A veteran Bus Éireann employee, George Moloney, who was blocked from seeking medical retirement due to an ongoing personal injury case, has won €40,000 in compensation from the company. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Moloney was penalized in breach of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Moloney, who has worked for the company for over 40 years, was diagnosed with a hand condition attributed to prolonged exposure to vibrating tools. Despite the company agreeing to consider his medical retirement, they refused to proceed independently of the personal injury claim. The WRC found that this refusal caused Moloney significant financial detriment and ordered the company to process his medical retirement application without regard to the ongoing civil proceedings.
Garda Joseph Joyce, who was ordered back on the beat during the winter 2022 Covid-19 surge despite having severe asthma, was found to have been discriminated against but was too late to recover compensation. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) dismissed his equality complaint against the Commissioner of An Garda Siochána because too much time had passed between the withdrawal of his work-from-home arrangement and the filing of the complaint. Joyce, who had been granted special leave due to his medical condition, was ordered back to work in person despite local Garda management's disregard for his condition. The WRC ruled that the force had discriminated against him but had no jurisdiction to award compensation as the complaint was filed more than six months after the events.
A 31-year-old lawyer, Daire McCormack George, who stabbed his father 27 times during a psychotic episode, has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The trial heard that he suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which led to a delusional belief that his father intended to harm his mother and sister. This belief prompted him to commit the act, despite his love for his father. His family, including his sister Hillary and mother Goretti, attended the trial daily, showing unwavering support. Mr. McCormack George had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 2018 and had responded well to treatment, but a reduction in his antipsychotic medication led to a relapse. His journal entries revealed his paranoid thoughts. During the attack, he claimed his father told him he loved him, but he continued stabbing him. The court heard that psychiatrists agreed he was not responsible for his actions due to his mental disorder.
A warm, engaging, much-loved and lovable young man', who stabbed his physically frail and housebound father to death during a psychotic episode, continues to enjoy the full love and support of his family, the Central Criminal Court heard. Detective Garda Ultan McIlroy gave evidence to the trial of Daire McCormack George that the accused's family told gardai that he had never harmed anyone nor shown any aggression prior to the attack on his father, Scott George, in December 2024. The family told gardai that Daire's mental health began to suffer in 2018. He was treated at Beaumont Hospital and appeared to respond well to medication. By the time of the stabbing, his dosage had been reduced to a very low level. A psychiatrist who diagnosed Mr McCormack George with schizoaffective disorder said the relapse of his psychosis "coincided with the reduction of medication". Mr McCormack George had developed a delusional belief that his physically frail, housebound father was going to kill the accused's mother and sister. McCormack George pleaded not guilty.
Daire McCormack George, a 31-year-old lawyer, is on trial for the murder of his father, Scott George, after stabbing him 27 times. The accused told gardai that he believed he was doing the right thing, driven by paranoid thoughts that his father would harm his mother and sister. He claimed that his father showed him family pictures and spoke about Trump and China, which triggered his actions. McCormack George pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with psychiatrists testifying that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing. The court heard that the accused had a nervous breakdown and believed he was protecting his family. The trial continues with the accused's mental state being a central focus, as the prosecution argues that he intended to cause serious harm to his father.
A survivor of the Stardust nightclub fire, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, was left aghast after learning the government plans to compensate injured survivors with a flat fee of €20,000, limited to those who participated in a 1985 tribunal. Fitzpatrick, who suffered catastrophic burns in the 1981 fire, has campaigned for justice for over 40 years. His lawyers sought a judicial review of the payment scheme, arguing it was introduced without consultation with survivors. The government had previously committed to a tailored redress scheme for injured survivors, but the new plan excludes many. Fitzpatrick's legal team emphasized the exclusionary nature of the eligibility criteria and the lack of engagement with survivors. The High Court granted leave for a judicial review, with the matter adjourned to November. Fitzpatrick recounted the fire, describing the chaos and the loss of friends. He recalled seeing a bouncer with a fire extinguisher and the fire spreading rapidly. He was severely burned and had to be rescued by an unknown man. The case highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and redress for survivors of the Stardust tragedy.
A former solicitor, Daire McCormack George, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father in north Dublin nearly two years ago. The accused, who previously worked at a prestigious law firm, is charged with the murder of Scott George in Balbriggan in December 2024. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused has a history of mental health issues and that the trial will focus on psychiatric evidence and his state of mind at the time of the alleged crime. The prosecution is led by senior counsel Vincent Heneghan, while the defence is headed by Michael Bowman SC. A jury of ten men and two women was sworn in to hear the trial, which is set to begin tomorrow. The court will assess whether the accused was legally insane at the time of the murder and whether he can be held responsible for his actions.
Simon O'Donovan, a 44-year-old National Museum employee, appeared before the Special Criminal Court at the trial stage, where he was remanded in custody until October 5. O'Donovan is alleged to have knowingly possessed an improvised explosive device on July 22 in Chapelizod, Dublin 10, contrary to the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He remains unrepresented, as his solicitor could not accept instructions due to a legal aid strike. The judge noted that O'Donovan's previous bail application was refused and stated that a second application would require a change of circumstances, such as legal representation. O'Donovan expressed his desire to reapply for bail at the earliest chance. The court indicated that the next procedural step is the service of the book of evidence. In connection with the same investigation, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, a 25-year-old law student, was charged with possession of explosives at a special sitting of Trim District Court. Police alleged that O'Donovan handed a bag containing 394g of Semtex, a timer, and a detonator to Sullivan, who then transported it to Carrickmacross. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded for either accused at this stage.
A Dublin man, Simon O'Donovan, has been denied bail following a charge of possession of an explosive device in connection with the alleged discovery of a bomb in a car in Co Monaghan. The court heard that the device was allegedly stored in the National Museum at Collins' Barracks where O'Donovan worked. Gardai believe that if O'Donovan were released on bail, he would engage in acts to further the objectives of the dissident Republican group, the New IRA. O'Donovan was arrested after a car carrying the device was stopped on the N2. The device contained 394g of Semtex, a timer switch, and a viable detonator. Gardai objected to bail, citing the risk of O'Donovan interfering with the investigative process and continuing to engage in IRA operational activity. The court ruled that no bail conditions would allay the concerns of gardai and refused bail. A 25-year-old woman, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was also charged in relation to the same incident and remanded in custody.
A former State agency communications officer, Seanán Ó Coistín, claimed he faced 'microaggressions' against the Irish language at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). He was asked if he was a member of Sinn Féin on his first day and faced criticism for highlighting errors in the Irish version of an annual report. Ó Coistín was placed on administrative leave after sending a mass email about the lack of Irish language proficiency at the agency. He is pursuing a whistleblower complaint, arguing he was penalized for speaking out. The FSAI denied the allegations, with HR manager Jackie Wall stating the email caused distress and could have led to further conflict. The case is ongoing, with a decision expected in the autumn.
A former State agency communications officer, Seanán Ó Coistín, has detailed his experiences of 'microaggressions' against the Irish language during his time at the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). On his first day, he was directly questioned by a senior manager about his political affiliations after discovering he was a native Irish speaker. Mr Ó Coistín described a series of incidents, including being told that errors in the Irish version of an annual report would be published regardless. He also highlighted the lack of Irish language competency within the agency, stating that after his departure, there would be more Polish, Spanish, French, and Italian speakers than Irish speakers. Mr Ó Coistín is pursuing a complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), arguing he was penalised as a whistleblower for sending an email criticising the lack of Irish language ability. He expressed frustration with the FSAI's handling of the situation and the lack of adherence to the Official Languages Act.
The defence for Derek Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, argued that there is no evidence she was aware of the severity of the injury to the deceased, Mark Carroll, when she gave a statement to gardai. Harcourt faces charges of impeding Boyd's prosecution, with the prosecution claiming she knew about the events and lied to gardai. Boyd testified that he used a knife in self-defence after Carroll threatened him, but the prosecution claims it was a premeditated attack. Defence counsel John Byrne SC stated that lying to gardai is not a crime unless it impedes the arrest of the principal offender. He argued that there was no evidence Harcourt witnessed the altercation or knew the extent of the injury. The defence also highlighted CCTV footage supporting Harcourt's claim that she was upstairs during the incident. Byrne questioned the prosecution's assertion that Harcourt and Boyd conspired to cover up the events, stating there was no evidence of this. He concluded that the jury should acquit Harcourt if they could not be satisfied she was trying to frustrate gardai's actions. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
Derek Boyd, 31, took the stand at his murder trial before Ms Justice Melanie Greally. He admitted to previously pleading guilty to his sister's manslaughter and stated he was serving part of that suspended sentence when the incident occurred. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll, 34, at his home in Finglas on June 9, 2024, and to assaulting Megan Rock. His partner, Chantelle Harcourt, 34, pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension of the offender. Boyd testified that he picked up a knife to deter Carroll, who he alleged threatened to kill him, and swung it during a struggle without intent to injure. Prosecution counsel Sean Guerin SC cross-examined Boyd on his prior firearm-related manslaughter conviction and alleged he exaggerated Carroll's threats. The judge directed a not guilty verdict on the count of threatening to kill Megan Rock due to insufficient evidence. The trial continues tomorrow.
Dublin city councillors have initiated a High Court challenge against the State to remove the name of former Israeli President Chaim Herzog from a park in south Dublin and rename it after Terence Wheelock, who died in 2005 following his arrest on suspicion of car theft. Herzog, born in Belfast and raised in Dublin, was president of Israel from 1983 to 1993. His son, Isaac Herzog, is the current Israeli president. Political activists have called for the name change in protest against Israel's actions in Gaza. Councillors argue that the government has not introduced legislation allowing local authorities to rename public places. Cllr Conor Reddy, along with several other councillors, is seeking judicial review against the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Attorney General. The case hinges on the failure to introduce regulations under the Local Government Act 2001, which would allow councils to hold local ballots for renaming public places. The court has adjourned the matter to October to allow the State to oppose the application if they wish.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and of child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations for a fourth day, after being given the option of returning a majority verdict. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of child cruelty of his now 17-year-old daughter on dates between 2015 and 2024. He has also pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He has further pleaded not guilty to two counts of child cruelty of his now 24-year-old daughter on unknown dates between 2007 and 2020. He also denies a charge of assault causing harm to this daughter on an unknown date in late 2021 to early 2022, after she had turned 18. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity. The alleged offending took place at two locations in the north-west of the country where the family was living at the relevant times.
The jury in the trial of a garda accused of raping his former wife and committing child cruelty towards two of his daughters will continue their deliberations tomorrow. The 48-year-old defendant has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including one count of child cruelty against his 17-year-old daughter and two counts of raping his wife on dates in 2009 and 2021. He also denies charges of child cruelty against his 24-year-old daughter and assault causing harm. The alleged offenses took place in the north-west of the country, and the defendant is a serving member of the gardai on suspension. After a second day of deliberations, the judge instructed the jury to suspend their discussions for the evening and resume tomorrow. All parties in the case have a statutory right to anonymity.
Lawyers for a garda accused of raping his former wife and committing child cruelty have told the jury that the prosecution's case is "simply incredible." The defendant, a serving garda on suspension, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including rape and child cruelty. The prosecution argued that the evidence showed a pattern of behavior that crossed the line from reasonable discipline to abuse. The defense, however, questioned the credibility of the witnesses, pointing out inconsistencies in the allegations and the lack of mention of domestic violence in a letter from the accused's ex-partner. The defense also highlighted that the ex-partner had no concerns about the safety of the children and had communicated with the accused about their care. The trial continues as the jury deliberates on the credibility of the evidence and the validity of the allegations.
A warehouse worker, Rudolf Csikos, has lost a challenge to his dismissal from Keelings Logistics Solutions after making "extreme" and "unfounded" claims on LinkedIn about the company's working hours being linked to the deaths of two former colleagues. His posts were deemed seriously defamatory, and he was dismissed for gross misconduct. The tribunal upheld the dismissal, noting that there was no evidence to support his allegations. Csikos had previously filed a statutory complaint under the Organisation of Working Time Act, which was rejected by the WRC. The tribunal found that he was not classified as a special category night worker and that his rostering was not restricted to eight-hour shifts. The company's disciplinary officer stated that the posts damaged the company's reputation and led to legal action. The adjudicator concluded that Csikos's statements were unfounded and that his dismissal was proportionate.
The President of the High Court, Mr Justice David Barniville, has expressed concern over the increasing levels of violence and disruptive behavior directed at judges and court staff in Irish courts. He noted that judges are not immune to the psychological effects of hearing graphic evidence, particularly in sexual offense cases. He called for better support systems, including access to counseling, to help judges cope with the stress of their role. He highlighted incidents of judges being attacked, receiving death threats, and facing intimidation from litigants. Mr Justice Barniville emphasized that judges are human and should not be expected to endure such pressures without support. He also criticized the lack of legal protections against disruptive behavior and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unqualified legal advisors. A Wellbeing Strategic Action Plan aims to improve support for judges, including training on handling traumatic evidence and promoting a culture where seeking help is not seen as a weakness. He stressed the importance of public understanding of the judiciary's role to reduce stigma and improve respect for judges.
The trial of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty against two of his daughters has reached closing stages. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape. The alleged offences took place at two locations in the north-west of the country. The prosecution has concluded its case, and the defence has not called any witnesses. A number of witnesses, including the garda's wife and her mother, testified about the alleged abuse and the impact on the family. The garda's wife had sought help from Tusla and gardai, and the case was referred to the DPP for charges. The trial has highlighted the alleged cruelty and the difficulty in obtaining records due to the passage of time. The jury is now considering the evidence presented, including the testimonies of the victims and the garda's actions.
The trial of former Irish national swim coach George Gibney, who was extradited from Florida, concluded with the court addressing the long-standing question of 'Where is George Gibney?' The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 79 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. Gibney, now 77, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault but denied the rest. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered between 1971 and 1981. The jury found Gibney guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial highlighted the impact of the abuse on the victims, with one complainant describing the abuse as starting when she was 13. Gibney was taken into custody after the verdicts were read, with the court noting the significance of the convictions in addressing the historical abuse.
A 48-year-old garda has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including child cruelty and rape, during his Central Criminal Court trial. His 17-year-old daughter testified that she grew up fearing physical punishment if she didn't finish her dinner, with her father using objects like sticks and spoons to enforce compliance. She described several incidents, including one where her father forced her hand into a door after an accident, and another where he hit her with a hairbrush after she refused to brush her hair. The girl also recounted being strangled during a tickling incident and witnessing her father allegedly choke her younger sister. She said her father showed photos of her weight loss to friends and family, making her feel uncomfortable. During cross-examination, she confirmed she had sought therapy and written a journal, but did not discuss it with her mother or grandmother. The trial continues before Mr Justice Sean Gillane and the jury.
A murder accused, Derek Boyd, boarded a ferry in Belfast just hours after allegedly fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in their shared home in north Dublin, according to a garda CCTV examiner. Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with Carroll's murder, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The prosecution claims Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Harcourt is alleged to have attempted to clean the scene before gardai arrived. CCTV footage showed Carroll, his girlfriend Megan Rock, and the accused spending time together on June 8, 2024, at their home. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house clutching his chest, followed by Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. Garda Ronan Kelly detailed Boyd's movements, including his boarding of a ferry in Belfast. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty has testified that she "probably" showed a journal she was keeping to her mother. The daughter, now 24, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of her father, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of child cruelty against her and two counts of raping his wife. She described the family home as having an atmosphere of violence and threats, and she recounted an incident where her father ripped her earrings out when she was 10. She began keeping a journal in June 2024 after starting therapy with Jigsaw, which she titled "the story of my life – trauma edition." Under cross-examination, she said she was certain she did not show her mother the journal before making her statement, but admitted that if her mother had asked, she probably would have. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women and Mr Justice Sean Gillane, with the case expected to last two weeks.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland, Francis O'Donnell, has denied allegations that he pestered and hounded the agency's former HR director, Róisín Bradley, for written assurances regarding his future employment. O'Donnell, who was dismissed from his position in June 2025, refuted claims that he asked Bradley to meet privately and sign a prepared letter in a hotel car park. He described the allegations as "appalling" and denied any such conduct, emphasizing that Bradley was a high-performing individual with whom he had a strong working relationship. O'Donnell's legal team argued that there was a precedent in IFI for previous CEOs returning to their old roles after stepping down, and he cited an email from Bradley in December 2025 to support his claim. The case is being heard under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, with O'Donnell alleging that the allegations against him were part of an effort to pressure him into ending his investigation into alleged theft and fraud within the organization. The tribunal has adjourned for further proceedings.
A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV footage showing Mark Carroll running from a house in north Dublin clutching his chest, followed by Derek Boyd, the accused in his murder. The footage, presented by Garda Ronan Kelly, showed Carroll arriving at the house on June 8, 2024, and spending time with his girlfriend Megan Rock and Boyd. At 5:30 pm, all three were seen outside the house. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house, followed by Rock, and then Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. The footage also showed Boyd leaving the house, shouting, and running back inside. He was later seen climbing over the roof and into a back garden before boarding a taxi. Boyd and his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of seven men and five women.
The jury in the trial of a 77-year-old former sports coach accused of historical abuse is to resume deliberations tomorrow. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and not guilty to 73 other counts, including one of attempted rape, related to alleged abuse of four girls between the 1970s and 1980s. The jury has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts relating to two complainants. The accused initially faced 29 counts of indecent assault in relation to the first complainant, with 16 of these counts being dismissed. He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on this complainant between May and September 1976. In relation to the second complainant, the accused denied two counts of indecent assault. He also denied 41 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against the third complainant, with 17 of the indecent assault counts being dismissed. The accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault against the fourth complainant.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
The jury in the trial of a former sports coach accused of abusing four girls over 40 years ago has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts of indecent assault. The 77-year-old accused man was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. He had pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 in various locations across the country. The judge, Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins, directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts following legal submissions and the absence of supporting evidence. The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons. The jury has been instructed to consider the remaining 41 counts after hearing closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. The prosecution, led by James Dwyer SC, emphasized the difficulty of proving older allegations and the importance of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A woman has denied allegations that she made a rape claim against her garda husband to get him out of the family home. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping her in 2009 and 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one of assault against his daughters. The complainant described two incidents of rape, stating she felt numb and ended the marriage. She said she only spoke to gardai after a Tusla investigation. Under cross-examination, she confirmed she was still living in the family home and that the marriage was not finalised. She denied that she made the criminal complaint to get her husband out of the house. The trial continues before a jury in Dublin.
The former CEO of Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI), Francis O'Donnell, has told a tribunal that he contemplated suicide after his bosses allegedly pressured him to quit following damaging media leaks and political interference in an internal investigation. O'Donnell described the period as 'very dark and very, very hard' and said he was subjected to harassment and untrue allegations. He claimed that political actors at a high level interfered in the process, and that he was blackmailed by a sitting senator. O'Donnell suspended a senior employee pending an investigation and reported concerns to gardaí twice in 2022. An independent investigation by RSM cleared him of allegations, but he said the report failed to examine evidence he provided. O'Donnell met with ministerial appointees in 2024, during which he was told the protected disclosure matter needed to be 'bottomed out' before a pay increment could be considered. He felt isolated and described being cast as a 'troublemaker'. O'Donnell reported his mental state to IFI occupational health, but felt the organisation was 'extremely negligent'.
During the trial of Riad Bouchaker, his lawyers argued that the judge should direct a not guilty verdict on two of the attempted murder charges. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the application, stating there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach a safe guilty verdict. The defence did not seek an acquittal for the girl who suffered the most serious injuries but argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the other girl and the boy. The judge said the jury could reasonably infer that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing the use of a knife towards a small child and the persistence of his actions. He also noted that the boy's injury was likely caused by Bouchaker. The judge agreed to introduce alternative verdicts on the attempted murder charges, allowing the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on attempted murder but guilty of causing serious harm.
A murder trial jury has been informed that CCTV footage shows the moment a man was fatally stabbed and ran from a house in north Dublin with his hand on his chest. Derek Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Mark Carroll, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The State alleges that Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with the intent to kill or cause serious harm. Ms Harcourt is accused of making an effort to clean the scene before gardai arrived, though not successfully. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Carroll and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Boyd. Prosecuting counsel Sean Guerin SC outlined that Mr Carroll was fatally stabbed on June 9, 2024, at the home of the two accused.
A garda has gone on trial accused of child cruelty and the rape of his wife. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the 48-year-old man was allegedly a violent and domineering father and husband who subjected two of his daughters to unreasonable chastisement for most of their childhood. Prosecuting counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, told the jury that the man is alleged to have neglected his eldest daughter for most of her childhood and is charged with child cruelty against her on an unknown date between 2007 and 2013, and again between 2013 and 2020. He is also alleged to have assaulted this complainant causing her harm sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, after she had turned 18. The man is also charged with child cruelty of another daughter on an unknown date between 2015 and 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on two occasions in June 2009 and November 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one count of assault causing harm.
The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court before requesting transcripts of evidence and barristers' speeches. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sent the jury home, instructing them to return the following day when the requested documents will be provided. Bouchaker, 52, of no fixed address, is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children using a 36cm carving knife, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and Frenchman Alan Guille. He is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. All incidents are alleged to have occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In his closing remarks, the judge outlined the legal standards for attempted murder, emphasizing that the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill. He noted that if the prosecution fails to prove attempted murder, the jury may consider alternative verdicts, such as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm for the first charge, or assault causing harm for the second and third charges. The judge urged the jury to apply a logical analysis, setting aside emotions, and reminded them that justice is determined in court, not by external actions. The matter remains ongoing as the jury awaits the requested materials to resume their deliberations.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The alleged offences occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Mr Bouchaker is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. During his charge to the jury of nine men and three women, Mr Justice Tony Hunt outlined the verdict options. Regarding the first charge, which alleges an attempt to murder a five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart resulting in severe brain damage, the judge stated that if the jury is not satisfied of an intent to kill, they may find him guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. He described a finding of not guilty of any criminal endeavour as a "theoretical option" that was not strongly argued by the defence. For the second and third attempted murder charges, the judge noted that if the prosecution fails to prove its case, the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm, while again characterizing a not guilty verdict as a theoretical possibility. The judge informed the jury that they would begin their deliberations that afternoon. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
A couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023, has reached the closing submissions stage. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution, led by Karl Finnegan SC, argued that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing his use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of children's upper bodies. Conversely, the defence urged the jury to consider alternative verdicts, asserting that the prosecution failed to meet the high threshold for attempted murder. Counsel highlighted that one boy suffered only a minor laceration and another girl an 8cm scalp wound, suggesting the intent was to cause harm rather than kill. The defence also noted Bouchaker's cognitive issues following 2021 brain surgery, though psychiatrists ruled out an insanity defence. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, has been informed they may return alternative verdicts, such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm, if they find the evidence insufficient for attempted murder. The matter remains before the court for deliberation.
A sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s told gardaí he had never heard of some of the complainants. During his trial, the accused, now 77, claimed that two of the complainants were never in his house and that he had never heard of a third. He was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. The prosecution alleges that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and attempted rape. The man has pleaded not guilty to the remaining 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981, and the complainants came forward to gardai between 2021 and 2022. The prosecution case has now closed, and the jury will reconvene the following day.
A sister of one of the four women allegedly abused by their sports coach around 50 years ago testified that her sister was a 'completely different person' the day after the alleged attempted rape. The complainant, who was around 12 years old at the time, described how she stopped wearing skirts and started wearing jeans to protect herself from the alleged abuse. The accused, now 77, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and attempted rape. The complainant denied the defense's assertion that she was lying about the abuse. The trial continues with the prosecution alleging that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. The defense has challenged the complainant's account, but she maintained that the abuse occurred. The jury has heard that the accused has pleaded guilty to some counts but remains not guilty to others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and the jury.
A woman has told a Central Criminal Court jury that her sports coach attempted to rape her when she was 12 years old during a summer camp over 50 years ago. The now 79-year-old accused man is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old. The man pleaded guilty before the jury to a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976. The third complainant told the court that the man started paying more attention to her and offered her lifts. The first incident occurred while she was in the car alone with him, where he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.
A senior Aer Lingus manager who ordered the demotion of a pilot from captain to first officer has expressed feeling 'cheated' upon learning a rumour that the pilot was delivering training for a rival airline in Britain. The pilot, Declan McCabe, is pursuing multiple legal complaints against Aer Lingus, including under the Protected Disclosures Act and the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, over his demotion in 2024. The incident in question occurred on 8 June 2023, when McCabe's flight failed to link up with a radio navigation beacon. The airline's chief pilot, Captain Eamon Kierans, testified that McCabe's aircraft was flying in the wrong direction until air traffic control intervened. McCabe disputes the company's findings, claiming he was not required to file a safety report and that the incident was a 'low severity' occurrence. Kierans criticized McCabe for rejecting internal safety systems and for providing inaccurate information. McCabe alleges he was targeted for whistleblowing, citing a prior dispute involving a flight operations safety officer.
A woman described being in a state of panic and shame after allegedly being abused by a former sports coach in the 1970s and 1980s. The complainant, now 79, testified in the Central Criminal Court that she felt ashamed of her behavior and was confused about what she was doing to the coach's wife. The defendant, who cannot be named, is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls, with the complainant detailing incidents of inappropriate touching and abuse. The second complainant described being touched by the defendant in her bedroom and at a sports facility, expressing feelings of shame and confusion. The defense argued that the abuse occurred only in the office and that the complainant may have been consenting. The prosecution emphasized the prolonged nature of the abuse and the impact on the complainant's life. Additional witnesses, including the complainant's school friends, testified about the abuse and the lack of support from adults. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of consent and diminished responsibility. The unnamed 79-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Riad Bouchaker denied allegations that he targeted the smallest children during an alleged attack on Parnell Square East, where two five-year-olds and a six-year-old were injured. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, claimed he was not in his right state of mind and that he was 'sick'. Detective Garda Kevin Bambrick presented evidence, including CCTV footage and interviews, showing Bouchaker's actions on the day of the incident. Bouchaker was accused of searching for a school, waiting for children, and stabbing them, with a creche worker, Leanne Flynn, intervening and sustaining serious injuries. Bouchaker expressed remorse for the injuries but claimed he was not in control of his actions. The prosecution highlighted the severe injuries to the children and Ms Flynn, emphasizing that the children were not okay and that Bouchaker's actions had lasting effects. Bouchaker's defense argued that his cognitive impairment, due to brain surgery, affected his decision-making. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of diminished responsibility. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
A 79-year-old former sports coach is on trial accused of sexually abusing four girls between 1971 and 1981. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged abuse occurred in various locations, including changing rooms, the accused's car, and in the complainants' beds. The prosecution stated that the accused 'exploited his position of authority' and sexually abused the girls 'entrusted in his care.' The first complainant testified that the accused was her coach and visited her parents' house. She described incidents of kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. She said the abuse occurred over a 'reasonably prolonged period' and that she was 'very obedient' to the accused. She stated that the abuse 'petered out' when she was around 14 and that she told two friends about it but did not report it until 2020. The trial continues before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and a jury, with the woman expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel tomorrow.
Sylda Langford, director of conciliation and mediation at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), gave evidence at a trial hearing into complaints brought by applicant Seamus Clinton. The proceedings, presided over by adjudicator Brian Dalton, examine claims under the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Protection of Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006, and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. Mr. Clinton alleges he suffered less favourable treatment when not shortlisted for a regional manager post in October 2024, claiming this constituted gender discrimination, whistleblower penalisation, or retaliation for acting as a staff representative. He further alleges penalisation for pursuing an equality claim after his access to a WRC mediation database was revoked in December 2025. Ms. Langford testified that the statistics cited in Mr. Clinton's legal filings, which compared mediation success rates, indicated a suspected data breach of sensitive personal data. She stated the figures were not a routine metric and that revoking access was an immediate mitigation measure, not penalisation. Mr. Clinton's counsel described the agency's response as a "witch hunt," while State counsel argued the access suspension lasted only one month. The tribunal has concluded the hearings, and the adjudicator will issue a decision in due course.
Riad Bouchaker told gardai that his anger over a negative social welfare decision led him to attempt to murder three children in Dublin city centre. He stated that the Department of Social Welfare's refusal to grant him a disability allowance made him feel 'like this country is telling me to leave.' He mentioned that he had an injury in his head and a shoulder injury and could not work. He said he did not counterfeit anything to get the disability allowance and that if the department had helped him, 'this wouldn't have happened.' He also told gardai that he went to a mosque on Talbot Street to leave a bag containing his belongings and his Algerian and Irish passports. He said he was not thinking of going to hurt people when he left the suitcase. The trial jury has been viewing DVDs of Bouchaker's garda interviews from December 20, 2023, at Mountjoy Garda Station. He had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Brian Grendon is to face a non-jury trial in the Special Criminal Court alongside two co-accused for directing a criminal organization and drug-related offenses. Grendon is charged with 12 offenses, including directing the activities of a criminal organization in the importation and distribution of controlled drugs and money laundering. He is also charged with importing cocaine and possessing the drug for sale or supply. His co-accused, Noel Smyth and Paul Kelly, face charges of contributing to the activities of a criminal organization and drug offenses. The State applied for the trial to be held in the Special Criminal Court, and the court granted the application. The trial is set to proceed with the three-judge court, and the matter was adjourned to June 29.
A 24cm carving knife recovered from the scene of a stabbing in Parnell Square was shown to the jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempted murder and assault. Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary testified that the knife was found in a backpack discarded at a bus stop near the scene. The knife was later retrieved from the Garden of Remembrance by a member of the public. Medical witnesses described the severe injuries sustained by a child who was stabbed and required emergency treatment. Dr Michael Boyle testified that the child was in critical condition and required immediate transfusion and transport to the hospital. The trial also heard that Bouchaker was arrested after a 28-day assessment for post-traumatic amnesia. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is expected to last up to five weeks. The jury was shown evidence including the knife, a jacket with bloodstains, and strands of hair from the alleged victims.