In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing, Thomas McMahon, 35, pleaded guilty to exposure on a Dublin bus in Crumlin on 28 June 2017. He claimed he had been urinating when the bus jerked forward, pushing him toward a female passenger. Judge Melanie Greally noted the offence appeared not to be for sexual gratification but occurred while McMahon was inebriated and in need of "relieving himself." She considered his long‑standing drug and alcohol addictions, mental health history, and his remorse. The judge imposed a one‑year sentence, suspended for 12 months on strict conditions. McMahon was identified by CCTV, arrested, and cooperated with the investigation. He has ten previous convictions for District Court offences such as public order and assault. The victim described the incident as "the scariest thing that had happened me on a bus" and took two days off work, with no lasting impact reported.
Michelle Ruth, 40, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for assaulting a shop worker at Londis, O'Connell Street, Dublin on 8 November 2015. She pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The offence involved Ruth throwing boiling water and a jar of powdered chocolate at the female staff member, causing her severe facial injury and shock. Ruth has 158 prior convictions, mainly shoplifting and public order offences, and several for assault, robbery, criminal damage and knife possession. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a three‑year sentence but suspended the final 18 months, conditional on Ruth keeping the peace, behaving well and following Probation Service directions for 18 months after release. The judge described the act as an "extremely serious offence of wanton violence" and noted Ruth's remorse and engagement with drug services. The victim's impact statement was not read in court. The case was prosecuted by Elva Duffy BL and defended by Luigi Rea BL.
A 46‑year‑old former journalist from Sierra Leone, Mercy Peters, was found not guilty by reason of insanity for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate Tyrone McKenna on 17 July 2014 in Marlay Court, Rathfarnham. Peters claimed voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. Both had a history of mental health problems and had met in a psychiatric ward in 2010. McKenna was discovered dead on the stairs by his father, Tom McKenna, who called an ambulance. A post‑mortem found a stab wound to the trunk that collapsed his left lung and injured his left kidney, with a contributory left forearm wound. In court, Peters behaved erratically, spoke of spirits and claimed self‑defence. Two psychiatrists testified that she was suffering from schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and did not understand the wrongfulness of her act. The prosecution argued she had killed McKenna, while the defence highlighted her mental illness and medication lapse.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, originally from Latvia, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 40‑year‑old boyfriend Audrius Pukas, who died on 20 November 2016 at The Malthouse, Roscrea. The prosecution alleged a "tempestuous and volatile" relationship and that there was no self‑defence. Ozolina was described as panicky and frantic when she arrived at Roscrea Garda Station at 2.30 am, wearing a bathrobe and slippers, and claimed she had stabbed Pukas. Garda evidence noted her injuries – a bite mark on her left arm, bruising on her left breast and dried blood on both knees – and that she had asked for an ambulance. Earlier police visits in 2016 and 2013 involved domestic incidents with Pukas. The case is set to continue before Mr Justice Alexander Owens and a jury.
Schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel, 14, was found dead at Glenwood House in Lucan on 14 May 2018. The body lay on her back with a blue tape noose around her neck, which she appeared to be pulling away. The tape, identified as Tescon insulation tape, was wrapped once around her neck and knotted. Blood‑stained timber, a concrete block, and various clothing items were recovered from the scene, including a black hoodie, leggings, and boots. The accused, two 14‑year‑olds, pleaded not guilty to murder and to an aggravated sexual assault charge. The jury viewed the scene, a 3‑D reconstruction, and forensic evidence, while the trial proceeded before Justice Paul McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women. The case remains at the Central Criminal Court stage.
Mansoor Uddin, a 41‑year‑old taxi driver from Castleway, Adamstown, Lucan, pleaded guilty in February 2019 to sexual assault on three young women who had ridden in his taxi between January and February 2016. The court heard that a psychological report required for his bail conditions had not been completed, leading to a second adjournment. Uddin's licence was revoked after his guilty plea, and he was not permitted to work as a taxi driver since November of the previous year. His bail conditions included a curfew and a rule that any single passenger must sit in the back of the vehicle. The judge remanded him on continuing bail until 20 May to allow for the psychological assessment. The case remains at the hearing stage, with no sentencing or further legal outcome reported in the article.
A 46‑year‑old woman, Mercy Peters, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court for the murder of her 42‑year‑old flatmate, Tyrone McKenna, who was stabbed to death on 17 July 2014 in their South Dublin home. Peters pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming that voices in her head compelled her to stab McKenna. The trial, which began on 7 May 2019, is a two‑day hearing before a jury of eight men and two women. Testimony from Sergeant David Bunn and psychiatric experts, including Professor Aiden Corvin and Dr Sally Linehan, details Peters' history of schizophrenia and a severe episode at the time of the offence, during which she reportedly heard her dead mother's voice urging her to act. The court has not yet delivered a verdict, and the case remains before Mr Justice Michael White.
During the trial, one of the two 14‑year‑old boys who denies murdering schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel told a Garda that he believed the injuries the other accused claimed were inflicted by older boys were actually caused by Ana. The court heard that the boy, while giving DNA swabs, said Ana had put her hand across his shoulder and chest and that this might be helpful. Both boys, whose names cannot be disclosed because they are minors, pleaded not guilty to murder and to the aggravated sexual assault charge. The prosecution presented evidence that the boys were seen with Ana on the day she went missing and that one boy was beaten by two older youths in a local park. The trial continues before a jury and a judge.
Leon O Brien, 22, was sentenced to three years and nine months for dangerous driving, endangerment and possession of 240 g of cannabis, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions. He drove a black Skoda Octavia, pulled a handbrake turn near a Garda checkpoint, and crashed into a Fingal County Council van on Hearse Road. Garda Neil Cotter reported that O Brien fled the vehicle, was found under his father's mobile home in a caravan park with a hand injury from broken glass, and possessed over €1,400 of cannabis. O Brien claimed he was speeding because his girlfriend was in labour, a claim accepted by the court. The van driver, Philip Daly, suffered severe back pain and a spinal collar was applied. Judge Melanie Greally noted O Brien's remorse, limited violence history and the impact on Daly's life, and imposed supervision by the Probation Service for 12 months. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Joseph Dillon, 32, of Ballymun, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm at his home on 9 February 2018 after his girlfriend was "poked" on Facebook by another man. Dillon told her to delete the man and threatened her, then struck her, knocking her to the ground, kicking her in the face and ribs, punching her repeatedly, spitting at her and calling her a tramp. He had previously hit her once, prompting her to leave for a day before returning. In court she described fractured ribs, soft‑tissue damage to her right eye and bruises all over her body, saying the assault lasted hours and she feared for her life. Dillon had no prior convictions, had sole custody of his son, and the child's mother had died in 2009. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to two and a half years, suspended the final six months, and back‑dated the sentence to 27 November, the date he first entered custody.
A 43-year-old man has been jailed for three years for the repeated rape of his sister in the early 1990s. The man, who cannot be named to protect his sister's anonymity, was around 16 at the time of the offences and was in charge of babysitting his younger sister, then aged 10 or 11. At a trial at the Central Criminal Court in March, the man denied four charges of anal rape, one of oral rape, and one of sexual assault at the family home on dates between May 1991 and June 1993. He was convicted on all charges by unanimous verdict of the jury. Michael O'Higgins SC, defending, stated that the man accepted the jury's verdict but made no admissions to the crimes. The court heard that the victim secretly recorded a family meeting at which she confronted her brother about raping her when they were children. Excerpts of her phone recording were played to the jury during the trial, in which he expressed apologies to his sister but did not make specific admissions. Ms Justice Tara Burns noted that the accused man had 'accepted wrongdoing of some sexual nature' but did not follow through with an admission of guilt. She set a headline sentence of nine years for the anal rapes and eight years for the oral rape. Taking into account the fact that the accused was aged 16 at the time of the offences, she reduced the headline sentences to five years for the anal rapes, four years for the oral rape, and two years for the sexual assault charge. Ms Justice Burns then suspended the final two years of each sentence, outlining further mitigating factors including the man's strong work history, his significant involvement with the GAA, and his 'impressive' character references. The judge remarked that it was 'heart-breaking' to watch the mother of both the accused and the complainant 'literally crumble' as she gave her evidence. The victim described how she had tried to resolve the issue within the family for nearly three years before going to gardaí. She said all she had wanted was an acknowledgment from her brother of his wrongdoing, but that he had chosen to put his family on the witness stand in court. The woman thanked her husband, family, gardaí, the prosecution team, and judge and jury for believing in her and helping her find the strength to get through the trial. She paid special tribute to the Victim Support at Court team for providing a 'haven' where 'nobody judges you.'
During the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys charged with murdering Anastasia Kriegel, park ranger Norman Macken testified that on the day of her disappearance he heard a man banging on the ranger hut. The man claimed his son had been "jumped on" in the woods by "big fellas". Macken approached the boy, who appeared disheveled, with blood on his fingers and clothes, and described him as looking "like a rabbit caught in the headlights". The boy, about 16, did not engage with Macken and was later seen shaking. Macken noted the boy's father said he was capable of self‑defence. The testimony was given to the Central Criminal Court as part of the ongoing proceedings against the two accused boys, who have pleaded not guilty to murder and an aggravated sexual assault charge. The trial is before Mr Justice Paul McDermott with a jury of eight men and four women.
During the trial of two 14‑year‑old boys charged with the murder of Anastasia Kriegel, a dog walker named Gerard Redmond testified that he saw a schoolboy make a direct, 45‑degree turn from a low embankment into a ditch and then head straight toward the abandoned Glenwood House where Ana's body was found. Redmond described the boy's path as a "beeline" and suggested the boy was simply taking a shortcut home. A child witness also reported seeing Ana and one of the boys walking together in a nearby park, laughing and joking. Additional witnesses described the boy's injuries and alleged that he had been attacked by two people in the park. The court continued the hearing with a judge's order restricting reporting to a single media outlet. The trial proceeded before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury. Glenwood House pleaded not guilty.
During the 2019 murder trial of Inga Ozolina, the prosecution presented evidence that Garda Sergeant Tony Hanrahan found the body of Audrius Pukas, 43, lying on his back in a downstairs bedroom of The Malthouse, Roscrea, on 20 November 2016. Hanrahan reported that Pukas was wearing only underwear, had no pulse, and was still warm, with blood around his left armpit and on the bed sheets. He also noted blood on Ozolina's calf. Paramedic Ronan Wall corroborated the lack of pulse and the left‑armpit wound. CCTV footage showed Ozolina arriving at Roscrea Garda Station at 2.30 am, wearing a bathrobe and slippers, then driving to The Malthouse where she was later arrested at 3.43 am. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, continued with a jury of twelve. The prosecution argued there was no self‑defence and that the relationship was volatile and violent. Ozolina pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court decision on 3 May 2019, Mr Justice Michael McGrath quashed a Tusla decision that a teenage boy should not be placed in a special care unit. The boy's mother had challenged the Special Care Referral Committee's March and April refusals to seek a court order that would have placed the teen in special care. The court found that the committee had no material to justify its refusal and that the boy's vulnerability and history of violent incidents while under drugs made him a risk to his own health, safety and welfare. The court noted that the boy had previously been subject to a special care order and had received several placements. The mother's application for declarations that the decisions were irrational, unreasonable and breached the teenager's constitutional rights was granted. The case will return for final orders later this month.
A 70-year-old man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victim, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for the sexual abuse of his step-daughter, which began before her First Holy Communion. The man was convicted by a jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of 72 counts of indecent assault, which occurred between October 31, 1973, and August 24, 1979. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the severe psychological impact on the victim, who stated in a victim impact statement that the abuse had taken away her childhood and left her scarred forever. The judge imposed consecutive sentences of 14 years on a number of counts before setting a final sentence of ten years. She acknowledged the man's good work history and family life in recent years as mitigating factors. The abuse, which included multiple forms of sexual contact, ended when the victim was around 13 years old. The accused was in a long-term relationship with the victim's mother and was effectively her step-father. His only other previous convictions are for drunk driving.
In a trial at the Central Criminal Court, two fourteen‑year‑old boys are charged with murdering Kildare schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel and, for one, with aggravated sexual assault. Both pleaded not guilty. Judge Paul McDermott, presiding over the case, ordered that no media reporting of evidence be allowed until the trial concludes. He reminded the jury that they must base their verdict solely on what they hear in court, ignoring any external coverage. The judge also announced that the restriction on reporting would remain in force until the trial ends or a further order is made. The proceedings continue with Mr Justice McDermott and a jury of eight men and four women. The accused cannot be named due to their minor status. The trial is ongoing.
A High Court judge ordered the extradition of Roy Norman Kenyon, who fled to Ireland after serving 31 years for a 1971 murder committed when he was 16. Kenyon, now 64, had lived in Ireland under the alias Alan McPherson for 15 years before being arrested in Eyeries, Co. Cork, on 2 May 2018. Justice Aileen Donnelly rejected Kenyon's objections and ordered his surrender to UK authorities within 25 days. The court noted that Kenyon had been released on parole in the 1980s and would now serve an indeterminate sentence if returned. Counsel for Kenyon argued he posed no risk to society, citing his long period of liberty and lack of evidence of danger. The judge emphasized that his continued detention in the UK was due to parole hearings assessing public risk, and that extradition complied with his rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
A 22‑year‑old man, Dean Donovan, brandished a machete at a Garda while fleeing a shop robbery with his uncle, Jonathan Donovan (33). The robbery took place at a Spar shop on Martin's Road, Chapelizod, on 8 April 2018, where they stole €305 in cash. Dean produced the machete as Garda James Keogh approached, forcing the officer to step back. Both men were pursued, arrested, and later pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Dean admitted robbery and possession of a machete; Jonathan pleaded guilty to driving without insurance. Dean also pleaded guilty to six burglary counts from 2015 and 2018, while Jonathan had 83 prior convictions, including a suspended six‑year sentence for assault. The court adjourned finalisation to consider various reports. The article details the escape, arrest, and the men's prior criminal histories.
The trial of two 14-year-old boys, referred to as Boy A and Boy B, charged with the murder of Anastasia Kriegel at Glenwood House in Lucan on 14 May last year, is ongoing before the Central Criminal Court. Both accused have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. Boy A additionally faces a charge of aggravated sexual assault involving serious violence, to which he also pleaded not guilty. Gardai testified that the boys provided conflicting accounts of their last meeting with the victim. Boy A alleged he declined Ana's romantic interest and was subsequently assaulted by two unidentified males, claiming injuries to his right hand and leg. Boy B stated he had 'no clue' what happened to her after she appeared upset following her interaction with Boy A. Detective Sergeant John O'Keefe noted discrepancies between the boys' statements, while Sergeant Aonghus Hussey described observing confusion and inconsistent movements during a re-enactment at St Catherine's Park. The court heard that Boy A used his left hand to initial his statement due to a right-hand injury. The matter was adjourned and is scheduled to continue on Friday morning before Mr Justice Paul McDermott and a jury.
An alleged IRA member, Seamus Marley, aged 45, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for raping two teenage boys in County Louth during the early 1990s. The Central Criminal Court found him guilty on six counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape after a six‑day trial. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a seven‑year term for the rape of the younger victim and a six‑year term for the older victim, with both sentences running concurrently, giving an effective custodial period of seven years. The judge also ordered Marley to refrain from any contact with the victims or their families and to comply with post‑release supervision. No part of the sentence was suspended, and the judge noted that Marley had no prior convictions and had not shown any attempt at rehabilitation. The case highlighted the alleged use of his republican connections to silence the victims. Seamus Marley pleaded not guilty.
A 22‑year‑old Dublin man avoided jail after pleading guilty to sexual defilement of a 15‑year‑old girl he knew from a residential care home. The girl, still in care at the time, left her care workers without permission, travelled on a Luas tram into town and met the man, who was 18 when they first met. They went to a city park, chatted and "ended up having sexual intercourse with each other", according to the court. Gardaí visited the man's house and he admitted he knew the girl was below the age of sexual consent. He had 64 prior convictions, including assault, burglary and firearms offences. Judge Karen O'Connor suspended a two‑year prison sentence, requiring the man to keep the peace, engage in victim‑awareness and offence‑focused work with the Probation Service, and imposed the custodial sentence if any conditions were breached.
Anastasia Kriegel, 14, vanished on 14 May after leaving home with a boy she had known. Her father, Patric Kriegel, says he saw her walk away with the boy, now identified as Boy B, at about 5 pm, before her phone last connected to her mother's office at 5:32 pm. The State claims she was dead by that time. The trial, held at the Central Criminal Court, is the second day of proceedings against two 14‑year‑olds charged with her murder. Both accused, who cannot be named, pleaded not guilty. Boy A is also charged with aggravated sexual assault. The prosecution alleges the boys lured Ana to a derelict farmhouse where she was murdered. The case remains at the trial stage, with no verdict yet.
Keelan Hand, 28, of Cyprus Grove, Birr, was placed on a 12‑month probation bond after pleading guilty to assault causing harm on 26 August 2016. The assault occurred when Hand punched a victim in the face over an alleged drug debt of €8,200. The victim withdrew his complaint, but the DPP proceeded. Judge Melanie Greally noted Hand's strong links to the criminal community and his history of addiction, mental health issues and a difficult family background. She ordered Hand to undergo probation supervision, comply with his officer's recommendations, have no contact with criminal associates, and submit to urine analysis and updated probation and psychiatric reports. Hand's 26 previous convictions include assault, drug and firearms offences, criminal damage and public order. The court adjourned the case to April next year, warning that compliance must be absolute to avoid custodial sentencing.
Rasvan Stefanescu, 33, of Richmond Avenue, Fairview, Dublin, was jailed for two years after assaulting a man with a hammer, breaking the victim's arm. The incident occurred after a party at his then partner's house. The next day Stefanescu met the victim by chance, threatened him, and followed him to a car park where he struck the victim's back and attempted a head blow. The victim defended himself, but the hammer hit his arm, fracturing a forearm bone. The victim was out of work for two months and suffered a substantial loss of income, though he fully recovered from his injuries. Stefanescu pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on 14 July 2014. Judge Melanie Greally suspended the final 18 months of a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, ordered a €3,100 compensation payment, and noted that Stefanescu had no prior violent convictions, was in stable employment, and had adopted a responsible fatherhood attitude.
Two 14‑year‑old boys are on trial in Dublin for the murder of 14‑year‑old Ana Kriegel. Prosecutor Brendan Grehan told the jury that one boy lured Ana from her home to a derelict farmhouse, where he watched the other boy sexually assault and kill her. The accused boy is also charged with aggravated sexual assault. Evidence presented included a zombie‑type mask in his backpack, male DNA on Ana's neck and semen in the murder scene, and a ligature tape matching the one found on her neck. The prosecution argued that the boy had planned the murder, lured Ana to the farmhouse, and then watched the assault and killing. Ana's body was found on 17 May, naked except for socks, with severe head and neck injuries. The trial is ongoing and the boys have pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 48‑year‑old Inga Ozolina, originally from Latvia, pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 43‑year‑old boyfriend, Audrius Pukas, who was stabbed in the chest on 20 November 2016 at The Malthouse, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. Prosecutor Paul Murray SC described their relationship as "tempestuous and volatile" and "violent at times", arguing there was no self‑defence. Gardaí arrived at the Roscrea apartment early on the night of the murder and found Pukas dead. A post‑mortem revealed three knife wounds: a fatal left‑chest wound that pierced the lung, heart, aortic valve, left pulmonary artery and aorta to a depth of 25.5 cm, a second 13‑cm wound on the right upper arm, and a superficial left‑chest abrasion.
The jury in the Central Criminal Court trial of Patrick Quirke, a farmer aged 50 from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, is set to return for an eighth day of deliberations. Quirke denies murdering Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr. Moonlight, who disappeared on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. Ryan's body was discovered 22 months later in an underground run‑off tank on a farm owned by Lowry and leased by Quirke at Fawnagown, Tipperary. The trial, lasting 13 weeks, included closing speeches from defence and prosecution barristers. The prosecution alleges Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, aged 52. The defence contends the prosecution has not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and seeks Quirke's acquittal. Justice Eileen Creedon instructed the jury to avoid emotional influence and to treat circumstantial evidence carefully. The jury's verdict remains pending. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.
A former garda has failed in his appeal against a two-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting a sleeping woman at a Mayo hotel in July 2015. The 37-year-old man pleaded guilty to the offence at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court after initially maintaining his innocence. He was subsequently dismissed from An Garda Síochána following his guilty plea. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence today, with Ms Justice Marie Baker finding the sentencing judge's approach sound. The original sentence was based on a four-year headline term with a 50 per cent reduction applied for mitigating factors including the man's prior good character and expressions of remorse. Ms Justice Baker stated the discount was appropriate and potentially "generous". She noted the gravity of the offence and the late guilty plea justified a custodial sentence without suspension. The three-judge court found no error in principle and dismissed the appeal. The unnamed 37-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Maurice Lafferty, 50, of Corcullen, Castlefin, Donegal, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to raping his daughter, Annie Lafferty, at their home between November 1, 2010, and June 30, 2011. The court heard that Lafferty, a father of six, committed the offences while his wife was away from the home four nights a week. Prosecution evidence detailed that Lafferty coerced his then-seventeen-year-old daughter, pinning her down and threatening her with the removal of her younger siblings if she reported the abuse. He allegedly raped her weekly during this period. Mr Justice Alex Owens described Lafferty as a violent and controlling man, noting that his attacks were coercive and depraved. The judge rejected Lafferty's apology as insincere and noted a probation report indicating he blamed intoxication and his daughter for the crimes. Lafferty was assessed as a moderate risk of re-offending. He was sentenced to eleven years' imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered that he stay away from any activity involving children upon his release. In mitigation, defence counsel Anne Rowland SC cited Lafferty's heavy drinking, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and financial difficulties regarding his home. The victim, now 25, waived her anonymity and stated that her father's actions left permanent scars.
Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, is on trial for the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight. Ryan vanished on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. His body was discovered in an underground run‑off tank on Lowry's farm, leased by Quirke, 22 months later in April 2013. Quirke pleaded not guilty. The trial, lasting 13 weeks, concluded with closing speeches from defence and prosecution barristers. The prosecution alleges Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, aged 52. The defence argues the prosecution has not proved the case beyond reasonable doubt and seeks Quirke's acquittal. Justice Eileen Creedon instructed the jury to avoid emotional influence and to handle circumstantial evidence carefully. The jury will return tomorrow for a sixth day of deliberations after more than 14 hours of discussion.
Two fourteen‑year‑old boys, whose names are withheld because they are minors, are set to go on trial for the murder of Kildare schoolgirl Anastasia Kriegel. The boys pleaded not guilty to the murder charge and one also pleaded not guilty to a separate charge of sexually assaulting the victim with serious violence. The body of Ms Kriegel was found at a derelict house in County Dublin on 17 May, three days after she was reported missing. The alleged killings took place at Glenwood House, Laraghcon, Clonee Road, Lucan on 14 May. Judge Paul McDermott swore in a jury of eight men and four women, stressing the need for an independent assessment and warning that the evidence could be upsetting. The trial is expected to last about six weeks.
The Central Criminal Court has scheduled a trial for June 10, 2020, in the case of Richard Burke, who faces a charge of murder in connection with the death of Jasmine McMonagle. Ms McMonagle, aged 28, was discovered deceased at her residence in Forest Park, Killygordon, County Donegal, on January 4. Burke, also aged 27 and from the same address, was brought before Sligo District Court on January 5 and charged with murder contrary to common law. At a hearing before Mr Justice Michael White in Dublin, the court was informed the trial is expected to extend over three weeks. Burke remains remanded in custody pending trial.
A jury of seven men and five women was sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of Inga Ozolina, a 45‑year‑old Latvian woman, accused of murdering Lithuanian man Audrius Pukas, 43, at The Malthouse, Roscrea, on 20 November 2016. Ozolina, who now lives and works in Mountrath, Co. Laois, pleaded not guilty. Her trial will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Alexander Owens at 11 a.m.
Seamus Marley, 45, pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to charges of sexual assault and anally raping two teenage boys in County Louth in the early 1990s. After a six‑day trial, the jury found him guilty on six counts of sexual assault and two counts of rape. The case centred on a large home owned by a "dedicated republican" that was used as a "safe house" for IRA volunteers. Marley was described by a character reference from his pastor as an "excellent Christian" with a "charitable spirit". The older victim reported being groped and anally raped by Marley, who warned him not to speak of the abuse. The younger victim described repeated groping, forced masturbation and an anally rape in a tent near the house. Marley had no prior convictions. The judge remanded him in custody and adjourned sentencing for the following Thursday.
The jury in the trial of Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, has been sent home for the weekend and will return for a fifth day of deliberations on Monday. Quirke is charged with murdering Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ who disappeared on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. Ryan's body was found 22 months later in an underground run‑off tank on a farm owned by Lowry and leased by Quirke at Fawnagown, Tipperary. The prosecution alleges Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, aged 52, while the defence argues the prosecution has not proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and seeks acquittal. The jury, composed of six men and six women, has deliberated about 11 hours and faces two verdict options: guilty of murder or not guilty. Justice Eileen Creedon released the jury for the weekend, instructing them to return at 11 a.m.
Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, is on trial for the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight. Ryan vanished on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. His body was discovered in an underground run‑off tank on Lowry's farm, leased by Quirke, 22 months later in April 2013. Quirke pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, aged 52, while the defence argues the evidence does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury, composed of six men and six women, has deliberated for seven hours and 23 minutes and will resume on Friday at 11 a.m. They must decide between a guilty or not‑guilty verdict. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon cautioned the jury to avoid emotional bias and to handle circumstantial evidence carefully. The trial is held in the Central Criminal Court.
Patrick Quirke, a 50‑year‑old farmer from Breanshamore, Co. Tipperary, is on trial for the murder of Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight. Ryan disappeared on 3 June 2011 after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home. His body was discovered in an underground run‑off tank on Lowry's farm, leased by Quirke, 22 months later in April 2013. Quirke pleaded not guilty. The prosecution alleges he killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, while the defence argues the evidence does not prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The jury, composed of six men and six women, resumed deliberations on Wednesday, having already spent over three and a half hours. They will reconvene on Thursday at 11 a.m. The only verdicts available are guilty of murder or not guilty. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon reminded the jury to base their decision on evidence, not emotion.
In the trial of 50‑year‑old farmer Patrick Quirke, the jury paused their deliberations for the night and will resume on Wednesday morning. Quirke is charged with murdering Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight, and hiding his body in an underground tank on a farm leased by Quirke. Ryan disappeared on 3 June 2011 and his body was found 22 months later in April 2013. The prosecution alleges Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Mary Lowry, 52, and that the discovery of the body was staged. The jury was instructed by Justice Eileen Creedon to consider circumstantial evidence carefully, to maintain the presumption of innocence, and to reach a unanimous verdict unless a majority of ten jurors could be justified. The defence argues the evidence is insufficient, citing inconsistencies in Lowry's testimony, alleged financial difficulties, and investigative shortcomings. The jury must decide between a guilty or not‑guilty verdict. Patrick Quirke pleaded not guilty.
At the Central Criminal Court, defence counsel Bernard Condon SC characterised Mary Lowry's evidence as fundamentally unreliable during closing arguments in the trial of Patrick Quirke, accused of murdering Bobby Ryan, known as Mr Moonlight. Mr Quirke, aged 50, of Breanshamore, County Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Mr Ryan, a part-time DJ, who disappeared on 3 June 2011 from Ms Lowry's home near Bundoran, Donegal. His remains were discovered in an underground tank on farmland at Fawnagowan 22 months later. Mr Condon submitted that Ms Lowry had altered her account of events between her initial 2011 statement to gardaí and her later testimony, particularly regarding observations she made on the morning of Mr Ryan's disappearance. He contended that she had demonstrated a pattern of inconsistency about the Bundoran incident and other matters, describing her as manipulative. The defence case proceeded that evidence of the former relationship between Ms Lowry and Mr Quirke, whilst complex, did not constitute evidence of murder. The trial continues before Ms Justice Eileen Creedon.
In the Central Criminal Court, the State's prosecution argued that Patrick Quirke, 50, committed a "callous, calculated, controlled murder" of Bobby Ryan, a part‑time DJ known as Mr Moonlight, on 3 June 2011. Ryan vanished after leaving his girlfriend Mary Lowry's home at 6.30 am; his body was discovered 22 months later in an underground run‑off tank on Lowry's farm, leased by Quirke. The prosecution alleged Quirke killed Ryan to rekindle an affair with Lowry, citing motive, financial pressure, and Quirke's possession of knowledge about the tank. They dismissed suicide, accident and other theories, insisting the evidence pointed to murder. Quirke pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel Bernard Condon countered that the prosecution's evidence was thin, largely circumstantial, and urged the jury to remain skeptical of Lowry's testimony and the alleged motive. The trial focused on the facts presented, with no verdict yet reached.
A judge ordered a consultant psychiatrist and a clinical psychologist to prepare reports on a 16‑year‑old boy who tried to murder a 25‑year‑old woman he met on the Whisper app. The boy, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Ms Ng on 23 December 2017 at Sea Front, Queen's Road, Dun Laoghaire. He met her in person, suggested a selfie by the water's edge, then grabbed her from behind, choked her to unconsciousness and slashed her neck with a knife. Gardai found a book of drawings in his bedroom, including a sketch of a person being cut and the words "serial killer." Ms Ng gave an emotional victim impact statement at the sentencing hearing. The court directed the reports to be prepared by experts nominated by Prof Kennedy and submitted by 9 May, and remanded the teenager in custody until that date.
A 42‑year‑old Dublin man was sentenced to five years' imprisonment for child pornography offences and for sexually abusing a young boy. He pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault, sexual exploitation and producing child pornography between 2011 and 2013, and to possession of child pornography for distribution in 2006 and possession of child porn images, videos, texts and documents in 2013. Gardaí seized over 55,000 images, more than 6,000 videos and almost 4,500 text files from the man's computer, external hard drive and mobile phone. The court heard that some 13,000 images depicted children, mostly pre‑teenagers, in sexual activity with adults, and that 19 videos showed extreme child abuse, including victims as young as five months. The man had previously been convicted in 2006 of sexual assault of a child and received a suspended sentence.
A man found guilty of shooting his wife dead in an act of gross negligence has lost an appeal against his conviction and sentence. Oliver Kierans (60) of Drumbannon, Bailieborough in Cavan, had pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to murdering Patricia Kierans (54), his wife of 33 years, at his home address on September 5th, 2013. He was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by a majority jury verdict following fifteen hours of deliberations. Kierans was also found guilty of possessing a double barrel sawn-off shotgun and possessing the weapon with intent to endanger life. Patricia Kierans died from a shotgun wound to the chest after being shot at a range of about 1.2 metres or 4 feet, in the close confines of a bedroom in Kierans' home. Kierans contended that he had picked up the firearm with the intention of taking his own life but the shotgun discharged in the direction of his wife. After the shooting, Kierans went to The Square bar in Bailieborough where a 'siege' took place. Garda Thomas Fay, who had known Kierans for almost 30 years, went into the bar to talk to him. However, CCTV footage from inside the pub showed Kierans pointing the shotgun at the garda. Kierans pulled the trigger, but the gun did not go off. CCTV showed him looking at the gun quizzically afterwards. The situation came to an end when Kierans eventually left the pub with Garda Fay. Kierans was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for his wife's manslaughter, eight years for possession of the shotgun and 12 years for pointing the gun at Garda Fay by Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly on April 20, 2015. All sentences were to run concurrently. Upholding his conviction and sentence today, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said Kierans had picked up the shotgun to show his wife he would kill himself. However, the gun discharged due to 'unexpected movement'. Mr Justice McCarthy said the trial judge correctly instructed the jury with regards to intent and the particular circumstances of the case. He said the court rejected Kierans' appeal against conviction. In relation to sentence, Kierans' barrister, Paul Greene SC, submitted that the Central Criminal Court judge ought to have afforded more credit for Kierans' personal circumstances. However, Mr Justice McCarthy said the judge expressly took account of Kierans' family situation and his previous good character. He said the aggravating factors were significant. Kierans reloaded the shotgun after the homicide and went to a public place. Mr Justice McCarthy said Ireland had the 'privilege of having an unarmed police force' and Kierans put Garda Fay 'in fear of his life'. Mr Justice McCarthy, who sat with President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham and Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, said the sentences were within range and the appeal was accordingly dismissed.
Jason Farrell, 26, of Finglas, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assaulting James McDonagh with intent to cause serious bodily harm and producing a 12-inch kitchen knife on February 2, 2018. The court heard that Farrell entered The Auld Triangle pub armed with two knives, including a 14-inch blade, before being ejected by a group of men. Garda Sergeant Ken Houlahan testified that he witnessed the melee and arrested Farrell after he refused to drop the weapons. Judge Pauline Codd noted that while Farrell intended to assault Mr. McDonagh, the intervention of others prevented him from using the knives. The judge acknowledged Farrell's 30 previous convictions, including assaults and robbery, but accepted his early guilty plea and his recent efforts to remain drug-free and complete job training. She imposed a three-year sentence, with the final two-and-a-half years suspended. The suspension is conditional on Farrell attending all Probation Service appointments and engaging in victim and offence-focused work. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
In 2017, Keith Hearne, aged 30, was sentenced to 12 years for raping Dominique Meehan at the ArcadeCon gaming convention. Hearne pleaded guilty to two counts of rape, one count of oral rape and one count of false imprisonment. The sentencing judge, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, noted the seriousness of the offence and the evidence of sadomasochistic items found at the scene. Hearne's defence argued that his psychiatric history – Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, dyslexia and bipolar disorder – and lack of prior convictions should have been considered as mitigating factors. The Court of Appeal heard that only one mitigating circumstance had been considered. The DPP maintained the sentence was proper and proportionate to the heinous nature of the crime. Meehan, 27, expressed relief at the sentence but said it was too light and that her life had changed dramatically since the assault.
In a violent incident on 2 July 2016, 21‑year‑old Nathan Benson attacked Cormac Doyle outside the "District 8" nightclub on Francis Street, Dublin, punching and head‑butting him and stealing his iPhone. Doyle pursued Benson, who fled down Bridgefoot Street into a crime scene being preserved by Garda Derek Tubridy. Benson ran under the tape, was stopped, and after a brief apology and a blood‑stained appearance, he was searched and found with three mobile phones, including Doyle's. He became aggressive, attempted to assault the garda, and was forcibly arrested. In court, Benson pleaded guilty to robbery on Thomas Street, Dublin 8. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final 12 months on the condition of good behaviour and compliance with the Probation Service for 12 months. The judge noted the lasting impact of Benson's "thuggish behaviour" on the victim, who had temporarily left the country out of fear.
Barry O'Donoghue, 38, of Drimnagh, was convicted by a jury at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm and for threatening to kill his former partner on 20 and 21 October 2016. Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced him to five and a half years for the threat to kill and three years for the assault, with both sentences running concurrently. The final six months of the sentence were suspended for a 12‑month period post‑release, conditional on good behaviour, compliance with the Probation Service, and participation in anger‑management. The judge also ordered O'Donoghue to have no contact with the victim except through solicitors. The court heard that O'Donoghue had kicked the woman in the face, threatened her with a bread knife, and told her "tonight was her execution." The victim suffered eye surgery and facial nerve damage and expressed fear of revenge. O'Donoghue had no prior convictions.
Two men, Colin Casey (32) and Daniel Hegarty (24), were jailed for assisting the murder of Aidan "The Beast" O'Driscoll, who was shot on Cork's Old Commons Road in December 2016. Casey was sentenced to four years and six months, Hegarty to four years, both sentences running concurrently. They pleaded guilty to four counts each of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of O'Driscoll's killers. Casey supplied the alleged gunmen with vehicles and acted as a support driver; Hegarty transported and concealed a bag linked to the killers and set fire to a motorbike and a red Opel Astra. A third man, Eoin Morrissey (19), pleaded guilty to two counts of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the killers and was given a suspended sentence of two years, with a probation report to be finalised in October. The Special Criminal Court, presided over by Justice Tony Hunt, found the defendants' assistance to be substantial and proximate to the murder.
An appeal has led to an increased prison sentence for Donal O'Hara, who was involved in a violent attack led by Dessie O'Hare. O'Hara, 27, of Glin Park, Coolock, pleaded guilty to assaulting John Roche, causing him harm, and falsely imprisoning Martin Byrne on June 9, 2015. He was initially sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final year suspended on July 31, 2018. However, the Court of Appeal found the sentence 'unduly lenient' and re-sentenced O'Hara to four years imprisonment with the final year suspended, increasing his jail term by 12 months. Dessie O'Hare, 62, of Slate Rock Road, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was jailed for seven years. Daniel Kane, 29, of Hollycourt, Ballybrack, County Dublin, pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final year suspended on April 27, 2018. Hannover Street West, also pleaded guilty to the same offences and was sentenced to six years imprisonment on January 29, 2018. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions, who argued that the original sentence was too lenient given the severity of the offences and the context of the attack.