The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of familial sexual abuse continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs. The complainant, a deaf woman, gave evidence via videolink regarding Accused C, her 34-year-old brother, who is accused of 45 counts of rape and anal rape over a 12-year period. She alleged he raped her when she was 20 and described another incident where he held her mouth while she slept. Accused C denies all charges, which also include sexual assault and rape of two other sisters. The other six accused are her uncles and brothers. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, faces one count of rape; Accused B, 48, faces eight counts including oral rape; and Accused G, 45, faces one count of rape. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused F, also 32, denied five counts of rape and anal rape. All defendants deny the allegations. The trial, set for four months, involves an extended panel of 15 jurors and uses interpreters and an intermediary to assist the complainant.
A man who admitted to killing but denied murdering his relative with a submachine gun was not found to be suffering from a mental disorder, according to the prosecution. Christopher Devine (44) pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder in the 2022 shooting of Michael Tormey (49) in his front garden. The prosecution argued that the killing was murder and that the accused was under the influence of cocaine, not suffering from a mental disorder. Evidence suggested that Devine had consumed significant quantities of cocaine before the incident. The prosecution will call two psychiatrists as expert witnesses, with one claiming that Devine had a substance-induced psychotic disorder and the other stating that he met the criteria for cocaine intoxication. The trial will continue with the jury considering the issue of diminished responsibility.
A 25-year-old man, Thomas Osborne, has been jailed for nine years for subjecting a 12-year-old girl to a 'deeply traumatic series of sexual assaults' over a two-month period. Osborne, who pleaded guilty to oral rape, five counts of sexual assault, and inviting the girl to touch his penis, took advantage of being alone with the child and repeatedly assaulted her. The Central Criminal Court heard that the girl, who is entitled to anonymity, gave an articulate and moving account of the harm inflicted on her. Judge Paul McDermott highlighted the breach of trust involved in the repeated offending by a much older man and noted that Osborne had told the girl what he was doing was illegal and not to tell anyone. The judge set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to nine years, taking into account Osborne's guilty pleas, remorse, and lack of prior convictions.
A 44-year-old man, Christopher Devine, who admits to killing a man in west Dublin nearly four years ago but denies murder, will go on trial at the Central Criminal Court. Devine is charged with the murder of Michael Tormey (49) at Thomond Road in Ballyfermot on January 9, 2022. When arraigned before the court, Devine pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The plea was not accepted by the Director of Public Prosecutions, and a jury was sworn to hear the trial. The trial will begin tomorrow morning and is expected to last two weeks. The court heard that Devine had admitted to killing Tormey but denied that it was murder, leading to the trial to determine the charge. The case will be heard before Ms Justice Melanie Greally, who will oversee the proceedings.
Max Corcoran, a 22-year-old high-risk offender, was jailed for three and a half years after slashing a fellow hostel resident while he was sleeping, causing significant facial scarring. Corcoran pleaded guilty to assault causing serious harm in May 2022. The victim, who was homeless, was attacked with a trowel and a Stanley knife, sustaining multiple cuts to his head, face, hands, and arms. He required plastic surgery and has significant scarring. Corcoran initially denied involvement but later admitted to stabbing the victim, claiming he was provoked. He has 17 previous convictions, including assault, criminal damage, and drug offences. A probation report indicated he is at high risk of re-offending. Judge Martin Nolan noted the severity of the attack and the fact that Corcoran had already spent 13 months in custody, imposing a four-and-a-half-year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions.
At the Central Criminal Court trial of seven family members accused of sexually abusing a deaf woman, the complainant testified that Accused G, her 45-year-old uncle, raped her when she was seven. Accused G denies this single count of rape alleged to have occurred between 1996 and 1997. The trial involves six other men, including three uncles and four brothers, who face a total of 98 counts of sexual abuse spanning 1996 to 2013. All defendants deny the charges. Accused A, 55, faces one count of rape. Accused B, 48, is accused of eight counts involving rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C, 34, faces 45 counts against the complainant and additional charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault, rape, and anal rape. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape. Accused F, 32, denied three counts of anal rape and two counts of rape. The complainant gave evidence via videolink with interpreters and an intermediary. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs noted clarifications from monitoring teams regarding interpretation accuracy. The trial continues before a 15-juror panel.
A 57-year-old convicted child sex offender failed to have his 11-year sentence reduced on appeal for raping and abusing his niece over a five-year period. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of anal rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2008 and 2013 when the victim was aged seven to 13. The man has 12 previous convictions, including a three-year sentence for sexual assault. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to 11 years in prison in 2023, with post-release supervision for seven years. The man appealed, arguing the sentence was excessive, but Mr Justice Brian O'Moore dismissed the appeal, noting the severity of the offences and the breach of trust. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma caused by the abuse.
George Hackett, a 39-year-old man with over 200 previous convictions, had his six-year jail sentence reduced to four years and six months on appeal. Hackett was found guilty of burglary and two attempted theft charges after breaking into a house and stealing a Revolut card. During the burglary, he threatened to use a knife when restrained by a neighbor. The Court of Appeal noted that the original sentence was too harsh and that Hackett's rehabilitation efforts should have been considered. The court acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the burglary at a dwelling and the threat of violence, but also recognized Hackett's willingness to engage in rehabilitation. The new sentence includes six months suspended, and Hackett is encouraged to seek help to break the cycle of criminality.
Ronaldo Lupo (24) of Rusheeney Avenue, Clonsilla, has been jailed for an additional four months for his role in a fraud conspiracy involving falsely posing as driver theory test candidates. Lupo pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy between September 2018 and June 2022. He was previously jailed for two years and nine months for assaulting two women at a party. The court heard that Lupo sat 10 driver theory tests and was paid €250 each time, totaling €2,500. The fraud involved 124 tests, with all accused being from eastern Europe. A person would pay €2,000–€2,500 for a test to be taken on their behalf, with a false Romanian identity document presented. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Lupo was part of a group exploiting others to pass their driving tests. The judge said Lupo would serve an additional four months in prison, extending his sentence. Defence counsel Oisin Clarke BL said Lupo expressed remorse for his actions.
A man with an intellectual disability has been jailed for seven years for the historical rape and aggravated sexual abuse of a seven-year-old boy between June 1994 and August 1995 in Co Meath. The now 73-year-old man pleaded guilty to two counts of anal rape and two counts of aggravated sexual assault. The court heard that the defendant would isolate the young child and use a penknife to force him to rub his genital area. The offending escalated in 1995, with the defendant bringing the boy to an isolated area and anally raping him. The victim impact statement described the lasting trauma of the abuse, affecting the victim's education, trust in others, and parenting abilities. The judge acknowledged the courage of the complainant for coming forward and noted that the defendant had insight into his offending. The judge sentenced him to eight years imprisonment, with the final year suspended for three years, and ordered post-release supervision. The defendant was placed on the sex offenders' register.
The High Court has ordered the surrender of James Meehan to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ruled there was no basis to refuse the extradition, which was sought under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. Meehan, 56, was arrested by gardai in August following warrants issued after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while on day release in December 2024. He was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 14 years to be served, for the murder of Jim McFadden in May 2007. A second warrant seeks to prosecute him in Northern Ireland for being unlawfully at large, an offence carrying a potential sentence of up to two years. Meehan will remain on bail while arrangements are made for his surrender. Defence counsel Brian Storan BL had requested a delay to allow authorities to consider transferring his sentence to the Republic, noting Meehan's 2017 application was withdrawn by Northern Ireland authorities in 2022. However, the judge rejected the argument that Meehan could unilaterally initiate a transfer. Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago after being described as unlawfully at large.
A bench warrant has been issued for Barry Moore, the alleged victim in the trial of four men accused of assaulting and falsely imprisoning him in a Dublin house. The men, including Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons, are charged with false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in a criminal organization. The prosecution case relies heavily on Moore's testimony, which has not been presented in court. The Special Criminal Court granted the application for a bench warrant after Moore failed to appear. The trial has been advanced quickly, and the court is concerned about the lack of progress without Moore's attendance. The court has adjourned the matter for a week to allow for further preparation. The case involves the production of a branding stamp, an axe, and a steel bar during the assault. The court emphasized the importance of proceeding with the trial and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Sean McGovern has been granted legal aid to cover a team of four barristers in his trial for murder and directing a criminal organization. The Special Criminal Court approved the application after the State did not make any observations. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates, faces charges related to the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization. The court noted that the matter was likely to be complex and emphasized the need for the trial to proceed. McGovern's legal team requested the same representation as the Director of Public Prosecutions, which was granted. The court adjourned the matter for mention in the New Year and directed that video link facilities be made available for McGovern. The court previously expressed concerns about the lack of detail in McGovern's application and emphasized the need for due diligence in the use of public funds.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his only brother during a family funeral in Co Kerry. Fergus O'Connor was found guilty of murder by a jury in October, rejecting his claim of self-defence. The court heard that O'Connor had multiple grievances with his 42-year-old brother Paudie, including disputes over money, land, and relationships. Despite the defence's extensive argument for self-defence, the court rejected it. Paudie died from a 17cm stab wound to the chest, which penetrated vital organs. The trial revealed that the men had attended their cousin's funeral and were drinking in Castleisland. A toxicology report showed Paudie's alcohol level was far above the legal limit. O'Connor claimed his brother made remarks about a woman and had acted improperly with his ID. Paudie's partner, Liz O'Donovan, described the impact of his death on her and their children, highlighting his warmth and generosity. The court noted O'Connor's 15 previous convictions, including drink driving.
Conor Rafferty (21), of Castlegrange Close, Clondalkin, received a fully suspended four-year sentence at the sentence stage for assault causing harm to David Druzinec (29). Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring imposed the sentence after Rafferty pleaded guilty to the offence, having previously been acquitted of the murder of Josip Strok (31) by a jury. The judge suspended the sentence in full, imposing conditions that Rafferty must be of good behaviour, follow probation service directions, and attend recommended courses for 12 months. She warned that any breach would trigger the four-year custodial term. The court noted Rafferty was the least culpable of the three accused, acting on misinformation from Mark Lee (44), of no fixed abode, who was convicted of Mr Strok's murder following a trial and is serving a life sentence. Anthony Delappe (19), of Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, was also convicted of the murder and is serving a life sentence. The judge highlighted Rafferty's early guilty plea, remorse, and rehabilitation efforts, including his apprenticeship as an electrician, as mitigating factors. Aggravating factors included the use of a half-crutch and the involvement of multiple assailants. The judge emphasized that Rafferty's actions were driven by a misguided notion of intervening for younger children, rather than shared anti-immigrant views with Lee.
Glen Bride, 32, of Kilbarrick, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to assisting in the transportation and disposal of body parts of murdered teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. The court adjourned the matter to January 26 for sentencing. The DPP entered a nolle prosequi regarding two further charges against Bride involving criminal organisation facilitation and arson. Previously, Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years and Gerard Cruise received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final six months suspended for two years, after both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder. Ged' McKenna was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to assisting in the clean-up of the crime scene. Bride's plea related to actions on January 15, 2020, intended to impede prosecution. The matter remains at the sentencing stage, with the specific date set for January 26.
The jury in the trial of Billy Burns, a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother, has ceased deliberations for the weekend and will reconvene on Monday. Burns has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, who was found dead at her home in 2022. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Burns' treating psychiatrist, Dr. Eugene Morgan, argued that he met the criteria for the special verdict, while Dr. Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, stated that Burns understood the nature of his actions. The prosecution has argued that Burns' violent behavior was not due to mental illness but rather drug and alcohol abuse. The jury can return one of four verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, or not guilty.
A man convicted of sexually assaulting his younger cousin over a four-year period has had his conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal and will face retrial. The 29-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect the complainant, was sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment following conviction on ten counts of sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged assaults occurred during a holiday in Leitrim and subsequently at a Dublin residence between 2007 and 2011, when the complainant was aged six to ten years old. The accused maintained his innocence throughout proceedings. In his judgement, Mr Justice Peter Charleton found that the trial judge's charge to the jury contained problematic language regarding the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. The judge's references to being "fairly sure" and a ruler analogy were deemed to have undermined an otherwise adequate instruction, potentially lowering the threshold for conviction. The Court of Appeal determined the conviction must be set aside. The matter is scheduled for mention at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 28 November 2025.
Anthony Ainscough, an on-bail offender, was given a fully suspended sentence after punching an off-duty garda in a Dublin nightclub. Ainscough pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, which occurred during a confrontation where he believed the garda had spoken to his girlfriend. The incident was captured on CCTV, and the garda required medical treatment for a broken nose and tooth. Ainscough, who has previous convictions and was on bail at the time, was intoxicated and did not know the garda was off-duty. His defense highlighted his remorse, noting he had €10,000 in court as a token of apology and would provide additional funds. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and suspended the sentence, emphasizing the need for him to address his behavior.
Sean McDonald, aged 62, of Tawneymachugh, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to 11 representative counts of rape and sexual assault of a child between 1977 and 1982. The victim, who was aged seven to eleven during the period of abuse, waived her anonymity with the court's agreement. The offences occurred in Glencar, County Leitrim, during family visits when McDonald, then aged fourteen to eighteen, was left to supervise the child. Justice Melanie Greally noted the extreme youth of the victim, the age difference, breach of trust, and the setting within the grandparents' home as aggravating factors. A headline sentence of eighteen years was reduced to seven years to account for McDonald's minority during most of the offending period. The final year was suspended on condition of engagement with offence-focused probation work. The victim reported the abuse to Scottish police in February 2021, leading to gardaí involvement in June 2023.
A man who repeatedly stabbed his friend without any clear reason has been sentenced to three years in prison. Gerard Baird (39) of Kilbarron Road, Coolock, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on October 31, 2021, at an address in Beaumont, Dublin. The incident occurred during a social gathering where both men had consumed alcohol. Baird was leaving the victim's home with a bike and a can of alcohol when the victim noticed he had a knife. Baird called the victim a "rat" and stabbed him multiple times in the stomach, chest, and neck. The victim was seriously injured and required surgery but has since made a full recovery. Baird remained at the scene and called emergency services using the victim's phone. He later told gardai that the victim was stabbed after answering the door. Baird has a long history of criminal convictions, including burglary, assault, and public order offences. The court heard that he has serious alcohol issues and was homeless at the time of the incident.
The Court of Appeal has issued new sentencing guidance for sexual assault offences after finding that the sentence imposed on Gerard Nevin was too lenient. Nevin, 42, pleaded guilty to 22 counts of sexual assault committed between 2012 and June 2020 against his stepdaughters, Catalina Grancea and Alexa Grancea. The charges included 12 counts relating to Catalina Grancea, involving inappropriate touching of her buttocks, breasts, and thigh. In November 2024, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin imposed a global sentence of six years, with the final two years suspended. The State appealed, arguing the reduction from a nine-year headline sentence was excessive and that the suspension lacked evidential basis. Mr Justice Peter Charleton agreed, stating that the six-year sentence does not meet the gravity of the offences, which he described as systematic and calculated. The court noted that without the new guidance, the trial judge's approach was not sufficiently informed. The matter was adjourned to December 4 for re-sentencing in light of the new analysis, which places the offending in the upper range with a recommended headline sentence between nine and 14 years.
A Brazilian man has been jailed for two years after using his skateboard to strike a man outside a chipper in Dublin, causing him a fractured skull and a brain bleed. Aquila Batista (33), who has no fixed address and no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on September 2, 2022. The incident occurred near Parnell Street, Dublin 1, when Batista attempted to engage in conversation with the victim's girlfriend inside the chipper. After she pushed him away, a verbal altercation ensued. Batista later returned on his skateboard and struck the victim on the head. The victim required reconstructive surgery and was left with a permanent facial scar. Batista remained at the scene and was also taken to the hospital for minor cuts. He claimed self-defence during his interview. The court heard that the victim has since moved out of Dublin and has physically recovered, though the attack affected his confidence and mental health. Judge Martin Nolan noted the attack appeared to be motivated by revenge or bad temper.
Ronaldo Lupo, 24, of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm. He pleaded guilty to the charges, which relate to incidents on December 30, 2023, where he allegedly assaulted Abby Tierney and Lauren Boyle-Hanney. The court heard that Lupo was intoxicated and his detention was suspended as he was initially unfit for interview. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, backdated to February 1 last, when Lupo went into custody. The judge noted Lupo's history of similar offending and his lack of self-control, while acknowledging mitigation factors including his guilty pleas, remorse, and medical issues. Lupo has 52 previous convictions, including three for assault causing harm. The victims described feeling terrified and suffering physical and psychological trauma. The matter was finalized with this custodial sentence.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a State appeal against the leniency of the sentence imposed on Ian Doyle, a 34-year-old defendant from Crumlin. Doyle pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a woman causing her harm and threatening to kill or cause serious harm in February 2023. He was on bail for assaulting a different partner at the time. The original sentence, set by Judge Orla Crowe, was three years and six months, with six months suspended, running consecutively to an existing term expiring in April 2026. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, concluded the original sentence was too lenient. The court resentenced Doyle to five years' imprisonment for the two counts, to run concurrently with each other. This new term is consecutive to the sentence Doyle is currently serving for the other matter, as the offences were committed while he was on bail. Mr Justice Owens stated that the five-year term reflects the gravity of the offending and the intimate relationship context, noting it is greater than what would have been imposed had Doyle not been on bail. The court rejected any suspension of the custodial element, citing the seriousness of the assault and the lack of sufficient mitigation.
Conor McGregor has been granted permission to serve legal papers on Sky News for alleged defamation following his civil trial last year, where he was found liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel. At the High Court, Paul O'Higgins SC, representing McGregor, successfully applied to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty to serve plenary summons papers on Sky News UK, Sky News Ltd, and Sky News Ireland. The application was made due to the one-year time limit for defamation cases, which is set to expire on November 22, 2025. O'Higgins stated that a Sky News reporter allegedly called McGregor a rapist during a media scrum outside the Four Courts in Dublin. McGregor was ordered to pay nearly €1.5M in legal costs after the jury awarded Hand almost €250K in damages. McGregor denied the assault and lost his appeal, with new witness evidence withdrawn on the first day of the appeal. He is now awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on whether to hear his appeal.
Career criminal Robert 'Roo' Redmond has lost his appeal against his conviction for the murder of Barry Wolverson. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, dismissed the bid, ruling that there was no risk of contamination to a North Face jacket containing gunshot residue that strongly supported Redmond's position as the shooter. Redmond, of Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, is serving life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of Wolverson, a father-of-eight, at Madigan's Yard, Swords. He had denied the charge. His co-accused, Bernard Fogarty, of Coolock, Dublin 5, was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the same murder. Redmond's legal team argued the jacket evidence should have been excluded due to improper storage by gardaí, claiming potential contamination. However, the court accepted the Director of Public Prosecutions' submission that the contamination argument was speculative. Mr Justice O'Moore noted that forensic evidence indicated the jacket's wearer was the shooter, a finding not directly disputed during cross-examination. The court found no error by the Special Criminal Court and confirmed adequate evidence placed Redmond at the scene. The appeal was dismissed in its entirety.
A 24-year-old man, Valeriu Melnic, has been jailed for eight years for the manslaughter of his sister's partner, Ion Daghi, following a fatal stabbing in Co Kildare in May 2024. Melnic told gardai he was so drunk he couldn't remember the incident, but the court found his self-induced intoxication was an aggravating factor. The jury rejected the defence's claims of intoxication and provocation as mitigating factors, though they found him not guilty of murder. During the trial, evidence showed that Melnic had threatened to kill Mr Daghi before stabbing him in the chest with a kitchen knife. The judge noted that Melnic had armed himself with a knife and initiated the altercation. He also acknowledged the victim's mother's heartrending impact statement, describing the loss as irreplaceable. Melnic had pleaded guilty to manslaughter but not guilty to murder. The judge considered his guilty plea and cooperation with gardai as mitigating factors but noted his lack of insight into his wrongdoing.
A 24-year-old man with a long criminal history was jailed for two years and six months after pleading guilty to money laundering. Eoin Wiley had €41,920 pass through his bank account despite only receiving €120 per week in social welfare. He had 155 previous convictions for various offences, including assault and driving violations. Detective Garda Keith Colman described Wiley as a recidivist offender known to gardai. His bank records showed multiple deposits from unknown third parties, and cash was withdrawn from ATMs. The Department of Social Protection confirmed Wiley received Jobseeker's Allowance and was not employed. Although arrested for money laundering, no evidence emerged during his interview. He was charged and entered a signed plea. His defence highlighted his ADHD diagnosis, drug issues, and family responsibilities. Judge Orla Crowe suspended the final three months of his sentence.
A prosecution counsel has urged the jury to consider whether the accused, Billy Burns, is attempting to 'pull the wool' over their eyes by feigning psychosis to secure a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. In his closing speech, Mr Sean Guerin SC argued that Burns's violent actions towards his mother were driven by drug and alcohol abuse rather than mental illness. He highlighted the lack of evidence supporting Burns's claim of psychosis and pointed out inconsistencies in his statements to psychiatrists. The defense, led by Anthony Sammon SC, countered that the prosecution's psychiatrist did not effectively challenge the defense's expert opinion. The case centers on whether Burns's mental disorder absolves him of criminal responsibility, with the prosecution emphasizing that Burns understood the nature of his actions and was not genuinely suffering from psychosis. The jury must determine if Burns's claim of insanity is a fabrication to avoid conviction. The trial continues with the judge's charge to the jury expected to be delivered tomorrow.
A senior judge at the Central Criminal Court expressed frustration over the State's inability to provide psychiatric assessments for criminal trials, calling it 'completely unacceptable.' The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, highlighted the challenges faced by a father who has attended court over 13 times due to delays in securing a forensic psychiatrist to assess his wife, Ruth Purcell Healy, who is charged with the murder of their six-year-old son. The judge emphasized the importance of psychiatric evaluations in ensuring fair trials and expressed sympathy for the father's ongoing ordeal. Despite efforts by the prosecution to obtain a psychiatric report, the HSE-employed psychiatrists are not legally obligated to provide assessments for criminal cases, leading to significant delays. The judge urged the executive to establish a reliable structure for psychiatric assessments to determine if mental conditions played a role in the alleged offense. The case has been listed for mention on December 3, with the judge noting serious deficiencies in obtaining forensic reports for accused persons over the past two years.
An offender who was on temporary release when he took part in an assault that left the victim with a serious brain injury has been jailed for five years. John Connors (28) of Upper Rathmines Road, Rathmines Co Dublin, pleaded guilty on a trial date to assault causing serious harm to Christopher McDonagh on January 24, 2021. His co-accused, Michael Joyce (28), was previously sentenced to seven and a half years in May 2022. The court heard that gardai arrived at an apartment complex and found Joyce and Connors heading upstairs with blood on Joyce's hands and a cut to his forehead. Inside the apartment, two fire extinguishers and bloodstains were found. Mr McDonagh was discovered in the back garden with a serious head injury and lost 11 teeth. Connors was arrested but initially deemed unfit for interview due to intoxication. He was eventually interviewed four times and commented that the video footage of the assault was 'disgusting'.
Adeleke Adelani, 27, of Riverside View, Lower Main Street, Letterkenny, Co Donegal, has been sentenced to a consecutive 21-month prison term for laundering €100,397 in criminal cash in November 2019 and in January 2020, and for laundering the proceeds of crime on dates between October 2018 and February 2021. Adelani pleaded guilty to these charges. The court heard that €124,000 passed through his bank accounts, with only €3,500 accounted for, primarily from social welfare payments. The State's case is that Adelani was not involved in setting up the invoice redirection scams but was a recruiter for money mule bank accounts to facilitate the thefts. The court heard that the money ended up in the bank account of a 41-year-old Dublin woman who received a suspended prison sentence in March 2022. Adelani admitted to withdrawing cash and purchasing high-value items. Gardai found 50 images of other people's bank accounts on his phone. Adelani has previous convictions for assault, false imprisonment, burglary, and production of an article. He is currently serving a partially suspended seven-year sentence with a release date in November 2029. The judge stated that Adelani was 'up to his neck in money laundering' and that he was procuring bank accounts for substantial rewards. The 21-month sentence will run consecutive to his existing sentence.
Helen O'Leary, 75‑year‑old sister of the deceased Miriam Burns, told the jury that she had spoken to Miriam on the phone three weeks before Miriam's death, saying she would have to let her son Billy "go", but Miriam did not want to hear it. O'Leary described Billy as having a manic episode linked to bipolar disorder at the time of the killing, shouting and talking to himself, and being drug‑addicted. She recalled that Miriam had called her upset, saying Billy had "gone out the door" and was "the worst ever that night". O'Leary also said Billy had called her a "fu**ing bitch" and that his siblings were afraid of him. The trial heard two consultant psychiatrists: Eugene Morgan, who said Billy qualified for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, and Stephen Monks, who said Billy understood the nature of his actions.
Michael Murphy, a solicitor with the Director of Public Prosecutions, brought an equality claim under the Employment Equality Act 1998 alleging discrimination because of his alcoholism. He claimed he was denied the opportunity to prepare murder cases and that his condition was not accommodated. The Workplace Relations Commission, after hearing evidence that Murphy had undergone residential treatment for alcoholism in early 2019 and had disclosed his condition to his line manager, found that his allegations were speculative. The adjudicator noted that Murphy had not formally requested a transfer or accommodation for health reasons and that his claims of unfair treatment were not supported by evidence. Consequently, the WRC rejected Murphy's claim, ruling that he had not been treated less favourably by the DPP. The decision was published on 18 November 2025.
In a Dublin Airport Garda Station incident on 15 October 2022, Stuart Kelly, 36, was found guilty of assaulting two female gardai. He pulled a clump of hair from one garda's head, causing pain and a missing hair strand, and shoved another garda against a wall, resulting in soft‑tissue injuries. Kelly, who had just returned from the UK and was intoxicated, resisted arrest and struggled to be confined. He pleaded guilty to one count of assault causing harm and one count of common assault. The court, noting his prior convictions and the distress he was in, imposed an 18‑month suspended prison sentence with strict conditions. He was directed to pay €800 to the first victim and €200 to the second, or to charity if they declined. The judge praised the gardai for their assistance during the incident.
The Court of Appeal has reduced the jail term for a Limerick man, who was 16 at the time of offending, regarding two separate violent disorder offences. The appellant, who cannot be named due to his age when first appearing in court, had previously been sentenced by Judge Colin Daly to three and a half years for an August 2021 home invasion in Limerick, with the final six months suspended. At that same sitting, he received a consecutive two-year sentence for an August 2023 attack at a filling station, where he pleaded guilty to using a slash hook. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy, ruled that the appellant's status as a minor was a salient mitigating factor. Mr Justice McCarthy found that the sentencing judge erred by setting a headline sentence of seven years. He determined an appropriate headline sentence of three years for both offences, reduced to two years after mitigation. The two-year sentence for the filling station offence was ordered to run consecutively to the other sentence but was suspended for two years, conditional on the applicant entering a bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. Consequently, the court ordered the defendant to serve two years in prison.
An 89-year-old man from Rockfield, Knock, Claremorris, Co Mayo, has been sentenced to three years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for historical sexual abuse of a young child. Pat Salmon pleaded guilty to five counts of sexual assault committed in 1995 when the victim was five years old. Justice Caroline Biggs imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three years to account for mitigating factors including Salmon's guilty plea, advanced age, and medical conditions. The court heard that Salmon, a former healthcare professional and volunteer, had been regarded as a respected community figure. The victim, now an adult, provided a powerful impact statement describing the lasting trauma of the abuse. The judge commended her courage in coming forward, noting that such cases depend on victims' willingness to participate in prosecution.
The Central Criminal Court trial of Billy Burns, 55, who is accused of murdering his mother, Miriam Burns, 75, by reason of insanity, continued before Justice Karen O'Connor. Mr Burns has pleaded not guilty to the charge. State Pathologist Dr Margaret Bolster testified that the deceased died from asphyxia by manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. She reported extensive trauma, including bruises on the head, face, neck, back, and legs, a fractured nasal bone, and bruising consistent with multiple blows. Evidence of petechial haemorrhages and neck bruising indicated manual strangulation, while abrasions suggested defensive injuries or suffocation. Dr Bolster stated that no significant natural illness, drugs, or alcohol contributed to the death. The prosecution alleges the fatal injuries were inflicted on August 12 or 13, 2022, while the body was found on August 15. Defence psychiatrist Eugene Morgan stated Mr Burns meets the criteria for the special verdict due to bipolar affective disorder, whereas prosecution psychiatrist Dr Stephen Monks argued he understood the nature of his actions. The matter is ongoing and has not been finalised.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned Sean McGovern's legal aid application to November 24, stating it remains unsatisfied with the documentation provided. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor emphasized that the court is not a rubber stamp and must exercise due diligence regarding taxpayers' money, noting that instructions received were scant. McGovern, aged 39, with a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin. He also faces charges of directing a criminal organisation in connection with that murder, facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Mr Kirwan, and similar offences related to a conspiracy to murder James Gately and the surveillance of Gately. Counsel Seán Guerin SC argued that the legal team could not travel to Portlaoise to take instructions without legal aid being assigned, claiming the necessary forms were completed. However, the court ordered that further instructions be taken from McGovern. The matter was previously adjourned on several occasions, and McGovern was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face these charges, with his lawyers having previously raised concerns about the legality of his return.
Conor O'Brien, 24, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for his role in the fatal stabbing of Darren Quigley at New Oak Estate, Carlow, on October 21, 2024. O'Brien pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place with the intention of causing injury, contrary to section 9(5) of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990. A co-accused is separately charged with the murder of Mr. Quigley. Mr Justice Paul McDermott described O'Brien as an active participant who helped set up the confrontation, rather than an idle bystander. The judge set a headline sentence of six years but reduced it to four years and six months, taking into account O'Brien's early guilty plea, remorse, and cooperation. The final year of the sentence was suspended for two years, making O'Brien a suitable candidate for probation supervision with family support. A further charge of possessing a metal bar was taken into consideration. The sentence was backdated to October 2024. The court acknowledged the devastating impact on the Quigley family, including two young children who lost their father.
In the Central Criminal Court, Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring sentenced Mark Lee (44) and Anthony Delappe (19) to life imprisonment for the murder of Josip Strok (31) at Grangeview Way, Clondalkin, on April 3, 2024. Both defendants had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The judge stated that Lee acted on weak hearsay evidence that the deceased and his friend, David Druzinec (29), had assaulted a child. Lee was also sentenced to six years for assaulting Mr Druzinec causing him harm, while Delappe received three years for the same offence; these sentences will run concurrently with their life terms. The judge noted that Delappe's offence was not aggravated by hatred and that he was just past his 18th birthday. Connor Rafferty (21), who had pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Druzinec, was found not guilty of murder by a jury last month. Ms Justice Ring will sentence Rafferty for the assault causing harm next week. The court heard that Lee and Delappe struck Mr Strok repeatedly, with Delappe using a plastic pickaxe handle, while Rafferty struck him with a half-crutch. Mr Strok suffered a catastrophic brain injury and never regained consciousness. Ms Justice Ring described the attack as brutal and noted that Lee had made discriminatory online statements prior to the incident.
A Carlow father and son, Michael Slater Senior (61) and Michael Slater Junior (36), have been sentenced for multiple assault charges. Both pleaded guilty to three charges of assault causing harm to three victims at Heatherhill Square on August 28, 2024. Slater Jnr further pleaded guilty to producing a wooden bat and issuing threats to his partner and her sister, and to assault causing harm to his partner on October 21, 2024. Slater Snr received a six-month suspended sentence for an earlier assault, which was backdated to when he was first remanded in custody last November. Judge Eugene O'Kelly imposed a three-year suspended sentence on Slater Snr, taking into account his guilty plea and troubled background. For Slater Jnr, Judge O'Kelly set a headline sentence of four and a half years and a concurrent term of three years and nine months, which was suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was backdated to when Slater Jnr was first remanded in custody last November. The matter was adjourned for the submission of victim impact statements, but none were provided. Both Slaters were described as having a history of violent tendencies, with Slater Jnr having previous convictions for assault causing harm and serious harm. The court heard that the assaults occurred during the wake of Slater Jnr's stillborn child, with the second assault involving the use of a weapon and resulting in the victim requiring surgery to repair a broken jaw. The sentences were described as consecutive, leading to a total of ten and a half years for Slater Jnr, with the final four years suspended on strict conditions.
Ryan Carroll, 29, and two men broke into a man's Dublin home on 9 August 2022 after a littering dispute. They entered the house, shouted "chop his hand off," and used a blade to slash the victim's arm, chest, back, head and hand, cutting three fingers to the tendons. The victim suffered severe lacerations and required surgery. The attackers fled after a neighbour called Gardaí. Carroll, who had 37 prior convictions and was on bail for another offence, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, criminal damage and trespass while armed. He was sentenced by Judge Sinead McMullen to three years' imprisonment, with the court noting the attack was savage, unplanned and grossly disproportionate to the initial altercation. The sentence was imposed today.
In a Dublin nightclub on 17 August 2019, Jason Aquino (29) smashed a pint glass into another man's face during a verbal dispute. The victim suffered serious eye injuries, requiring six days in hospital and ongoing treatment. Aquino was arrested, initially denied the incident, but accepted responsibility after CCTV evidence. He pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, violent disorder and production of an article. The court, hearing the victim's impact statement, imposed a headline sentence of eight years, reduced to four years, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Aquino was ordered to pay €20,000 to the victim within three months. The judge noted Aquino's lack of prior convictions and his remorse, but emphasised the reckless nature of his conduct and the lasting harm to the victim. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the assault and the victim's life‑changing injuries.
Two consultant psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Billy Burns, 55, who killed his mother Miriam Burns, 75, in August 2022, qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr Eugene Morgan, the defence's psychiatrist, testified that Burns was hypomanic at the time of the murder and later deteriorated to mania, with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder. He argued that Burns' mental illness meant he did not understand the nature or wrongness of his actions and could not refrain from them, satisfying the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. In contrast, Dr Stephen Monks, the Director of Public Prosecutions' psychiatrist, concluded that Burns' mania, though present, did not remove his capacity to understand the wrongness of his act and therefore did not support a special verdict. Both doctors were cross‑examined by the defence before Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women.
Nathan Hutch, a 32-year-old appellant and nephew of Gerard "The Monk" Hutch, had his conviction discharged under the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907, following an appeal to the District Court Appeals Court. In the District Court, Hutch had pleaded guilty to intoxication in a public place and was convicted of threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour in a public place. He was originally sentenced to two months consecutive to an existing 18-month sentence for a separate matter. Sergeant Lee Kelly testified that Hutch was observed running from gardai near Talbot Street, Dublin city centre, and was described as "extremely aggressive" while intoxicated. Defence solicitor Andrew Molony argued that Hutch, who has 104 previous convictions, suffers from severe trauma and anxiety following the 2018 murder of his brother, and requested a probation bond to facilitate treatment. Judge Deirdre Browne discharged the conviction under Section 1(1)(ii) of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907. The conditions require Hutch to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years. He must also enter the supervision of probation services for 12 months after his release from custody and abide by their instructions. Judge Browne stated that if there is any breach, Hutch must turn up for conviction and sentence.
Marcus Hannon, 29, of Carlow, pleaded guilty at Carlow Circuit Criminal Court to threatening to kill his sister Lauren Hannon and assaulting her partner Cian Comerford during a family row on 13 March 2024. He doused the three of them in petrol, causing Lauren to swallow some liquid; none sustained injuries. Hannon, previously convicted of violent disorder, criminal damage and production of an article, had been on remand since the offence. He had earlier been acquitted of the manslaughter of his father, Marcus "Murt" Brennan, after a 2018 trial. The court set a headline sentence of five years, reduced to three years and nine months, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions, including 18 months of Probation Service engagement upon release. The sentence was back‑dated to March 2024. The case highlighted the family's troubled background and ongoing psychological support for Hannon in custody.
The President of the Court of Appeal, Ms Justice Caroline Costello, noted that several cases involving young offenders sentenced to life for murder are likely to be reviewed following a Supreme Court ruling that life sentences for child killers should only be imposed in exceptional circumstances. Two 17‑year‑olds have applied for extensions to challenge their sentences. Giollaíosa Ó Lideadha SC seeks more time for his client, who received a life sentence for the 2018 murder of Adam Muldoon, stabbed 183 times. Mr Ó Lideadha said many similar applications exist, but the DPP will advise the court. Solicitor Patrick Geraghty, representing the DPP, explained that the Supreme Court held life sentences with review are not recognised in law and that the DPP is examining cases where a review is possible. Mr Geraghty cited the case of a teenager convicted for the murder of Cameron Blair, noting it has been adjourned to December 5 for further consideration. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
Pat Salmon, 89, of Knock, Co Mayo, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to five counts of sexual assault committed between January and June 1995. The offences, which allegedly took place at his home, involved a five-year-old child. Salmon has no previous convictions. The court heard that the injured party disclosed the abuse after contacting a crisis helpline, and Salmon subsequently wrote a letter expressing remorse. During his interviews, Salmon denied specific charges but admitted to other acts, stating that "the devil took over" for a period. Defence counsel highlighted Salmon's age, serious health conditions including congestive heart failure, and his background as a former mental health nurse and community volunteer. He requested the court consider his early guilty plea and the isolating nature of incarceration. The injured party's victim impact statement described the long-term trauma, stating that Salmon had taught her fear and that her power over her had ended. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs described the statement as "heartbreaking." The matter was adjourned until Monday of next week to allow the judge to review all materials and consider the sentence.