Brandon Abrahams (33) of Belvedere Place, Dublin 1, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for participating in a criminal organisation and committing nine related offences, including money laundering, possessing proceeds of crime, and possessing a false instrument. Abrahams admitted guilt to these charges, which occurred between 2022 and 2024. He was found to have benefited from an An Post smishing scam, in which €500,000 was stolen from about 30 accounts to benefit about 50 criminals. During a Garda raid in 2024, a laptop containing extensive personal debit card information was discovered. Abrahams was also involved in creating sophisticated fake documents, including UK driving licences and utility bills, which were used to set up accounts in financial institutions and sold to other fraudsters. A total of €147,230 passed through his accounts during the relevant period. Abrahams has 55 previous convictions, mainly for road traffic offences, theft, deception, drugs, and criminal damage. His co-accused, Kim Porter (31) of Casement Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, pleaded guilty to 10 related offences, including money laundering, deception, enhancing a criminal organisation, possession of cocaine, and making off from a hotel without paying for her stay. Evidence in her case was heard earlier this week and was adjourned to July for finalisation. Judge Martina Baxter noted concerns about Abrahams' assertions regarding his relationship with Porter and his claims of suffering from PTSD, gambling, and drug addiction, which she found lacking in evidence. She also highlighted his lack of honesty and high risk of re-offending. Abrahams' sentence was backdated to September 2024, with no portion suspended.
Nigel Kennedy was charged after an incident at McIntosh Park, Cabinteely, that left a man in his 50s in serious condition in hospital. The charges include dangerous driving, assault causing harm, violent disorder and robbery; Dún Laoghaire District Court remanded Kennedy in custody and listed a possible bail application for March 18.
Donatas Sadauskas pleaded guilty to making a false statement about a Mercedes Benz theft after initiating an insurance claim for a car he never owned. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court imposed an 18-month sentence and suspended it for three years.
The Workplace Relations Commission heard Michael Ehigiato was rostered for long hours by BGS Security Ltd but received €2,000 cash-in-hand during about three months of work. His union representative alleged systematic wage theft and racial discrimination; the company is in liquidation.
Paul McCarton pleaded guilty to offences including possessing articles for use in theft, handling stolen property, possessing a knife, theft and public order offences in Tallaght. Judge Áine Shannon ordered probation and welfare reports and a restorative justice assessment before sentencing.
Donatas Sadauskas pleaded guilty after falsely reporting that a Mercedes-Benz had been stolen and producing a purchase order later found to be false. The AXA claim was never processed, and Dublin Circuit Criminal Court remanded him on continuing bail until Thursday for sentence.
Andrew Agwu pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Foot Locker stores after joining the looting that followed the November 2023 Dublin riots. The court heard that five pairs of shoes worth an estimated €750 were taken and not recovered; finalisation of sentence was adjourned to May 21.
Kelvin Kleinovas pleaded guilty to having the proceeds of crime in his bank account after €10,000 stolen from a priest in a fake broadband-fee scam was traced to him. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18-month sentence, suspended for three years on payment of €2,000 for the injured party.
Dún Laoghaire District Court placed Zarah Farrell on a probation bond after she admitted stealing €11.99 nail varnish, giving a false name and address, and failing to follow a garda direction. Zarah Farrell pleaded guilty.
William McCarthy admitted criminal damage to a wall and cigarette machine and theft of cigarettes and cash at Éire Óg Clubhouse in Carlow. The Carlow Circuit Criminal Court adjourned the case while a victim impact statement and governor's report are prepared; a sentence date is still to be fixed. William McCarthy pleaded guilty.
Joe Curtin was jailed for 26 months after pleading guilty to one robbery and two attempted robberies in Hanover Park, Carlow. The court heard that three incidents occurred within ten minutes and that Curtin had 75 previous convictions. Judge Mary Morrissey treated the early guilty plea, cooperation and remorse as mitigation while describing his moral culpability as high.
Lisa Gannon was granted bail after being charged with theft alleged to involve €256 of clothing from Penneys at The Square Shopping Centre. Her bail requires her to stay away from the shopping centre, and the case was adjourned to the Criminal Courts of Justice.
Derek Smith received a three-year sentence after pleading guilty to burglary, criminal damage and theft at a Ballymun building site. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months for a year after hearing that the tools had been recovered following a search of Smith's address.
Adrian Behan was found not guilty by reason of insanity of 23 criminal damage charges and 10 theft counts involving telecommunications sites in Mayo and Galway. A jury at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court returned the unanimous special verdict after hearing that he had been experiencing an acute psychotic episode caused by schizophrenia.
Gary Darcy was convicted of trespassing and possessing a stolen grey Cube pedal cycle worth €700. On appeal, Judge Geoffrey Shannon suspended the final six months of his nine-month prison sentence on condition that Darcy continues to engage with probation services.
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.
Patrick Maughan, 38, of St McCullen's Park, Balbriggan, Dublin, lost an appeal against a four-month sentence for handling stolen tools worth €6,120 at Balbriggan Sunday Market. The District Court Appeals Court heard he had 46 previous convictions. Judge Sarah Berkeley affirmed the original order and Maughan was taken into custody. Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty.
A 22-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons received a three-year term for a knife robbery at Dean Swift Square, Dublin 8. The court heard he and others assaulted a man, stole his phone and wallet, and left him with a deep calf wound. The term is consecutive to a nine-year sentence for a separate attack on a woman, with the final 12 months suspended. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
Owen Maughan, a 40-year-old appellant from Castlerea, Co Roscommon, has withdrawn his appeal against the severity of his sentence following a hearing in the District Court Appeals Court. Maughan was previously convicted in the District Court of 12 charges of theft, contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001, for stealing over €1,498 worth of alcohol, groceries, and meat products. The offences occurred between July 8, 2024, and April 15, 2025, with seven incidents specifically at an Aldi store in Terenure, Dublin. He was sentenced to consecutive terms totalling 18 months, with the final three months suspended. During the appeal, a garda sergeant detailed Maughan's 54 previous convictions and his pattern of repeat offending at the same location. The defence argued that Maughan struggled with alcohol and drug addictions and had been clean in custody. Judge Martina Baxter initially described the offending as "prolific" and adjourned the matter to await a urine analysis report. However, the case was subsequently recalled, and Maughan's solicitor informed the court that the appeal was being withdrawn. Judge Baxter vacated her order for the urine analysis and affirmed the original District Court order.
Dean Paget, 37, of Carnlough Road, Cabra, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a robbery committed on December 3, 2020. Paget pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Castleknock Road. A count of assault causing harm was struck out, while two counts of making a threat to kill and production of an article were taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-and-a-half-year jail term, which dates from his guilty plea in January. As Paget is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the attempted murder of his former partner, he will not serve additional time for this offence. Prosecution evidence alleged that Paget and co-accused Megan Creighton attacked a man recovering from hip surgery near the Dublin canal. Creighton, 37, of Blanchardstown, was jailed for three years in 2022. The victim reported a bite mark to his nose and abrasions, stating he believed he was going to die. Defence counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC highlighted Paget's remorse and the delay in bringing charges. Judge Crowe described the incident as a sustained, physical, violent robbery, setting a headline sentence of six years before reducing it to four and a half years based on mitigating factors.
A driver who tailgated a stolen motorbike, leading to a fatal collision, has been jailed for three years. Andres Grans De Lima Sores (38) pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Calvin Gilchrist (19) and failing to remain at the scene. The incident occurred on Finglas Road, Dublin, when Sores, driving a car, tailgated the motorbike for nearly 500 metres. Both vehicles crossed to the wrong side of the road, and an oncoming taxi attempted to avoid the collision but was involved in a crash with the motorbike. Mr. Gilchrist sustained serious cranial injuries and died in hospital. Sores fled the scene and was identified months later through CCTV footage. The court heard that Mr. Gilchrist was riding a stolen motorbike without a helmet, and his actions contributed to the tragedy. Judge Pauline Codd noted the serious nature of the case and the impact on Mr. Gilchrist's family, who expressed deep sorrow over his loss. Sores was also banned from driving for seven years and received a suspended sentence for leaving the scene.
Sammy Hutch (50), a member of the Hutch family who is not involved in gangland activities, has been jailed for six additional years for possessing an improvised pipe bomb. Hutch, who is currently serving a six-and-a-half-year sentence for robbery, was caught by gardai in April 2024 with the device at his home. The bomb was found to be ready to use, and the court heard that Hutch had texted an accomplice about attaching it to gas meters. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the aggravating factors, including the nature of the device and the alleged unlawful purpose. Hutch has 103 previous convictions, including burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. His defence highlighted his long history of drug abuse and his efforts to get clean. The judge reduced the headline sentence of nine years to six years, which will run consecutive to his existing sentence. Hutch's family and a letter from a local horse and pony club were presented in court, and legal aid was requested for an appeal.
Shane Murphy, a 36-year-old man with a history of 60 previous convictions, had his six-month jail sentence overturned on appeal and replaced with a fully suspended sentence. Murphy was convicted of theft and threatening behavior after stealing wine from a crêperie and later using threatening language in public. His defense argued that the original sentence was unduly severe, citing his engagement with homeless support and detox programs. The court acknowledged his difficult circumstances but noted his extensive criminal history. Judge James O'Donoghue suspended the sentence for two years, with conditions that Murphy must enter probation, seek rehabilitation if needed, and avoid alcohol. The judge warned that if Murphy failed to comply, he would serve the full nine-month sentence. The appeal highlighted the need for a balanced approach to sentencing, considering both the severity of the offenses and the defendant's efforts at rehabilitation.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of Ebenezer Oduntan, a former pastor of the City of David Church in County Kildare, from seven years to six years, with the final six months suspended. Oduntan was convicted of 87 theft and fraud-related offences following a three-week trial at Naas Circuit Criminal Court in March 2024. He had initially denied 54 charges but pleaded guilty midway through the trial to 19 counts of theft, five counts of deception, and nine charges of providing false information to the Companies Registration Office. The offences, spanning 2010 to 2020, involved embezzling approximately €125,000 from the church and inflating donation levels to claim larger tax rebates. Mr Justice Alexander Owens quashed the original sentence, describing the trial judge's headline sentence as "somewhat too high" but noting the offending was "particularly serious" due to a gross breach of trust. The judge highlighted that Oduntan made no restitution to the congregation or Revenue. While acknowledging limited mitigation, the Court of Appeal substituted the sentence with six years' imprisonment, suspending the final six months to encourage rehabilitation. The appeal was heard after Oduntan's legal team argued the original sentence was excessive given the total amount involved and his lack of previous convictions.
A car salesman accused of theft for buying a customer's trade-in for a higher price in an "around the corner" deal has won €10,000 for unfair dismissal. The employee, Alex Collins, was fired in November 2024 by Cork City motor dealership Kevin O'Leary Silversprings Ltd, trading as the Kevin O'Leary Group. His complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 was upheld by the Workplace Relations Commission in a decision published today. Mr Collins considered himself "a high-performing employee", as he had passed probation after joining in August 2023 and earned around €60,000 in 2024 prior to his dismissal – roughly doubling his basic annual salary of €30,000 with what he made on commission. Mr Collins came under scrutiny after a customer complained that he had been asked to park a car he intended trade-in "around the corner", company sales manager Dermot O'Sullivan said in evidence. The customer had called it "an unusual way of doing business", Mr O'Sullivan said. He said it "raised concerns about deviations from standard procedures".
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Stephen Carberry and Glen Bride to six years in prison for assisting in the disposal of the dismembered remains of Keane Mulready Woods. Both men pleaded guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the alleged murderer, Robbie Lawlor, by transporting and burning the victim's body parts in a stolen Volvo V40 in north Dublin. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor described the acts as showing "abhorrent inhumanity and disrespect." Carberry, who had a headline sentence of ten years, received a reduced term due to his guilty plea and the requirement to serve a consecutive sentence for a prior drug offence. Bride, who played a lesser role, had his nine-year headline sentence reduced to six years following his guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The court noted that neither defendant was involved in the murder itself. This sentencing follows earlier convictions in the case: Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years for facilitating the murder; Gerard Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with six months suspended for two years for the same offence; and Ged McKenna was sentenced to four years for assisting an offender by cleaning the crime scene. The court acknowledged the severe trauma suffered by the victim's family, who described the disposal of their son's remains as a "constant and unbearable torment."
A man and his cousin are to be assessed for community service after pleading guilty to participating in a prolonged and unusual fraud that began 11 years ago. Simon O'Donnell (43) of Swords, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to providing false information in a passport application in 2019. His cousin Winnie O'Donnell (59) of Dublin 22 pleaded guilty to providing false information to the Civil Registration Service in 2011. The pair attempted to create a fictitious identity by registering the birth of a 'David O'Donnell' in 1980, with Winnie falsely claiming to be his aunt. The birth certificate was later used in a passport application that was stopped by biometric safeguards. Simon admitted the fraud was to obtain social welfare to pay off people threatening him due to a feud. Winnie admitted there was no such person as 'David O'Donnell' but did not dispute the signature on the form. The court heard that Simon had no previous convictions for deception offences, while Winnie had eight summary convictions for theft and fraud.
Oumar Dao received a fully suspended sentence for stealing €3,764.70 from an elderly man by impersonating an AIB official. Dao, who has 30 previous convictions, including one for money laundering, pleaded guilty to theft. The victim, aged 78 at the time, was tricked into sharing his bank details after clicking on a phishing link. Dao met the victim and collected his card, which was later used to withdraw money and buy food. CCTV footage and car registration details led to Dao's identification. His defence highlighted his educational background and current studies in welding and mechanical engineering. Judge Patricia Ryan described the crime as a "sneaky" and premeditated offence against a vulnerable person. Dao was sentenced to 18 months, suspended on strict conditions, and was required to pay €2,000 to the victim as a practical expression of remorse.
A man who contacted gardaí after seeing a photograph of himself looting from a shop during the Dublin riots has been given a two-year suspended sentence. Daniel Owie, 22, pleaded guilty to burglary after being caught on CCTV footage stealing €600 worth of clothing and runners from Foot Locker. He told gardaí he had an adrenaline rush and joined in the chaos. The court heard that gardaí had circulated over 160 images of people they wanted to speak to, having reviewed over 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. Owie's defense argued that his involvement was brief and that he had no history of violence. The judge acknowledged Owie's remorse and the extraordinary work of the gardaí in reviewing the footage. She set a headline sentence of three years but suspended it in full on strict conditions, giving Owie a chance to avoid jail.
A convicted sex offender who was on bail when he attacked and raped his then partner in a Kildare woods, telling her he had dug her grave, has been further jailed for 10 years. Dylan McMahon (31) was convicted of rape, aggravated sexual assault, false imprisonment, and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the attack, McMahon pushed dog faeces, sticks, and leaves in her mouth, making her unable to breathe, and led her through the woods, telling her he had dug her grave. He denied the charges but pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. McMahon has 36 previous convictions and is currently serving a sentence of six years with the final year suspended for theft and assault causing harm to a sex worker. He is also serving a consecutive two-year and nine-month sentence for offences including robbery. The court heard that McMahon sustained a traumatic brain injury in 2015 and does not accept the verdict of the jury.
A homeless man who stole €15 worth of food from a Spar store in Dublin due to 'desperation' has received a suspended sentence. Amiran Zaalishvili, 33, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to stealing groceries from the Spar store at Leopardstown Valley Shopping Centre on 14 May 2021. He admitted selecting goods valued at €15.75 and leaving without paying. The items were not recovered. His defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, explained that Zaalishvili was effectively homeless at the time and had no money to buy food, with the theft being a result of desperation. The court heard that Zaalishvili has 26 previous convictions, including drug-related offences, assault, and traffic violations. Judge Conor Fottrell noted the small value of the stolen goods but highlighted the defendant's extensive criminal history. The judge imposed a two-month custodial sentence, suspended for 12 months, with the condition that Zaalishvili enter into a €200 bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour.
A woman who was drunk and disruptive in the accident and emergency department at Tallaght University Hospital has been given a suspended sentence. Kimberly Riordan (33), of Shancastle Lawns, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to a public order offence. On 10 December last year, she was abusive towards security staff, was intoxicated, unsteady on her feet, and slurring her words, leading to gardaí being called. The court heard that Riordan has around 120 previous convictions, many alcohol-related, and is currently in custody serving a sentence for public order and theft offences, with a release date in May. Defence counsel said she was remorseful and had not consumed alcohol since being in custody. Riordan told the judge she was feeling shaky due to the lack of alcohol. She had previously engaged with the Simon Community and residential treatment but relapsed after a temporary release. She remains welcome to return to treatment. Counsel said she had worked in pubs, which contributed to her alcohol issues, and she would not return to that type of work.
A man who participated in the arson of a car to warn the owner to pay a drug debt has been sentenced. Dylan Deegan pleaded guilty to damaging the car by fire in a parking lot. He had 22 previous convictions for offenses including robbery and assault. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Deegan was involved due to his own drug debt and under coercion. The arson posed no significant danger to others. Deegan received a 21-month sentence, backdated to when he went into custody. CCTV footage showed Deegan breaking the car window and pouring accelerant. His defense highlighted his difficult childhood, poor mental health, and drug addiction, asking the court to consider his guilty plea and the psychological report submitted.
A 45-year-old man with a long criminal record has been jailed for six and a half years for hijacking a car and threatening a woman with violence. Joseph Rafferty, identified by a port-wine birthmark, was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe after pleading guilty to multiple offences, including stealing a woman's iPhone and dental veneers during the hijacking. He also admitted to robbing a service station and attempting another robbery later that evening. The judge described the incidents as a series of violent crimes by a repeat offender. She noted the terror inflicted on the victim, who was cleaning her car when Rafferty threatened her with death. The woman was forced to jump from the moving vehicle, and her personal items were not recovered. Rafferty, who has 61 previous convictions, including lengthy prison sentences, was also found to have a history of drug addiction and a difficult upbringing. His defence highlighted his remorse and intention to rehabilitate. The judge imposed a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final year suspended.
A serial offender, Andrew Murphy, was convicted and fined €750 after claiming that CCTV footage of a bicycle thief was '100% not me'. Murphy had pleaded not guilty to unlawfully taking a bicycle from a bike rack outside a store in Dublin. The victim reported that his bicycle was stolen, with the broken lock left behind. The CCTV footage showed a man removing a bicycle from the rack, and Garda Dylan Higgins identified Murphy as the individual in the footage. Murphy denied being the person in the footage, claiming he did not have the clothes depicted and was dealing with addiction issues at the time. The defence argued that the prosecution failed to establish a proper chain of custody for the CCTV footage and relied on Garda recognition evidence, which could be subject to honest mistake. However, the judge accepted Garda Higgins' identification and found Murphy guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Murphy has a significant criminal history, including 23 theft convictions, and the judge noted his difficult past before imposing the fine.
Nathan Walsh and Lee Cunningham, both aged 29, have pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges arising from an assault on a man in Dublin City Centre on 23 May 2023. Walsh, of Ballyshannon Road, Beaumont, admitted theft and assault causing harm. Cunningham, of Park Lawn, Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. The victim, now 41, was attacked on Temple Lane South at 3am and robbed of his mobile phone and wallet. CCTV footage showed Walsh initiating the assault with punches and kicks to the head before searching the victim's pockets, while Cunningham's involvement occurred at the assault's conclusion. A third defendant, Brian Delahunty, was previously sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for his role in the same incident. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned sentencing of Walsh and Cunningham to 30 April to allow the Probation Service to prepare reports on both men.
A former employee of DID Electrical, Magdi Ba, has been sentenced to two years in prison for stealing over €129,000 worth of electronic items from the company over a three-year period. Ba, who had access to the warehouse, sold the stolen goods to a second-hand shop, CEX. The court heard that suspicions were raised when a warehouse manager noticed missing items, and CCTV footage showed Ba in the vault at the time. A detailed investigation by gardai revealed that Ba had sold 371 items, with the total loss to DID Electrical amounting to €129,651. Ba had initially denied the theft but later admitted to taking the items. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a 'consistent breach of trust' and emphasized the need for a custodial sentence. Ba had forfeited €67,000 from two bank accounts and his car before being sentenced.
Donna Kane, a serial offender with 43 previous convictions, has been given a two-year probation bond after pleading guilty to stealing over €950 worth of goods from Superdrug. Kane had previously breached a probation order and committed further offenses shortly after. However, the court heard that she had not committed any offenses since March 2024 and had engaged with treatment and recovery services. Judge Anne Watkin noted Kane's progress and decided to give her 'one more opportunity' to stay on the right path. Kane's employer provided a character reference, highlighting her reliability and willingness. The judge warned that if Kane committed any further offenses during the probation period, the consequences would be serious. Kane accepted responsibility for her actions and had taken steps to address her issues, including participating in a drug recovery program.
A woman who stole over €1,200 worth of clothing from Marks and Spencer has been fined €1,500 by a judge at Dún Laoghaire District Court. Susan McCullough, 41, pleaded guilty to the theft, which occurred on April 23, 2025. The court heard that the stolen items were of significant value and consisted of various pieces of clothing. Defence counsel, Michael O'Brien BL, explained that McCullough had recently started a new job and was dealing with personal difficulties, including caring for her grandfather, mental health struggles, and grief following the death of her grandmother. The court was informed that McCullough had issues with alcohol at the time and accepted that she had no good excuse for the theft. A letter from her GP outlined her struggles with anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation. Judge Anne Watkin acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but noted the steps McCullough had taken since, including engaging with counselling services.
Gardai discovered a 'cornucopia' of illicit drugs, cash and associated paraphernalia when they inquired into a stolen motorbike after the legitimate owner discovered it for sale online. Dylan Sheridan (23) Lissadel Avenue, Drimnagh, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having cannabis, ketamine and tablets with a street value of €151,046 at his home on March 20, 2024. He also admitted handling the stolen motorbike, having items connected to a drug trafficking offence and having €33,350 in €50 and €100 notes, on the same date. He has two previous convictions for drug possession and drug dealing dealt with in the District Court. The court heard that the bike had been stolen the previous December and the owner had later found it online for sale. He made contact with the supposed seller of the bike and contacted gardaí. On March 19, 2024, arrangements were made to meet Sheridan opposite his home to buy the bike. During a subsequent search of his home, the bike was found in the front garden under a canvas cover.
A court heard that Craig Mains (28) of Hazelcroft Park, Finglas, Dublin 11, and Shane Daly (27) of Woodhazel Close, Ballymun, Dublin 11, were high on laughing gas when they carried out a random unprovoked assault on a woman on Seamus Ennis Road, Finglas, north Dublin, on the evening of July 18, 2021. The woman was pushed to the ground and suffered injuries including a split lip, cuts to her knee, blood on her face and clothing, and a fractured elbow. One of the men took her mobile phone and damaged it. CCTV footage from a nearby funeral home captured the incident. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and criminal damage of an iPhone. Daly also pleaded guilty to assault. The robbery charges were dropped by the Director of Public Prosecutions. Daly has 23 previous convictions, including one for affray with a suspended prison sentence earlier this month. Mains has five previous convictions, all for road traffic offences. The victim submitted a victim impact report, which the judge said he would take into consideration. Both defendants expressed remorse and offered apologies. Daly handed over €2,000, and Mains brought €1,000 to court. The matter was adjourned to May 12, 2025, for finalisation, with both men remanded on continuing bail to that date.
The Special Criminal Court has sentenced Paul Crosby to ten years in prison for facilitating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods. The court described the killing as "disgraceful and inhuman," noting Crosby delivered the victim to Robbie Lawlor. Co-accused Gerard Cruise, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder, received a sentence of seven-and-a-half years, with the final six months suspended for two years. Ged McKenna was sentenced to four years for assisting an offender by attempting to clean the crime scene at his Rathmullan Park home. In a separate matter, Glen Bride, who pleaded guilty to assisting in the movement and disposal of the victim's body parts, was not sentenced today. The court heard he acted under Lawlor's instructions to drive a stolen Volvo V40 containing remains and set it on fire. Bride's sentencing is adjourned to March 9, alongside the sentencing of Stephen Carberry, who also pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension of the offender. The court accepted Bride was not involved in the murder itself. The matter regarding Bride and Carberry was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
A doctor, Waleed Mustafa, described the home invasion by Dean Hayes, 37, as a "miracle" he wasn't killed. Hayes, with 129 previous convictions, broke into Mustafa's home and stabbed him multiple times. Mustafa, who is originally from Sudan and works as a doctor in University Hospital Limerick, was attacked in his bedroom while watching YouTube. Hayes was armed with a knife and told Mustafa, "you ripped someone," before attacking him. Mustafa managed to escape through the back door but was stabbed in the head and abdomen. The victim described feeling "sheer terror" and said he was "extremely lucky" to be alive. Hayes was arrested the following day and had a history of burglary, theft, and drug-related offences. The court heard that Hayes had previously burgled the victim's neighbour's house. Mustafa has since experienced anxiety, hypertension, and sleep disturbances due to the attack.
Constantin Iosca, 46, was jailed for two years and nine months after being convicted of dishonestly inducing the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) to investigate a fraudulent insurance claim. Iosca had submitted a claim form in 2016, alleging he was injured in a road traffic accident. However, CCTV footage showed him walking unaided and loading a wheelchair into his car, contradicting his claim. Iosca has 19 previous convictions, including theft, road traffic offences, and public order offences. The court heard that Iosca's claim was taken to the High Court, which was an aggravating factor. Judge Patricia Ryan noted that Iosca's medical issues and lack of recent criminal activity were mitigating factors. Iosca was sentenced to three years and six months, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions for three years post-release.
Lee O'Brien, a man with 228 previous convictions, was jailed for a robbery at a Dublin petrol station. O'Brien, armed with a knife, demanded money from a staff member, resulting in €350 being stolen. The victim left her job due to the traumatic experience. O'Brien had recently been released from custody and was not on bail at the time of the offence. Judge Orla Crowe noted the deliberate and organized nature of the crime, and imposed a three-year and three-month sentence, with the final six months suspended. O'Brien attempted to detox while in custody and expressed remorse. The court heard that the case was delayed due to the pandemic, and O'Brien had previously been sentenced for similar offences. The judge acknowledged his long-standing drug issues and difficult background, but emphasized the severity of the crime. Lee O'Brien pleaded guilty.
Constantin Iosca was convicted of fraudulently claiming compensation from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland (MIBI) after a road traffic accident. Iosca falsely reported being injured while cycling and submitted a claim for compensation. Surveillance footage showed him getting in and out of a wheelchair and walking unaided, contradicting his claim of injury. Iosca had no work history and moved to Ireland from Romania in 1997. He has 19 previous convictions, including theft and road traffic offences. The court heard that Iosca's claim was withdrawn after the CCTV evidence was played. Iosca's defense argued that the engineer's report suggested the incident likely occurred as he described. However, the court noted that the jury found him guilty of deception. Iosca was remanded on continuing bail, with sentencing to take place later.
Christopher Reynolds, a cocaine dealer, was jailed for four and a half years after hitting a garda during an escape attempt on a stolen motorbike. Reynolds was also jailed for possessing nearly €300,000 worth of cocaine. The incident occurred in May 2025 when Reynolds drove through a narrow gap in a garage forecourt and collided with a garda, causing the officer to suffer a dislocated foot and torn ligaments. Reynolds later apologized and claimed the collision was unintentional. He had nine previous convictions and was on bail for a drugs offence at the time. Judge Orla Crowe noted the seriousness of the endangerment offence and the substantial amount of cocaine involved. Reynolds was sentenced to three years for the drugs offence and two years for the endangerment, with the final six months suspended. The court heard that Reynolds had been under pressure from a drug debt and had since shown signs of rehabilitation. Christopher Reynolds pleaded guilty.
Stephen Byrne (44) was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years for aggravated burglary and threatening to kill a Carmelite brother at a retreat centre in Dublin. The incident occurred in April 2024 when Byrne broke into the Avila Carmelite Centre and threatened the 77-year-old brother with bolt cutters. The court heard that Byrne was identified through fingerprints and was arrested while on bail. He admitted to stealing €350 during the incident. Byrne, who has a history of addiction and homelessness, expressed remorse and wrote an apology letter. Judge Orla Crowe noted the severity of the crime and the terror experienced by the victim but considered mitigating factors, including Byrne's plea and his past contributions. The judge suspended the final 12 months of the sentence for two years on strict conditions. Stephen Byrne pleaded guilty.
A serial robber told a Brinks worker "don't be a hero, I'll f**king kill you" when he grabbed a cash box at a Luas stop, a court has heard. Gary Quinn (32) was on bail when he approached the victim while he was changing out the coins and notes from a ticket machine at Fatima LUAS stop in south Dublin. At the sentencing hearing today in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Garda Mark O'Reilly told Aoife McNickle BL, prosecuting, that the robbery took place shortly after midday on August 7 last year. The victim had already changed the coin box and was pulling out the note box when Quinn came up to him and grabbed it. The victim later told gardai that he initially thought it was a joke and he went to grab the box back. At this point, the robber told him: "Don't be a hero, I'll fucking kill you". The victim wasn't sure if the man was armed or not but was in fear for his life. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Roy Hicks (73), an accountant who stole over €90,000 from St George's National School in Balbriggan, received a fully suspended sentence of two years and five months. Hicks admitted to 22 counts of theft between 2019 and 2021, using the stolen funds to keep his accountancy business in Wales afloat. He was arrested in 2023 and suffered a stroke shortly after. The court heard that Hicks had no previous convictions and expressed remorse for his actions. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the breach of trust but considered his health issues and the likelihood of him not reoffending. The sentence was suspended on strict conditions, and Hicks was not required to compensate the school due to his inability to do so. Roy Hicks pleaded guilty.