An Afghan man, Rahimullah Hotak, who laundered €45,000 by making payments to accounts in six different countries while receiving social welfare in Ireland, has been given a fully suspended sentence. Hotak, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, made 45 separate payments totaling €45,208.53 between January 2020 and April 2021. The court heard that the amount was 'totally out of proportion' to the funds he would have had access to at the time as a 19-year-old. Hotak's defence counsel noted that he recognises Ireland's support and hopes to return to Afghanistan with his family. The court also heard that Hotak was arrested but made no admissions. Judge Orla Crowe noted the troubling features of the case, including the source of the money, and adjourned the case to assess Hotak's risk of re-offending. Hotak has no previous convictions and the Probation Service has deemed him to be at low risk of re-offending. Judge Crowe handed down a sentence of 18 months, which she suspended for a period of three years on a number of conditions.
Two women from West Dublin have avoided jail for stealing baby formula and other goods from a Tesco store in Tallaght, while a third woman's case was discharged on the condition of a donation to the poor box. Alina Muntean (21), Flora Muntean (27), and Sabina Munteanu (47) all pleaded guilty to stealing goods worth €290. Security staff detained them after they passed payment points without paying. CCTV footage confirmed the theft, and the stolen items were recovered and returned to the store. One woman was arrested at the scene, while the other two, who had children with them, attended a garda station the following day. Alina Muntean had no previous convictions and expressed remorse. Judge Peter White directed her to make a €200 donation to the poor box and remanded the matter. Flora Muntean, who had two previous convictions, was given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200. Sabina Munteanu, who had two previous convictions, was also given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200.
A man who raped and sexually assaulted his younger cousin as a teenager has been jailed for five years. Paul O'Callaghan, now 57, was convicted of rape and indecent assault on multiple occasions between 1985 and 1986. The victim, who has since died, disclosed the abuse to her father in the late 1990s, and O'Callaghan expressed remorse and sought counseling. The victim made a formal complaint in 2016, and her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including alcohol addiction, nightmares, and mental health struggles. O'Callaghan's defense highlighted his guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. Judge Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the abuse, the young age of the victim, and the breach of trust as aggravating factors. He sentenced O'Callaghan to 12 years, reduced it to six years due to his age at the time of the offenses and mitigating factors, and suspended the final year on conditions.
Myles Connors, 37, was jailed for a year for defrauding an elderly woman of over €50,000 for poor-quality garden work. Connors charged the 82-year-old woman €48,000 for slabbing, weed removal, and cementing her garden, and an additional €5,000 for power washing and painting her tarmac. The work was assessed as being worth no more than €20,000, with materials costing less than €3,000. The woman, who lives alone and has mobility issues, was left with uneven and unsecured slabs and felt unsafe in her home. Connors pleaded guilty to two counts of deception. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a "sustained, controlled, and pre-meditated campaign" against the woman, a "gross breach of trust." She ordered the release of frozen funds, fully restituting the woman. Connors received a two-year sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered not to contact the victim. Gardai had previously recommended Connors to the woman based on his work for a neighbor.
Arthur Bradford, a Ghanian man, was jailed for six and a half years for raping an intoxicated woman he approached at a nightclub in Dublin. He was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last month. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described waking up in a house she had never been to, with her underwear inside out and feeling as if she had had non-consensual sex. CCTV footage showed Bradford approaching her while she was unsteady on her feet. Bradford claimed the encounter was consensual. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma and lasting effects of the rape, including on her relationships and education. Bradford, who has 21 previous convictions, including for theft and money laundering, was subject to a deportation order. The judge noted the traumatic impact on the victim and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, encouraging Bradford to engage in offence-focused work while in custody.
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
Noel O'Neill (30) was convicted of three counts of orally raping a child when she was between six and 12 years old. The abuse occurred at his former family home in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and involved a game called 'guess the finger' where he would place his penis in the child's mouth. The victim, now 19, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having taken her innocence and caused her PTSD. She stated that O'Neill's refusal to acknowledge the verdict broke her further and that the court process retraumatized her. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to 10 years considering mitigating factors such as O'Neill's lack of previous convictions and his role as a sole provider. O'Neill has not acknowledged the verdict and has never offered an apology. The victim expressed a desire to raise awareness and support other abuse victims. Noel O'Neill pleaded not guilty.
Tom White (76) was jailed for six years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over 50 years ago when they were neighbors in Limerick. White was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault between 1971 and 1976. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the abuse as having ended her childhood and shaped her life for 50 years. White had regular access to the girl's home and made lewd comments and physical abuse. The court heard that the abuse occurred several times a week and was described as 'opportunistic'. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to six years considering mitigating factors such as White's age, health issues, and the long intervening period since the crimes were committed. White has a long work history and has been married for about 50 years.
A 44-year-old man from Offaly was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping his best friend while she slept beside her grandchild in a Moses basket. The victim testified that she awoke to find the accused on top of her, having sex with her. She managed to push him off and left the room, only for the accused to return and attempt to re-enter the house. The victim later reported the incident to the gardaí and was treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she was found to have bruising and a small cut. The accused, who has eight previous convictions, claimed the sex was consensual. The victim described the emotional toll of the assault, including feeling like a "zombie" and losing quality time with her dying brother. She expressed that the rape had "shattered my sense of security in my home" and that she felt "dirty" despite scrubbing herself.
Larry Connors (32) and Michael Connors (34), both of Newbridge, Co Kildare, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred in a pub restroom following a Tyson Fury boxing match, where the victim was assaulted after shouting "up Usyk." The victim sustained a chipped tooth, bruising, swelling, and cuts to his face. Both defendants were already serving sentences for affray imposed by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in February and had been due for release in November. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Michael Connors initiated the incident by pushing the victim, Larry Connors used the greatest force. Both men brought €1,500 each to court. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 months on each defendant, with the final year suspended on conditions. These conditions require them to hand over the total €3,000 to the garda to be offered to the victim or, if not accepted, donated to charity. The court acknowledged their apologies and good work histories, noting they would return to stable situations upon release.
Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.
Mark Salmon (33), a drug dealer, was jailed for ten years for making threats to kill and damage property, as well as possessing cocaine and proceeds of crime. Salmon threatened a mother that he would get 'junkies' to rape her son if she failed to repay a €157,000 debt. Presiding judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the threats and Salmon's role in the drug trade. Salmon had pleaded guilty to the charges and the court considered mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation. The court also noted that Salmon had previously been involved in criminal activities and had a history of intimidation. The victim's mother had to leave her home and her son fled the country due to fear. Salmon was also found in possession of €35,000 worth of cocaine and had unexplained income from criminal activities. The court ordered the forfeiture of cash and the destruction of the drugs seized.
A mother who attempted to murder her eight-year-old daughter by strangling her with a phone cable and stabbing her more than 70 times has been jailed for nine years. The mother, a 49-year-old Russian national, claimed she was "out of her mind" when she attacked her daughter. The child, who is now in foster care, described the "tormenting" pain of the attack in her victim impact statement. The court heard that the mother had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar affective disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. She had previously been hospitalized for mental health treatment and had attempted suicide. The jury found her guilty of attempted murder, and the judge noted that her mental health significantly contributed to her actions. The mother was sentenced to 12 years, but the final three years were suspended, resulting in a nine-year custodial sentence. The victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and physical trauma the child endured, including scars and nightmares.
A 42-year-old prisoner, Paul Clarke, who was originally charged with the murder of Eoin Boylan in November 2019, has pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Clarke, from Coolock Drive, Coolock, appeared before the Central Criminal Court and admitted to participating in the killing of Mr Boylan at Clonshaugh Avenue, Dublin, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation. The court heard that Clarke, between November 23 and 24, 2019, participated in the killing with the intent to enhance the ability of the organisation to commit serious offences. Clarke was initially charged with murder in March 2025. His defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, noted that Clarke is currently serving a lengthy sentence but is doing well and requested a probation report. Mr Justice Paul McDermott listed the case for October 5 and requested the probation report be prepared by that date. Eoin Boylan was shot six times outside his home on Clonshaugh Avenue on November 24, 2019, and later died at Beaumont Hospital.
Two 21-year-old twin brothers, Eric and Sean Farrell, who had no prior criminal history, were sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Nicolae Diaconu (45) during a domestic incident. The court heard that the twins stabbed Diaconu eight times and struck him with a blunt object after he became abusive towards their mother, leading her to seek refuge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that the incident occurred out of the blue and that the twins acted under a mistaken belief they were under threat. The judge imposed a seven-year and six-month sentence with the final 18 months suspended for the rest of their lives. The twins had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. CCTV footage showed them being amicable with Diaconu before the incident. The court considered mitigating factors such as their youth, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge emphasized the level of violence and the use of knives and a hammer as aggravating factors.
A judge has dismissed a claim that Stephen Dowling, a boxing instructor, breached the conditions of a suspended sentence imposed for threatening his former girlfriend and her fiancé with a hammer. Dowling was accused of calling his former girlfriend a 'fucking snitch' and raising his middle finger at her during an encounter outside a shopping centre. The court heard conflicting accounts of the incident, with Dowling denying the allegations. CCTV footage was played, but the judge was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged breach had occurred. The suspended sentence remains in place, and the judge warned Dowling not to return to court. Dowling had previously been convicted of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury and threatening to kill or cause serious harm.
Theresa O'Reilly, a woman who threatened to burn down another woman's mother's house and take a lump hammer to her head during a row over an e-scooter, has avoided a jail sentence. O'Reilly pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or seriously harm the woman and her family, and demanding €500. She has 13 previous convictions, including several under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The court heard that O'Reilly was under pressure at the time and was deeply remorseful for her actions. Judge Peter White imposed three six-month prison sentences, all suspended in full for 18 months, on conditions that O'Reilly keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The judge acknowledged the stressful period in O'Reilly's life but noted that the offences were serious and not idle threats.
Mohammad Rehman, a British national, has been jailed for helping serious criminals escape after they attacked a Tallaght home and beat a man with a hammer during a drug-related dispute. Rehman arrived in Ireland the previous day with plans to set up a mobile valeting business. He pleaded guilty to driving the vehicle involved in an aggravated burglary to and from the scene. The court heard that the attack was caused by a drugs transaction that went wrong. Rehman was not involved in the attack and did not get out of the car. He had no previous convictions and the judge noted that he had tested negative for drugs while in custody. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Rehman to three and a half years in prison, backdated to when he went into custody, for helping serious criminals escape.
A man who was found with €5,000 worth of drugs in his home five years ago has received a suspended 18-month sentence. Sean Hassett, who was 24 at the time, immediately admitted to the drugs when gardaí searched his home in June 2021. However, due to delays in processing the case, he was only charged this year. During the time between the search and his charge, Hassett moved to Spain, removed himself from negative peer groups, and turned his life around. He provided clean urine analysis to the court to prove he no longer uses drugs and is now engaged to be married. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hassett had not re-offended since 2021 and had fully cooperated with the investigation. She acknowledged his efforts to change his life and suspended his sentence for three years on certain conditions. The drugs involved included ketamine, cannabis, and cocaine, with a total value of just over €5,100. Hassett has four previous convictions, including one for a road traffic offence and three for drug possession. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
Anne Marie Forrester, a former Tesco employee, has been given a fully suspended prison sentence of two and a half years for stealing €6,500 from her employer. Forrester had a previous conviction for a similar offence and was given the benefit of the Probation Act. The court heard that Forrester was present during the cash transfers and stole individual bags of €500. She later submitted a sick note and was not in work for seven weeks. Forrester has since engaged with MABS to address rental arrears and is making weekly repayments. She is a carer for her mother and works 18 hours a week. The court acknowledged her personal difficulties and mental health issues but noted that stealing from an employer must be deterred. Forrester was ordered to repay €7,000 over 18 months to Tesco. Anne Marie Forrester pleaded guilty.
A 48-year-old man has been jailed for two and a half years for instigating a violent attack on two men in Balbriggan. Kevin Cox pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder that occurred on March 31, 2024. During the incident, Cox pushed and struck one of the victims multiple times, and the second victim was punched and kicked. Both victims sustained serious injuries, with one suffering from ongoing headaches and impaired vision, and the other suffering from a knee dislocation and fractures. Cox has 16 previous convictions, most of which are from the District Court. His defence argued that most of his previous convictions were historic and that he had not come to garda attention since the incident. He expressed remorse and offered €4,000 as a token of apology. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the CCTV footage showing Cox's aggressive actions and set a headline sentence of six years, which she reduced to four years. She suspended the final 18 months for 18 months under strict conditions.
A former haulage company owner has been given a suspended sentence for writing two cheques for green diesel that failed to clear. Kenneth Browne pleaded guilty to two counts of deception in 2019. He had agreed to pay for 2,500 litres of green diesel with a cheque, but the cheque bounced. He later ordered an additional 5,000 litres, which he also paid for with a cheque that also bounced. Browne had made some repayments to the supplier but stopped when he was told he would only receive a receipt upon full repayment. He attended a voluntary interview and admitted to making poor business decisions that led to his company's bankruptcy. His defence highlighted that he had no repeat offences in the past seven years and was now employed full-time. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted that Browne had made a dishonest decision to write the cheques and had relevant previous convictions. He set a headline sentence of two and a half years, which he reduced to 20 months in prison on each count to run concurrently.
A Lithuanian man with a history of violent convictions has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a woman and threatening to "cut her face off and eat her" shortly after they met. Tasas Ruzas (42) was found guilty of rape, anal rape, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred after a day of drug and alcohol use with the victim, who had initially met Ruzas in Dublin city centre. During the assault, Ruzas punched the victim, raped her without a condom, and then anally raped her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Ruzas has numerous previous convictions in Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK, including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The judge noted the extreme humiliation and degrading nature of the sexual offences and the violence inflicted on the victim, who suffered a fractured eye.
A 22-year-old man, Wojtek Kulik, has been sentenced to two years in prison for money laundering and one year for possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Kulik received over €18,000 into his Revolut account through hundreds of transactions between January 2024 and January 2025. He was also caught with €7,272 worth of cannabis in October 2023. Kulik admitted to being an addict and said he was given €100 to deliver the cannabis to someone else. The court heard that he had a history of substance misuse since the age of 16 and that he had made full admissions. A probation report indicated that Kulik is at high risk of reoffending but is motivated to engage with services. Judge Orla Crowe noted the aggravating factor of the money laundering over a considerable period of time but took into account his guilty pleas, youth, and willingness to engage with services. She suspended the final six months of the two-year sentence on strict conditions and directed him to undergo supervision by the Probation Service for one year post-release.
A disqualified driver, Conor Warburton, narrowly avoided hitting two children in a double buggy while fleeing gardai in a stolen car. Warburton (36) was jailed for three years and disqualified from driving for ten years after pleading guilty to charges including endangerment, dangerous driving, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, when Warburton drove at high speed through a bus stop, narrowly missing the children and a garda who was about to exit a patrol car. The car had false registration plates and Warburton was not insured at the time. The pursuit lasted around 30 seconds over 800 meters before gardai lost sight of the car. Warburton has 66 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and no insurance. His defence highlighted addiction issues as the root of his offending, and he has been clean for seven months. Judge Orla Crowe noted the reckless and dangerous nature of his actions and the aggravating factors of his previous convictions and disqualification.
A 23-year-old man from Dublin was jailed for three-and-a-half years after gardai discovered nearly €280,000 worth of drugs in his van and home. Ben Murray was stopped by gardai in Dublin 8 after spinning his van's wheels at a junction. During a search, gardai found 1.16kg of cocaine in the van, and over 2.8kg of cocaine and 2,500 alprazolam tablets in his home. Murray admitted to possessing the drugs for sale and stated he was to be paid €200 for transporting them. He had five previous convictions for road traffic offences. The court noted the large quantity of drugs and Murray's role in moving and storing them. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, considering Murray's cooperation, his history of addiction, and his family's support. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the drug trade and the need for rehabilitation. Ben Murray pleaded guilty.
A 68-year-old woman with schizophrenia, Elaine Tyrrell, was convicted of harassment for over 20 years against a single victim. She was sentenced to three years fully suspended by Judge Orla Crowe. The State has appealed the sentence, arguing that the maximum penalty for harassment increased during the period of the offending and that a fully suspended sentence is inappropriate given her previous convictions. The court heard that Tyrrell had a history of mental health issues and that her culpability was mitigated by her condition. Mr Justice John Edwards noted that while a suspended sentence may have stopped the harassment, it could be seen as lenient. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal. Tyrrell's defense argued that the sentence was not unduly lenient and that the judge had monitored her for ten months before imposing the sentence.
A personal trainer at a female-only gym, John Peters (33), has been jailed for two years and two months for assaulting his then-girlfriend. Peters pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm, and criminal damage to her phone. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors of the intimate relationship and the significant effect of the aggression on the victim. Peters' probation report indicated that he minimized his actions and claimed the victim provoked him. The judge highlighted the lack of evidence that Peters is addressing his aggression and the absence of contrition. She sentenced Peters to three years for assault causing harm, two and a half years for criminal damage, and six months for assault, all to run concurrently. The final 10 months of the sentence were suspended for 15 months, and Peters was placed under the supervision of the Probation Services for 10 months post-release.
Patrick Stokes, a 24-year-old with over 120 previous convictions, was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to assaulting a Dublin Bus passenger who objected to social-distancing breaches during the pandemic. Stokes and his co-accused attacked the victim on a bus, resulting in the victim's tooth being dislodged. Stokes admitted to kicking the victim, while his co-accused punched him in the face. The court heard that Stokes had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and his legal team argued that he had changed his life and was now drug-free, married, and a father. Despite this, Judge Martin Nolan noted the "thuggish" nature of the attack and the harm caused to the victim. Stokes expressed remorse and apologized for his actions, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the need for justice for the victim.
A family member of a 62-year-old woman who was killed by her son described the family as "severely divided" by the incident. Luke Donnelly, 29, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after claiming he was provoked by his mother, Catherine Henry. The court heard that Donnelly had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and that his mother had a history of violence. Donnelly claimed he was in fear for his life when his mother threatened to kill him. His family members gave victim impact statements, with some expressing that they felt the mother was on trial rather than the son. The court heard that Donnelly had a complex relationship with his mother and that he had been groomed into a life of drugs and violence. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued for a sentence of between 10 and 15 years, while the defense argued for a sentence in the medium culpability range. Donnelly was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, was jailed for four months after sexually assaulting a woman and brazenly masturbating in public multiple times in Dublin. Mahajan pleaded guilty to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The court heard that Mahajan targeted vulnerable women working alone at night and that his behavior was brazen and public. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Mahajan had no entitlement to remain in Ireland and was subject to a deportation order. She imposed a total of 16 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mahajan was also registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Mahajan had arrived in Ireland to study but had used cannabis and alcohol, which affected his behavior. His family is not in Ireland, and he is now homeless. The court emphasized the need for Mahajan to address his risk factors and develop insight into his offending.
Thomas Grace, a serial criminal with over 250 previous convictions, was jailed for two on-bail offences, including breaking into a couple's home and ransacking it while they slept. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Grace's criminal history dates back nearly 25 years and includes a wide range of offences, from burglary and robbery to drug-related crimes and assaults. She acknowledged Grace's struggle with heroin addiction, which began at 18, but emphasized that many people have been directly affected by his actions. Grace was sentenced to concurrent terms of 18 months and three years and nine months for theft and burglary, with the final nine months of the second term suspended on strict conditions. Grace pleaded guilty to stealing from a café and burglarizing a family home. His legal team highlighted his troubled past, including leaving school at 13 and falling into addiction and criminality after returning home. Despite showing remorse, Grace's long history of offending and ongoing drug addiction were significant factors in the court's decision.
A man from Tullow has been jailed for 21 months after €5,000 worth of cannabis was found hidden behind a couch in his home. Michal Plecha (50) of Shroughaun Close, Tullow, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cannabis valued at €5,100 and amphetamine valued at €525 on November 27, 2024. He also admitted to possessing a stolen chainsaw and bicycle. The court heard that a warrant was secured to search his home, where the drugs were found in a sportsbag behind the couch. A digital weighing scale, plastic bags, and €900 in cash were also discovered. Plecha claimed the cash was for buying a car, but gardaí suspect it is from drug trafficking. The stolen items were found in his home, and Plecha said he had bought the chainsaw second-hand and that a friend had left the bike behind. His defence accepted that his engagement with The Probation Service had been inconsistent.
A Carlow man who admitted to storing over €20,000 worth of cannabis in a shed to feed his own addiction has received a three-year suspended sentence. Colm Cody (41) of Augha, Bagenalstown, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to possessing cannabis, MDMA, and cocaine at his home on November 28, 2023. He has no previous convictions. Detective Sergeant Stephen Delaney explained that a warrant was obtained to search Cody's home based on garda intelligence. Cody was not present, but his daughter was, and the gardaí waited for him to return. A small amount of cannabis and MDMA was found in Cody's bedroom, while the larger quantities were discovered in the shed. Cody accepted responsibility at the scene and later told gardaí that the cannabis in his bedroom was for his own use, to help manage stress and depression. He admitted to agreeing to store the cannabis to feed his addiction but denied selling the drugs. His defence argued that he was under threat, with someone warning him that his daughter was at home all day.
Ionel Rostas (20) has been jailed for two years and three months for assaulting his ex-girlfriend outside a nightclub. The incident occurred on April 21, 2025, at the Red Cow Inn, where Rostas was captured on CCTV headbutting and punching the 18-year-old woman. The victim required plastic stitches above her right eyebrow after the attack. Rostas, who has 30 previous convictions, was interviewed by gardai and made no comment during the interview. The victim did not wish to make a statement to the gardaí, and the prosecution relied on CCTV footage. Rostas was on a suspended sentence for a drug offence when he committed the assault. Judge Orla Crowe noted the deplorable violence and the vulnerability of the victim. She imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, suspending the final six months on the condition that Rostas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. She also ordered him to engage with the Probation Service for anger management programmes. Ionel Rostas pleaded guilty.
A repeat offender who caused the deaths of a married couple in a hit-and-run was jailed for five years. John Halpin, who had 43 previous convictions, was speeding and ran a red light, killing Anthony and Georgina Hogg Moore. His partner, Nicole Fallon, received a suspended sentence for impeding the investigation by moving the car and hiding evidence. The victims' children gave emotional impact statements, describing the trauma of losing both parents. Halpin claimed he didn't see the red light and was in a state of panic after the collision. The judge sentenced Halpin to five years in prison and disqualified him from driving for 10 years, while imposing a three-year suspended sentence on Fallon, considering the impact on her children. John Halpin pleaded guilty. Nicole Fallon pleaded guilty.
David Smyth (55) has been jailed for four and a half years for distributing and possessing child abuse material. The case came to light through an undercover sting operation by a US special agent who interacted with an alias believed to be used by Smyth on the Kik app. Gardai traced the IP address to Ireland and searched Smyth's home, recovering four images of child sexual abuse material from his phone. Smyth denied any involvement and claimed another person had access to his phone. The court heard that Smyth had a difficult childhood and had worked with various organisations to give back to his community. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted the seriousness of the charges, the number of files, and the use of an alias to engage with the undercover agent. He imposed concurrent sentences totalling four and a half years, acknowledging Smyth's cooperation with the investigation and his previous good work history. The judge also highlighted the harm caused to the children in the images and the demand created by viewing such material. David Smyth was convicted.
An 81-year-old former teacher, Barra Connolly, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 97 sexual offences against four teenage pupils over 20 years ago. The Central Criminal Court in Waterford heard that Connolly was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, 73 counts of sexual assault, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The abuse occurred at his home in Chapel Street, Lismore, Co Waterford, between 1997 and 2006. The victims, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, were given keys to Connolly's house and subjected to various forms of abuse, including touching, oral and anal rape. Gardai discovered 984 items of child sexual abuse material on his devices. The court was told that the victims experienced long-term emotional and psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the jury's verdict. The judge noted the grooming of the boys and the prolonged duration of the abuse as aggravating factors.
Jim McCarthy, 27, formerly of Oughterard, Co Galway, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to one count of hijacking a vehicle on Foster Street, Galway, on April 10, 2024, and to burglary, assault, and possession of an article at St Lawarnce Park, Loughrea, on January 23, 2024. Prosecution evidence alleged that McCarthy hijacked a car from a woman using a knife and later assaulted a resident in Loughrea, striking him with a knife and stealing cash. The court heard that McCarthy has 11 previous District Court convictions. Defence counsel noted that McCarthy has addressed addiction issues, completed a 12-week course at Cluine Mhuire, is employed, and has engaged with the Probation Service. Both injured parties declined to provide victim impact statements or participate in a restorative justice programme. Judge Brian O'Callaghan adjourned the case for an updated probation report in January 2027. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
Anthony Carroll, who impersonated a garda and stole €3,000 from two pensioners, could not attend his sentencing hearing due to an emergency. Carroll pleaded guilty to burglary and impersonating a garda in January 2024. The victims, both 71-year-olds, were awakened at 4:15 am by Carroll, who was wearing a monkey hat and a crowbar, claiming to be conducting a raid. He stole €3,000 from the victims, who had no connection to drugs. Carroll was arrested in February 2025 and admitted to the crime. He has 31 previous convictions, including robbery and criminal damage. His defense argued that he was under the influence of cocaine and had no prior criminal intent. Judge Martina Baxter noted Carroll's record of duplicity and required him to be drug-free and undergo a community service assessment. However, Carroll did not appear for his sentencing as he claimed there was an emergency, with his solicitor informing the court that someone had fallen down the stairs. The case was adjourned to the next court term in June.
Two British men, Philip Clarke and Adrian Leszczynski, were jailed for six years after being caught with almost €1 million worth of cocaine at Dublin Port. Both pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply in August 2025. Customs officers discovered 13.9 kg of cocaine hidden in the boot of a Ford Focus driven by Leszczynski, who claimed he was delivering a car from Spain to Ireland. A tracking device was found in the car, indicating others were monitoring its movements. Clarke, a passenger, claimed he was on holiday with his friend. Both men had no previous convictions and were arrested upon arrival. Their defense argued that they were used by others in the drugs trade and had no knowledge of the drugs. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the seriousness of the offense and the amount of drugs, but considered their guilty pleas and lack of prior convictions. She imposed a seven-year sentence, suspending the final 12 months on the condition that they leave the jurisdiction within four days of release and not return for ten years.
Sean O'Rourke, an Offaly man, admitted to possessing 17 kg of cocaine worth €1.19 million to repay a €10,000 debt from his cocaine use. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of the drugs for sale or supply in November 2024. O'Rourke claimed he was the only person who knew about the drugs and feared for his family's safety if he revealed who gave him the drugs. He had minor previous convictions for road traffic offences. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the serious nature of the offense but considered his early guilty plea and cooperation. She imposed an 11-year headline sentence, reducing it to eight and a half years after taking mitigation into account. The sentence was suspended for 18 months, with conditions that O'Rourke remain under the supervision of the Probation Service and engage in victim awareness and drug counseling. O'Rourke's defense highlighted his addiction, family support, and work history. He apologized for his actions and expressed a desire to turn his life around.
Michael Macken, a serial offender with a deep sexual interest in children, was jailed for seven and a half years after being caught in a Facebook sting operation. In August 2024, Macken engaged in highly sexualised conversations with individuals he believed were young girls, but the accounts were operated by adults pretending to be teens. He was charged with nine counts of communicating with a person to facilitate sexual exploitation of a child and six counts of attempting to send sexually explicit material to a child. He pleaded guilty to sample counts. Judge Orla Crowe noted his previous convictions for sexual assaults on young children and described his actions as serious and deeply concerning. She imposed two concurrent sentences of eight years, suspending the final six months on the condition that Macken remains under the supervision of The Probation Service. Detective Garda Keith Alford explained that a vigilante group confronted Macken with evidence of his online activities.
Gavin Cooke was jailed for eight years for participating in a burglary while on bail, during which a homeowner was threatened with a metal bar and her daughters were in fear of being raped. Cooke pleaded guilty to burglary after the indictment was amended. The court heard that the burglar threatened the woman with a metal bar, demanding cash, and the other two men went upstairs where the woman's daughters were. The woman gave the man €50, but he continued to demand cash. The Audi used in the crime was found on fire nearby, with Cooke's name and prisoner number stitched into the garment. Cooke has 69 previous convictions, including robbery and drugs offences. The judge noted the long-term psychological harm to the woman and her daughters and imposed an eight-year sentence, to be served consecutively to his current sentence.
A judge has given a 21-year-old man a second chance after he led gardai on a high-speed chase through Dublin with juveniles in his car. Judge Sinéad Ni Chúlacháin imposed a three-year sentence on Craig McKeon, with the final 18 months suspended on the condition that he complies with strict rehabilitation measures. The judge acknowledged McKeon's efforts to address his issues and noted that he has a supportive family and girlfriend. McKeon pleaded guilty to two counts of endangerment after a chase that involved driving on the wrong side of the M50, through red lights, and at excessive speeds. During the chase, other vehicles had to take evasive action, and gardai deployed a stinger to stop him. McKeon avoided the device by driving onto a curb and making a U-turn before continuing towards Ballymun. He was not insured and did not have a driving licence. The judge said McKeon's actions placed his passengers, the gardai, and the public at risk. She noted that McKeon had previous convictions for dangerous driving and that his evasive actions were impulsive.
Luke Gilligan was jailed for eight and a half years for participating in a feud-related attack that resulted in a 14-year-old boy being stabbed in the chest with a 'Rambo First Blood II zombie' knife. The attack was part of a tit-for-tat feud that has not yet abated. The victim suffered a collapsed lung but has since made a full recovery, though he still suffers from ongoing psychological problems. Gilligan pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, and the court heard that the feud involved shootings, IUDs on doorsteps, and attempts at arson. The judge considered the serious nature of the weapons used and the impact on the victim, but also took into account Gilligan's age and his own history of being attacked as part of the feud. She imposed a nine-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on conditions.
A woman who was subjected to an extreme campaign of harassment by her garda partner has said she was "profoundly let down" after making a complaint about him to the ombudsman, which was "met with silence". Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Paul Moody (46) sent the victim thousands of messages while she was in hospital pregnant and threatened to send intimate images to her employer. Moody, formerly of St Rapheal's Manor, Celbridge, Kildare, pleaded guilty to harassment and coercive control on dates between March 2016 and November 2017. The court heard how Moody's offending continued while the woman was in hospital pregnant and after the birth of their child. Their relationship ended in early 2017. The defendant was previously jailed in 2022 for engaging in a four-year campaign of harassment, threats, assaults and coercive control of Nicola Hanney. He had pleaded guilty to a charge of coercion. The victim said she felt "profound anger" that Moody continued to serve – "wearing the uniform of protection" – but was an abuser behind closed doors.
Mary Hand (49), mother of murdered gunman Tristan Sherry, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and possession of an article in the course of a dispute on February 3, 2024. She received a three-and-a-half year suspended sentence, conditional on engaging with the Probation Service for 18 months. The incident occurred weeks after her son's funeral, following his murder in a Dublin steakhouse. During the incident, Hand was involved in a dispute with a bar manager at a pub on Fleet Street. The manager asked the intoxicated Hand and another woman to leave, leading to an altercation. Hand lunged at the manager, who ducked and felt something on his torso. A knife was later found on the ground, and the manager sustained cuts to his abdomen and chest. Hand was arrested and initially claimed she had no memory of the incident, attributing it to alcohol abuse. She has a history of previous convictions, including threats to kill and public order offences. The court heard that Hand had made genuine efforts at rehabilitation, including staying away from alcohol.
Driver John Wrafter, 34, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for careless driving causing serious bodily harm. He pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious bodily harm to Francine Winters at Davin Road, Drimnagh, on October 9, 2024. The court heard that Wrafter drove through a red light, striking Ms Winters on a pedestrian crossing. She suffered multiple fractures to her spine, ribs, pelvis, skull, and eye socket, along with a brain bleed, and woke from a coma five days later in Beaumont Hospital with no memory of the incident. Judge Elma Sheahan set a headline sentence of 16 months, reflecting the devastating physical and psychological impact on the victim, who described losing her independence and enduring chronic pain. Acknowledging Wrafter's genuine remorse, early guilty plea, and lack of previous convictions, the judge reduced the sentence to 12 months. This sentence was suspended on a number of conditions. Additionally, Wrafter was disqualified from driving for four years. The judge noted that while no sentence could restore Ms Winters' health, the disposal reflected the gravity of the offence and the defendant's contrition.
Danny Heyneman, 33, pleaded guilty to murdering his mother, Annie Heyneman, and attempting to murder his father, Henk Heyneman, at their Ballyconnell home on January 11, 2025. The court heard that Annie was stabbed at least 14 times, while Henk sustained 26 sharp force wounds. Mr Justice Tony Hunt stated he would consider imposing consecutive sentences given the vicious and prolonged nature of the attacks. Defence counsel Keith Spencer BL asked the court not to impose consecutive sentences, arguing the offences arose from a single incident underpinned by mental impairment. Heyneman, who has features of depression and a history of substance abuse but no severe mental disorder, read an apology expressing deep regret. The matter was adjourned, with sentencing scheduled for June 2.