In the Louth murder trial, Dr Sally Linehan testified for the prosecution that Paula Farrell's behaviour on New Year's Day 2014 was influenced by intoxication rather than a dissociative reaction. She explained that Farrell, aged 47, had PTSD and alcohol dependence, and that she had not experienced a flashback or psychotic symptoms that night. Linehan reviewed two reports she prepared in 2015 and 2019, noting Farrell's long history of heavy drinking and childhood sexual abuse. She agreed with defence counsel that Farrell's PTSD could have played some role but concluded that intoxication was the primary influence. The testimony was part of the prosecution's case against Farrell, who pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30, at her home. The jury heard closing speeches the following day.
In the Central Criminal Court, a 47‑year‑old woman, Paula Farrell, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the 2014 killing of Wayne McQuillan, aged 30. A psychiatrist for the defence, Dr Brenda Wright, testified that Farrell had post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an alcohol‑dependency disorder at the time of the stabbing. She described Farrell's history of sexual abuse between ages seven and fourteen and noted that Farrell began heavy drinking at 20. Dr Wright said Farrell's PTSD was severe and manifested mainly through alcohol use, affecting her relationships. The defence argued the PTSD did not play a significant role in the killing, a view echoed by the prosecution's counsel. The jury heard that Farrell stabbed McQuillan four times, recalling two, and that forensic evidence confirmed four wounds. The trial proceeded under Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of seven men and four women.
Petronel Pal, 36, faces extradition to Romania for an alleged murder committed in Meath in 2014. He was arrested in Dublin in 2019 and is wanted for creating an organised crime group and for the aggravated murder of Virgil Busa, who died three days after being assaulted. While in Ireland, Pal and others are alleged to have formed a group headed by a relative of Pal. The High Court has considered surrendering him, but a formal order has not yet been issued. Pal's lawyers have applied to the High Court for leave to appeal, arguing that the case raises a point of law of exceptional public importance and that the High Court's approach to extraterritoriality may be incorrect. The appeal will be decided on March 30, with Pal remanded in custody. The case hinges on whether Irish law allows prosecution for crimes committed abroad by non‑Irish citizens.
Two men were jailed for nine years at the Central Criminal Court following their conviction for rape. Boakye Osei, aged 30, of Tooban, Burnfoot, and Kelvin Opoku, aged 33, of Letterkenny, County Donegal, had pleaded not guilty but were found guilty by unanimous jury verdict in late 2019 after a five-week trial. The offence occurred in February 2015 when the men invited a woman back to an apartment after encountering her while she was walking home from a nightclub. The court heard the woman was severely intoxicated and incapacitated. Evidence including video footage and forensic analysis demonstrated that both men engaged in sexual activity with her without consent. Justice Alex Owens noted that whilst he accepted the men had not predetermined the assault, they were fully aware of her incapacity and exploited it. He recommended Opoku's deportation upon sentence completion and ordered both men undergo four years post-release supervision. Opoku's defence argued his client held an incorrect understanding of consent, whilst Osei's defence emphasised his family circumstances.
Liam Brannigan, 37, of Bride Street, Dublin 8, had his sentencing adjourned at the Special Criminal Court due to the presiding judge's illness. Brannigan was found guilty of conspiracy to murder Gary Hanley in 2017. The court remanded him in custody and adjourned the sentence to April 24 at 2pm. Four co-accused—Joseph Kelly, Luke Wilson, Alan Wilson, and Dean Howe—previously pleaded guilty to the same charge. The prosecution alleged that Kelly and Wilson were intercepted near Hanley's home with a loaded semi-automatic pistol, silencer, and ammunition. Evidence included covert audio recordings, phone data, and CCTV footage showing Brannigan discarding an illuminated item, identified as the PB3 phone, before his arrest. The judge noted the overwhelming evidence connecting Brannigan to the conspiracy, including his central role in managing the plot via the PB3 phone. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
The jury in the trial of a 29‑year‑old childcare worker accused of sexually assaulting four girls in a Leinster creche has reached verdicts on nine of the 23 counts presented. The jury foreman informed Judge Elma Sheahan that the verdicts were not yet delivered to the court and that deliberations would resume on Monday. The jury has been deliberating for over 12 hours in an empty courtroom to observe social distancing, having been in session for nearly six weeks. The accused pleaded not guilty to all 23 counts, which cover alleged assaults between August 2014 and December 2016 when the girls were aged five to eight. The case protects the identities of the complainants, and no parties are named.
In the Louth murder trial, 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for killing 30‑year‑old Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan on New Year's Day 2014. She claimed he had tried to have sex with her and strangled her before she stabbed him four times, remembering only two. Psychologist Dr Kevin Lambe testified that Farrell had an IQ of 70, indicating borderline mild intellectual disability, and suffered from PTSD due to childhood sexual abuse. He argued that her low cognitive resources and PTSD influenced her actions that night, though he clarified low IQ does not cause murder. Dr Brenda Wright also reported Farrell's history of abuse, heavy drinking from age 20, and use of Olanzapine for mood disorder. Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis confirmed four stab wounds on McQuillan, noting potential survival with prompt medical care. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
A 40‑year‑old Dublin prisoner, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, has been denied bail while awaiting trial for a sexual assault charge. He is accused of assaulting his former partner on 17 March 2019, an allegation he denies. The trial was scheduled for Monday but could not proceed. The prisoner was present via video link rather than in court. Garda Donal Tully relayed the victim's claims that the man beat her, grabbed her neck, and forced his fingers into her vagina while asserting he knew what she wanted and that she liked it. In an interview with Gardaí, the prisoner admitted assault but denied sexual assault. Barry White SC, the defence solicitor, noted the prisoner has been in custody since March 2018, suffered pneumonia, and has a compromised immune system, raising health concerns. Judge Karen O'Connor refused bail, citing reasons that cannot be disclosed, and adjourned the case to 12 June for mention.
The trial of Edmundas Dauksa, a 50‑year‑old fishmonger from Dundalk, for the murder of his partner Ingrida Maciokaite, aged 31, has been postponed. The murder occurred on 18 September 2018 at Bridgewater Mews, Linenhall Street, Dundalk. Dauksa had pleaded not guilty. Judge Eileen Creedon announced that no new jury trials would start in the criminal courts until 10 June because of coronavirus concerns. She moved Dauksa's case to the next fixed‑date list at the Central Criminal Court, scheduled for 30 March. The prosecution, represented by Elva Duffy BL, and the defence, represented by Michael Bowman SC, agreed. Bowman noted that Dauksa had been remanded in custody until the new date. Creedon informed the 12‑member jury that they were no longer required, as the trial was adjourned for health reasons. The case involves Lithuanian‑born parties living in Dundalk, with witnesses expected from that community. The trial will resume on 30 March.
In a Central Criminal Court murder trial, 47‑year‑old Paula Farrell of Drogheda pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the death of her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She testified that the couple had argued over alcohol and that McQuillan had attempted to have sex with her on the night, an allegation she had not disclosed to Gardaí. During cross‑examination, Farrell admitted she had stabbed McQuillan four times, remembering two, and that she had taken a knife from a kitchen block after he strangled her. She denied calling an ambulance and denied that she had consciously decided not to seek help. The prosecution presented evidence of four stab wounds, including one to the upper right arm, one to the front of the chest and two to the left shoulder. The trial was set to continue before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of seven men and four women.
The High Court has confirmed that the hearing on the proposed extradition of Ian Bailey to France will take place on May 5, 2020, as a three‑day proceeding. The case concerns Bailey's alleged involvement in the 1996 murder of filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier, for which he was convicted in absentia in Paris and sentenced to 25 years' imprisonment. Bailey, aged 63, denies any role in the death and has described the French proceedings as a "farce." He has not appeared in the French court and has no legal representation there. The Irish court has noted that Bailey's senior counsel will oppose the extradition on grounds of fundamental rights, citing previous extradition attempts that were dismissed as abuses of process. The hearing will be mentioned on April 20 to confirm whether it will proceed, following a general practice direction to limit court attendance amid the coronavirus outbreak.
The High Court has relaxed the requirement for people on bail to sign‑on at Garda stations amid the coronavirus outbreak. While the usual practice of daily or weekly visits to a local Garda station is being eased, other conditions such as keeping a mobile phone number active remain in force. Failure to answer the phone can lead to forfeiture of bail money. Det. Sgt. Jim Kirwan explained that bail‑holders may now avoid signing‑on provided they supply a contactable phone number. Mr Justice Donal Binchy confirmed that all other bail terms still apply and that the court is handling urgent matters only, postponing many extradition cases until travel restrictions ease. He noted that extradition orders are "almost unimplementable" under current conditions and will not issue surrender orders until the situation improves. The court has set a hearing for 24 April for a case involving a man wanted in the UK for rape, attempted rape and indecent assault.
In March 2020, Mr Justice Paul McDermott called the 11 jurors of Paula Farrell's murder trial to the Central Criminal Court, noting that the 12th juror was absent due to a head‑cold. He explained that three witnesses had not yet testified and asked the jurors whether they wished to continue. The jury agreed to proceed, and the judge thanked them for serving under difficult circumstances. The trial will continue without the missing juror, with the jury expected to retire for a verdict next Tuesday. Ms Farrell, 47, of Drogheda, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She admitted stabbing him four times, though she only remembered two. The trial continues tomorrow.
In October 2017, John Murdiff, aged 33, and an accomplice stole items from Andrew Stammers, a former heroin addict, in Adare Lane, Dublin. Stammers had overdosed that night, but it could not be determined whether he was dead when the theft occurred. Murdiff later returned to the lane, discovered Stammers was not breathing, and sought help. He was charged with theft and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Murdiff had 50 prior convictions, including theft, public order, and assault causing harm. He was sentenced to two years' imprisonment, consecutive to a three‑year term for assault, after a judge noted his remorse and the tragic circumstances surrounding Stammers' death. The case highlighted the difficulties in determining the exact time of Stammers' death and the impact on his family.
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has been halted after three jurors notified the court they could not attend proceedings. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon discharged the 12-member jury on 18 March, noting that one juror would likely be unable to participate further, while the availability of the other two remained uncertain for at least one week. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife Natalia, aged 30, at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The closing speeches from prosecution and defence had been scheduled for the trial's final stage. Both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the defence counsel consented to the jury's discharge, citing the unfairness of reassembling jurors at an unknown future date. Ms Justice Creedon agreed, acknowledging the trial had nearly concluded but prioritising the accused's fair trial rights. Mr Karaczyn was remanded in custody on bail pending 30 March.
Patrick Harte, a retired Dublin school teacher aged 78, was found guilty of 11 counts of indecent assault against seven boys who attended Sancta Maria Christian Brothers on Synge Street between September 1968 and September 1970. The boys, then about ten years old, alleged that Harte had fondled them after calling them to the top of the class, placing his hand down their trousers and touching their genitals. One complainant, now in his 60s, also claimed Harte had physically assaulted him. Harte denied all allegations, arguing that the classroom was busy and that such actions would have been impossible. The jury, after more than six hours of deliberation, returned a guilty verdict on all counts, with two jurors dissenting. Judge Martin Nolan remanded Harte on continuing bail and scheduled a sentencing hearing for 27 April. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Noel McKeon, a former hospital security guard, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for the rape and violent assault of two sex workers. McKeon pleaded guilty to sexual assault, assault, robbery, and rape of the two women, as well as false imprisonment of the first victim. The attacks occurred in 2016 and 2018 after McKeon contacted the women via an escorts website. In the 2016 incident, he allegedly assaulted the victim, forced her into sexual acts, and attempted to stab her as she escaped from a window. In the 2018 incident, he allegedly punched the victim, pulled her hair, and raped her vaginally and anally. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the conduct as degrading and humiliating. He imposed consecutive headline sentences of ten years for each victim. Taking into account McKeon's guilty pleas, the judge applied a four-year discount, resulting in a total term of 16 years. The court suspended the final two years of this sentence on the condition that McKeon engages in sex offender treatment, addiction treatment, and anger management specifically addressing violence towards women. McKeon's defense counsel highlighted his history of drug abuse and suicide attempts, noting he wished to express remorse. The victims provided impact statements describing their fear and humiliation.
A man from Co. Westmeath was sentenced to two-and-a-half years' imprisonment for sexually assaulting a woman who was asleep in her own bed. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim was wearing a tampon at the time of the assault, which was later removed in the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. The accused, aged 24, had no prior knowledge of the victim, though they shared mutual friends. He testified that he had engaged in consensual sexual activity with her, including digital penetration, but the jury found him guilty of sexual assault. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted the victim's right to privacy and the man's lack of business in her bedroom, describing the act as a catastrophic error of judgement. The sentence was deemed lenient in length, but the judge expressed concern that the man would find custody difficult. The unnamed man pleaded not guilty.
In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott announced new seating arrangements for the 12 jurors in the Paula Farrell murder trial to maintain social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak. Six jurors now sit on individual cushions in the courtroom, while the remaining six sit in the jury box with a seat between them. The judge said these arrangements would remain for the rest of the trial and that two jury minders would be present. Mr McDermott invited jurors to raise any concerns. Ms Farrell, aged 47, continues to give evidence. She admits stabbing her partner, Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, during a drunken argument on New Year's Day 2014. She pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. She described the events, her lack of intent to kill, and her subsequent actions, including not calling an ambulance.
A 48‑year‑old man, Mark Tims, was jailed for seven years after he kicked and stamped his 74‑year‑old father, Anthony 'Tony' Tims, to death in their shared kitchen. The judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the father had been drunk and that the son had been provoked by verbal abuse, but the father's words were not considered a physical provocation. The father had a pre‑existing heart condition and died from injuries sustained when Mark struck him with a mug, then stamped and kicked him repeatedly. Mark had pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder; the jury acquitted him of murder and found him guilty of manslaughter. The sentence was reduced from ten to seven years and six months, with the final six months suspended for two years on the condition of good behaviour and probation cooperation. The case was heard in January 2020 following a two‑week trial.
In a Special Criminal Court hearing, Mr Justice Tony Hunt remanded Thomas McGuinness, 33, on bail until 25 May after McGuinness was unable to attend the hearing due to ill health. McGuinness is charged with falsely imprisoning, assaulting and robbing Edward McAndrew at a Co Louth farmhouse on 2 December 2017, and with demanding £50,000 from McAndrew. The charges include detaining McAndrew without consent, assault causing harm, theft of car keys, money, travel bag, wallet, briefcase, two mobile phones and an Irish passport, and making an unwarranted demand with menaces. Two other men, William Twomey, 56, and Anthony Finglas, 49, are also charged with the same offences. Twomey was granted bail on 25 February, while Finglas' bail application was denied. Mr Justice Hunt expressed hope that the world would be a different place by the end of May.
The jury has retired from the trial of Patrick Harte, a 78‑year‑old retired Dublin school teacher, who is accused of fondling school boys at the Sancta Maria Christian Brothers on Synge Street between September 1968 and September 1970. Harte faces 11 counts of indecent assault involving seven complainants, all of whom were around ten years old at the time. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, led by Anne Rowland SC, presented testimony that Harte allegedly called boys to the top of the class and then fondled them, including placing his hand down a boy's trousers while sitting on his knee. A complainant, now in his 60s, recounted a similar incident and noted prior physical assault by Harte. Harte denied the allegations, arguing that the classroom's busy environment and the presence of other teachers and inspectors would have made such actions unlikely.
Ms Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014. She told the Central Criminal Court jury that she began drinking heavily in her teens to "block out" problems, later describing a history of sexual abuse by a named man from age seven to fourteen. She said the abuse began at thirteen and continued daily, and that she confronted the abuser at age 28 or 29, after which she stopped counselling. Farrell also admitted using alcohol, cocaine, speed and a white powder called "wildcat." She met McQuillan on the night of her 40th birthday in 2013; he was ten years younger.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, Mark Byrne, a 35‑year‑old homeless man, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and production of a knife after stabbing a stranger in a random street disagreement on Winetavern Street on 16 July 2016. Byrne's defence counsel argued the incident was a one‑off event between two street‑dwelling strangers with no prior animosity, and that Byrne had carried a knife for self‑defence after a threat earlier that summer. The judge noted the victim suffered a bowel perforation and was hospitalised for weeks, and that Byrne had regained equilibrium and remained drug‑free recently. The judge imposed a five‑year sentence, suspending the final year on conditions including drug treatment and mental health services. Byrne expressed remorse, describing his actions as "disgraceful and appalling.".
The jury in the trial of a 29‑year‑old childcare worker accused of sexually assaulting four girls in a Leinster crèche has been urged by Judge Elma Sheahan to continue with the case despite the coronavirus outbreak. She informed the jury that no new criminal trials will start for two weeks, but ongoing trials will proceed to conclusion. She acknowledged the stress the jurors may be experiencing and asked them to remain focused for the next week. She noted that court attendance would be much lower from Monday, with fewer crowds, and offered assistance if needed. The trial, which has run for five weeks, is set to finish next week with closing speeches on Monday. No evidence was heard today. The accused denies the 23 counts of sexual assault against girls aged five to eight between February 2015 and December 2016.
A 17‑year‑old boy, whose name is withheld because he is a minor, pleaded guilty to the murder of 20‑year‑old Cameron Blair, a second‑year chemical engineering student at Cork Institute of Technology. The killing occurred on 16 January 2020 on Bandon Road, Cork, when Blair was stabbed in the neck at a student party. The boy was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on 13 March 2020, wearing a grey shirt and black trousers. Brendan Grehan SC defended him, noting the boy was present in court with his father and two aunts. Anne Rowland SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions requested that the accused be remanded in custody at Oberstown Children Detention Centre for 28 days and that a probation report be prepared.
A jury was asked to return to the Central Criminal Court on March 30th for the murder trial of fishmonger Edmundas Dauksa, aged 50, who has pleaded not guilty to the killing of his partner Ingrida Maciokaite, aged 31, at Bridgewater Mews, Linenhall Street, Dundalk, on 18 September 2018. Judge Eileen Creedon explained that due to health concerns in the community, the trial was postponed to avoid close contact, and she requested the jury to reconvene on Monday, March 30th. She noted that the trial is expected to last no longer than two weeks and that any changes would be communicated to the jurors. On the rescheduled date, Mr Justice Paul McDermott empanelled the jury and outlined the alleged facts: Dauksa and Maciokaite were a Lithuanian couple living in Dundalk, with Dauksa running a shellfish business.
The Court of Appeal has listed an appeal against the conviction of an unnamed 15-year-old, referred to as Boy B, who was unanimously found guilty of murdering 14-year-old Ana Kriegel in May 2018. Boy B, who was 13 at the time, lured the victim from her home to a derelict house in Lucan where he was attacked by his friend, Boy A. Boy B was sentenced to 15 years detention, reviewable after eight years, with an earliest possible release date in June 2027. His co-accused, Boy A, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years for murder, plus eight years for aggravated sexual assault; no appeal has been lodged on Boy A's behalf. Boy B is appealing his conviction only, not the sentence. DPP counsel Brendan Grehan SC stated that three grounds of appeal were submitted, with the hearing scheduled for April 24. The President of the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice George Birmingham, confirmed that media will be present, but strict anonymity rules regarding the boys' identities, families, and schools remain in force. Boy B is currently detained at Oberstown Children Detention Campus, and arrangements for his transfer to court are being finalized. The matter is at the appeal stage, with the hearing set for a future date.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court case, a 59‑year‑old man was convicted in January of two charges of sexually assaulting a four‑year‑old girl at his home between July 2016 and July 2017. The trial lasted nine days and included testimony from the child, who described being touched and licked in her genital area, and from her mother, who reported the child's distress and subsequent night terrors and school changes. Forensic evidence showed DNA from the man on the child's underwear, with a 1 in 6,700 chance of a coincidental match. The man denied the allegations, claiming the DNA was due to the child's play. His defence argued that a Facebook post naming him and his address, allegedly encouraging violence against his family, should be considered as extra‑judicial punishment. The prosecution said the post was under Garda investigation and should not influence sentencing.
At the Central Criminal Court, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon instructed a jury on 12 March 2020 to return on Wednesday to conclude closing speeches in the trial of Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo. The judge relayed directions from the President of the High Court that existing trials should be completed where possible amid emerging public health concerns. Mr Karaczyn has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of his wife at their Sligo home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The jury of seven women and five men was informed that closing arguments, the judicial charge, and their deliberations remained outstanding. The court indicated the registrar would remain available to assist jurors between the adjournment and the scheduled resumption.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Garda Sergeant Diarmuid O'Donovan explained that the four children who had alleged sexual assault by a 29‑year‑old child‑care worker were not re‑interviewed after initial interviews conducted within five weeks of the allegations being reported on 12 December 2016. The children, aged six to eight at the time of the first interviews in January 2017, were interviewed by child‑specialist interviewers and their recordings were used as evidence. O'Donovan said the decision not to re‑interview was taken on welfare grounds, citing the traumatic nature of the process for the children and their families. He noted that while the investigation team considered re‑interviews, the final decision was that it would not be in the children's best interest, and that efforts were made to corroborate the complaints through other means. The unnamed 29-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Janice Brady appeared before the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday for a hearing regarding an alleged breach of conditions attached to her suspended sentence. In November 2017, Brady pleaded guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of her brother, Keith Brady, who was found guilty of the murder of musician Martin Kivlehan in Sligo in 2015. Following a December hearing, the court suspended the balance of Brady's four-year prison term, conditional on her residing with her father in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal. Probation officer Michelle McShane reported difficulties locating Brady, who was understood to be living in temporary accommodation in Dublin but had not notified the Probation Service of her change of address. Detective Sergeant Martin McHale testified that Brady had not been involved in any trouble since the suspension of her sentence. Mr Justice White, who had issued a warrant for her arrest earlier that day due to her failure to appear at the start of the sitting, warned Brady that she would return to jail if she failed to keep in contact with the Probation Service regarding her residence. The matter was adjourned.
Lisa Comerford, 46, and her partner robbed a homeless man on a Dublin city street. Comerford approached the man, demanded €5, and when he refused, she grabbed his feet and forced him to the ground. The victim, who was homeless, later reported that he was kicked, punched, and had his throat squeezed by Comerford. She then searched his pockets and took his rucksack, which contained his phone and clothes. A nearby security guard intervened and called the Gardaí. Both Comerford and her accomplice were present when the police arrived. Comerford was arrested, and the victim's belongings were returned. She pleaded guilty to robbery at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for an incident on Winetavern Street on 16 March 2019. She has 80 prior convictions, including theft and robbery. The judge adjourned her case to 11 June, revoked her bail, and remanded her in custody, ordering a probation report. The case remains pending.
In the Central Criminal Court, Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, on New Year's Day 2014 at her home in Rathmullen Park, Drogheda. She admitted that she and McQuillan had been drinking since 3:00 pm, that a fight began, and that she was "hysterical" when the Garda arrived. She said she and McQuillan had been "bitching" and that a struggle ensued in the kitchen. She claimed she was "not wanting him to get the better of me" and that she stabbed him twice, once near the top of his chest and a second time lower down, using a medium‑sized black knife from her kitchen. After the stabbing, McQuillan walked out the front door, collapsed, and was taken to hospital in a patrol car after an ambulance was delayed by 20‑30 minutes.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions seeking to increase the sentence of Eoin Vickers, a 36-year-old man from Co Mayo. Vickers pleaded guilty to two counts of defilement of a girl under 15, three sample counts of defilement of a child under 17, and one count of defilement of a child under 17 regarding a friend, alongside an assault charge. These offences, alleged to have occurred between June 2011 and August 2013, involved an abusive relationship with two teenage girls, including the introduction of heroin and the removal of a contraceptive implant. On May 22, 2019, Mr Justice Michael White sentenced Vickers to 11 years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended. The DPP argued this sentence was unduly lenient. President Mr Justice George Birmingham, sitting with Justices McGovern and Collins, acknowledged the case was exceptionally serious and that the Court of Appeal would have imposed a higher sentence, rejecting the discount given for the guilty plea. However, the court held that the original sentence, while very lenient, did not warrant intervention due to the singular nature of the facts and the wide margin of discretion afforded to the sentencing judge. Consequently, Vickers' original sentence remains unchanged.
At the Central Criminal Court, the trial of Rafal Karaczyn, 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, continued. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his 30-year-old wife, Natalia Karaczyn, but guilty to her manslaughter at their family home between April 29th and May 1st, 2018. Witness Piotr Korsak, a friend of the accused, testified that he perceived Karaczyn as "mentally devastated," "depressed," and potentially suicidal in the months preceding the death. Korsak stated he offered Karaczyn a place to stay to help him "stay away from trouble," though Karaczyn declined until after his son's First Holy Communion. Korsak denied observing violence and expressed shock upon learning of the death. The court also heard new translations of Karaczyn's eighth Garda interview, where he admitted strangling his wife. The prosecution clarified that his statement about being "under big stress" translates from Polish to "uncontrolled," "in a rage," or similar to "amok." Additionally, his remark "I don't know what was with me this time" was translated as "I don't know what got inside me." Justice Eileen Creedon adjourned the proceedings, directing the jury to return the following day at 11am to hear closing speeches from the prosecution and defence.
A 23‑year‑old man, Christopher O'Callaghan, has admitted killing his grandfather, Joseph O'Callaghan, aged 66, on 2 July 2018 in Douglas, Cork. He pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The plea has been accepted by the State. O'Callaghan, who lives at Woodview, Pinecroft, Grange, Douglas, remains on continuing bail. He will appear again before the Central Criminal Court on 11 May for a sentence hearing, where evidence of the killing and reports by relatives will be considered, and probation and welfare reports will be presented to the court.
Martin Aylmer, aged 33, bought six prepaid mobile phones in the run‑up to the murder of Michael Barr, 35, at the Sunset House pub on 25 April 2016. One phone was found beside a burned‑out getaway car used in the killing. Aylmer was captured on CCTV buying the phone in Dublin's Ilac Shopping Centre two days before the shooting. He claimed the phones were for drug trafficking. He pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation in a serious offence. The Special Criminal Court sentenced him to three years and nine months, with the final year suspended, but the Court of Appeal re‑sentenced him to six years with the final 15 months suspended, citing his assistance to a gang that committed murder as an aggravating factor. Aylmer was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The case remains under appeal for the murder conviction of Eamonn Cumberton.
A 24‑year‑old father of three, Devon Hennessey, punched a man outside Blanchardstown District Court on 9 November 2017, an act that required the intervention of 20 Gardaí to calm the volatile scene. Garda Richard Finan, who was standing at the main entrance, saw Hennessey approach the victim and strike him in the face without warning. Finan attempted to restrain Hennessey, who resisted and shouted threats at both the victim and the Garda. Additional officers were needed to continue the restraint, and other bystanders tried to intervene. Hennessey pleaded guilty to violent disorder and has five prior road‑traffic convictions. His defence lawyer, Oisin Clarke, argued that a comment about Hennessey's disabled son triggered the incident, and that Hennessey was acting in the heat of the moment. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to 5 May and ordered a Probation Service report to assess suitability for community service. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court has viewed video evidence from Ballymote Garda Station in which a man described to detectives how he killed his wife. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, from Crozon Park in Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The footage, recorded on 2 May 2018, showed Mr Karaczyn explaining to gardaí that he strangled his 30-year-old wife Natalia at their home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. During the interview, he demonstrated the actions using a toilet roll held in both hands. The court heard that Mr Karaczyn was placed on suicide watch by District Court order the day after his admission. Earlier interviews were also shown to the jury, in which Mr Karaczyn had denied involvement and alleged that an unknown man had threatened him. The trial continues before Justice Eileen Creedon.
Anne Dunlea, mother of the 36‑year‑old murdered in Passage West, said she was relieved after the Court of Appeal dismissed the latest appeal by Darren Murphy, 42, who had been convicted of murder in 2018. Murphy had admitted killing Olivia Dunlea and setting fire to her home, but denied it was murder. He had been found guilty in 2014, had that conviction quashed, was retried in 2017 with a hung jury, and was convicted again in 2018. The appeal was dismissed on 10 March 2020, ending a six‑year legal saga that included three trials and two appeals. Anne Dunlea, present at all proceedings, expressed relief that the case was finally concluded and that she could begin to grieve properly. The Court of Appeal upheld the conviction and rejected the defence's arguments about provocation and character. The decision was announced by Mr Justice George Birmingham, with Mr Justice John Edwards and Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury heard text and Facebook messages exchanged between a Sligo couple in the months preceding the woman's death. Rafal Karaczyn, aged 34, of Crozon Park, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter in relation to the death of his wife Natalia Karaczyn, aged 30, at their family home between 29 April and 1 May 2018. The prosecution presented communications spanning from March 2017 onwards, depicting deteriorating relations and the accused's repeated attempts at reconciliation despite the complainant's explicit requests to be left alone. The court heard that the accused told the complainant she was "not free" and would not do as she wished. In the weeks before her death, the complainant told the accused to leave their home immediately and that he could no longer enter the house. The trial was continuing.
Bernard Ring, 31, of Kilbarry Place, Farranree, Cork, was found guilty of assaulting John Joe Nevin and of false imprisonment at his mother's house on St Mary's Avenue on 21 September 2016. He also pleaded guilty to possessing a dumbbell, a gas canister, a glass mirror and a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The court sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, on 12 July 2017. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence on 9 March 2020. Ring was under the influence of benzodiazepine and had consumed alcohol. He had previously been convicted eleven times, including two assault convictions that carried two‑year and four‑year terms. The judge described the incidents as extremely serious and noted that Ring offered no explanation for his actions. The appeal was dismissed. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, the mother of one of four girls alleged to have been sexually assaulted by a childcare worker testified that her daughter repeatedly expressed discomfort about attending the crèche. The mother said the child visibly did not want to go and had spoken on several occasions that she did not want to go, but did not explain why. She also noted that the alleged perpetrator's behaviour towards her had changed in the six months before the allegations surfaced, including a lack of eye contact. The mother recounted that the girl first made the allegation to her father in November 2016, and that she learned of the allegations when the crèche contacted them on 12 December 2016. She described the girl as very upset and defensive when she first told her mother that the man had touched her privates.
In a Halloween nightclub assault, 39‑year‑old Denis Ward, who was dressed as Superman, head‑butted victim Daragh Comerford after taking a pretend bible from him. CCTV showed Ward removing the bible and then lunging. Comerford suffered a broken nose and required surgery for a deviated septum. Ward pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He has four prior convictions, including three traffic offences. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to 12 October to allow Ward time to raise €1,100 to compensate Comerford for medical bills and lost wages. A victim impact statement described Comerford's physical and mental distress and the financial loss. Ward, who has not consumed alcohol since the incident, is unemployed and relies on social welfare but is willing to raise the compensation if given time.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has convicted two men of the rape of a woman in County Donegal in February 2015. Boakye Osei, aged 29, of Twoban, Burnfoot, and Kelvin Opoku, aged 33, of Cill Graine, Letterkenny, had both pleaded not guilty. Following a five-week trial in late 2019, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts after deliberating for just over two hours. The complainant delivered a victim impact statement describing the profound effect the assault and subsequent criminal proceedings had on her life over the previous five years. She detailed the trauma of forensic examination, precautionary medical treatment, and the emotional toll of three separate trial preparations. Justice Alex Owens remanded both men in custody pending sentencing submissions scheduled for 16 March 2020.
At the Central Criminal Court, a jury has heard evidence from the eighth garda interview with a 34-year-old man charged with the murder of his wife. The accused, from Crozon Park in Ballymote, Sligo, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. During questioning at Ballymote Garda Station on May 2nd, 2018, he admitted to strangling his wife following her return from a night out on April 29th, 2018. He told detectives he woke when she arrived home and, after she pushed and slapped him during an argument, he strangled her. He described feeling "very big regret and grief" afterwards. The accused also told gardai he subsequently moved her body to a car boot but dropped it on the kitchen floor as it was too heavy. In earlier interviews, he had provided an account involving threats from an unknown man, but later admitted these claims were false. The trial at the Central Criminal Court is continuing.
During a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, a former colleague of a man accused of sexually assaulting four girls in a Leinster crèche described him as "devastated" after the allegations surfaced. She recalled that he had become very upset and noticeably thinner since she last saw him. The colleague, who had worked closely with him, said she had sent him a text after the allegations emerged, to which he replied, "I'm devastated." She described him as generous with the children and inventive with activities, noting that he was well-liked by staff and parents. She denied ever suspecting him of wrongdoing and stated that the four complainants would have had limited interaction with him, especially the younger ones. The trial, which continues before Judge Elma Sheahan and a jury, focuses on the 23 counts of sexual assault alleged to have occurred between February 2015 and December 2016. The accused denies the charges. The complainants' identities remain protected.
In March 2020 the Central Criminal Court suspended the remainder of a jail term for Stephen Kane, 29, who in August 2014 violently assaulted two women after sexually assaulting one of them. The attacks occurred in a Dublin apartment block where Kane and Daryl Ralph had earlier sexually assaulted a woman. Kane punched the victim in the mouth, struck her friend twice in the mouth and nose, and bit her arm. He pleaded guilty to sexual assault and two counts of assault causing harm. The judge imposed concurrent sentences of two years and two and a half years, backdated to November 2018, and suspended the balance for two years on the condition of psychological counselling. Kane had previously fled to New Zealand and later to Australia, where he established a new life and was later extradited back to Ireland. The court noted his remorse and the support of his fiancée's family.
In a murder trial, Paula Farrell, 47, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter for the unlawful killing of Wayne 'Quilly' McQuillan, 30, who was stabbed at her Drogheda home on New Year's Day 2014. Dr Michael Curtis, former Deputy State Pathologist, described four stab wounds, including a fatal one to the left subclavian vein and lung. He noted the wounds were close and parallel, suggesting rapid, successive strikes, and said the injuries could have been survivable with prompt medical intervention. Dr Maria Murillo testified that Farrell was intoxicated and unfit for questioning at 7 am on New Year's Day, having been drinking since 3 pm the previous evening. The court heard that Farrell had been treated for schizophrenia and had been drinking daily. The trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.