A man from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo has been sentenced to eight years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for a sustained campaign of domestic violence against his former partner spanning seven years. Mark White, aged 54, pleaded guilty to six counts of assault causing harm, one count of threatening to kill and one count of sexual assault at their family home between 2010 and 2017. The court heard White subjected his partner to beatings, including an attack when she was 24 weeks pregnant, broke bones in her face and drove a vehicle towards her at speed. He also held a knife to her throat and sexually assaulted her. Some incidents occurred in front of their two children. White left the jurisdiction before gardai could interview him in 2019 and was subsequently arrested at Dublin Airport in November 2024 following a European Arrest Warrant. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a headline sentence of eleven years, reduced to nine years and six months, with the final eighteen months suspended.
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.
Stephen Mulvey (34) and Jamie Berry (30), both of Leo Fitzgerald House, Dublin, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on an appeal matter. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder a 17-year-old boy on Eugene Street, Dublin, between February 23 and 24, 2021. The case originated from a 2023 trial for attempted murder, where Justice Eileen Creedon directed an acquittal due to insufficient evidence. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully appealed this decision, a ruling upheld by the Supreme Court, which directed a retrial. Before the retrial commenced, the defendants entered guilty pleas to the conspiracy charge. Detective Garda Richard Pender testified that the victim was shot in the neck and upper body, suffering life-threatening injuries. Forensic evidence indicated that gardening gloves found on Berry contained significant firearms residue, which an expert linked to the shooter. Berry failed to account for the gloves. While Berry had six previous convictions, Mulvey had 91. Defence counsel argued the case was circumstantial, noting a lack of direct forensic evidence against Mulvey and the absence of CCTV placing them at the scene. Mr Justice Paul McDermott remanded both men in custody until Tuesday, February 3, for sentencing. The matter was adjourned and is not yet concluded.
A 63‑year‑old man was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for three counts of indecent assault on his niece, who was aged five to six at the time, between February 1988 and December 1990 in her grandmother's home where the accused also lived. The judge, Justice Karen O'Connor, praised the victim for her impact statement, which she said would help other survivors find their voices. The man pleaded not guilty but was convicted by a jury. He has no prior convictions, a long work history and has not been in contact with Gardaí in 35 years, factors the judge cited as mitigating. He will be placed on the sex offenders' register. The sentence was reduced from a headline three years to two years, back‑dated to the date he entered custody. No expression of remorse was noted, and the Probation Service will not be involved. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court.
A mother who sexually assaulted her daughter and allowed her brother to rape the child when she was six years old has been jailed for 15 years. The woman, in her 50s, was convicted of two charges of sexual assault and one of rape. Her brother, the child's uncle, was also jailed for 15 years for raping the child. The rape occurred after the mother brought her brother into a bedroom where the child was lying on the bed and let him rape her while she watched. The victim, who is now an adult, described the abuse as "incredibly difficult" and said she felt like an outcast in school. The judge described the abuse as "remarkable in its depravity and cruelty" and noted the girl grew up in a household of "severe neglect and physical chastisement." The mother and uncle denied the charges and have expressed no remorse.
A 42-year-old man originally from Limerick City has pleaded guilty to participation in an organised criminal group and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in connection with the fatal shooting of Noel Campion on April 26, 2007. Darragh Quinlivan, with an address in Manchester, did not plead guilty to murder. The Central Criminal Court heard that Campion, aged 35, was shot multiple times while travelling as a passenger on a motorcycle near Thomondgate in Limerick City. Quinlivan later fled to the United States, where he made incriminating statements to police and others whilst intoxicated, statements he subsequently characterised as "talk" and sarcasm. He was deported to Ireland in 2008. The case was reviewed as a cold case in 2022. Quinlivan has 24 previous convictions. Justice Paul McDermott remanded him in custody for sentencing on February 9. Victim impact statements were heard from Campion's daughter and widow.
Two men, Ciaran Whelan and Robert Costello, were jailed for a brutal attack on a couple celebrating their anniversary in Dublin City Centre. During the incident, Whelan bit off part of the man's ear and shouted, "Look at how much of his ear I've got." The couple, originally from Mongolia, were attacked while walking home after dinner. The man sustained a third of his ear being separated, requiring a skin graft, while the woman suffered a nasal fracture. Both men pleaded guilty to assault causing harm. Judge Ronan Munro described the attack as "lifelong maiming" and noted the couple had to return to Ireland for court proceedings. Whelan was sentenced to three years and four months, with the final 27 months suspended, while Costello received two years, with the final 16 months suspended. Both men had extensive criminal histories, and Whelan expressed remorse by offering €4,000 to the victims.
A former girlfriend of Luke Donnelly, who admitted killing but denied murdering his mother, testified at the Central Criminal Court that he claimed to be Jesus and told her he had cured her cancer. Stacey Campbell said Donnelly's drug use and deteriorating mental health were major concerns. She described how he arrived at her home in Drogheda, claiming to be Jesus, and how she contacted gardaí for help. Donnelly, who has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, was said to have had a close relationship with his mother, Catherine Henry. Ms Campbell recounted that Henry was in good health on the day before her death and that Donnelly was acting strangely, claiming to be Jesus. She said she last saw Henry alive at around 8:20 am on May 22, 2023, and learned of her death the following day. The trial continues with further evidence being presented.
A 23-year-old man who was due to face trial on an attempted murder charge at the Central Criminal Court has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge. James Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, had been charged with attempted murder on February 3, 2023, at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. Initially, he entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, and a jury was empanelled to hear the case. However, following discussions between counsel, Greengrass re-arraigned before the court and pleaded guilty to a charge of attempting to cause serious harm. The Director of Public Prosecutions, represented by Michael Delaney SC, accepted the plea on a full facts basis and stated that a nolle prosequi would be entered in respect of the attempted murder charge. Defence counsel, Michael Bowman SC, noted that Greengrass has no previous convictions and suffers from significant psychiatric difficulties. He requested an extension of legal aid to cover a psychiatric report, as well as probation and education reports.
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 familial abuse trial is ongoing before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs, involving seven men accused of sexually abusing a deaf woman over a 17-year period from 1996 to 2013. The defendants, comprising four brothers and three uncles, have all pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 103 charges. During cross-examination, the complainant, who is giving evidence via video link with interpreters, denied confusing the accused with another man and insisted she is telling the truth. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, faces one count of rape alleged to have occurred between December 2009 and April 2011. Accused B, aged 48, is accused of eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape between December 2008 and December 2010. Accused C, 34, faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the primary complainant between 2001 and 2013, plus additional charges against two other sisters, including sexual assault, rape, and anal rape. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape between 2002 and 2013. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape between 2003 and 2011. Accused F, also 32, denied five counts of anal rape and rape between 2007 and 2010. Accused G, 45, denied a single count of rape between 1996 and 1997. The trial continues.
A man who admits killing but denies murdering his mother accepts that he caused multiple fractures to her skull and that he left a blood-stained footprint on her back, a trial jury has heard. Luke Donnelly (29), of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Catherine Henry (62) at her apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth on a date unknown between May 23 and 24 2023. Garret Baker SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, said the panel would also hear that the accused was behaving in an erratic way before the killing, including by repeatedly asserting that he was 'Jesus Christ' and the son of God. The prosecution's case is that Mr Donnelly went to his mother's address on Bridge Street early on the morning of May 23 and that the deceased was murdered at that location. The court will also hear evidence from a State pathologist who had conducted a postmortem on May 25, which found extensive blunt force trauma to Ms Henry's face and head.
A man who was found guilty of ten breaches of a safety order by sending emails and a text to a woman has had all but one of his convictions dismissed under the probation act on appeal. The injured party told the District Court Appeals Court that the man's actions were a "constant harassment" and that she cannot live a normal, peaceful life. The court was told that the parties are subject to an 'Isaac Wunder' order preventing them from taking further legal proceedings without a judge's leave. The man, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of the parties involved, was convicted in the District Court of ten counts of contravening a safety order by communicating by electronic means with the injured party, contrary to section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. The charges relate to emails and a text sent to the injured party on dates from January 19 to April 15, 2022.
A trial date has been set for a 31-year-old man accused of murdering his mother, father, and brother at their family home in County Louth last year. Robert O'Connor, from Drumgowna, is charged with the triple murder that occurred on September 29. During proceedings at the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Michael Bowman SC highlighted the presence of a psychiatric aspect to the case. Mr Justice Paul McDermott scheduled the trial for October 5 and case management for February 18. The accused has been remanded in custody. The court heard that the case involves complex psychological factors, which may influence the trial's proceedings. The matter will be closely monitored as it progresses through the legal system. The trial is expected to be a significant event in the local legal calendar, with attention focused on the accused's mental state and the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths.
A 23-year-old man who was on a suspended sentence for aggravated burglary and assault when he threatened to kill another motorist who overtook him has been sent for a probation report. Sean Maher pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm. The incident occurred on Convent Road, Blackrock, when Maher revved his engine after being overtaken and threatened the other driver. The injured party did not attend court. The defence said Maher was suffering from depression and ADHD and was changing medication at the time. Judge Anne Watkin questioned whether the medication was being used as an excuse and noted Maher's previous convictions. She adjourned the case for a probation report to assess his medical situation and the likelihood of reoffending.
A woman who was on probation when she slapped a garda, causing him to bleed, has been given a two-month prison sentence. Samantha Maughan pleaded guilty to a public order offence and being intoxicated in a public place. The incident occurred on Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire, when she shouted at members of the public and hit a garda, causing him to bleed. Judge Anne Watkin said the charge was at the higher end of a public order offence and noted Maughan's 28 previous convictions, including 12 public order offences. The defence said she was remorseful and receiving support from her partner. The judge said the incident amounted to an assault on a garda, though no assault charge was brought. Maughan was sentenced to two months in prison with a recognisance set at €500 in the event of an appeal.
Roisin O'Grady, a 45-year-old woman from Monkstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to charges of assaulting a garda and public order offences. The court heard that on November 13, 2024, Ms O'Grady was found heavily intoxicated at Balally Luas stop. While being transported to Blackrock Garda Station, she allegedly slapped a garda. Prosecutors stated that while in custody, she used abusive language and, after being restrained, kicked a garda in the back of the head. Judge Anne Watkin noted the seriousness of the assault on police officers. Defence counsel Michael O'Blain BL highlighted that Ms O'Grady has a history of alcohol-related offending, with three previous convictions for public intoxication, though she has had no convictions in over ten years. He stated she entered treatment last year, cooperates with probation services, and has no issues with drugs, attributing her difficulties to alcohol misuse. The judge placed Ms O'Grady on a one-year probation bond. The matter was finalised with this disposal.
A retired judge is seeking to have a personal injury claim against him struck out, following allegations of sexual assault at a book launch in Kerry. Judge James O'Connor, who retired in 2018, denies all allegations. The woman claims she was sexually assaulted by him at the Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney in 2017. The High Court heard that the Director of Public Prosecutions decided against a criminal prosecution. The judge's solicitor argues the claim is statute-barred and malicious, citing the delay in bringing the case and the lack of notice. The woman's counsel countered that the limitation period for personal injury claims is six years and that the case was brought within that timeframe. The court has reserved judgment on whether to strike out the proceedings.
The trial of seven men accused of familial sexual abuse is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court, with the judge warning jurors to treat one another with respect amid reported discord. The defendants, aged 32 to 55, have pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 103 charges, primarily concerning a deaf relative abused between 1996 and 2013. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, faces one count of rape; Accused B, 48, faces eight counts including oral and anal rape; and Accused G, 45, faces one count of rape. Four brothers are also charged: Accused C, 34, faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape, plus additional charges against two other sisters, including sexual assault of Complainant 2 and rape of Complainant 3; Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape; Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape; and Accused F, 32, denied five counts of rape and anal rape. The complainant is currently being cross-examined via video-link with interpreters. The matter is at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
A man convicted of sexually abusing three of his siblings has appealed his eight-year sentence as disproportionate. Gerry Harte, aged 72, of Tullynacrunat North, Castleblayney, County Monaghan, pleaded guilty to 15 counts of indecent assault against two younger sisters and a younger brother during the 1970s and 1980s. The Central Criminal Court imposed the sentence in October 2024. At the Court of Appeal, Harte's counsel argued the sentence breached proportionality principles, as the original charges fell under legislation carrying a maximum term of two years. The defence contended that imposing consecutive sentences both within and across victims effectively circumvented the statutory ceiling, resulting in a sentence four times the legal maximum. The Director of Public Prosecutions countered that the trial judge properly considered each victim's circumstances and the persistent nature of the offending. Justice Isobel Kennedy reserved judgment on the appeal.
A judge is set to rule next month on whether Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is fit to stand trial. Mr Justice Tony Hunt has heard evidence from two psychiatrists, who differ on whether Mr Bouchaker (51) has the cognitive ability to instruct his legal team, enter a plea, and engage in the trial process. A prosecution psychiatrist stated that despite Mr Bouchaker's serious neurocognitive disorder, he can be accommodated at trial with appropriate measures. However, a defence psychiatrist argued that Mr Bouchaker is "utterly cognitively incapable" of understanding the trial process. The judge has ordered that legal representatives for the accused and the identities of the doctors giving evidence are not to be named in media reports. Mr Bouchaker is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on the afternoon of November 23, 2023.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of James Greengrass, a UK national accused of attempting to murder a fellow patient at a psychiatric facility. Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of the other patient on 3 February, 2023 at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. The accused answered 'Not guilty by reason of insanity' when the charge was read to him at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. The alleged victim was one of the proposed witnesses on a list read out by Mr Justice Sean Gillane. The jury pool was told that the case would involve issues of mental health, and a jury of four men and eight women was empanelled for the trial, which is expected to last seven or eight days.
A man who admits the manslaughter of his mother in Dundalk three years ago but denies her murder will stand trial later this week. Luke Donnelly, 29, of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Catherine Henry in May 2023 but admitted to her manslaughter. The charge against Donnelly is of murdering Ms Henry on a date unknown between 23 and 24 May, 2023 at an apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth. Donnelly answered 'Not guilty; guilty of manslaughter' when asked by the court registrar. Mr Justice Seán Gillane informed the jury pool that Ms Henry is the mother of the accused and swore in a panel of five women and seven men to hear the trial. The two-week trial is set to commence on Thursday, with the jury instructed to return to the court on that day.
A judge has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of a 35-year-old man, who is charged with the murder of his father at their home in Dublin nearly two years ago, after the accused did not respond at his arraignment. Seth Whelan was before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon and is charged with the murder of Michael Whelan (64) at their flat on Herberton Park, Rialto, Dublin 8 on a date unknown between February 19 and 27, 2024. When the registrar read the first count on the indictment to the accused man and asked him how he was pleading, he did not respond. Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the jury panel that his only option was to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of the accused man. Seth Whelan is also charged with damaging property, namely a Ring doorbell camera, on February 20, 2024. The judge swore in a jury of four men and eight women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow. The jurors were asked to make themselves available until February 20 next.
A repeat offender, Liam Houston (40), of Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, has had an additional five months added to his prison sentence for cocaine offences. Houston pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply and simple possession before Judge Peter White at Tallaght District Court. The court heard that Houston was found in possession of cocaine valued at €550 in November 2019. He has a history of 55 previous convictions, including one drug conviction. Judge White imposed a five-month prison sentence for the Section 15 offence, which will run consecutively to a four-year prison term for assault offences he has been serving since May 2024. The simple possession offence was dealt with under the Probation Act. Houston is currently serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison.
Raymond Donovan (44), who murdered his ex-girlfriend 21 years ago, had his claim that the Court of Criminal Appeal had substituted his life sentence with a 20-year term dismissed by the High Court. Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled that Donovan had no basis for his claim and that it caused distress to the victim's family. Donovan, formerly of New Houses, Cooraclare, Co Clare, strangled his former girlfriend, Ann Walsh (23), to death in 2005. He launched a High Court bid for release, claiming the Court of Appeal had substituted his sentence, but no detention warrant proved this. The court found that the Central Criminal Court could not direct any other sentence than the mandatory life imprisonment for murder. Donovan's application was dismissed, and the judge said there was no basis for his claim of legality over his imprisonment. Raymond Donovan was convicted.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is deemed fit to stand trial by a State psychiatrist, despite suffering from a serious neurocognitive disorder. The psychiatrist stated that Bouchaker can understand the charges against him and can participate in the trial process, although he may require closed questions and an interpreter. The defense psychiatrist, however, argued that Bouchaker is unfit to stand trial due to his memory issues and inability to weigh choices. The court is assessing Bouchaker's fitness to stand trial, with the State psychiatrist concluding that he is capable of understanding the legal process. The case involves serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
Stephen Carberry, 48, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of assisting an offender and facilitating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods. He admitted to transporting and disposing of the teenager's body parts between January 13 and 15, 2020, while on bail for drug offences. The court heard victim impact statements from Keane's parents, who described the "cruelty and inhumanity" of the disposal. Carberry, who has 77 previous convictions, was alleged to have collected two sports bags from Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, and dumped one in Moatview, Dublin. His co-accused, Gerard Cruise, 51, also pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. In February 2023, co-accused Paul Crosby was sentenced to ten years for the same offence, while Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended for two years. Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned Carberry's case to Monday, March 9, for sentencing, noting the panel could not imagine the depth of the family's pain.
William Kavanagh (67), a well-known musician, was given a total of 17 and a half years for repeatedly raping his former wife and her sister. Kavanagh was convicted of 59 offences, including anal rape, sexual assault, and vaginal rape, which took place between 1996 and 2006. His former wife and sister read victim impact statements, detailing the devastating impact of the abuse on their lives. Kavanagh does not accept the jury's verdict and maintains his innocence. The judge, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, said Kavanagh has a high degree of moral culpability and that the abuse had a profound ongoing impact on both victims. Kavanagh was sentenced to seven years for the offences against his former wife and 12 years and six months for the offences against his sister. The final 12 months of the sentence was suspended. Kavanagh's defence argued that he has no prior relevant convictions and has suffered from depression. William Kavanagh pleaded not guilty.
A Central Criminal Court judge has accepted that he cannot review the sentence imposed on Boy B, who murdered schoolgirl Ana Kriegel when he was 13 years old. The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, noted that the Supreme Court ruled that sentencing courts do not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention for child offenders. Boy B was sentenced to 15 years' detention with a review after eight years, but the Supreme Court found that life sentences for child murderers should only be imposed in exceptional cases. Boy B's lawyers withdrew his appeal against his conviction, and the court heard details of the murder, where Boy B lured Ana to a derelict house, knowing that Boy A intended to kill her. Boy A was sentenced to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years, and he will appeal his sentence in light of the Supreme Court's ruling.
Lawyers for Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organization, have told the Special Criminal Court that they are not in a position to indicate whether a trial date will be required. McGovern's defense counsel, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant progress has been made in the case but that they are not yet ready to determine if a trial date is necessary. McGovern, who is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization, appeared via videolink. The court adjourned the matter to February 23, with McGovern to appear again by videolink. His lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of his extradition, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
The son of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly, who was shot dead over a decade ago, attempted to murder his former wife's friend, blaming her for the breakup of his marriage, the Central Criminal Court heard. Matthias Kelly (42) suffered a brain injury in 2016 and another head injury in a fall two days before the attack on Fiona Timmermans. His lawyers argued that a neuropsychologist report is needed to assess how his injuries affected his behavior, but none are willing to work for the legal aid rate. The judge requested the Minister for Justice to address the issue and adjourned the sentencing until February 16. Kelly sent threatening messages to Ms Timmermans before breaking into her home and attempting to stab her. She fought back and sustained serious injuries, but survived. Kelly expressed remorse and claimed he was not in his right frame of mind at the time. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
Darragh Quigley (26) was sentenced at the sentence hearing for the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough (64) on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. Quigley pleaded guilty to the charge, having admitted to the offence. The court found him not guilty by reason of insanity, as expert psychiatric evidence concluded he did not meet the legal criteria for that verdict despite suffering from schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the attack as totally unprovoked and random, noting Quigley had travelled to the city centre with a plan to hunt someone. The judge set a headline sentence of 14 years and six months. In mitigation, the court considered Quigley's guilty plea, his expression of remorse, and his lack of previous convictions. Quigley was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with the final year suspended for a period of five years. The sentence was backdated to November 17, 2023. The judge recommended a psychiatric assessment two months prior to release to determine if secure medical treatment is required. The matter was concluded with this sentencing order.
Domestic abuse survivor Margaret Loftus has described her experience of the criminal justice system as 'every bit as damaging as the abuse itself'. Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice, she said the conclusion of the case marked the end of a 'very difficult, traumatic journey' that took 14 years and 58 court appearances. Ms Loftus said Detective Garda Trevor Bolger violently assaulted her and was granted full legal aid by the court. She thanked Judge Martina Baxter, her husband and family, and the investigation team for their support. She expressed disappointment at seeing members of An Garda Siochana support Bolger in court. Ms Loftus thanked all women who have stood against male violence and urged others to come forward if they are victims of domestic abuse. Chief Superintendent Ian Lackey acknowledged the bravery of Ms Loftus and the professionalism of the investigation team. He said An Garda Siochana has a zero tolerance for domestic abuse and encouraged victims to contact the Garda or support services for help.
A 33-year-old man convicted of defiling a child at his home has been granted bail pending his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. The man, whose identity is protected to safeguard the complainant, was convicted by majority jury verdict at Castlebar Circuit Court in 2020 of defilement and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final year suspended. He was acquitted of a separate sexual assault charge relating to the same complainant. His legal team objected to the trial judge's references during jury directions to the prosecution's characterisation of the defence as a "Bart Simpson defence", arguing this amounted to judicial advocacy and rendered the trial unfair. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy found the threshold for bail was met, particularly regarding comments she identified as potentially prejudicial. The man was released on his own bond of €150 with a €5,000 cash lodgement, subject to conditions including attendance at a local garda station three times weekly. The appeal hearing is scheduled for 7 May.
A criminal who took part in an unprovoked, "vicious and sustained" late night city centre attack in Dublin, kicking and punching the victim as he lay on the ground, has been jailed for 18 months. Tony Grimes (26) was with two other young men when they set upon the victim in the Wexford Street area of Dublin after socialising until the early hours of the morning on February 29, 2024. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim fell to the ground in the first 30 seconds of the assault, but the three men continued to punch and kick him as he lay defenceless on the path. After passers-by pleaded with the attackers to stop, they left the scene but not before Grimes returned to kick the man to the head one more time. Grimes, of Goatstown Close, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man. It is an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. He has 29 previous convictions including criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences.
Two Slovak nationals have been convicted and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court following a sexual assault on two teenage girls on a disused railway line in County Mayo in March 2023. Rudolf Makula, aged 30, of Gleann Ard, Ballaghderreen, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one girl. Marian Peci, aged 29, of no fixed abode, was convicted following trial of sexually assaulting and falsely imprisoning a second girl. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a sentence of three and a half years on Makula and three years on Peci, with two years post-release supervision for both. The court heard the men had separated the girls from their friends after plying them with alcohol. The judge noted the girls had been entitled to feel safe when socialising and commended friends who intervened to assist them. Both men remain in custody since August 2025.
A teenager who used "extreme violence" in kicking a defenceless man to death has been given more time to bring an appeal against his life sentence following a landmark Supreme Court decision. The youth was 16 when he murdered Romanian national Claudio Robu (39) on a laneway off Madison Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 on September 14, 2020. He pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to life detention with a review after eight years. He had been due to come back before the Central Criminal Court in June 2028 to review his progress and to allow the court to consider whether he could safely return to society. However, last March the Supreme Court ruled that a sentencing court does not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention imposed on child offenders.
A garda has received a suspended three-month sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting his then-wife, a fellow member of An Garda Síochána, in County Mayo in October 2012. Trevor Bolger (48), previously attached to Ballymun Garda Station, pleaded guilty to the assault under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Judge Martina Baxter suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions, including engagement with the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violent Emotions) programme. The court heard the assault occurred during a family gathering when Bolger became angry that his wife spoke with her family rather than remaining at his side. The victim described the incident as terrifying and protracted, and ended the marriage the following day. Judge Baxter noted Bolger held a position of trust as a serving garda and that alcohol aggravated the offence. She acknowledged his six years of sobriety, genuine remorse, and engagement with rehabilitation services, finding him at low risk of reoffending. Bolger is currently suspended from An Garda Síochána.
A 34-year-old man from Finglas has admitted to conspiring to murder a Dublin father-of-two who was fatally shot at his home in 2018. Joseph Richards, with an address at Lanesborough Square, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiracy to murder Robert Sheridan, aged 45, who died following a shooting at Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, on October 5, 2018. Richards was charged with the offence in 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 16 for sentencing.
Sabrina Fox, a young woman who was repeatedly raped and abused by her uncles from the age of nine until she was 13, spoke out in court about the lasting trauma of the abuse. James Joseph Jordan and Patrick Fintan Jordan pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault. Fox described how her uncles had intimidated her and told her to forget the abuse, leaving her feeling ashamed and isolated. Justice David Keane imposed a nine-and-a-half-year sentence on both men, noting the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge acknowledged the men's guilty pleas and their medical issues but emphasized the need for justice. The victims' impact statement highlighted the long-term effects of the abuse on Fox's life and mental health.
Christopher O'Neill has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to the manslaughter of Martin Lynn on 30 July 2023. The 31-year-old punched Mr Lynn once to the head in an unprovoked attack outside the victim's home in the Larkhill area. Mr Lynn, who was returning from socialising in Dublin city centre, was taken to hospital where he died two days later from catastrophic brain injuries. Judge Martin Nolan stated the assault appeared to stem from a temper outburst, noting no provocation was evident. The court heard victim impact statements from Mr Lynn's family, including his sister who described enduring 899 days of nightmare following his death. Mr Lynn, originally from Donegal and Mayo family roots, had recently begun employment at Santry Sports Clinic. O'Neill, from Whitehall, Santry, has 24 previous convictions.
Karl Murphy, 40, of Blanchardstown, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for witness intimidation. He pleaded guilty to intimidating Lyndsey Doyle on September 1, 2023, by sending threatening voice notes. Judge Orla Crowe described the messages as vile and menacing, noting Doyle's vulnerability as the principal witness in the trial of Keith Smithers and Peter White for the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan in Finglas. Murphy, who has 66 previous convictions and is currently serving a burglary sentence, received an 18-month jail term with the final six months suspended. His then-partner, Sinead White, 39, also pleaded guilty to witness intimidation and was jailed for 21 months in November 2024 by Judge Martin Nolan. In the underlying trial, Smithers, 41, pleaded not guilty but was convicted of both charges and sentenced to nine years last June. Peter White, 40, also pleaded not guilty; he was acquitted of the unlawful killing but convicted of robbery and jailed for four and a half years. The court acknowledged Murphy's remorse and progress in custody, including reduced methadone intake, while emphasizing the seriousness of interfering with justice.
A woman from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, has been convicted and fined €750 following an assault at a concert venue in Dublin. Sarah Callan, aged 37, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a Section 2 assault that occurred on 20 June 2024 during a Pink concert at the Aviva Stadium. The court heard that Callan punched a 17-year-old attendant, mistakenly believing he was responsible for an earlier incident involving her husband. The teenager sustained facial injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene. Callan made admissions to gardaí on the night and expressed remorse. Her defence counsel submitted the assault was out of character and consisted of a single punch. Judge Conor Fottrell described the circumstances as concerning and alarming, noting the victim had been a minor performing his duties. He convicted Callan and imposed the fine with seven months to pay. Legal aid was granted.
A 32-year-old woman, Tegan McGhee, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of four-year-old Mason O'Connell Conway in Limerick City in 2021. The court lifted a press ban, allowing her identity to be revealed. McGhee was also sentenced to four years and six months for child cruelty, which will run concurrently with her life sentence. The child was found with serious injuries and died three days later. The judge described the abuse as an 'appalling breach of trust' and commended the child's mother for her courage in delivering a victim impact statement. The child's father, John Paul O'Connell, was previously sentenced to seven years for endangerment and obstructing McGhee's prosecution. The court heard that the child was deliberately isolated and subjected to disproportionate punishment by both parents. The mother described her son as a loving and caring child who brought joy to their lives. She expressed deep sorrow and anger at the loss of her son and the betrayal by those who were supposed to protect him.
A 42-year-old man, Darragh Quinlivan, has pleaded guilty to shooting Noel Campion in Limerick City in 2007 as part of the Dundon McCarthy organised crime group. Quinlivan was charged with murder but pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and participating in the criminal organisation to commit murder. The victim was shot while riding as a back passenger on a motorbike near St Munchin's Church. Quinlivan, who has lived in the UK, was remanded on bail until January 23 for his sentence hearing. The prosecution counsel indicated that the sentence hearing would take an hour. The court heard that Quinlivan had complied with bail conditions and was living in Ireland. The judge agreed to the bail conditions and remanded him until the hearing date.
The Court of Appeal has reserved judgment in the appeal against the murder convictions of Michael Dooley, Thomas Dooley Jnr, and Patrick Dooley. The three men, who pleaded not guilty, were found guilty by a jury in 2024 of murdering Thomas Dooley at Rath Cemetery in County Kerry on October 5, 2022. Prosecutors alleged the attack was an 'honour killing' carried out with 'focused and murderous ferocity' using bladed weapons. All three appellants received life sentences from Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring in July 2024. During the appeal, counsel for Michael Dooley argued he was misidentified and the case should have been withdrawn from the jury. Counsel for Thomas Dooley Jnr contended his arrest was unlawful, while Patrick Dooley's lawyers challenged the admission of evidence regarding a weapon. The DPP countered that circumstantial evidence, including CCTV of vehicles fleeing the scene and the discovery of Michael Dooley in a van, supported the convictions. The court heard that the misidentification issue was extensively addressed in the trial judge's directions. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved judgment.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The incidents occurred in October and November 2024, where Mahajan sexually assaulted a woman and masturbated in public. Garda Patrick Hynes told the court that the incidents were captured on CCTV and were "quite brazen" and took place in "quite an exposed part" of the city. The complainant outlined the effects of the offending in a victim impact statement. Garda Stephanie Traynor stated that Mahajan was identified and arrested in early November. Mahajan told gardai that he couldn't remember carrying out the offence. His defence counsel, Patrick Flynn BL, said Mahajan had arrived in Ireland a month earlier to study at the Smurfit business school and was now in homeless accommodation. He offered an apology on his client's behalf to all victims. Judge Baxter adjourned sentencing to May 19 and remanded Mahajan on continuing bail, ordering him to provide the Probation Service with his contact details.
Keith Smithers and Peter White, both with extensive criminal records, were sentenced for their roles in a fight outside a Dublin shopping centre three years ago. Smithers, who had previously been convicted of murder and robbery, received a nine-year sentence, while White, with over 270 convictions, was given four and a half years. Both were later sentenced to two years for affray. The incident involved a fight between Smithers, White, and a third man, with the use of a steel pole. CCTV footage showed the altercation, and both men expressed remorse. Smithers has 98 previous convictions, and White has 274. Both have drug addiction issues and are making efforts to address them. Judge Orla Crowe noted the CCTV evidence and the men's efforts to deal with their addictions before imposing the two-year sentences. Keith Smithers pleaded guilty. Peter White pleaded guilty and was acquitted.