in prison for stealing €12 worth of alcohol from a Centra store. Connors, who has over 70 previous convictions, pleaded guilty to theft on July 30, 2025. His sentence will run concurrently with his existing term. Connors' case was one of 41 matters heard in court on Wednesday. Most of the cases were for mention only, with Judge Anne Watkin adjourning proceedings for approximately eight weeks for disclosure, including CCTV evidence. Some defendants failed to appear, leading to bench warrants, while others attended and were given dates for further hearings. A number of defendants appeared without legal representation amid ongoing action by criminal defence solicitors over legal aid fees. Judge Watkin reminded those without legal representation that they needed to know how they intended to plead ahead of their next court date.
A number of cases listed at the Central and Circuit Criminal Court were adjourned today due to the withdrawal of legal aid work by solicitors. Counsel acting for the defence in the affected cases told presiding judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, that they were not attended by a solicitor and did not have instructions. A number of individual defence solicitors acting were present in court, with one telling the judge when the case they were instructed in was called, "with the greatest respect to the court, I'm withdrawing my services". Mr Justice McDermott thanked the solicitors who were present. While dealing with the Central Criminal Court's case management list, the judge said the court expected that if individual solicitors are going to withdraw their services, they should "come to court and indicate that, not simply as a matter of courtesy to the court", but also so the court could "address in advance any proposed withdrawal of service". The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
A woman, Elisabeta Silaghi, who has 21 previous convictions, including six for theft, was warned by a judge that she would be sent to prison 'for as long as I can' if she reoffended. Silaghi pleaded guilty to stealing €885 worth of groceries from Dunnes Stores. The judge noted that this was Silaghi's seventh theft conviction and that her last theft conviction resulted in a fine. Rather than imposing a custodial sentence, the judge placed Silaghi on a probation bond. Silaghi was directed to notify the Probation Service of any change of address or phone number. The judge warned the defendant that she had been given a final opportunity to avoid prison, saying, 'One more time and it's jail.' Silaghi is raising her five-year-old child alone, is unemployed and reliant on social welfare. David Nally BL, defending, said his client was pleading guilty, was very apologetic and had accepted responsibility for her actions.
An on-bail criminal with 117 previous convictions has been jailed for robbing an iPhone after gardaí used the 'find my phone' feature to track him down. Carl McGuinness went to an ice-cream parlour in Ranelagh in South Dublin on the evening of February 11, 2025, carrying a hammer. He told the shop manager to open the till and banged the hammer on the counter several times. The injured party told McGuinness that she couldn't open the till. The defendant then leaned across the counter and tried to open the till, accidentally triggering the panic alarm. An investigating garda told Simon Donogh BL, prosecuting, that McGuinness then grabbed the woman's iPhone 13, worth approximately €550, before escaping on a bike. Gardai responded to the panic alarm, arriving at the shop quickly. They used the 'find my phone' feature to track the phone and found McGuinness nearby. The court heard that the defendant attempted unsuccessfully to flee and when searched, the iPhone and the hammer were found on his person.