Lisa Deveney, a marketing executive with Coca Cola HBC Ireland Ltd, has claimed she was demoted upon returning from maternity leave, leading her to resign due to the stress and feeling of being bullied. She had held the position of premium spirits marketing manager since 2018 but was informed on the Friday before her return that she would not be returning to her old role. Instead, she was offered a new position in another department, which she described as a junior role compared to her previous position. Deveney stated that she was not provided with a job specification over the weekend and was only informed of the new role on her first day back. She felt the new role required significantly less experience and involved different responsibilities, which she viewed as a demotion. Deveney experienced an acute stress reaction and a panic attack, leading her to call in sick and eventually resign in March.
During a murder trial in the Central Criminal Court, jurors were instructed to disregard any personal impressions of Conor McGregor after the accused, Maurice Boland, claimed he had struck a 26‑year‑old man "like the mixed martial arts star" during an altercation. Boland, aged 37, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of Cian Gallagher, who died eight days after being punched on November 2‑3, 2022. The State's case, presented by Bernard Condon SC, outlined that Gallagher was walking home from a night of drinking when Boland, who had been drinking earlier that evening, approached and punched him. CCTV footage would show the encounter, including the punch that caused fatal injuries. Condon urged the jury to focus on Boland's intent and the manner of the strike, rather than the comparison to McGregor, and to weigh any such remarks at their discretion.
In a Mountjoy Prison murder trial, the jury must decide if David Dunne, 40, honestly believed he was acting in self‑defence when he fatally assaulted fellow inmate Robert O'Connor. Justice Mary Ellen Ring explained that to convict of murder, the jury must be satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that Dunne intended to kill or cause serious injury. If he believed he was defending himself but used more force than a reasonable person would, he would be guilty of manslaughter. The prosecution, represented by Michael Delaney SC, presented CCTV showing O'Connor entering Dunne's cell, an officer witnessing Dunne stamp on O'Connor's head multiple times, and evidence suggesting coordination with other inmates. Dunne's defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, argued the attack was a spontaneous reaction, not pre‑planned, and urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals. The jury will deliberate tomorrow, with possible verdicts of guilty, not guilty, or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The defence has closed its case after seven weeks of evidence in the trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, who denies murdering trespasser Keith 'Bono' Conlon on his farm in Tallaght. Evidence was given that Phelan had reported constant, aggressive trespassers who would not disperse when asked and had said "we will do whatever the f**k we like". A gate on Phelan's land had been spray‑painted with "RIP Bono" in relation to Conlon's death. Phelan, 56, a barrister and farmer, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36, who was shot on February 22, 2022, and died two days later. The jury heard that on the day in question three men – Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan – had trespassed on a wooded area of Phelan's land while hunting. Phelan is alleged to have shouted at two unarmed trespassers to "get back" before firing three shots from his Smith & Wesson revolver.
Peter Gleeson, a bus driver for Go‑Ahead Ireland Bus Ltd, was dismissed in December 2022 after CCTV footage showed him using a mobile phone while driving. The incident, which occurred on 24 November 2022 near Prosperous, Co. Kildare, involved a van colliding with the bus's side mirror. Gleeson claimed he was uncertain whether he used his phone or radio to report the crash and later drove for another half hour before a tyre blew out. Go‑Ahead's disciplinary officer, Keith McDonnell, deemed the use of a mobile device while driving gross misconduct and dismissed Gleeson immediately. Gleeson's union, SIPTU, argued the sanction was too harsh and that the investigation was flawed, citing a lack of a collective agreement on CCTV use. The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Gleeson's unfair dismissal claim, finding the dismissal proportionate given the risk of distraction and injury. The tribunal noted Gleeson's willingness to return to driving after more than a year.
During a murder trial at the Central Criminal Court, the prosecution alleged that 40‑year‑old David Dunne lured fellow inmate Robert O'Connor into his cell at Mountjoy Prison and stamped on O'Connor's head, causing death by blunt force trauma. The prosecution presented CCTV evidence suggesting coordination with other prisoners and claimed the assault was "vicious and unprovoked." They also argued that O'Connor's brain suffered rotational force injuries. Dunne's defence contended the killing was unintentional, a reaction in the moment, and not premeditated. The defence urged the jury to disregard alleged conspiratorial signals and focus on the evidence. The judge was to charge the jury the following day. The case remains at the murder‑trial stage. David Dunne pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of Diarmuid Phelan, a law professor and farmer, the court heard that a dog warden for South Dublin County Council testified that farmers are fully within their rights to shoot loose dogs that are worrying sheep. The witness explained that a dog that is free and poses a threat to livestock can be shot, and that the farmer must report the discharge to the gardai. Phelan, who is accused of murdering Keith 'Bono' Conlon, denied that he killed the trespasser and said he had shot a loose dog he believed posed a risk to his sheep. He claimed he had only fired warning shots and that the incident occurred after trespassing men threatened him. The jury heard that Phelan had fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver at the trespassers, one of whom was Conlon, who later died from a head wound. The trial continues with further witnesses for the defence. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
David Dunne, 40, pleaded not guilty to the murder of fellow inmate Robert O'Connor on 29 July 2022 at Mountjoy Prison. In Garda interviews after his arrest on 16 November 2022, Dunne claimed he threw a single punch at O'Connor after the latter had approached him, stating he did not intend to kill and that the incident would haunt him. He described O'Connor as a good friend and said he had previously been assaulted in his cell on 27 July. A prison officer's statement that Dunne had "stamped" on O'Connor's head was denied by Dunne. The prosecution presented three Garda interview memoranda and evidence from Dr Francesca Brett, a neuropathologist who examined O'Connor's brain and found hypoxic damage, haemorrhage and axonal injury. The trial is before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and a jury.
In the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, a defence psychologist explained that Phelan's decision to fire warning shots at trespassers on his Tallaght farm was a reasonable response to an imminent threat and the limited time for decision making. The psychologist described the dynamics of firearm use, noting that the intentional firing of a Smith & Wesson revolver over the heads of intruders perceived as a threat could result in an unintentional strike. He highlighted the difficulty of accurate shooting with a double‑action revolver under stress, the short barrel's tendency to misalign, and the rapid trigger pull. The expert concluded that Phelan's actions were consistent with the standards of reasonable force, intended to warn before using deadly force, and that the third shot unintentionally struck Keith Conlon, who later died from a head wound. The trial continues before a jury and a judge. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
A jury of seven men and five women was sworn in by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon for the trial of Maurice Boland, 37, of Tallow, Waterford. Boland, who admits killing but denies murder, pleaded not guilty to murder and guilty to manslaughter of Cian Gallagher, 26, on 10 November 2022. The trial will start Wednesday morning and is expected to last no more than two weeks.
In a civil case heard over three weeks, a jury awarded Nikita Hand €250,000 in damages after she alleged that Conor McGregor had "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel penthouse in December 2018. The court awarded her €60,000 in general damages and €188,000 in special damages, with the special damages agreed by both parties. The jury found that McGregor had assaulted Hand, while a second defendant, James Lawrence, was found not to have assaulted her. McGregor testified that his sexual encounter with Hand was consensual, describing it as "enthusiastic, athletic, prolonged and vigorous" in many positions. Both McGregor and Lawrence denied the allegations. The verdict was delivered after the jury deliberated for just under an hour the previous day and 6½ hours the following day. The case was heard in a Dublin court with Hand, McGregor, and their supporters present.
In a High Court civil trial, the jury resumed deliberations on the second day over allegations of rape involving Conor McGregor and James Lawrence. McGregor, accompanied by his fiancée Dee Devlin and family, denied the claims, asserting consensual sex with the complainant, Nikita Hand. Hand, a former hair colourist, alleges McGregor and Lawrence brutally raped her in a Dublin hotel penthouse on 9 December 2018. Lawrence also denies the allegations, claiming consensual sex with Hand after McGregor's departure. The jury is tasked with answering two yes/no questions: whether McGregor assaulted Hand and whether Lawrence assaulted Hand. Depending on the answers, the judge will direct the jury to assess damages under various headings, including general, special, aggravated, and exemplary damages, while noting that rape is a form of assault and that the standard of proof is the balance of probabilities.
In the trial of Diarmuid Phelan, a 56‑year‑old law lecturer and farmer, the prosecution has finished presenting its evidence. Phelan denies murdering Keith Conlon, a 36‑year‑old father of four, who was shot on Phelan's farm in Tallaght on 24 February 2022. The prosecution's case, presented by Roisin Lacey SC, alleges that on the day in question three men – Conlon, Kallum Coleman and Robin Duggan – trespassed on a wooded area of Phelan's land while hunting. Phelan is said to have shouted at the trespassers to "get back" before firing three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver. The defence has called firearms expert Curtis Marshall to testify about the revolver's characteristics and the effect of stress on shooting accuracy. The trial will continue tomorrow before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury of nine men and three women. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
The jury in the civil trial of Conor McGregor and James Lawrence over an alleged rape in a Dublin hotel in 2018 has begun deliberations. Mr Justice Alexander Owens instructed the jury to judge solely on evidence and disregard any "patently untruthful" statements. The jury deliberated for just under an hour before resuming tomorrow at 10am. McGregor testified that he had consensual sex with the complainant, Nikita Hand, describing it as "enthusiastic, athletic, prolonged and vigorous" in many positions. Hand alleges that McGregor "brutally raped and battered" her in the hotel's penthouse. Lawrence claims he had consensual sex with Hand after McGregor left, a claim Hand calls a lie. Both defendants deny the allegations. The jury must answer two yes‑or‑no questions: whether McGregor assaulted Hand and whether Lawrence assaulted Hand. If either answer is yes, the jury will assess damages under separate headings.
In the Central Criminal Court, Chief State Pathologist Dr Linda Mulligan testified that the death of Robert O'Connor, a Mountjoy prisoner, was caused by blunt‑force trauma that rotated his brain. She explained that the injuries could have resulted from punching, kicking or stamping, and that the resulting brain swelling, bleeding and lack of oxygen led to death. Dr Mulligan noted that O'Connor had suffered a first assault on 27 July with a bleeding nose and a fractured right pupil, and a second assault two days later that left him in a coma. He remained unresponsive for three days, was declared dead at 1.34 pm on 1 August, and his kidneys were donated. The pathologist confirmed no skull fractures and that the brain trauma was most likely sustained during the second alleged assault. The trial, presided over by Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, continues with a jury hearing further evidence.
Patrick Murphy, 52, was convicted of murder after stabbing his friend Joseph Brosnan, 52, three times in Brosnan's Abbey Court apartment. The jury rejected Murphy's claim of provocation, noting that he had been kicked out of the apartment and later returned armed with a large kitchen knife. Witnesses reported that Murphy had been drinking and taking tablets, and that a scuffle had escalated when he was slapped in the face by Kamil Lisowski. Murphy admitted to bringing a knife to the scene and to stabbing Brosnan, but denied intent to kill. The jury deliberated for two hours and two minutes, returning a unanimous verdict of murder. The case was adjourned to December 16 for victim impact statements and sentencing, with Murphy remanded in custody. Patrick Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A Central Criminal Court jury has begun deliberations on the case of a 52‑year‑old man, Patrick Murphy, who says he was in fear and defending himself when he stabbed his friend and neighbour, Joseph Brosnan, with a knife after being kicked out of an apartment. Mr Murphy has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Mr Justice Paul Burns outlined evidence from residents, a waitress and a friend of the deceased, describing arguments, shouting, and a chaotic scene with a knife and a rock. Witnesses reported that Mr Murphy was beaten, that he had a knife, and that he later returned to the apartment and stabbed Mr Brosnan. Mr Murphy told Gardaí he was in fear, had the knife, and did not intend to kill.
In a trial before the Special Criminal Court, Brandon Hennessy, aged 21, denies a charge of violent disorder linked to the December 24, 2023, shooting at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. Hennessy, who was present at the restaurant with his father, claims he acted in self‑defence and was provoked by the gunman, Tristan Sherry, who fatally shot his father and was later beaten to death. Hennessy criticises Gardaí for their delayed response and alleges they failed to protect his family. He also accuses the police of not arresting the second gunman. The court heard CCTV footage and Hennessy's statements, but he maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues with other accused individuals also pleading not guilty.
In a civil trial at the High Court, the judge warned the jury not to conduct independent investigations or rely on speculation, insisting that any verdict on liability must be based solely on the evidence presented. The case involves Conor McGregor, who testified that his sexual encounter with Ms Hand in a Dublin hotel penthouse was consensual, describing it as enthusiastic and vigorous. Ms Hand, a former hair colourist, alleges that McGregor raped and battered her on 9 December 2018 and that James Lawrence also had consensual sex with her after McGregor left. Both defendants deny the allegations. The judge emphasized that opinions are not evidence and urged the jury to evaluate CCTV footage for intoxication and possible flirting, and to consider the reliability of witnesses. He also outlined the principles for assessing compensatory, special, and aggravated damages if Ms Hand is awarded damages, stressing that any figure must be agreed upon by a majority of the jurors.
In a High Court hearing, counsel for a woman suing Conor McGregor for alleged rape described the MMA star as an "arrogant coward" and "not a man". The plaintiff, Nikita Hand, claims that McGregor, once the world's highest‑earning sportsperson, "brutally raped and battered" her in a Dublin hotel penthouse on 9 December 2018. She alleges that McGregor and James Lawrence denied the allegations, with Lawrence claiming consensual sex after McGregor's departure. McGregor testified that the encounter was consensual, describing it as "enthusiastic, athletic, prolonged and vigorous" in a hotel penthouse. Hand's counsel highlighted inconsistencies in McGregor's testimony, including a change in his story about a tampon and the presence of bruising. The case remains in the early trial stage, with the jury hearing evidence of alleged assault and disputed claims of consent.
A law professor, Mr Diarmuid Phelan, aged 56, denies murdering Keith Conlon, a 36‑year‑old father of four, who died from a gunshot wound to the head after a fatal shooting at Phelan's Hazelgrove Farm on 24 February 2022. Phelan, a barrister, lecturer and farmer, has pleaded not guilty. The Central Criminal Court heard that on 1 June 2016 Phelan was confronted by six trespassers on his land; he retreated to his jeep, but rocks were thrown, damaging the windscreen. Four intruders were charged with trespassing and criminal damage; three were convicted. In March 2017, after Phelan gave evidence, the three men banged on the courtroom exit, made threatening gestures—one mimicked a gun, another a throat cut, the third clenched a fist—and stoned Phelan. Phelan was terrified and feared further attack. The three men pleaded guilty to a breach of the peace; one received custodial time, the others received suspended sentences.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, 18‑year‑old David Amah denied murdering Tristan Sherry, claiming he was frightened when Sherry entered a restaurant on Christmas Eve, pointed a gun at him and shot James Hennessy Senior. Amah said he still felt Sherry was a threat several minutes after being disarmed, describing his head as "f**ked" and noting that women and children were crying. He recorded Sherry lying on the ground with his phone, insisting the threat remained. 18‑year‑old Noah Musueni also denied the murder, stating he struck Sherry with a chair in self‑defence after seeing a gun pointed at him and that he feared Sherry could still harm him. Both men have no prior convictions and have pleaded not guilty. The trial continues tomorrow before three judges.
In a civil trial over an alleged rape, Conor McGregor's counsel, Remy Farrell SC, urged the jury to focus on evidence rather than emotion. He argued that the plaintiff, Nikita Hand, had lied before, during and after the alleged assault and questioned whether a person could remember being raped yet forget surrounding facts. Farrell highlighted that McGregor had testified that his encounter with Hand was consensual, describing it as enthusiastic and vigorous. Hand, a hair colourist, claims McGregor raped and battered her in a Dublin hotel penthouse on 9 December 2018, seeking damages from McGregor and James Lawrence. Lawrence, who denies the allegations, admits to consensual sex with Hand after McGregor's departure. Both parties deny the claims, and the case remains at the evidence‑review stage.
A jury heard "upsetting and difficult" animal‑attack videos taken from the phone of Keith Conlon, a trespasser shot dead on law professor Diarmuid Phelan's farm. The videos, shown to the jury, depict dogs – a lurcher and a terrier – fighting squirrels, mauling a badger, and shaking a dead fox. One clip shows a dog trained to attack a live kitten, with men encouraging the pup to bite. The footage was shared via WhatsApp among Conlon, Kallum Coleman and others. The prosecution argued the videos illustrate a pattern of violent hunting. Phelan, 56, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, 36, who died from a single gunshot wound to the head. The trial continues with the jury hearing evidence of the shooting and the alleged self‑defence claim. The case remains at the jury stage.
During a Central Criminal Court hearing, Patrick Murphy, 52, admitted to Gardaí that he had a knife and had stabbed Joseph Brosnan, a lifelong friend, during a fight. Murphy claimed he was "jabbing back" and did not intend to harm Brosnan. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. Garda James Fairbrother testified that Murphy first denied seeing a weapon, later stating he had been assaulted and then took a knife to defend himself. Murphy also admitted drinking Baileys and taking anxiety tablets before the scuffles. Witnesses described a chaotic scene at Brosnan's home, with a large kitchen knife used in a rapid attack. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul Burns, continues the following day.
A jury of nine men and three women was sworn in today for the trial of a 40‑year‑old man, David Dunne, who denies murdering Robert O'Connor, 34, at Mountjoy Prison on 29 July 2022. Dunne pleaded not guilty and was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The trial will commence tomorrow before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring and is expected to last two weeks.
Patrick Murphy, 52, who has no fixed abode, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in the death of Joseph Brosnan at Abbey Court, Tralee, on 22 May 2022. According to the Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel, Murphy had been invited to Brosnan's home around 3 pm, where a drinking session led to an insult between Brosnan's friend Kamil Lisowski and Murphy. After Lisowski slapped Murphy, the situation calmed but later escalated. Murphy was asked to leave, returned around 6:45 pm, and was pushed out of the apartment. He then entered the front door, armed with a large kitchen knife, and stabbed Brosnan. Lisowski testified that Murphy did not hesitate and stabbed Brosnan "like rapid fire" to "revenge" for being hit. The jury heard that the knife was a black‑handled kitchen knife, 20.5 cm long, with blood traces matching both Murphy's and Brosnan's DNA. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul Burns.
Evidence in the civil trial of Conor McGregor and James Lawrence over alleged rape of hairdresser Nikita Hand at a Dublin hotel in 2018 has finished at the High Court after eight days. The jury will return on Tuesday for closing speeches while legal discussion continues in their absence. McGregor testified that he had consensual sex with Hand in the hotel penthouse, describing it as enthusiastic, athletic, prolonged and vigorous, and in a multitude of positions. Hand alleges that McGregor brutally raped and battered her. She seeks damages from both men for the events of December 9, 2018 at the Beacon hotel. Lawrence claims he had consensual sex with Hand twice after McGregor left, a claim Hand calls a lie. Both men deny the allegations. Clinical forensic physician Professor Basil John Farnan gave evidence on bruising, describing it as a discoloration caused by blunt trauma and noting that bruises can appear delayed and in various colours.
During a party at Browne's Steakhouse on Main Street, Blanchardstown, on Christmas Eve 2023, gunman Tristan Sherry was shot in the shoulder and stabbed 16 times before being beaten to death. State Pathologist Dr. Heidi Okkers testified that Sherry's death was caused by traumatic blunt‑force injuries combined with 27 sharp‑force injuries, including 16 stab wounds and 11 incised wounds. The single gunshot entered his left shoulder and exited the back, causing only superficial damage and not contributing to his death. Sherry had recently used cocaine and cannabis, but drug use did not contribute to his death. Three men—Noah Musueni, David Amah and Michael Andrecut—are charged with Sherry's murder, while Jonas Kabangu, Diarmuid O'Brien and Brandon Hennessy are charged with violent disorder. All accused plead not guilty.
During the seventh day of a civil damages trial in the High Court, James Lawrence, a co‑defendant of Conor McGregor, testified that he heard McGregor and a woman, Nikita Hand, in a hotel penthouse where there was "nothing but moaning and sex" and that Hand was "enjoying it." Lawrence said he saw Hand naked and on top of McGregor, and that he and Hand had sex three times in an hour after condoms were obtained from staff. He claimed Hand was "putting it on him" in front of a McGregor staff driver and that she had tried to kiss him while he was in a car. Hand, a hair colourist, alleges McGregor raped and battered her in the same penthouse six years ago and is seeking damages. Both McGregor and Lawrence deny the allegations and maintain that any sex was consensual. The trial is ongoing and no verdict has been reached.
The murder trial of Diarmuid Phelan, 56, continues before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Phelan, a barrister and farmer, has pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of Keith Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on February 24, 2022. The State alleges that Phelan shot Conlon in the back of the head with a Smith & Wesson revolver as Conlon turned away to leave, intending to kill or cause serious injury. Conversely, the defence asserts the shooting was an accidental result of a legitimate act of self-defence. State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that Conlon died from a single gunshot wound to the head, with no contributory factors. She agreed with defence counsel that the bullet's track alone cannot determine the victim's position relative to the shooter, as head movement could account for the wound's location. She also noted that an uncontrolled fall of 3.2 metres could explain Conlon's clavicle fracture. Defence counsel presented evidence of prior incidents at the farm, including arson and trespass, to contextualise the accused's concerns. The prosecution maintains that Phelan fired three shots, two into the air and one at Conlon. The trial is ongoing and has not been finalised.
In a civil trial at the Beacon hotel case, Conor McGregor denied that his co‑defendant James Lawrence was a "Patsy" set to take the fall. McGregor told the court he paid for Lawrence's legal fees because Lawrence could not afford them. He claimed the allegations of rape and assault by hairdresser Nikita Hand were false, describing the encounter as consensual, enthusiastic and in multiple positions. McGregor said he was shocked and frightened by social media chatter and that he had given a statement to Gardaí after legal advice. Hand alleges McGregor raped and battered her in 2018, while Lawrence says he had consensual sex with her after McGregor left. Both defendants deny the allegations and are represented by the same law firm. The trial continues with the parties presenting their evidence.
The jury in the trial of Cahir O'Higgins, a criminal defence solicitor accused of stealing €400 and attempting to pervert the course of justice, has begun deliberating at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. O'Higgins, 49, has pleaded not guilty to one count of theft in July 2016 and four counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in December 2017. He denies the allegations. The court heard that O'Higgins is a criminal defence solicitor with over 20 years of experience. The jury retired shortly after 11am this morning after being charged by Judge Martin Nolan, who instructed them to be neutral and impartial and not to consider O'Higgins's profession in their deliberations. After deliberating for about 90 minutes, the jury asked if theft can be said to have occurred when an owner is temporarily deprived of their property.
A veteran criminal defence solicitor, Cahir O'Higgins, is accused of fabricating notes and lying to gardai in connection with the theft of €400 from a client in 2016. Prosecuting counsel told the jury that the defendant's notes presented to gardai in 2017 were fabricated and that his claims during a 2020 recording with a garda that people were 'out to get him' were 'nonsense'. O'Higgins, who has pleaded not guilty to theft and four counts of perverting the course of public justice, is represented by senior counsel who argued that his client's actions were not intended to pervert justice but to address potential regulatory concerns. Defence counsel suggested that the client may have returned the €400 to his client, who may not have realized he had received it. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence presented.
In a murder trial at Tallaght, State Pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers testified that a deformed lead projectile measuring 0.8 cm was recovered from the head of Keith Conlon, a 36‑year‑old father of four who died on 24 February 2022 after being shot on the farm of barrister Diarmuid Phelan. Okkers described the bullet's trajectory, noting it entered 3 cm behind Conlon's right ear and 5 cm above it, and that the entry wound was 1.64 cm above the unshod heel. She reported no soot or powder tattooing around the wound, indicating a distance of more than one metre between shooter and victim. The pathologist also detailed a CT scan showing a complete fracture of the right parietal bone and multiple metallic fragments in the brain. Phelan, 56, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Conlon, who was shot in the back of the head while turning away to leave.
During the sixth day of a civil trial, Conor McGregor took the stand to defend himself against a claim that he had brutally raped and battered Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel. McGregor denied the allegations, stating that he and Hand had consensual sex, describing it as enthusiastic, athletic and vigorous, and that no bruising or distress was evident. He recounted being shocked by social media chatter after the incident and warned the judge to restrain his comments when he made a vulgar remark about Hand. The judge cautioned him to restrain his remarks. Hand, a hair colourist, is seeking damages from McGregor and James Lawrence, who also denies the allegations. The trial will continue the following day before a jury and the judge.
Robert Murphy, 42, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter of Jamie Kavanagh, 24, at a Dublin 8 hostel on 19 April 2023. Defence counsel Brendan Grehan argued that Murphy entered Kavanagh's room wearing a balaclava and armed only with a butter knife to frighten, not kill. They claimed Murphy admitted stabbing Kavanagh but that the fatal wound was caused by one of Kavanagh's own longer knives. Grehan highlighted that Murphy had no intention to kill, citing his statements about wanting to clean the hostel and that he would have used more lethal weapons if he had intended to kill. The prosecution, led by Paul Greene, countered that Murphy's admissions to Gardaí and the removal of blood‑stained clothing indicated intent to kill. The trial is ongoing before Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of twelve.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence regarding the December 24, 2023, shooting of Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown. Three men—Noah Musueni, David Amah, and Michael Andrecut—are on trial for his alleged murder, while Jonas Kabangu, Diarmuid O'Brien, and Brandon Hennessy face charges of violent disorder. All accused have pleaded not guilty. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo and two other judges, continues. Prosecution witness Det Gda Dermot Sloan testified that CCTV footage showed O'Brien hiding under a table during the initial gunfire before emerging to strike in Sherry's direction. Hennessy, the victim's son, was also described as using a dustpan and brush to strike at Sherry after the gunman was disarmed. Defense lawyers indicated they would challenge the accuracy of this evidence. The matter remains at the trial stage with no final determination reached.
In a civil damages trial, a jury heard that DNA from semen samples taken from a woman who alleges she was raped by Conor McGregor matched the celebrity fighter's DNA. The jury also heard that damage to the plaintiff's clothing on the night of the alleged assault was not normal wear and tear but appeared ripped. Nikita Hand, a hair colourist, is seeking damages from McGregor and James Lawrence, who claims he had consensual sex with Hand after McGregor left the hotel. Both McGregor and Lawrence deny the allegations. Dr Charlotte Murphy of Forensic Science Ireland presented the DNA evidence, noting a full male profile from the high vaginal area and a mixed DNA profile that excluded Lawrence. The trial is before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury of eight women and four men.
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to continue deliberating the verdict in the trial of 22‑year‑old Brandon Gavin, who denies murdering 19‑year‑old Marius Mamaliga over a drug debt. The prosecution alleges Gavin entered the back seat of a car behind Mamaliga and stabbed him in the neck with a knife, intending to kill or seriously injure him. In Garda interviews, Gavin claimed he stabbed Mamaliga in self‑defence, fearing for his life because he owed money for drugs. Witnesses testified that Mamaliga had sold cannabis and that Gavin owed him €2,000 for cocaine. The jury, consisting of seven men and five women, began deliberations after 2 pm and will return tomorrow morning. The judge explained that the jury has three possible verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty.
In the murder trial of law professor Diarmuid Phelan, the jury heard that 23‑year‑old Kallum Coleman, who had agreed to testify, booked a one‑way ticket to Spain and was hiding in a hotel when a bench warrant was issued. Gardaí attempted to locate him at his family address and other acquaintances' addresses but found no trace. They later identified him in Marbella, where he was "holing up." While Gardaí were stopping for refreshments en route to the airport, Coleman exited the car and fled, refusing to cooperate with the courts. The defence counsel, Michael Bowman, described Coleman's "change of heart" and his decision to "leg it." The trial also covered Phelan's 2017 trespassing case, where threats were made against him in court, and the circumstances of the 2022 shooting that killed Keith Conlon. The case continues before Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
The Special Criminal Court heard evidence from Detective Garda Dermot Sloan regarding the murder of Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse on December 24, 2023. Sloan presented CCTV footage detailing alleged attacks by Michael Andrecut (22), David Amah (18), and Noah Musueni (18), all of whom deny the murder charge. The detective described Andrecut stamping on Sherry, striking him with glasses, a bar, and a chair, and holding a phone over his head before a final kick. Amah was alleged to have stamped, kicked, and struck Sherry with a chair. Musueni was described as stamping on Sherry's head, delivering jabbing motions, and throwing a chair that hit him. Jonas Kabangu (18), charged with violent disorder, allegedly ran to the carpark, returned to kick Sherry twice, and helped remove the victim's body. Brandon Hennessy (21) and Diarmuid O'Brien (18) are also charged with violent disorder. All accused have pleaded not guilty. The trial is ongoing before Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan, and Judge James Faughnan, with Sloan's evidence scheduled to continue.
Patrick Murphy, aged 52 and without a fixed abode, was tried for the murder of Joseph Brosnan in Tralee on 22 May 2022. The prosecution, represented by Senior Counsel Patrick Gageby, argued that Murphy unlawfully killed Brosnan and that the intent to kill or cause serious injury was clear. The case centred on an evening in late afternoon when Murphy, who had been pushed out of Brosnan's apartment, returned and allegedly used a large kitchen knife to stab Brosnan twice – once in the hand and once in the back. The second wound penetrated the pericardial sac, causing fatal bleeding. Murphy had previously claimed to be a "peacemaker" and denied knowing who stabbed the deceased, but the prosecution contended he brought the knife to the scene. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Paul Burns and a jury of eight men and four women. Patrick Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A jury heard that law professor Diarmuid Phelan, 56, denied murdering Keith Conlon, 36, on his farm in Tallaght. Phelan said he was terrified when three men appeared on his land and that he fired his revolver in self‑defence, claiming the shots were aimed at the men, not at Conlon. He described the men as threatening him and said he had tried to retreat but was forced to shoot. Phelan also alleged that his farm had been subject to burglary, drug use, armed men and arson, and that Gardaí had not responded promptly to earlier incidents. He said he had given the revolver to Gardaí and that he was under immense stress. The trial is ongoing before Justice Siobhan Lankford and a jury. Diarmuid Phelan pleaded not guilty.
In a civil trial at the High Court, a paramedic, Eithne Scully, testified that she had seen a woman, Nikita Hand, who is suing Conor McGregor and James Lawrence, with extensive bruising and injuries after an alleged rape in a Dublin hotel penthouse on 9 December 2018. Scully described Hand's bruises around the neck, thighs, chest and lower leg, and noted a cut on her chin and breast injury. She also reported Hand's agitation, fear of a tampon being pushed too far, and a panic attack during transport to the Rotunda hospital. The paramedic's evidence was supplemented by CCTV footage of the ambulance and by statements from other paramedics who observed Hand's distress. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Owens, continues with a jury of eight women and four men. The defendants deny the allegations. The case focuses on the alleged assault and the injuries sustained by Hand.
A jury of six men and six women was sworn in by Mr Justice Tony Hunt for the trial of 28‑year‑old Cailean Crawford, who denies murdering Thomas McCarthy on 27 July 2020 at Croftwood Park, Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. Crawford was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court today. The trial will commence this afternoon and is expected to last three to four weeks. Thomas McCarthy pleaded not guilty.
Patrick Murphy, 52, who lives without a fixed address, has been arraigned in the Central Criminal Court for the killing of Joseph Brosnan in an apartment complex in County Kerry on 22 May 2022. He admits manslaughter but denies murder. A jury of eight men and four women has been sworn in, and the trial will commence this afternoon before Mr Justice Paul Burns, expected to last six days. Patrick Murphy pleaded not guilty.
A law professor, Diarmuid Phelan, 56, denies murdering an unarmed trespasser in a fatal shooting at his farm. He told Gardaí he was terrified when three men "exploded" out of bushes on his land, screaming and roaring, and threatened him about who had shot their dog. Phelan said he shouted at the men to stay back, but they kept coming and he believed they were coming to fulfil the threats they had made. He claimed he had taken powder from a first‑aid bag and put it on the back of the deceased's head to stop the bleeding, although none of the trespassers were members of the Travelling Community. Phelan has pleaded not guilty to murdering Keith Conlon, 36, at Hazelgrove Farm, Tallaght, on 24 February 2022. Evidence shows Phelan fired three shots from a Smith & Wesson revolver; the State alleges two shots were fired into the air and the third struck Conlon in the back of the head.
The Special Criminal Court heard eyewitness testimony from two sisters regarding the fatal shooting of Tristan Sherry at Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown on Christmas Eve 2023. Adisa Ajredini and Amanda Ajredini described the terror as a masked attacker, whom they identified as holding a long firearm, entered the busy restaurant. Adisa stated she dragged her mother under a table after hearing what sounded like machine-gun fire, while Amanda fled to the kitchen believing the gunman intended to shoot everyone. The sisters testified that the restaurant was left wrecked and the attacker was found lying in blood. This evidence forms part of the ongoing trial of three men accused of murdering Sherry: Noah Musueni, David Amah, and Michael Andrecut. All three have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Additionally, Jonas Kabangu, Diarmuid O'Brien, and Brandon Hennessy are charged with violent disorder arising from the same incident; all have also pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel previously alleged that a group attacked the disarmed Sherry with savage violence. The trial continues before Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, Judge Elma Sheahan, and Judge James Faughnan. No verdicts or sentences have been delivered, and the matter remains at the trial stage.
A veteran criminal defence solicitor, Cahir O'Higgins, has told a trial that he believed someone in the gardai or the Director of Public Prosecutions' office wanted to 'stitch him up' because he had 'annoyed people'. O'Higgins, 49, is on trial for one count of theft of €400 in July 2016 and four counts of attempting to pervert the course of justice in December 2017. He denies the allegations. The court heard that O'Higgins was representing a Spanish national, Raul Sanz Quilis, who was charged with criminal damage. During the case, O'Higgins allegedly used Sanz Quilis's bank card to withdraw €600 from an ATM, with €400 allegedly taken into his possession. The case against Sanz was struck out after €200 was paid to the court. O'Higgins also provided gardai with notes he claimed to have made during the incident, but the prosecution alleges they contained false information. Cahir O'Higgins pleaded not guilty. Sanz Quilis pleaded not guilty.