A Central Criminal Court trial heard an uncle deny an allegation that he raped his deaf niece, while describing her as truthful and honest. Seven men, including four brothers and three uncles, deny wrongdoing on a combined 103 charges alleging sexual abuse between 1996 and 2013. Garda interview transcripts were read for Accused B, who faces eight counts comprising rape, oral rape and anal rape. The trial continues. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that Riad Bouchaker is fit to stand trial over charges arising from the Parnell Square East incident, including the attempted murder of two girls and one boy and assault causing serious harm to a care worker. The judge said Bouchaker has cognitive limitations but can understand the charges and mount a defence with accommodations. A three-week Central Criminal Court trial was set for June 8, with fitness to remain under review.
The High Court has dismissed personal injury proceedings brought by Anne Birkinshaw against the coroner for Tipperary North, North Tipperary County Council, and the Minister for Justice and Equality. Ms Birkinshaw alleged she suffered psychological trauma due to a 36-year delay in holding an inquest into the 1975 murder of her sister, Kathleen Cashin, who was killed in Co Tipperary. Following a Central Criminal Court trial in December 1975, an individual was found guilty but insane of the murder. Ms Birkinshaw claimed the late provision of a postmortem report in 2011, which contradicted her belief that her sister died quickly, caused significant injury. The defendants applied to strike out the 2013 proceedings under court rules on delay, arguing severe prejudice as key witnesses, including the State pathologist, are deceased or unavailable. Mr Justice David Nolan noted the case involved a "leisurely approach" with "total inactivity" between 2019 and 2024. He observed that the current coroner for North Tipperary is not liable for predecessors' acts. Although acknowledging the tragic background, the judge found the case offered little realistic prospect of success and that the defence faced clear disadvantage. Consequently, the court dismissed the matter, concluding it could not be saved despite the delays.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard evidence in an unfair dismissal claim brought by solicitor Joseph McNally against Ferrys Solicitors LLP. McNally alleges he was subjected to a "sham" redundancy following his termination in October 2024, arguing he was told he had "no future" in the firm. Giving evidence, Ferrys partner Barry O'Donoghue stated that the firm had allocated a total of €180,000 to a personal injuries marketing initiative, comprising a €60,000 annual Google Ads budget, a €40,000 salary for McNally, and €80,000 in fees to his company, Venus Bell Ltd. O'Donoghue claimed the venture failed because the budget was not spent for months and the website was not ready by the fourth quarter of 2024. He noted that the firm had incurred €100,000 in costs with "nothing to show for it" and that the website generated non-fee-earning inquiries. Ferrys terminated its commercial agreement with Venus Bell Ltd on 20 September 2024 for "failure to deliver," and McNally was made redundant the following month. McNally's counsel, Tiernan Lowey BL, submitted that the redundancy was a "sham" and that the appeal process was "unfair and prejudicial." The case is continuing.
A Central Criminal Court jury heard garda interview evidence from a man accused of sexually abusing his older sister, who described the allegations as lies and a joke. Seven men are on trial over 103 charges involving the deaf primary complainant and, in one case, two other sisters; all deny wrongdoing. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A former Aware chief executive told the Workplace Relations Commission that limited pay opportunities contribute to staff turnover in the charities sector. The evidence came during Leah O'Brien's unfair-dismissal complaint, in which she alleges her redundancy followed concerns about management style and low morale.
The jury in Liam O'Leary's Central Criminal Court murder trial has been discharged after the judge said an 'unfortunate situation' meant the proceedings could not continue. O'Leary denies murdering 58-year-old John Casserly at a Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina in October 2024. The case will return to court on April 15, and the jurors were excused from further service for five years. Liam O'Leary pleaded not guilty.
Sean McGovern has pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to two charges of directing a criminal organisation. The charges concern activity connected to the murder of Christopher 'Noel' Kirwan and surveillance of James Gately. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates last summer, is due to be sentenced on April 27, when victim impact evidence is expected to be heard.
Liam O'Leary told gardaí he acted in self-defence after Mr Casserly allegedly came at him with a knife. Prosecutors told the jury that Mr Casserly died after a violent attack at an apartment in Ballina. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty to murder, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Declan Forde denied seeing John Casserly assault murder accused Liam O'Leary with a metal pole before the witness and his mother fled their Ballina apartment. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty; the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Joanna Forde told a murder trial that she and her son fled their Ballina apartment after Liam O'Leary entered and refused to leave. O'Leary has pleaded not guilty to murdering John Casserly, and the trial continues.
The High Court gave the Garda Commissioner three weeks to oppose Detective Garda Eamonn Cunnane's judicial review over an injury-on-duty claim. Cunnane claims a Garda investigation after he loaned an unclaimed bicycle caused illness and reduced pay.
A Central Criminal Court trial involving seven men accused of sexually abusing a deaf family member heard transcripts of garda interviews, including denials by a 34-year-old brother and statements made by a 55-year-old uncle. The men deny wrongdoing and the trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.
The Central Criminal Court heard prosecution evidence describing John Casserly's death in Ballina as involving serious violence. Liam O'Leary denies murder, and the trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury.
Liam O'Leary pleaded not guilty to the alleged murder of John Casserly at an apartment in a Fr Peter McVerry Trust housing unit in Ballina. Mr Justice Paul McDermott swore a jury for a trial expected to last up to three weeks.
Ms Justice Karen O'Connor ordered John O'Donovan and Shane Blackhall to be tried before the Special Criminal Court on charges including firearms offences. O'Donovan also faces allegations involving a criminal organisation, vehicle use and arson, while Blackhall faces drug and firearms charges.
A Carlow Circuit Criminal Court jury found Colvin O'Brien not guilty of assault charges involving two gardaí and of threatening and abusive behaviour. O'Brien had pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in a public place, and Judge Mary Morrissey placed him on a 12-month probation bond.
Adjudicator Brian Dalton has adjourned the case. The matter is at the trial stage, involving complaints brought by Seamus Clinton 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. Witness Andrew Heavey testified that he was told WRC director-general Audrey Cahill allegedly stated that neither he nor Mr. Clinton would "ever get an interview or any jobs" in the agency while she was in charge. Heavey alleged this remark explained why he and Clinton were not shortlisted for regional manager posts, attributing it to their roles as shop stewards during a campaign for job re-grading. The State contended that the departing official who relayed the comments may have had "an axe to grind" against Ms. Cahill and argued that Mr. Clinton did not meet the definition of a staff representative. Paul Malone, deputy general secretary of the AHCPS, described the employer's shortlisting process as "extraordinary" and noted a "hostile" attitude toward the regrading process. Mr. Clinton was cross-examined regarding the contemporaneity of his diary notes and his expectations of being shortlisted. He maintained that his claim was backed by documentary evidence. No plea, finding, sentence, or final disposal was recorded, as the proceedings were adjourned.
The jury in Tomas Cypas's murder trial stopped deliberating after four hours and 21 minutes and will return to the Central Criminal Court on Monday. Cypas denies murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan; the jury was directed that it could return verdicts of murder, manslaughter or not guilty.
Former Inland Fisheries Ireland CEO Francis O'Donnell told a Workplace Relations Commission hearing that a senator intervened over a promotion linked to an employee he described as a key witness in a Garda fraud investigation. An adjudicator directed him not to name people who had not been put on notice; the case is to continue in June.
A jury began deliberating in the trial of Tomas Cypas, who has pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan. The jury was told it could return verdicts of murder, manslaughter or not guilty.
The Workplace Relations Commission rejected Noelle Lowney's constructive-dismissal claim after her former employer said €152,000 in irregular company-card expenditure had been incurred over five and a half years.
The prosecution told the Central Criminal Court that Tomas Cypas was under no threat when he assaulted Juris Kokenbergs, while the defence argued the killing was manslaughter rather than murder. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
Tomas Cypas told gardaí he punched Juris Kokenbergs in self-defence after an argument at his mother's home, but denied stamping on the deceased's head. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
State pathologist Dr Heidi Okkers told Tomas Cypas's murder trial that punching alone could have caused the extensive brain damage suffered by Juris Kokenbergs, although she also confirmed contact from a shoe to the scalp. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
Michael Dodd, former general manager of the St Paul's Garda Medical Aid Society, won €85,000 for unfair dismissal after raising concerns about expenses and being dismissed without notice or a stated reason.
Jenifer Devine (43) failed to appear at the Central Criminal Court for her sentencing hearing on a charge of withholding information regarding the death of Michael Tormey (49). Devine had pleaded guilty in November 2024 to failing to disclose information that might assist in securing the apprehension of her husband, Christopher Devine, concerning Tormey's death. Her lawyer, Maria Brosnan BL, stated Devine was suffering from serious mental health issues and intended to seek hospital care. Prosecuting counsel Garret Baker SC noted that gardai had visited her address and she indicated she would not attend court. Ms Justice Melanie Greally criticized the lack of documented evidence regarding Devine's condition, emphasizing the seriousness of the charge. The judge postponed the sentencing hearing for two weeks, listing the matter for March 13, allowing time for a medical report. Meanwhile, Christopher Devine (44) was convicted by a jury of murder in December 2024. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The jury rejected the defense argument that he suffered from a substance-induced psychotic disorder due to cocaine and alcohol use, finding he acted deliberately. The trial heard Devine shot Tormey five times with an MP5 submachine gun in Tormey's front garden in Ballyfermot in January 2022. The weapon was never recovered.
At a murder trial, Tomas Cypas denied murdering Juris Kokenbergs in Lucan. The jury heard evidence about DNA staining found on Cypas's footwear and heard his account of the confrontation; the trial was due to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty.
The murder trial of Tomas Cypas heard his 999 call for an ambulance after he found his friend Juris Kokenbergs cold and not breathing. Cypas has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan. The jury heard that Cypas admitted hitting him and will consider his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
Henry McGowan has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a jury found him not guilty of murdering his father by reason of insanity. The court heard that he continues to have schizoaffective disorder and needs specialist inpatient care. The murder of John McGowan occurred at Ballyfin Demesne after the father travelled from the US to help his son.
Séamus Clinton, a Workplace Relations Commission adjudicator, brought a case against the State under the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Protection of Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006, and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014. He alleged gender discrimination after failing to secure an interview for three regional manager posts, all of which were subsequently filled by women. Clinton claimed he suffered detriment linked to acting as a staff representative and reporting wrongdoing, while the State dismissed the claims as "sour grapes." Counsel for Clinton submitted that comments were relayed to his client that the WRC director-general held a negative attitude toward him and colleague Andrew Heavey, stating they would not receive further interviews. The State denied these allegations and sought a witness summons for the official who allegedly relayed the comments. Clinton also alleged penalisation for raising a discrimination complaint and a data breach accusation that terminated his access to internal systems. The tribunal heard evidence regarding the recruitment process and the applicants' backgrounds. The matter was adjourned until March 6th, when Mr Clinton is to be cross-examined, and Mr Heavey is expected to give his evidence.
Adrian Behan pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 23 criminal damage charges and 10 theft counts concerning alleged incidents at telecommunications sites in Mayo and Galway. The trial heard that cables, wiring, antennae and electrical equipment were damaged or stolen. The case continued before Judge Eoin Garavan.
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has heard that the primary complainant, who is deaf, first made allegations after attending a health promotion course in 2017. The accused, aged between 32 and 55, face a combined total of 103 charges, with 98 counts pertaining to the main complainant. They are her four younger brothers and three uncles, all of whom deny wrongdoing. One man is further accused of abusing two of his younger sisters. An organiser of the course testified that the complainant asked to speak to him to report being harmed by several people. In cross-examination, he agreed she did not make allegations regarding three specific accused: her 55-year-old uncle (Accused A), her 45-year-old uncle (Accused G), and her 32-year-old brother (Accused F). Accused A is accused of one count of rape; Accused G of one count of rape; and Accused F of three counts of anal rape and two counts of rape. Accused B (48) is accused of eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the main complainant, plus one count of sexual assault and three counts of rape and anal rape against a second sister. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.
Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. The prosecution case is that Kokenbergs died from stomping on the head. Cypas admits hitting Kokenbergs over the weekend, while the jury must decide his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
A scaffolder is set to face trial tomorrow, accused of murdering a man in west Dublin in 2024. Tomas Cypas (35), who resides at Foxborough Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Kokenbergs (49), who was killed at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on October 28, 2024. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon informed the jury panel that the accused is a resident of Dublin and works in the scaffolding trade. The judge swore in a jury of eight men and four women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The trial is expected to last two weeks. The court proceedings will focus on the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and the evidence presented by the prosecution.
Sean McGovern, 39, appeared by video-link from Portlaoise Prison before the Special Criminal Court, where he is accused of the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin. The accused, who has a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, also faces charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with that murder between October 20 and December 22, 2016. Additional allegations include directing a criminal organisation regarding the surveillance of James Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017, and facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder Mr. Gately. During the trial proceedings, his barrister, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant work had been completed between legal parties and suggested the case might not ultimately require a trial date, though he could not confirm this immediately. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for an update. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded at this stage, and the matter remains ongoing.
A woman who alleges she was sexually abused by seven of her family members has completed giving evidence after over three months in the witness box. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs expressed gratitude to the woman for her three and a half months of answering questions. The woman began giving evidence via video link in October and provided her testimony to prosecution counsel before being cross-examined by seven defence counsel representing the accused men. Roisin Lacey SC, prosecuting, informed the woman that the prosecution would not be re-examining her. The trial, which began four and a half months ago, is now entering a new phase with further four weeks of evidence expected. Seven men, aged between 32 and 55, are on trial for 103 charges, with 98 counts related to the main complainant. They are her four younger brothers and three uncles, accused of sexually abusing her over a 17-year period between 1996 and 2013. The woman gave evidence via video-link with the assistance of interpreters and an intermediary. Charts and symbols were used to help her communicate. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Joseph Lawlor, who is accused of murdering his friend Michael Ryan in June 2024. Lawlor claims he acted in self-defence and to protect his property. The trial began in January, and the jury requested a copy of Lawlor's testimony, which detailed the events leading to the fatal stabbing. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations throughout the evening. Ryan was arrested for drink driving and later returned to Lawlor's home, demanding the return of a watch and threatening to use "pineapples" (slang for grenades). Lawlor pursued Ryan to a carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The judge instructed the jury that if they found Lawlor's account credible and that he used reasonable force, they must acquit. However, if he used excessive force, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved he did not act in self-defence, the verdict would be murder. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
A jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Joseph Lawlor, who claims he stabbed his friend, Michael Ryan, in self-defense. Lawlor, 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark after a dispute. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations. Ryan returned to Lawlor's home after being released from custody for drink driving and accused Lawlor of calling gardai. Ryan threatened to bring others to attack Lawlor's home. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him once in the neck, severing an artery. The judge instructed the jury that if Lawlor used reasonable force in self-defense, he must be acquitted. If the force was excessive, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved Lawlor did not act in self-defense, the verdict would be murder.
Detective Garda Joseph Kavanagh used the Pulse system to print documents he believed were being concealed from the High Court in a case involving his partner, Sinead Warren. The case revolves around a search of Warren's home in Dublin 8 in 2016, which she alleges was a ruse to interfere in her personal life and relationship with Kavanagh. Kavanagh told the court he accessed the Pulse system to print draft information sheets related to the search warrant, which he believed were being withheld. The defense argued that the documents were unlawfully acquired and breached data protection laws. The court allowed the documents to be included in the case on grounds of fairness. Warren is seeking damages for alleged breaches of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. The trial continues with further evidence expected next week.
A jury has been asked to determine whether Joseph Lawlor used reasonable force in stabbing his friend to death after the deceased threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor, 39, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, 51, who was found dead in a carpark behind Lawlor's home in Dublin. The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, following a night of drinking and altercations between the two men. Ryan accused Lawlor of calling the gardai to have him arrested for drunk driving and demanded the return of an expensive watch. When Lawlor refused, Ryan allegedly threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The prosecution argues that Lawlor created the situation deliberately to use force, citing audio evidence of Lawlor inviting Ryan to a fight. The defence claims that Lawlor acted in self-defence, citing the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, which allows for the use of reasonable force against trespassers.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard closing arguments in a case arising from the fatal stabbing of a man in Dublin in June 2024. Joseph Lawlor, aged 39, of Hampton Wood Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, aged 51, who died from a stab wound to the neck in a carpark behind Mr Lawlor's home on 20 June 2024. The prosecution contends that Mr Lawlor inflicted the fatal wound with intent to kill or cause serious injury and was not acting in lawful self-defence. The defence argues that Mr Lawlor was entitled to use reasonable force to protect himself and his property after Mr Ryan, a friend with whom he had been drinking, broke into his home, took cash, and made threats. The jury heard evidence regarding earlier physical altercations between the men and a 999 call made immediately after the incident. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath is presiding over the trial, with closing arguments continuing.
A 63-year-old man, Michael Donnelly, accused of assaulting his sister during a will dispute had the charge against him dismissed after CCTV footage contradicted key parts of the complainant's account. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to a Section 2 assault at Woodley Park in 2024. The court heard that the complainant and another sibling arrived at their late mother's house, where Donnelly was living, seeking access to the property. Mobile phone and doorbell footage showed the complainant and another sibling at the doorway filming Donnelly during a heated exchange. The complainant claimed her wrist was struck and that she had difficulty moving her hand. However, the footage showed the phone was in her left hand when it was struck away. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant's account, noting that she referred to her right hand being struck. Judge Anne Watkin noted the inconsistency between the medical report and the footage and accepted the credibility concerns raised by the defense. She concluded that the charge could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed it.
A woman who alleges she was sexually abused by seven family members has testified in court that her younger brother 'learned to rape' her when he was 13. The woman, who is deaf, is giving evidence via video-link and with the assistance of interpreters and an intermediary. She is one of several complainants in a trial involving seven men, including her four younger brothers and three uncles, who are accused of sexually abusing her over a 17-year period between 1996 and 2013. The accused have denied all allegations. The woman's testimony included details of her brother's alleged actions and her assertion that she was telling the truth. The trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Biggs and an extended jury panel.
A murder accused, Joseph Lawlor, told a prosecution barrister that it was '100 percent coincidental' that he threatened to stab his friend, Michael Ryan, hours before doing so. Lawlor claimed he was in fear after Ryan broke into his house and threatened to throw grenades. He said Ryan took a bag containing almost €4,000 in profit from selling Zopiclone tablets. Lawlor followed Ryan outside with a knife and stabbed him in the neck, claiming it was accidental. He described Ryan as a 'capable and dangerous' man and said he feared for his life. The prosecution suggested Lawlor was not scared but wanted to 'send a message' that nobody threatens him. Lawlor denied intending to harm Ryan and said he was trying to scare him away from his house. The trial has heard that Lawlor and Ryan were drinking together and had earlier arguments captured on CCTV. Lawlor pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark.
Mark Salmon, 32, of West Dublin, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to four charges, having originally faced 16 offences including directing a criminal gang. Defence counsel Dominic McGinn indicated progress had been made, leading to arraignment on lesser counts. Salmon admitted acquiring or possessing property valued at €24,257.44 in 2022 and €60,565.41 in 2023, knowing or being reckless as to whether it was proceeds of criminal conduct. He also pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine worth over €13,000 for supply on March 26, 2024, near Carrick-on-Shannon, Co Leitrim, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm to a man between January 1 and May 20, 2024. The prosecution noted the pleas were offered on a full facts basis, with the drugs charge incorporating threats and criminal damage. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding, granted an application to extend legal aid for a psychological report. The court directed that victim impact statements be prepared. The matter was adjourned for sentencing to May 11, and Salmon was remanded in custody until that date.
A woman described as a 'law-abiding citizen of impeccable character' has claimed in the High Court that she was wrongly branded a 'major criminal' and a 'serious female gouger' after her relationship with a garda became known. Sinead Warren alleges that following a search of her home, messages circulated on WhatsApp suggested that her long-term partner, Gda Joseph Kavanagh, had been 'caught in the scratcher' with her. She claims that Gda Kavanagh was removed from a Special Crime Task Force and faced intimidation and harassment from his superiors. Ms Warren is seeking damages for breach of her constitutional rights, negligence, and deceit. She alleges that the search of her home was an interference in her personal life and that senior gardaí deemed the relationship inappropriate and set out to interfere. The State denies these allegations. Ms Warren claims that Gda Kavanagh was 'intimidated' and 'harassed' by superiors and that he was informed he 'needed time away from his position'. The non-jury trial continues at the High Court.
Joseph Lawlor, a 39-year-old man from Dublin, has taken the stand in his murder trial, claiming he stabbed his friend Michael Ryan in self-defense after Ryan allegedly threatened to throw grenades through his window. Lawlor told the Central Criminal Court that he only wanted to scare Ryan and make him leave him alone. The trial has heard that both men had been drinking together throughout the day and that they had previously been involved in the sale of sleeping tablets. CCTV footage showed a physical altercation between the two men, and Ryan was arrested for drink driving before returning to Lawlor's home later that night. Audio from a neighbor's Ring doorbell captured Ryan demanding the return of a watch, prompting Lawlor to confront him. Lawlor said that when he heard a bang and saw Ryan in his sitting room, he froze in fear. He claimed that there was a scuffle over a bag and that he fell to the ground. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
An air conditioning technician is seeking €1,650 in unpaid wages from his former employer, Nical Engineering Ltd, after leaving the job ten days into a new role in September 2024. The company admits it owes the money but claims the worker owes them around €3,500 for damage to a company van after it was seized by gardaí. The worker, Nathan Collins, denies the allegations and says the company is not following the law by offering cash instead of bank transfer. The company's representative, Hugh Hegarty, stated that the money is available in Mullingar and that the worker must collect it in person with the assistance of the gardaí and their solicitor. The company director, John Masterson, said the worker had issues with his work and that the van had to be cleaned and fumigated after being left in Galway. The case is being heard by the Workplace Relations Commission, with both sides presenting their arguments.
A woman who is deaf and alleges that seven family members sexually abused her over a 17-year period has left a cross-examination in anger after one of her brothers denied the allegations. The woman, who is giving evidence via videolink and with the help of interpreters, said she was angry when her brother claimed he never had sex with her. The trial involves seven men, including her four younger brothers and three uncles, who are accused of 103 charges of sexual abuse. The woman has faced challenges in communicating timelines and has used charts and symbols to assist her. The court has heard that one of the accused, Accused E, was living with other family members during part of the alleged abuse period. The trial continues before Ms Justice Biggs and an extended jury panel of 14 jurors. The unnamed 55-year-old pleaded not guilty.