A letting agent, Morgan Kierans, was ordered to pay €14,750 for extreme discrimination against an alleged domestic violence victim who was refused a new rent aid form and claimed she had abandoned her tenancy by fleeing to a women's refuge. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Kierans' belief that the tenant had vacated the property was lacking in credibility. The tenant, who had left the property temporarily for a refuge, was faced with mounting rent arrears when the letting agent refused to sign a new HAP application. The WRC adjudicator criticized Louth County Council for terminating housing assistance payments when the tenant's ex-partner quit the property, noting the catastrophic consequences for the family. Kierans was ordered to pay compensation and complete the HAP form if it was still outstanding.
Ibrahim Ahmed Gharib, an Egyptian national, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping a woman in Dublin just a year after his release from a previous 10-year sentence for a similar crime. The Central Criminal Court heard that Gharib, who had a prior conviction for rape, was found guilty of raping Christina Foley in a builders' shed on Poolbeg Street. During the trial, the victim described the incident, stating that she did not consent to the attack and was in a distressed state when she tried to report it to the Garda Station. Mr Justice Sean Gillane noted the severity of the crime and the victim's impact statement, which highlighted the victim's despair and exacerbated anxiety. Gharib, who claimed the victim was a liar, was placed on the sex offenders' register and had his sentence backdated. The court also heard that the victim had been consuming drugs and was homeless at the time of the attack. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 12 years to 11 years, considering Gharib's isolation and lack of prior violent offenses.
A man in his 20s who threatened to throw acid in his wife's face, called her a 'fat bitch,' and punched her in the stomach while she was pregnant has been jailed for three and a half years for sexual assault and coercive control. The Central Criminal Court heard that the man had a history of abusive behavior, including kicking and punching his wife before they married. During their marriage, he continued to use derogatory language and physically abused her, even threatening her life. The woman described the emotional and psychological toll of the abuse, including feelings of betrayal and the lasting emotional scars. The man was found guilty of one count of sexual assault and coercive control. The judge noted the severity of the abuse and the impact on the victim's life, but also considered the man's early guilty plea and cooperation with the gardai. The sentence was backdated to April 23 of this year.
Two criminals have been jailed for seven and a half years for their parts in a murder conspiracy targeting Thomas McDonnell, an innocent victim of a "vicious extortion racket". Jason Dunne and Craig Hayes, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder McDonnell, were sentenced by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The court heard that McDonnell, who had no involvement in criminality, was targeted because a family member owed a €100,000 drug debt. The judge noted the level of planning and the fact that the attack happened in broad daylight in a public place, which aggravated the offending. McDonnell, who suffered two bullet wounds and has ongoing health issues, was forced to leave Ireland out of fear for his and his family's safety. The judge set a headline sentence of ten years but reduced it to seven and a half years, taking into account the guilty pleas and lack of remorse from the defendants.
Sabrina Keogh, aged 40 and resident of St Mary's Park, Carlow, pleaded guilty to the murder of Darren Quigley outside a house in Carlow town on 21 October 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded her in custody until 6 October, when she will be sentenced to a mandatory life imprisonment term for murder. The judge also ordered impact statements from members of the victim's family.
Luke Caplice, a 29-year-old man from Knockane, Ballylooby, Co Tipperary, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to a charge that he attempted to murder Patrick Williams at Knockane on October 11, 2025. The court noted that Caplice is currently being held in Limerick prison but is "anxious to be sentenced in Dublin." Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to November 2 and directed that a victim impact statement be prepared. The case is at the sentence stage, with the plea of guilty recorded. No final sentence has been imposed, and the matter remains adjourned pending the preparation of the victim impact statement and the scheduled hearing date.
The Court of Appeal has increased Aaron Brady's sentence for perverting the course of justice from three years to five years following a successful appeal by the State. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy described the offending as an "affront to the administration of justice," noting it was pre-meditated and insidious. Brady, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, was convicted by the Special Criminal Court of video-recording a witness interview with Ronan Flynn and conspiring with Dean Byrne to persuade witness Daniel Cahill not to testify. The court found the original sentence unduly lenient, failing to adequately weight general deterrence. Although the new five-year term will not alter Brady's effective custody due to his existing life sentence, the ruling establishes a significant precedent. Dean Byrne, who was found guilty of conspiring with Brady to interfere with witness Cahill, was sentenced to two years. Byrne's conviction was upheld by the Court of Appeal, but he is currently challenging that decision before the Supreme Court, which has agreed to hear his case on a question of public importance regarding the lawfulness of persuading witnesses not to give evidence.
A 47-year-old man has been jailed for 15 years and six months for drugging his daughter and her friends during sleepovers and recording himself raping one of the girls. The man pleaded guilty to multiple counts of rape, sexual assault, child cruelty, and possession of child pornography. The court heard that the man invited his daughter's friend on a sleepover, drugged her with sleeping pills and muscle relaxants, and then raped her in the woods. The man's phone was seized by gardaí, revealing encrypted footage of the rape and child abuse images. The victims, including the man's daughters and their friends, made victim impact statements detailing the severe emotional and psychological trauma they experienced. The judge noted the breach of trust and the deliberate recording of the abuse as aggravating factors. The man expressed remorse and the judge considered his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions as mitigating factors. The sentence was reduced from a headline of 17 years due to the man's cooperation and remorse.
At the Central Criminal Court, an unnamed 45-year-old man was sentenced for the rape and sexual assault of his young daughter. The defendant pleaded guilty to four charges of rape and eight charges of sexual assault, which the State accepted as sample charges representative of a pattern of abuse occurring in their County Wexford home between January 2022 and June 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of 17 years for each rape count and 10 years for each sexual assault count. In mitigation, the judge noted the defendant's early accountability, lack of previous convictions, and good work history. He was sentenced to 13 years for the rapes and seven years and six months for the sexual assaults, all to run concurrently. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended for three years, placing the defendant under Probation Service supervision to follow all necessary directions and treatments. The judge ordered no direct or indirect contact with the victim, including via social media, unless written permission is granted by the victim's mother until the victim turns 18, or by the victim herself thereafter. The defendant is also prohibited from unsupervised access to anyone under 18 and placed under post-release supervision for eight years. The court heard victim impact statements from the daughter and her mother, who described the abuse as a profound betrayal.
A 55-year-old man who raped and sexually abused his stepdaughter from the age of six has been denied permission to withdraw his guilty pleas and has been sentenced to 12 years and nine months in prison. The man pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one of attempted rape, and seven counts of sexual assault between 2007 and 2013 in Co Wexford. He initially entered his pleas during the first day of his Central Criminal Court trial in October of last year but later sought to resile from them, an application that was refused. The victim, who was aged between six and 12 at the time of the abuse, has been protected by not naming the defendant. The court heard that the man was in a relationship with the girl's mother and was her de facto stepfather. The abuse included acts such as masturbation, dry humping, and oral sex, and the man would buy the girl toys and sweets as gifts. The abuse stopped for a time before resuming in 2010.
Two Dublin men, Michael Andrecut (24) and Brandon Hennessy (23), have launched appeals against their convictions for their roles in the fatal attack on Tristan Sherry, who shot and killed gangland figure Jason Hennessy Snr in a busy restaurant on Christmas Eve 2023. Andrecut's legal team argued that the trial court failed to adequately consider the element of provocation, as he had just witnessed the fatal shooting of someone close to him. Hennessy's lawyers challenged the prosecution's identification of their client on CCTV footage. The incident occurred when Sherry and another gunman entered Browne's Steakhouse in Blanchardstown, shot Hennessy Snr, and were then attacked by Hennessy's party. Three individuals, including Andrecut, were found guilty of murder, while Hennessy was convicted of violent disorder. Andrecut received a life sentence, while Hennessy was jailed for four and a half years, with six months suspended. Hennessy was later sentenced to six years for an unrelated assault. During the sentencing, the court acknowledged the extreme situation but emphasized that unlawful violence cannot be justified.
A 31-year-old lawyer, Daire McCormack George, who stabbed his father 27 times during a psychotic episode, has been found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The trial heard that he suffers from schizoaffective disorder, which led to a delusional belief that his father intended to harm his mother and sister. This belief prompted him to commit the act, despite his love for his father. His family, including his sister Hillary and mother Goretti, attended the trial daily, showing unwavering support. Mr. McCormack George had been diagnosed with a mental health disorder in 2018 and had responded well to treatment, but a reduction in his antipsychotic medication led to a relapse. His journal entries revealed his paranoid thoughts. During the attack, he claimed his father told him he loved him, but he continued stabbing him. The court heard that psychiatrists agreed he was not responsible for his actions due to his mental disorder.
The High Court has granted permission for the publication in a national newspaper of the names of over 300 former Christian Brothers who are now co-defendants in a civil abuse claim. These individuals are not accused of abuse but are being named in the hope that they will come forward. The case was heard by Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty, who granted the motion brought by the plaintiff's legal team. The plaintiff was abused by Christian Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s while attending school in Co Kilkenny. Coughlan received two jail terms in 2023 for indecent assault. The court has previously criticized David Gibson, the current head of the Christian Brothers, for an obstructive approach towards civil lawsuits. As an unincorporated association, the Christian Brothers cannot be sued unless a nominee is provided. Gibson has refused to act as a nominee, forcing litigants to take legal action against individual members. The case is being brought by a male survivor of abuse against Coughlan and Gibson. The names of 341 individuals will be published in the Irish Independent.
An unnamed boy, aged 15 at the time of the offence, pleaded guilty to a count of defilement at a home in April 2025. He was originally charged with rape and sexual assault. The Central Criminal Court heard that the boy defiled a 16-year-old girl while she was intoxicated and unwell at a house party. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo sentenced the now 16-year-old defendant to a period of detention of one year and six months. The judge noted that while all sexual offences are crimes of violence, this incident did not involve gratuitous violence beyond the act itself. A headline sentence of five years for an adult was reduced to two years and three months to account for the boy's youth and immaturity. After considering his personal circumstances, guilty plea, and mitigating factors, the judge determined that a fully non-custodial sentence was not appropriate. Mr Justice Naidoo adjourned the imposition of sentence until October, when the final six months of the 18-month period of detention will be suspended on strict conditions, including that the boy engage with the Probation Service.
A 33-year-old man, Patrick Fitzpatrick, arranged a 'straightener' in a Wicklow playground during which a father-of-seven, William Moorehouse, was stabbed to death, the Central Criminal Court has heard. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to charges related to the incident, which involved two armed groups. The court heard that Moorehouse, described as a 'loving son and devoted father,' sustained five stab wounds. Fitzpatrick, who had 28 previous convictions, was accused of arranging the fight following an earlier incident in which a youth was allegedly attacked. The 'straightener' was intended as a form of alternative dispute resolution, with members of two families involved. However, the situation escalated into a violent confrontation, with 14 people participating in the fight. Detective Sergeant Ger Brennan confirmed that Moorehouse was found unresponsive after the stabbing, and that weapons, including knives and firearms, were involved. Fitzpatrick's defence argued that the incident was not a Traveller feud but a misguided attempt at resolving a dispute. Victim impact statements were read by Moorehouse's sisters, who spoke of his popularity and the profound loss felt by the family.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a six-month prison sentence for Ben Lawlor for the defilement of a 12-year-old girl was appropriate, as the victim factually, albeit not legally, consented and the defendant genuinely believed she was 16. However, the court found that a 14-month sentence was more suitable for a subsequent sexual assault charge, as Lawlor knew the girl was 14 at the time. The appeal court suspended the unserved portion of this sentence. The victim had reported missing in 2023 and was found at Heuston Station. Lawlor had met the girl on a dating app and had sexual contact with her. He later contacted her via social media and met her again, where they engaged in kissing and touching. Lawlor was sentenced to six months for defilement and 12 months suspended for sexual assault. The DPP appealed, arguing the sentences were too lenient. The court acknowledged the victim's harm but noted the defendant's genuine belief in the girl's age and his vulnerabilities. The unnamed 21-year-old pleaded guilty.
A trial date has been set for a woman and a teenager who are accused of murdering Scarlett Faulkner, a mother of one, who died last March. Ms Faulkner, aged 29, passed away three weeks after an alleged assault that took place on the R494 at Birdhill, County Tipperary, on 21 March of this year. A 40-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl have been charged with her murder, and the charges were brought earlier this month. Mr Justice Paul McDermott, who is presiding over the Central Criminal Court case list, has scheduled the trial for October 27 next. This development marks a significant step in the legal proceedings against the two accused individuals, who now face the prospect of a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim's death and the serious nature of the charges against the defendants.
Two High Court judges have criticized solicitors for withdrawing their services from cases involving child complainants and serious historic sexual offending, leading to adjournments. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the situation as 'intolerable,' noting that solicitors were not instructing barristers in several sexual assault cases. This included the sentencing of a Meath defendant for the sexual abuse of a 12-year-old in the 1990s. The court heard that the solicitor had withdrawn services despite the complainant being in counseling. Mr Justice Paul McDermott emphasized that lawyers cannot withdraw from cases on the cusp of finalization and adjourned the sentencing hearing to Friday. The judges expressed frustration over the impact of the withdrawals on the justice process, with Mr Justice Hunt noting that the DPP had been informed of the 'industrial action' affecting the cases. The court highlighted the need for legal advisors to be present and for cases to be concluded, even in the face of such challenges. The unnamed 12-year-old pleaded guilty.
Tom Hassett, a retired post office manager, has been jailed for eight years for the rape and sexual abuse of a girl in the 1980s. Hassett was convicted of two counts of rape and five counts of indecent assault following a trial. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, described the lasting impact of the abuse on her life, including her relationships, mental health, and confidence. She stated that the abuse had shaped her experiences and that she had carried the burden of the secret for many years. The judge, Mr Justice David Keane, noted the high breach of trust involved in the case and the significant harm caused to the victim. He imposed a headline sentence of 12 years for the rapes but reduced it to eight years, taking into account Hassett's age, health, and otherwise good character. The victim expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that it confirmed the wrongfulness of the acts and that she was finally heard. Hassett denied the charges and was represented by Vincent Heneghan SC, who highlighted his work history and family life.
A 22-year-old man from New Ross, Co Wexford, has been charged with multiple assault and hate-aggravated assault charges following an alleged racist attack on two men outside a Tesco supermarket in Cherrywood, Dublin 18. The incident, which occurred on March 14 last year, allegedly involved the accused shouting, 'Come out, you Indians. I'll show you,' before punching one of the men in the face. The victim suffered a cut to his eyelid and bruising around his eye, while the second man was allegedly grabbed from behind but not injured. The court heard that the alleged incident was unprovoked and not linked to any demonstration or protest. The charges are based on the alleged racist motivation of the accused. The case was adjourned until October 13 to allow for the preparation of a book of evidence.
Maurice Boland, convicted of murdering Cian Gallagher (26) in Tallow, Co Waterford, is appealing his life sentence imposed by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon in December 2024. Boland, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, was found guilty following two Central Criminal Court trials. His counsel, Michael Bowman, argued before the Court of Appeal that the trial judge erred in admitting evidence of Boland bragging he punched the victim "like Conor McGregor." Bowman contended that McGregor's name carried "toxic masculinity" baggage due to concurrent civil proceedings where he was found liable for rape, potentially biasing the jury. The State, represented by Bernard Condon SC, countered that the evidence was "eminently admissible" to demonstrate Boland's intent to cause serious harm and his aggressive state of mind. The court also considered challenges to evidence of Boland's threatening behavior earlier that night. The Court of Appeal, comprising Mr Justice John Edwards, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, and Ms Justice Tara Burns, viewed CCTV footage and heard submissions. The matter was adjourned, with the court reserving judgment to be delivered at a later date.
Daire McCormack George, a 31-year-old lawyer, is on trial for the murder of his father, Scott George, after stabbing him 27 times. The accused told gardai that he believed he was doing the right thing, driven by paranoid thoughts that his father would harm his mother and sister. He claimed that his father showed him family pictures and spoke about Trump and China, which triggered his actions. McCormack George pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, with psychiatrists testifying that he was suffering from a mental disorder at the time of the killing. The court heard that the accused had a nervous breakdown and believed he was protecting his family. The trial continues with the accused's mental state being a central focus, as the prosecution argues that he intended to cause serious harm to his father.
A serving garda, who was found guilty of child cruelty against his two daughters, now accepts his guilt and acknowledges the serious impact the conviction will have on his career. The 48-year-old defendant was acquitted of two counts of raping his wife but convicted of child cruelty and assault causing harm against his daughters. The court heard that the accused subjected his daughters to 'unreasonable chastisement' for most of their childhood, leading to emotional and psychological trauma. The victim impact statements from both daughters highlighted the lasting effects of their father's behavior, including anxiety, depression, and insecurity. The judge acknowledged the father's acceptance of guilt but noted that the case was fully contested. The man is on bail pending sentencing and will undergo a psychological report as part of the process.
Two Westmeath brothers who sexually assaulted teenage girls in the mid-nineties have now been identified for the first time. John Owens (72) was jailed for eight years after pleading guilty to nine counts of sexual assault against three teenage girls. His brother, Martin Owens (66), was also found guilty of sexually assaulting two of the victims. The victims, aged 14 to 17, were babysitting for Owens' children. During the trial, it was revealed that Owens groomed the victims and used alcohol to manipulate them. Martin Owens was sentenced to five years and six months, with the final six months suspended. The victims described the lasting trauma and emotional impact of the abuse. John Owens was sentenced to eight years, with a total headline sentence of 15 years reduced due to guilty pleas. The victims expressed relief in finally having their abusers identified and acknowledged their suffering.
A man who sexually abused and attempted to rape the 12-year-old daughter of his deceased friend has been jailed for nine years. The accused, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, was convicted of attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual exploitation. The abuse occurred between January 2021 and September 2021. The victim's mother became friends with the accused after her husband's death. The court heard that the accused made the girl sit on his lap and asked her to kiss him and for sex. He also forced her to touch him and attempted to rape her on her birthday. The accused denied the allegations and claimed the girl was "ill in the head". The judge noted the age gap as an aggravating factor and the vulnerable nature of the victim. The accused has previous convictions and struggles with alcohol. The sentence was reduced from 11 years to nine years, taking into account mitigating factors. The unnamed 51-year-old was acquitted.
A man who raped his partner's 16-year-old sister and asked why the victim hadn't screamed has been jailed for six years. The 24-year-old Carlow man was convicted of the rape and sexual assault of the teenager at his home in August 2023. The victim described the emotional impact of the attack, including self-harm and feelings of disgust towards her body. The judge noted the age disparity and breach of trust as aggravating factors. The accused denied the allegations and did not express remorse, which limited mitigation. The sentence was suspended for six months, with conditions including good behaviour and engagement with the Probation Service. The victim expressed hope for healing with the support of her family and friends. The accused has a diagnosis of autism and ADHD and has no previous convictions.
A Somali national accused of murdering his former partner Mary Ward in Belfast has been given a trial date. Ahmed Abdirahman (33) is accused of murdering Ms Ward on September 25, 2024, at her house in south Belfast. The trial is set for January 11, 2027, with a case management date on October 30. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions noted the cross-border dimension of the case. The court previously heard that a psychiatric issue in the case had resolved, allowing the trial to proceed. The accused has not been previously convicted and is currently in custody. The case is expected to take around four weeks, with the court preparing for the trial after addressing any remaining legal issues.
Derek Boyd, 31, was sentenced to life imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of Mark Carroll, 34, at a north Dublin home on June 9, 2024. The jury unanimously rejected the defence of self-defence, finding Boyd guilty after a trial where he had pleaded not guilty. Justice Melanie Greally described the killing as senseless and motiveless, noting Boyd was serving the suspended portion of a prior manslaughter sentence for his sister's death when the offence occurred. The court ordered that Boyd's suspended sentence for the 2022 manslaughter be referred back to the Circuit Court for re-entry. The State entered a nolle prosequi on a separate charge of assault causing harm against Boyd. Chantelle Harcourt, 34, who pleaded not guilty to impeding Boyd's prosecution, remains subject to that charge; the jury recorded a disagreement on the related counts, meaning the matter was not concluded. The victim's family described Boyd as a monster in an emotional impact statement. Boyd's sentence dates from August 5, 2025.
A naturalised asylum seeker has been jailed for one year after being found in possession of child sexual abuse material, which he distributed on WhatsApp. The defendant, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to possessing and distributing the material between September 2021 and May 2022. His lawyers argued that his background as a victim of extreme sexual violence and attempted murder in his home country affected his reaction to the material. The court heard that the material included Category 1 child pornography and was distributed to 12 recipients. The defendant's defence highlighted his mental health issues and the need for professional counselling. Despite the mitigating factors, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final two years for two years. The court noted that the defendant had no previous convictions in Ireland and that he expressed remorse for his actions. The judge ruled that there was no need for a probation supervision order following the man's release from prison.
A north African doctor has been jailed for 10 years for the rape, coercive control, and assault of his wife over a three-year period. The 46-year-old man pleaded guilty to charges of assault causing harm but denied two charges of rape and one of coercive control. He was convicted of these charges following a trial at the Central Criminal Court in Sligo. The couple met in north Africa and married in 2010, later having three children. They moved to Ireland in 2017, where the woman did not qualify to work as a doctor and stayed at home. The man worked in various regional hospitals, and the family moved frequently according to his work. The woman testified that her husband used abusive language, isolated her, and imposed financial control. She experienced anxiety and panic attacks due to his behavior. The rape counts relate to two incidents between 2018 and 2019, including one during Ramadan. The court also heard about multiple assaults, including one where the man used a laptop to beat her.
Former Olympic swimming coach George Gibney has accepted the verdicts of the jury who found him guilty of sexually abusing young girls 50 years ago and will not appeal his convictions, his lawyers have said. Gibney, 78, was found guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape of four young swimmers between 1971 and 1981. He was extradited from the United States last year to face the historic allegations. One victim told the court how she had to witness Gibney being "feted and lauded" and "hero-worshipped" by the Irish establishment. The abuse took place at various locations, including Glenalbyn swimming pool and Trojans swim club. The abuse took the form of kissing, inappropriate touching, digital penetration, and forced oral sex.
A former solicitor, Daire McCormack George, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his father in north Dublin nearly two years ago. The accused, who previously worked at a prestigious law firm, is charged with the murder of Scott George in Balbriggan in December 2024. The Central Criminal Court heard that the accused has a history of mental health issues and that the trial will focus on psychiatric evidence and his state of mind at the time of the alleged crime. The prosecution is led by senior counsel Vincent Heneghan, while the defence is headed by Michael Bowman SC. A jury of ten men and two women was sworn in to hear the trial, which is set to begin tomorrow. The court will assess whether the accused was legally insane at the time of the murder and whether he can be held responsible for his actions.
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, accused of the murder of former Sinn Fein official Denis Donaldson, expressed concern over the delay in serving the book of evidence, which has not been provided despite the case being listed multiple times. Stephen Faulkner BL, representing Duffy, noted the murder dates back to 2006 and the book is still not ready. Simon Matthews BL for the State said the book of evidence will be served on October 12. Duffy, who was extradited from Scotland, is charged with the murder of Donaldson and possession of a shotgun and ammunition. Donaldson, a former Sinn Fein official, was shot dead in 2006 after publicly admitting to being an MI5 informer. The Real IRA claimed responsibility for the murder. Duffy's lawyers are seeking bail but face opposition from gardaí due to the lack of evidence served. The case highlights the challenges of prosecuting a murder that occurred over two decades ago, with the delay in serving evidence raising concerns about the fairness of the trial.
A convicted sex offender who violently raped his niece and abused her sister has had his 15-year sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, pleaded guilty to rape and sexual assault charges. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison with 15 months suspended by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor. The sentence was to be served after a six-year term for offenses against the complainant's younger sister. The man had a previous conviction for sexual assault in 2000. His barristers appealed the sentence, arguing it was too harsh and that more of the term should have been suspended. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, stating the judge acted within his discretion. The court noted the seriousness of the offenses, including the brutality of the attack on a young girl. The judge considered the defendant's personal circumstances, including his separation from his wife and the care of a disabled child. The court ruled that the original sentence was appropriate and upheld the 15-year term.
A 25-year-old man, Jakub Rybar from Dublin 16, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the Central Criminal Court. He was originally charged with the murder of Michael McCann in Dublin on or about July 2, 2025. Seoirse Ó Dúnlaing SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, informed the court that Rybar could be arraigned on a second count for the offence of manslaughter. The trial date of October 26 was vacated by the judge. Michael Lynn SC and Carol Doherty BL, defending Rybar, requested a sentence hearing date around December 1 to obtain a psychological report. Ó Dúnlaing mentioned he would make an application regarding the first count in due course. Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the matter until December 7 and ordered the preparation of a victim impact report. Rybar was remanded in custody until that date.
Two getaway drivers involved in separate shootings linked to a violent gang feud in Limerick have each been sentenced to six years in prison by the Special Criminal Court. John O'Donovan (19) and Shane Blackhall (21) were third-tier members of the O'Donoghue organised crime group, which has been in a violent feud with the Collins group since 2022. The feud has led to 36 shootings and various attacks using explosives. Blackhall was the driver of a Volkswagen Scirocco used in a drive-by shooting on Hyde Avenue, where a Glock semi-automatic pistol was fired. Blackhall crashed the car into a lampost and was found to have cocaine, heroin, and cannabis in his home. O'Donovan was involved in a separate incident where a Lexus was used to meet a hit team before an Audi was set on fire. Both men pleaded guilty and were sentenced with suspended terms. The judge noted their early guilty pleas and their efforts in prison to rehabilitate.
Andrew Delaney, a violent criminal who fired an improvised 'slam bang' gun at another man, had his sentence increased but the balance suspended by the Court of Appeal. Delaney, who wore a balaclava and shouted 'I will kill you' before firing the gun, was initially sentenced to five years with two suspended. The State appealed, arguing the sentence was too lenient. The Court of Appeal ruled the sentence had a frailty in principle and increased it to six years and six months, with the remainder suspended. Delaney had pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition, and was also sentenced for possessing benzocaine and being a passenger in a stolen vehicle. The court noted the premeditated nature of the attack and the lack of cooperation with gardaí. Delaney's previous convictions for assault and criminal damage were also considered. The court emphasized the seriousness of the offense and the need for a higher sentence. However, as Delaney secured a place in a residential treatment center, the court suspended the remaining portion of the sentence to allow him to complete the program.
An Isis-inspired jihadist, Abdullah Khan, has refused to engage with court-requested risk assessments and psychological analyses ahead of his sentencing for setting fire to a pub owned by Conor McGregor and stabbing a garda in Dublin. Khan pleaded guilty to eight offences, including arson and assault. The court expressed disappointment that Khan would not engage with the assessments, which would have helped in structuring his sentence. Khan is expected to require significant post-release supervision. The court will finalize his sentence on October 12. Khan was charged with arson, assault, and engaging in terrorist activity. He claimed his actions were motivated by anger at insults to the prophet Muhammad and a desire to send a message to McGregor and the Irish government. Khan's lawyers confirmed he would not engage with probation officers or psychologists.
Nathan Coakley Hutch (33) has been jailed for five years after assaulting a tourist and stealing an elderly man's car. He has 109 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of each incident. He pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm, assault causing harm, and the unauthorized taking of a motor vehicle. In January 2023, he hit a man repeatedly with a bike saddle, causing injury. In June 2024, he headbutted a tourist, causing a fractured nasal bone and mild concussion. In June 2025, he stole a car worth €28,000 from an elderly man. Coakley Hutch has a cocaine addiction and used drugs as a coping mechanism due to threats he faced. His defence highlighted his efforts to address his addiction and his cooperation with the court. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factor that he was on bail at the time of the assaults and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on conditions.
Gerald McCormick (39) of Clonee, Dublin 15, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the false imprisonment of a victim at an address in Ongar, Dublin 15, on July 21, 2023. Judge Ronan Munro at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court found McCormick guilty of false imprisonment and a separate offence committed at the direction of, for the benefit of, or in association with a criminal organisation. The judge described the incident as designed to instil terror and assert dominance, noting McCormick's role involved supervision and reporting from a second car. No portion of the sentence was suspended, and it was backdated to when McCormick entered custody. The court acknowledged McCormick's previous convictions and his status as being on the run prior to the offence. In a related matter, co-accused Jamie Geoghegan (28) of Clondalkin, Dublin, received a custodial sentence of six and a half years in March 2024. Geoghegan pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and one count of false imprisonment. The victim suffered multiple stab wounds, fractures to his tibia and wrists, and cuts to his leg during the incident. The judge commended Gardaí for their rapid detection and professional investigation of the complex case.
A grieving father, Daniel Hutchinson, was jailed for six and a half years after using a champagne bottle to strike a man 12 times on the head and face. The incident occurred during a three-day binge following the death of Hutchinson's 10-year-old child. Hutchinson pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm. The court heard that the victim was attacked on North Earl Street and woke up in Beaumont Hospital surrounded by his family. CCTV footage showed Hutchinson striking the victim while he lay on the ground. Hutchinson, who had 10 previous convictions, was unable to remember the incident due to intoxication. The injured man suffered multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and required surgery. He now suffers from anxiety and panic attacks and can no longer work in his trade. Hutchinson's solicitor said he offers a profound apology and has been in custody since the offence.
Tracey Jessop, a victim of marital rape, described how she had to defend her reputation against false allegations made by her former husband, Joseph Jessop, during a sentencing hearing. Jessop was jailed for 10 years after being convicted of rape and assault. The court heard that Jessop had a history of violence, including punching and headbutting his wife, and raping her on multiple occasions. Jessop initially claimed that someone else had carried out the assault and later denied the charges, claiming consensual sex. Jessop made false allegations to Tusla and the gardaí, which caused Ms Jessop to live in fear of not being believed. In her victim impact statement, Ms Jessop described the emotional toll of the attacks and the stress of defending herself against false allegations. The judge noted that Jessop used demeaning language and belittled Ms Jessop throughout the trial. He sentenced Jessop to 10 years, reducing the headline sentence of 11 and a half years due to mitigating factors.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal by Patrick Killally, a 49-year-old man from Edenderry, Co Offaly, who was convicted of sexually abusing two young boys. Killally's legal team argued that evidence regarding a third child, whom a witness described as being confronted by the appellant, was more prejudicial than probative and should have been excluded. However, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ruled that the trial judge was correct to admit the evidence, finding it highly probative and relevant to the factual matrix, particularly as it contradicted Killally's claim that he was never alone with the complainants. The court noted that while the evidence was prejudicial, its probative value outweighed that effect. Killally had previously been convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury of three counts of sexual assault against one boy aged six to nine between 1992 and 1996, and 40 counts of sexual assault, attempted anal rape, oral rape, and anal rape against another boy aged 12 to 14 between 2005 and 2007. He does not accept the verdicts. At sentencing, Mr Justice Paul Burns imposed an 11-year prison term, citing the breach of trust and the protracted nature of the abuse. The appeal was rejected, leaving the conviction and sentence intact.
Graham Carey, a truck driver, will be sentenced for incitement to hatred after a livestream in which he referred to refugees as 'rape-ugees' and threatened to throw their 'bleeding corpses into the sea'. The incident followed a local allegation of sexual assault, which was later found to involve a local man. Carey's livestream led to anti-migrant protests and was recorded and shared online. He was found guilty of incitement to hatred and distribution of a recording likely to stir up hatred. During the trial, Carey claimed the alleged assault was set up to target him and that he was a 'political prisoner'. The prosecution highlighted the serious nature of his remarks and the impact on the community. Carey has previous convictions for driving offenses and threatening behavior. The unnamed woman pleaded not guilty.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the conviction appeal of Paul Kelly, a 47-year-old man from Killarney, Co. Kerry, who was convicted of sexually abusing his younger brother. Kelly, who denied all charges, was found guilty in November 2024 of 12 counts of sexual assault, two counts of oral rape, and 12 counts of anal rape committed between 1995 and 1999. He was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment by Ms Justice Melanie Greally. The appellant's counsel argued that evidence from a witness, who stated the complainant said, "Paul has been raping me for years," should have been excluded or required a corroboration warning because the present perfect continuous tense implied ongoing abuse, despite the abuse ending seven years prior. Mr Justice Charles Meenan rejected this argument, stating that people making statements may not prioritize correct grammar. The court found no material inconsistencies in the evidence and ruled that the trial judge's decision not to issue a corroboration warning was reasonable. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the original conviction and sentence.
Alan Vial and Nikita Burns, convicted of the murder of Robert Robin' Wilkin at Sliabh Liag in Donegal, have appealed their convictions to the Court of Appeal. The trial heard that the pair allegedly beat Mr Wilkin with a rock and threw his body over the cliffs. Vial's counsel argued that his client was prejudiced by hearing his co-accused's admissions, which blamed Vial for the fatal blows, and contended they should have been tried separately. He maintained Vial denied striking the victim and lacked independent evidence of guilt beyond his co-accused's statements. Burns's counsel argued her incriminating statements were involuntary due to intoxication and should have been excluded. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that there was ample evidence of Vial's guilt and that private statements are admissible. The prosecution noted the trial judge's warnings to the jury were impeccable. The court, comprising Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, Ms Justice Tara Burns, and Mr Justice Charles Meenan, reserved judgment. The matter was adjourned pending the decision.
The High Court will decide whether to allow the media to publish the names of 340 former Christian Brothers in an effort to encourage survivors of abuse to come forward. The case was brought by a male survivor who was abused by Brother Liam Coughlan in the 1970s. Coughlan was previously jailed for 49 counts of indecent assault. The court heard that the current head of the Christian Brothers, David Gibson, has refused to act as a nominee for the congregation, making it difficult for litigants to bring legal action against the order. The plaintiff is seeking an order to compel the release of information that would help locate former members of the order. The court ordered Brother Gibson to use his powers to gather contact details for former members and adjourned the matter for a sub-service application for newspaper advertisements.
Derek Boyd was found guilty of murder by a Central Criminal Court jury after fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in his north Dublin home. The prosecution argued that Boyd's actions were not in self-defense, and the jury rejected the defense's claim that Carroll had returned to the house to make peace. Boyd fled to Scotland shortly after the killing and later returned to Ireland to surrender. The court heard that Boyd had previously been convicted of manslaughter for the death of his sister and was on a suspended sentence at the time of the murder. Judge Melanie Greally will sentence Boyd to life imprisonment, with the trial set to continue on July 28. The case also involved Boyd's girlfriend, Chantelle Harcourt, who was accused of obstructing the prosecution. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on the assault charge against Boyd and Harcourt, but they unanimously found Boyd guilty of murder. Chantelle Harcourt pleaded not guilty. Derek Boyd pleaded not guilty.
The sentencing hearing for Ross Deegan, who assaulted broadcaster Brendan Courtney, has been adjourned to allow for the preparation of an updated probation report. Deegan, 22, of An Riasc, Finglas, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Courtney on February 27, 2025, at Usher's Quay in Dublin. The incident occurred when Mr Courtney was walking home along the quays around 9.30pm. He approached a car after believing the occupants were addressing him, only to be assaulted by Deegan and a co-accused. Mr Courtney sustained a concussion and a fracture to his eye socket and was hospitalized the following day. Judge Martina Baxter ordered the preparation of a probation report and remanded Deegan on continuing bail. The judge requested that the probation officer review CCTV footage of the incident. The court viewed footage showing Deegan running at Mr Courtney and punching him multiple times. The co-accused is also before the courts. Deegan voluntarily contacted gardai on March 5, 2025, to admit his involvement in the assault. The case has been adjourned to October.
A 17-year-old boy has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a man in Tipperary last year when he was just 15. At the Central Criminal Court, the teenager, who cannot be named due to his juvenile status, was charged with murder on March 10, 2025, but pleaded not guilty to that charge and guilty to manslaughter. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Dean Kelly SC, stated that the plea was acceptable to the State and noted that the boy was 15 at the time of the offence. He requested that a probation report be prepared and asked the court to set a sentencing date. Mr Justice Tony Hunt fixed the sentencing for September 28, with the defendant remanded on bail to appear back before the court on July 29. The judge also directed that victim impact reports be prepared in the case. The court may review the sentencing date on July 29.