Michael Brady, 54, was found guilty of possessing cocaine and heroin at a property in Sallins, Co Kildare, on January 24, 2017. The court acquitted him of charges related to cocaine and cannabis found in the same location, as well as possession of an assault rifle and ammunition magazines, which were either withdrawn or dismissed by direction. Presiding Judge Paul Coffey stated that Brady's fingerprints on blocks of diamorphine provided compelling evidence of direct contact and knowledge of the drugs concealed under a bed. Brady had pleaded not guilty to all seven counts on the indictment. The judge noted that while Brady claimed he was looking after dogs at the address, the court rejected the defence argument that others had placed the drugs there during a four-day interval. Brady was remanded in custody until July 15, when he will be sentenced. Separately, his brother, Declan Brady, pleaded guilty in February to possessing 15 firearms and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition at Greenogue Business Park, Co Dublin, on the same date. Declan Brady is scheduled to be sentenced on June 24.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 19 June 2019, Mr Justice Michael White warned that publishing the identities of the two boys convicted of Ana Kriegel's murder is an offence. The judge issued a contempt of court order against any person who attempts to identify the 14‑year‑old boys, stating they will be treated in the most serious fashion. He also ordered Facebook and Twitter to appear in court the following day and to remove any material that identifies the boys. Brendan Grehan SC, representing the Director of Public Prosecutions, requested the removal of photographs and other identifying content from the platforms. The boys, referred to only as Boy A and Boy B, were convicted of murder and, in Boy A's case, aggravated sexual assault, after an eight‑week trial with unanimous jury verdicts. The court emphasised that the Children Act prohibits the identification of minors accused or convicted of a criminal offence. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
During the trial of Boy A for Ana Kriegel's murder, his defence counsel, Patrick Gageby SC, applied to the judge to allow the jury to consider a manslaughter verdict after deliberations had begun. The prosecution described the move as a "legal ambush" and argued it was raised too late and without engaging the facts. Judge Paul McDermott dismissed the application, calling it "artificial" and "unrealistic." He noted that Boy A had consistently denied being in the house and claimed he last saw Ana in the park. Evidence from the State Pathologist and forensic scientist showed Ana was violently assaulted and that blood spatter on Boy A's shoes indicated he either assaulted her or was close to her when she was assaulted. The judge emphasized that the defence had not addressed the scientific evidence or the prosecution's claim that the extent of Ana's injuries proved intent to kill.
During a trial for the murder of Ana, the judge refused to allow a clinical psychologist, Dr Colm Humphries, to give evidence before the jury. Dr Humphries had been called by Boy B's defence to explain that Boy B, who was 13, was suffering from post‑traumatic stress disorder after witnessing Ana's assault. He had told the psychologist that Ana's clothing was ripped off, that she was gasping and struggling, and that she said nothing. Dr Humphries described Boy B as overly friendly, polite, but with language difficulties and signs of disfluency and avoidance when recounting the events. He argued that Boy B's lies in Garda interviews were not evidence of guilt but a result of trauma and a lack of understanding of the consequences.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court found two 14‑year‑old boys guilty of murdering Ana Kriegel, a schoolgirl who was discovered naked in an abandoned farmhouse three days after she went missing. Boy A was also convicted of an aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. The trial, lasting seven weeks, included evidence that Ana's blood was found on a "ghoulish mask" Boy A allegedly wore at the scene, and forensic analysis showed she died from blunt‑force trauma to the head or neck, with extensive bruises, abrasions and scratches on her body. The jury deliberated for 14 hours 25 minutes before delivering unanimous guilty verdicts. The boys were remanded to Oberstown Detention Centre pending further proceedings. The case was presented by prosecution counsel Brendan Grehan SC, with defence counsel Patrick Gageby SC for Boy A and Damien Colgan SC for Boy B. The trial concluded with the judge adjourned the case to allow additional reports to be submitted.
During Ana Kriegel's murder trial, the jury was barred from hearing that Boy A had searched for "child porn" and "animal porn" online and possessed thousands of pornographic images on two mobile phones. Judge Paul McDermott deemed the evidence "highly prejudicial" and not relevant to the case. Gardaí had found two phones in Boy A's bedroom, one containing 5,001 images, many pornographic, and the other 7,485 images, with 42 deemed relevant to the investigation. The prosecution also sought to introduce a questionnaire Boy A filled out, describing himself as "strange" and "different", but the judge ruled it irrelevant. Boy A's lawyers also challenged the admissibility of his clothes and phone, which were seized while he was not a suspect, but the judge rejected these claims, stating the evidence was lawfully obtained. The judge also dismissed objections to DNA evidence and a mannequin photograph, citing lack of probative value.
The jury in the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel has spent 11 hours and 24 minutes deliberating and will return to the Central Criminal Court tomorrow to continue. Mr Justice Paul McDermott instructed the eight men and four women to return at 10 am and reminded them not to discuss the case with anyone outside the jury. The accused, who cannot be named because they are minors, have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ana Kriegel at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan on 14 May last year. Boy A is also charged with Ana's aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence and has pleaded not guilty to that charge as well. Mr Justice McDermott explained that the jury must consider each count separately, with possible verdicts of guilty or not guilty for each murder charge and for the aggravated sexual assault charge.
In a trial for the murder of Ana Kriegel, Judge Paul McDermott instructed the jury that the prosecution's case hinges on the injuries inflicted on Ana, which they argue demonstrate the accused's intention to kill or cause serious injury. The jury, after more than four hours of deliberation, has been shown various exhibits, including a blood‑stained stick, gloves with Ana's blood, Tescon insulation tape found around her neck, and CCTV footage. Mr Justice McDermott explained that intent can be inferred from preparation, citing Boy A's bringing a mask and other items to the scene. He emphasized that the prosecution believes intent is established through pathology and forensic evidence, and that the natural consequence of such injuries is serious injury or death. The accused, both 14, have pleaded not guilty to murder and to an aggravated sexual assault charge. The jury will return tomorrow to continue deliberations.
The jury in the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court on 12 June 2019. Eight men and four women were sent out at 12.35pm, returned thirty minutes later, and were instructed by Mr Justice Paul McDermott to suspend deliberations for the day and resume at 10am the next day. The judge explained that each of the three murder counts against Boy A and Boy B must be decided unanimously, with only two possible verdicts per count: guilty or not guilty. For Boy A's aggravated sexual assault charge, the jury could return a guilty or not guilty verdict. Mr Justice McDermott emphasized that each count must be considered separately, that reasonable doubt requires acquittal, and that the jury should focus on the evidence relating to the events of 14 May, the day of the murder.
In a 2019 trial at the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Paul McDermott warned a jury that people may lie for reasons such as shame or to hide disgraceful behaviour. He explained that the jury could rely on alleged lies only if the prosecution proved there was no innocent explanation. The case involved two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy A was also charged with aggravated sexual assault; Boy B was charged with aiding and abetting the murder. The judge instructed the jury to consider each boy's case separately, to assess intent to kill or cause serious injury, and to evaluate circumstantial and forensic evidence. He emphasised that presence at a crime scene does not equal participation, and that the jury must acquit if any reasonable doubt about intent or knowledge remains. The judge concluded his charge the following morning. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a murder and aggravated sexual assault trial, the defence counsel for a 14‑year‑old accused of killing and assaulting Anastasia Kriegel argued that no witness had shown the boy intended to kill. Patrick Gageby SC asked the jury whether any evidence proved the boy's intent to kill or to kill Kriegel. He also highlighted the boy's lack of prior legal contacts and the immaturity of teenagers, urging jurors to consider the boy's age. Gageby noted that the prosecution's case relied largely on circumstantial evidence, including DNA and forensic findings, but questioned whether any evidence proved pre‑meditation. He warned against inferring intent from the boy's actions or from the presence of a bag and its contents. The defence maintained the boy's plea of not guilty and urged the jury to weigh the evidence carefully, especially given the boy's age and the seriousness of the allegations.
In the Central Criminal Court, Brendan Grehan SC presented the prosecution case against two 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. He argued that Boy A was the principal perpetrator, citing an "overwhelming forensic case" linking him to the scene, including DNA from Ana's body and items found in his home. Grehan described Ana's violent death, detailing injuries, blood spatter, and forensic evidence that she fought for her life. He contrasted this with Boy B, for whom he said there was no forensic evidence but relied on Garda interviews that he had assisted the killer and helped conceal the crime. Grehan emphasized that both boys lied to Gardaí and that Boy B's statements were inconsistent, concluding that the evidence warranted conviction for murder and aggravated sexual assault. The case was set to proceed with Patrick Gageby representing Boy A. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Philip Kernan, aged 48, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with two years suspended for assault causing harm after a 45‑minute attack on his former partner, Angela Bissett, in her caravan in Donabate, Co. Dublin. Kernan repeatedly kicked Bissett in the face and head about 20 times, attempted strangulation, and dragged her back to the caravan after she had fled. He also demanded sex and threatened to "finish her off" if she sought help. Bissett suffered severe facial swelling, a cut lip, a wrist fracture and required 14 sutures. Kernan pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 4 September 2016. In a victim impact statement, Bissett described ongoing fear and physical scars. Kernan's defence highlighted no prior violent convictions and claimed the incident was isolated, citing a history of abuse and post‑traumatic stress. The court imposed the sentence as stated.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Glen Campbell, 42, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 16‑year‑old girl in her home on 18 April 2015. He had previously denied two counts of assault, one in 2013 and the other in 2015, and was acquitted of the 2013 offence. The court noted that Campbell had been known to the victim and had frequent access to her home, and that he had abused her without warning by grabbing her waist and fondling her genitals. Judge Cormac Quinn imposed a headline sentence of three years' imprisonment but fully suspended a two‑year term, citing Campbell's cognitive difficulties, the death of his mother, remorse, and lack of prior convictions. Campbell will remain under Probation Service supervision for two years and must comply with all directions, including offence‑focused work to reduce re‑offending.
In 2019 a 41‑year‑old man, Andrius Lipinskas, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for violently raping a woman in her home nine years earlier. The court heard that the attack lasted about 20 minutes, during which Lipinskas repeatedly punched the victim, threatened to kill her, and orally raped her three times. The assault ended when the victim bit his penis and pushed him back. Lipinskas had previously been convicted of murder in 1998 and was given a suspended period of two and a half years on the condition that he leave the state upon release. The victim, aged in her 30s, gave a victim impact statement describing the lasting trauma and the change in her sense of safety. The trial lasted 12 days and the jury returned a unanimous guilty verdict after three hours of deliberation. Andrius Lipinskas pleaded not guilty.
A 50‑year‑old woman, Grace Miano, was found unfit to stand trial for the murder of 27‑year‑old Limbani "Robert" Mzoma, a Malawian national, who was killed on 1 November 2018 at Miano's home in Foxrock, Dublin. Miano, originally from Kenya, has schizophrenia and was admitted to the Central Mental Hospital (CMH) on 15 November 2018 after earlier treatment at Tallaght Hospital in July 2017. Two forensic psychiatrists, Dr Ronan Mullaney and Dr Paul O'Connell, examined her and reported that she suffers from schizoaffective disorder and paranoid schizophrenia, with persistent auditory hallucinations, delusional beliefs and poor insight. They concluded she could not plead, instruct counsel or form a proper defence. Judge Eileen Creedon therefore committed Miano to the CMH until 20 June, ordering a further psychiatric assessment by an approved medical officer.
Alan Wilson, aged 40, was charged at the Special Criminal Court with three counts of attempted murder for a shooting at The Players Lounge pub on 26 July 2010, targeting Brian Masterson, Wayne Barrett and Austin Purcell. He was also charged with possession of a .38 Special Smith & Wesson revolver and a .32 Auto Zastava pistol, and with possession of .38 and .32 ammunition, all with intent to endanger life. Wilson denied any involvement in these allegations. Earlier, he had pleaded guilty to a murder plot involving Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. The DPP directed that Wilson be tried for the attempted murder offences in the non‑jury court. Wilson was granted legal aid, appeared in court wearing a blue jacket and jeans, and was remanded in custody until 29 July when a book of evidence is to be served.
A man from Dublin, whose name is withheld to protect the child's anonymity, was sentenced to 11 years in prison for raping his daughter, who was nine when the first assault occurred. He pleaded guilty to nine counts of rape spanning from October 2011 to April 2017. The daughter, who was 14 at the time of the last assault, testified that the rapes happened twice a week and that she was too frightened to report them. She described her father as controlling and said she did not understand the wrongness of the acts until she grew older. The defendant claimed the daughter had initiated the sexual activity and denied providing pregnancy test kits. The judge reduced the headline sentence from 15 to 13 years, suspended two years on the condition of sex‑offender treatment, and imposed an 11‑year custodial term.
A man convicted of indecently assaulting a fourteen-year-old babysitter in Ballyshannon in 1980 has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal, claiming the jury was pressurised into returning a guilty verdict. Patrick Patton, aged 65, of Cashelard, Ballyshannon, pleaded not guilty to three counts of indecent assault. A jury at Donegal Circuit Criminal Court unanimously acquitted him on two counts but returned a ten-two majority guilty verdict on the first count following a four-day trial. He was sentenced to fourteen months imprisonment in April 2019. His barrister argued the jury was pressurised to continue deliberating on a Friday evening when severe weather warnings were in place and despite jurors appearing ready to leave. The trial judge had instructed them to persevere on the disputed count after they had already acquitted on the other charges. The Director of Public Prosecutions' counsel contended the jury had not expressed concern and the weather argument remained speculative. Judgement has been reserved.
Bogdan Timorte, 37, was jailed for eight years after a late‑night street attack on a woman on Parnell Street. A resident recorded the assault on his phone and called Gardaí, who later used CCTV footage to identify Timorte. The victim, intoxicated, described being in fear for her life during an "extremely violent" attack, sustaining injuries to her head, neck, shoulders, knees and bottom. Timorte pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault on 9 October 2017. Mr Justice Michael White set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to nine years, and suspended the final year on the condition of sex‑offender treatment. The sentence was back‑dated to the date of the attack, as Timorte had been in custody since then. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing her fear, depression and post‑traumatic stress disorder. The case highlighted the victim's loss of safety and the offender's remorse.
A 12‑year‑old girl told the court she wants her cousin, a 22‑year‑old man, to be named in the case because she believes he is in the wrong. Prosecutor Alice Fawsitt informed the judge that the DPP advised that naming him would not be in the child's best interest, citing potential complications and the small community context. The man pleaded guilty to six charges, including rape, oral rape, anal rape and sexual assault, committed between 2011 and 2016. He was remanded in custody and a substantial custodial element was anticipated. The judge acknowledged the girl's anger and courage but declined to name the accused, citing a duty to protect the injured party's identity. The mother delivered a victim impact statement describing the abuse, its effects on the family, and her daughter's ongoing trauma. The defendant's defence highlighted remorse and a willingness to engage in treatment. The case remains pending sentencing.
Susan McNeill, 33, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing drugs for sale or supply after a raid uncovered over €1.3 million worth of cannabis and cocaine in her flat. The drugs were estimated at €1,352,798, with almost 60,000 g of cannabis and 2,100 g of cocaine seized. McNeill admitted she had been pressured by a neighbour, who had a key to her flat, to store the drugs and that she had been under peer pressure. She cooperated with Gardaí, revealing cash and an encrypted phone. Judge Pauline Codd found McNeill vulnerable due to past physical and emotional violence in a relationship and her role as sole carer for a son with vulnerabilities. She was given a suspended nine‑year prison sentence, conditional on keeping the peace and following Probation Services for five years.
During sentencing at the Central Criminal Court, 23‑year‑old Dylan Higgins read a victim impact statement after Anthony Moynihan pleaded guilty to two counts of anal rape and two counts of sexual assault. Higgins, who was 11 and 12 at the time, described how Moynihan lured him to his home, offered cigarettes, and raped him twice between 2006 and 2008. He recounted the first assault, the disposal of his blood‑stained underwear, and the second assault where Moynihan pretended to apply cream before raping him. Higgins urged other abuse victims to come forward, saying it may save lives, and expressed relief that Moynihan had pleaded guilty. The judge remanded Moynihan on continuing bail and adjourned sentencing to June 21, noting his medical reports on cancer treatment for consideration before any custodial decision.
In the trial for the murder of 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel, the father of one of the accused boys, aged 14, testified that his son was "not capable of doing anything like that" and that the boy had lied to Gardaí and his parents out of fear of his co‑accused. He described how his son was seen with Ana on the day she disappeared, how the boy later claimed he was afraid of Boy A and that he would not speak to adults for fear of being punished. The father also recounted attempts to get his son to recall details of the night, noting the boy's reluctance and lack of trust. He added that his son had made weapons such as a bow and arrow and that the boy was arrested and held overnight for questioning. The prosecution's evidence was completed, the defence did not call witnesses, and the jury will return on Thursday. The unnamed 14-year-old pleaded not guilty.
In a Dublin laneway on 9 October 2017, Bogdan Timorte (37) attacked an intoxicated woman, putting his arm around her and later choking her. The victim, who had been drinking, screamed for help; a nearby resident recorded the assault and alerted Gardaí. Gardaí arrived about 15 minutes after the call, found Timorte on top of the woman, and physically removed him. Timorte was arrested but too intoxicated for immediate interview. He pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault. The court heard the victim's impact statement, detailing injuries, fear, and post‑traumatic stress. Timorte, a Romanian father of three, has been in custody since the offence. The judge adjourned finalisation to the following week, noting the victim's courage and the long‑term effects of the assault.
A 21‑year‑old man, Adam Nolan, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of his mother's partner, Bryan Cassidy, 52, on 7 February 2018. Nolan had been admitted to Tallaght Hospital after a visit to A&E where he said he had to kill the man. He was diagnosed with drug‑induced psychosis, sent home, and advised to seek treatment for drug misuse. Two weeks later he stabbed Cassidy to death. The Central Criminal Court heard that the original diagnosis was later replaced with schizophrenia, a condition for which Nolan had a genetic vulnerability. During the trial, forensic psychiatrists testified that Nolan was acutely psychotic at the time of the killing and that he had homicidal ideations. The jury, after 27 minutes of deliberation, returned a unanimous verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Nolan was committed to the Central Mental Hospital for treatment.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a 65‑year‑old man was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment for sexually abusing his partner's granddaughter between 2009 and 2013. He pleaded guilty to six counts of sexual assault. The judge noted aggravating factors including the victim's age, the man's abuse of a position of trust, his coercion of the girl to promise not to speak, and the impact on the victim. Mitigating factors cited were the man's age, lack of prior convictions, his guilty plea, admissions, and a psychological report indicating extremely low cognitive function. The final 18 months of the sentence were suspended on the condition that he keep the peace, behave well, and comply with Probation Service directions for 18 months after release.
In a High Court hearing, lawyers for a convicted child rapist argued that rape victims could be prosecuted if they reveal their own identity. The case concerns a 41‑year‑old Wicklow man convicted in March of repeated sexual attacks on a child who was about nine at the time. He pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault between 1987 and 1989, and was sentenced to seven years by Mr Justice Micheal White, who also imposed an order preventing publication of either party's identity. The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) now seeks to lift the victim's anonymity so the abuser can be named. Defence counsel argues there is no legal basis for removing anonymity, citing the 1981 (Rape) Act's provisions that protect complainants from identification. The court will issue a written judgment on June 28 after receiving submissions from both sides.
In a Dublin murder trial, Adam Nolan, aged 21, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for stabbing Bryan Cassidy, 52, to death on 7 February 2018. The prosecution argued that Nolan, who had previously been taken to A&E after claiming he had to kill his stepfather, was diagnosed with drug‑induced psychosis and later schizophrenia. Nolan had a history of illicit drug use, including cannabis from age 15, and had been treated for drug misuse. He was found at the scene, covered in blood, and behaved erratically, claiming voices told him to kill the deceased. A forensic psychiatrist testified that Nolan was genetically vulnerable to schizophrenia and that his delusions prevented him from understanding the wrongfulness of his act. The case is before Justice Eileen Creedon and a jury of twelve.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a minor witness, referred to as Boy B, claimed that his co‑accused, Boy A, was attempting to set him up for the murder of 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel. Boy B described seeing Boy A place Ana in a headlock and attempt to force her to the ground, while Ana fought back by punching and kicking Boy A's arms and legs. Another child witness recalled that Boy A was "agitated and fidgety" after Ana's disappearance, whereas Boy B appeared calm. Both accused boys, aged 14, have pleaded not guilty to the murder and to Boy A's additional charge of aggravated sexual assault. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Paul McDermott, continues with a jury of eight men and four women. The court heard five child witnesses in total.
Gangland criminal Alan Wilson, aged 39, pleaded guilty before the Special Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017. Wilson admitted that he and Joseph Kelly, Liam Brannigan, Luke Wilson and others had planned the murder at a State location. The court, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Martin Nolan and Patricia Ryan, remanded Wilson in custody until 15 July, when he will be sentenced together with Kelly. Wilson's co‑accused, Joseph Kelly (35), also admitted conspiracy to murder Hanley and pleaded guilty to possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017. Luke Wilson (23) had previously been sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta handgun with intent to endanger life on the same date. Liam Brannigan (37) remains charged with conspiracy to murder Hanley, with a trial set for 7 October.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, a Moldovan national, Constantin Cobzac, aged 25, received a two‑and‑a‑half‑year suspended sentence for sexually assaulting a woman at a Dublin house on 2 July 2018. The woman, who was in the kitchen when Cobzac attempted to kiss her, repeatedly told him "no" and pushed him away. After her friends left, he followed her to a bedroom, closed the door, lifted her onto the bed, and removed her trousers belt while lying on top of her. The incident lasted up to ten seconds. Cobzac pleaded guilty, admitted he was drunk, and claimed the woman had asked for a hug. He expressed remorse and cooperated with the investigation. Judge Melanie Greally, noting his lack of prior convictions and his cooperation, suspended the sentence on strict conditions, including 12 months of probation supervision and completion of one‑to‑one work to address his offending behaviour.
Slawomir Gierlowski, a 34‑year‑old Polish roofer, was found guilty of sexual assault, attempted rape and assault causing harm for an attack that took place on 18 December 2010. The victim was walking home from a night out when Gierlowski followed her into a courtyard, pushed her to the ground, punched her, choked her, touched her genitals, attempted to rape her but was not erect, and ejaculated on her skirt. DNA from the victim's skirt matched a profile taken from Gierlowski in 2016, linking him to the 2010 incident and to earlier assaults in Clondalkin. A jury of three women and nine men returned unanimous guilty verdicts after just under three hours of deliberation. Gierlowski was remanded in custody pending a sentence hearing on 23 July. The trial also addressed a request to remove his name from the internet, which the judge denied. The case was heard in the Central Criminal Court. Slawomir Gierlowski pleaded not guilty.
Inga Ozolina, 48, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after stabbing her boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, to death in their home on 20 November 2016. The Central Criminal Court heard that Pukas, 40, died from a stab wound to the chest and two other knife wounds. Ozolina had previously obtained safety orders against Pukas, which had lapsed. She claimed the attack was a self‑defence incident, stating that Pukas had pulled her hair, pushed her, and bitten her, and that she grabbed a kitchen knife to defend herself. The jury considered photographs of her injuries, including bite marks, and CCTV footage of her entering a Garda station in a dressing gown. After 12 hours of deliberation, the jury returned a 10‑2 majority verdict of not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, and Ozolina was remanded for sentencing on 1 July.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, a copybook found in the home of one of the 14‑year‑old boys accused of murdering 14‑year‑old Anastasia Kriegel was presented. The book, titled "Drawing," contained a "Satanic pledge drawing," pentagrams, and a list of names that included the two accused. Rules in the book forbade speaking of Jesus or God, allowed only pledge hosts to give pledges, and instructed members to act normally. Boy A, also charged with aggravated sexual assault, pleaded not guilty to both counts. Boy B was interviewed by Garda Donal Daly, who explained the book's contents and his reference to a "satanist" homework club. Daly denied that Garda procedures were disingenuous and stated that Boy B was given opportunities to speak truthfully. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women.
A 21‑year‑old man, Adam Nolan of Burgh an Ri Walk, Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of Bryan Cassidy, 52, on 7 February 2018 at the same address. He stood in a navy suit and tie when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court. The judge, Justice Michael White, noted the plea was a special matter and that the trial would be brief. A jury of twelve was sworn in; Sergeant Declan O'Sullivan and two forensic psychiatrists were to give evidence.
In May 2019, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old, told Gardaí that his co‑accused, Boy A, had said he was planning to kill Ana Kriegel, a 14‑year‑old schoolgirl. Boy B claimed he did not believe Boy A was serious and did not know what Boy A intended to do. He also admitted lying to Gardaí about Ana's disappearance because he feared being framed by Boy A. Both boys are minors and have pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ana Kriegel at Glenwood House, Lucan, and Boy A has also pleaded not guilty to an aggravated sexual assault charge. Gardaí have reviewed 16 hours of Boy B's interviews, during which he described seeing Boy A wearing gloves, a mask and other items, and witnessing Boy A "flip" Ana and choke her while removing her clothes.
In the murder trial of Inga Ozolina, a 48‑year‑old woman from Latvia living in Mountrath, Co. Laois, the jury resumed deliberations on the fourth day. Ozolina, mother of two, is charged with stabbing her boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, to death in their Tipperary home on 20 November 2016. She pleaded not guilty, arguing self‑defence, accidental injury, or lack of intent. The prosecution, led by Paul Murray SC, maintained that the three knife wounds could not be accidental and that self‑defence was not applicable. The defense, represented by Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to consider the three grounds of acquittal. Judge Alexander Owens offered a third option: not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter if the jury found excessive self‑defence. The jury spent nearly nine and a half hours deliberating before returning to the courtroom on Wednesday morning. The trial continues.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010, will continue deliberating tomorrow. The accused denies the attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm charges. The trial, which lasted eleven days, included evidence that the accused's DNA matched semen found on the complainant's skirt. Defence counsel Orla Crowe SC told the jury that while the prosecution could not prove the woman was attacked, they could not prove the accused was the attacker. She argued the prosecution had failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the jury should not fill gaps with speculation. No fingerprints of the accused were found on seized clothing. Mr Justice Michael White, after 1 hour 40 minutes of deliberations, instructed the jury to suspend and sent them home for the night. The unnamed 34-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Dubliner Sean Carroll (35) pleaded guilty to two charges of attempted robbery at St Stephen's Green West on June 23, 2017, and a separate offence of assault causing harm outside a pub in Kilmacud, south Dublin on February 19, 2017. The charges were admitted, and Carroll was sentenced at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Greally imposed concurrent four-year sentences for each robbery, which were suspended on the condition that Carroll engage in offence and victim awareness work with the Probation Service. For the assault charge, a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence was imposed and suspended on the condition that he keep the peace for that period. The court heard that Carroll had a history of drug abuse involving cocaine and heroin at the time of the offences but has since made significant improvements in his life, including completing residential drug treatment and living in accommodation under the Peter McVerry Trust. The matter was adjourned following the sentence.
James Broderick, 45, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm after punching his supervisor at Cleveland Cable Company in Finglas on 10 October 2016. The supervisor suffered a fractured jaw and a black eye but did not file a victim impact report. Broderick, who lives in Markievicz House, claimed he had been treated unfairly by the supervisor before the incident. The court noted that hostilities had been brewing for days. Broderick had 37 prior convictions, mainly for public order offences, and had voluntarily met with Gardaí. He was sentenced by Judge Cormac Quinn to a headline term of two years, reduced to 12 months suspended for two years. He must pay €3,000 to the victim within four months, comply with Probation Services for 12 months, and keep the peace for two years.
In a Tipperary murder trial, a jury will resume deliberations after a six‑and‑a‑half‑hour session. The defendant, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, is charged with stabbing her boyfriend, 40‑year‑old Audrius Pukas, to death on 20 November 2016. Ozolina pleaded not guilty, arguing self‑defence and that Pukas may have approached the knife during a fight. Her solicitor, Caroline Biggs SC, urged the jury to consider whether the fatal wound could reasonably have resulted from Pukas moving toward the knife, whether Ozolina acted in justifiable self‑defence, or whether she lacked intent to kill. Prosecutor Paul Murray SC insisted the wounds were not accidental and that Ozolina had the knife to an unarmed, drunken man. Justice Alexander Owens offered a third verdict option: not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter if the jury found excessive self‑defence. The jury will reconvene tomorrow morning to continue their deliberations.
In the trial of a 34‑year‑old Dublin resident accused of attempting to rape a woman on December 18, 2010, the jury is set to begin deliberations tomorrow. The accused denies all charges of attempted rape, sexual assault and assault causing harm. Prosecutor Anne Rowland SC presented evidence suggesting the attacker was Polish, citing the complainant's change in demeanor when speaking Polish, a pierced eyebrow, a height of about 6ft, balding, and DNA matching semen found on the woman's skirt. CCTV footage and a co‑worker's testimony about the accused's scooter use were also introduced. Defence counsel Orla Crowe SC argued the prosecution had not proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, noting no fingerprints of the accused on seized clothing and that the client denied the allegations. Mr Justice Michael White announced the charge would commence tomorrow morning.
In a two‑week trial at the Central Criminal Court, Kerry farmer Michael Ferris, aged 64, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter for the death of neighbour Anthony O'Mahony, aged 73, after Ferris drove the prongs of a teleporter into O'Mahony's car on 4 April 2017. The jury, 10 to 2, accepted that the attack was deliberate and caused catastrophic injuries. Justice Carmel Stewart sentenced Ferris to six years' imprisonment, with the final year suspended, and backdated the sentence to the day of the offence. The Director of Public Prosecutions has applied for a review, arguing the sentence was "unduly lenient", and the Court of Appeal has set a hearing for 2 December. Ferris's defence lawyer, Brendan Grehan SC, expressed remorse and cited cumulative provocation by O'Mahony. The O'Mahony family, represented by his niece Ann O'Carroll, has expressed that the outcome was insufficient and that a murder conviction would have been appropriate.
In 2018, a 74‑year‑old unnamed man was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for 17 counts of indecent assault and two counts of sexual assault against his son between 1981 and 1992. The sentence included a final three years and three months suspended, and the man was offered €10,000 restitution, which he accepted. The Court of Appeal, after an appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions, found the original nine‑month jail term "unduly lenient" and increased the custodial period to two years. The appeal court noted that the abuse occurred in various parts of the family home and at the man's workplace, involved masturbation, oral sex, rubbing from the waist down, and an attempted anal penetration that stopped when the victim complained of soreness. The victim, who became depressed at age 21 and was hospitalised, eventually disclosed the abuse to the Gardaí. The unnamed 74-year-old pleaded guilty.
Shauna Culligan and Nicola Culligan were sentenced in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaults committed outside SuperValu, Balally shopping centre, on November 18, 2016. Shauna Culligan pleaded guilty to assault and assault causing harm, while Nicola Culligan pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on the same occasion. Judge Melanie Greally described the incident as an "extremely nasty incident of violence" arising from considerable hostility between the parties. The court heard that the injured party was assaulted in front of her baby son, an aggravating factor noted by the judge. Both defendants received 12-month probation bonds. Nicola Culligan was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of two years' imprisonment. Shauna Culligan was ordered to complete 200 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months' imprisonment. Both sisters were directed to engage in offence-focused and victim-focused work as directed by Probation Services and to undergo anger management awareness and intervention training. The judge credited their early guilty pleas, their status as mothers of young children, and their difficult childhoods. Nicola Culligan has minor convictions for road offences, while Shauna Culligan has no previous convictions. The matter was finalised with these sentences.
In a 2019 case, a 41‑year‑old Wicklow man was convicted of repeated sexual attacks on a victim who was nine when the first assault occurred. The man pleaded not guilty to four counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault between 1987 and 1989, and was sentenced to seven years. During the trial, Mr Justice Michael White ordered that the identities of both parties remain unpublished, a request made by the Director of Public Prosecutions. The 1981 Rape Act prohibits publishing the identity of a man accused of rape until conviction and also protects the complainant's anonymity. After the conviction, the victim asked a reporter to name the offender, prompting the State to bring the matter back to court.
During the Central Criminal Court hearing, Boy B, a 14‑year‑old, told Gardaí that he witnessed his co‑accused, Boy A, raping Ana Kriegel, the 14‑year‑old schoolgirl who was murdered. Boy B said he fled when he realised what was happening. Both boys, who are minors, have pleaded not guilty to the murder. Boy A is also charged with aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence. The jury, composed of eight men and four women, has been viewing video footage of Boy B's interviews from July 2018. In the second interview, Boy B described entering the abandoned house, observing the interior, and then seeing Boy A and Ana in a room where Boy A allegedly choked Ana while removing her clothing. Boy B claimed he ran away after witnessing the assault. The trial is proceeding before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
In a non‑jury Special Criminal Court hearing, Joseph Kelly, aged 35, pleaded guilty to conspiring to murder Gary Hanley between 15 September and 6 November 2017, together with Alan Wilson, Liam Brannigan, Luke Wilson and others. He also admitted possession of a 9mm Beretta pistol with intent to endanger life on 6 November 2017 at Philipsburgh Avenue, Marino. The court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt with Judges Patricia Ryan and Ann Ryan, read the indictment and Kelly answered "guilty" to both counts. A governor's report was ordered for Kelly. He was remanded in custody until 8 July, when sentencing will occur. Luke Wilson, aged 23, had earlier been sentenced to 11 years for unlawful possession of a Beretta and a six‑year concurrent term for the same conspiracy. Alan Wilson (39) and Liam Brannigan (37) face charges of conspiring to murder Hanley, with a trial set for 7 October.
A 35‑year‑old electrician, Sean Nolan, was arrested on 22 October 2018 after the discovery of his partner, 32‑year‑old Amanda Carroll, dead at her home in Cabra, Dublin. He was charged with her murder and remanded in custody following his appearance at Dublin District Court on 23 October. In the Central Criminal Court, Mr Justice Michael White set 13 July 2020 as the trial date, expecting a two‑week hearing. Nolan did not attend the court session that morning and was remanded in custody until the trial.