A 68-year-old man from Donegal, who was convicted of raping and abusing his sisters in the 1970s, was granted anonymity by the court due to a 'culpable delay' in the prosecution. The victims had waived their anonymity, but the court ruled that the defendant could not be named. The man was convicted of multiple counts of rape and indecent assault. His lawyers argued that the delay in prosecution had created a situation where the defendant would face serious public odium. The judge noted the victims' bravery and the long-term trauma they endured. She imposed a seven-year sentence for the rape offences and a two-year concurrent term for the sexual assault charges. The final year of the seven-year term was suspended on strict conditions. The unnamed 68-year-old pleaded not guilty.
The trial of former Irish national swim coach George Gibney, who was extradited from Florida, concluded with the court addressing the long-standing question of 'Where is George Gibney?' The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 79 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. Gibney, now 77, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault but denied the rest. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered between 1971 and 1981. The jury found Gibney guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial highlighted the impact of the abuse on the victims, with one complainant describing the abuse as starting when she was 13. Gibney was taken into custody after the verdicts were read, with the court noting the significance of the convictions in addressing the historical abuse.
George Gibney, the former Irish national swimming coach, has been convicted of sexually abusing four girls over 50 years ago. A Central Criminal Court jury found Gibney, now 77, guilty of 39 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The trial, which lasted 11 days, involved 74 charges, with five counts admitted by Gibney at the outset. The jury deliberated for over seven hours and returned 40 guilty verdicts. Gibney was extradited from Florida to face the historic allegations. The abuse occurred between 1971 and 1981 at various locations, including swimming pools and in his car. The court heard from four complainants who detailed the abuse they suffered. Gibney will face a sentence hearing on July 29, with victim impact statements to be prepared for the sentencing.
Lawyers for Antoin Duffy, who is charged with the murder of Denis Donaldson, have expressed disappointment over further delays in serving the book of evidence in the Special Criminal Court. Duffy, who was brought before the court, had been remanded in custody until today for the service of the book of evidence. The court was previously informed that the book of evidence was not yet complete and was awaiting final statements. Today, Michael Bowman SC for the Director of Public Prosecutions stated that the prosecution was not in a position to serve the book of evidence and that there was still some outstanding material. Brendan Grehan SC for the defence said he was disappointed that the book of evidence was not available today. He noted that his client was present to have the book served on him and that he has a bail application pending in the High Court. The case was adjourned to July 27, with Duffy to be produced on that date.
A man who raped and sexually abused his 10-year-old niece while babysitting her has been jailed for 11 years. The now 35-year-old defendant was convicted of two counts of rape, 10 counts of sexual assault, and one count of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child. The abuse occurred between May 2019 and April 2021 at the family home in Dublin. The man, who is the girl's uncle, would occasionally stay with the family while homeless. The victim, in a victim impact statement, described the emotional and psychological trauma she endured, stating that the man used her age and innocence against her. The court heard that the abuse took place when the girl's parents were out, and the man was in loco parentis. The victim expressed that she had to live with the consequences of the abuse every day, including suicidal ideation and self-harm. The man, who has no previous convictions, was originally from Romania and has lived in Ireland for many years.
Tomasz Rozpeda, a Polish national, has been sentenced to six years in prison for manslaughter after killing his friend, Maciej Nowak, on St Stephen's Day three years ago. The Central Criminal Court heard that Nowak suffered 27 injuries to his head and neck, with his brain twisting within his skull, indicating blunt force trauma from an object or flat surface. Rozpeda initially denied involvement but later pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The court was told that both men had consumed substances to excess that night, and that Nowak had a high level of amphetamines and alcohol in his system. Rozpeda's defence highlighted his guilty plea and lack of prior convictions in Ireland, while the court noted the tragic impact on Nowak's fiancée and children. The judge set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to six due to Rozpeda's early guilty plea and other mitigating factors. The case was complicated by the lack of clear evidence and the fact that Rozpeda had previously been in contact with Nowak's fiancée to inform her of the incident.
The Court of Appeal has set a date in December to hear an application by a Polish cage fighter who is seeking to have his conviction for the murder of a 23-year-old man who was beaten unconscious and left to drown in the River Shannon declared a miscarriage of justice. Leszek Sychulec's legal team told the court today that they had written to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) seeking disclosure regarding an article published about a garda allegedly involved in organised crime who is connected to the case. Sychulec, now in his 40s, and his co-accused, Andrzej Gruchacz, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Patryk Krupa at Bogganfin, Athlone, Co Roscommon on June 20th, 2014. Mr Krupa drowned in the Shannon outside Athlone while incapacitated with a head injury from a violent assault. A Central Criminal Court jury deliberated for five hours before reaching unanimous guilty verdicts. The defendants were accordingly given mandatory life sentences by Mr Justice Tony Hunt on June 13, 2016.
A murder accused, Derek Boyd, boarded a ferry in Belfast just hours after allegedly fatally stabbing Mark Carroll in their shared home in north Dublin, according to a garda CCTV examiner. Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with Carroll's murder, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The prosecution claims Boyd stabbed Carroll with intent to kill or cause serious harm. Harcourt is alleged to have attempted to clean the scene before gardai arrived. CCTV footage showed Carroll, his girlfriend Megan Rock, and the accused spending time together on June 8, 2024, at their home. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house clutching his chest, followed by Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. Garda Ronan Kelly detailed Boyd's movements, including his boarding of a ferry in Belfast. Boyd and Harcourt have both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeals against the sentences of Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, who were convicted of facilitating the Hutch Criminal Organisation in the murder of David Byrne. Both men, who pleaded not guilty, acted as getaway drivers during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack. Mr Justice John Edwards found their roles "far from peripheral" and upheld the Special Criminal Court's 10-year headline sentences. Bonney, who has no previous convictions, received an 18-month mitigation discount, resulting in an effective sentence of eight-and-a-half years. Murphy, who has 67 previous convictions, received a one-year discount, resulting in a nine-year sentence. The judge rejected arguments that their culpability was lower than that of Jonathan Dowdall, who was sentenced to four years for facilitating the gang by providing a room. Dowdall had originally faced murder charges but admitted to the lesser offence. The Court of Appeal noted that the primary sentencing rationales were retribution and deterrence, given the high level of criminality and the threat posed by the Hutch organisation to the rule of law.
Lawyers representing Jozef Puska, who is serving a life sentence for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy, have told the court that the scope of his conviction appeal may change. Puska's appeal was originally due to be heard on April 23, but was vacated after his barristers withdrew from the case. Senior Counsel John Berry confirmed he would represent Puska, and the Court of Appeal set a new hearing date of July 15. During a case management hearing, Mr Berry indicated that an instruction received in the last two days may change the scope of the appeal. The matter was adjourned to July 10. Puska, who had pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy, was found by the jury to have stabbed her 11 times in the neck and slashed her once with a blade. A monument now stands where she died. Puska was placed at the scene by the presence of his distinctive green and black bicycle, which was captured on CCTV. His DNA was found on the bike and under Ms Murphy's fingernails.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of raping his wife and committing child cruelty has testified that she "probably" showed a journal she was keeping to her mother. The daughter, now 24, gave evidence in the Central Criminal Court trial of her father, who has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of child cruelty against her and two counts of raping his wife. She described the family home as having an atmosphere of violence and threats, and she recounted an incident where her father ripped her earrings out when she was 10. She began keeping a journal in June 2024 after starting therapy with Jigsaw, which she titled "the story of my life – trauma edition." Under cross-examination, she said she was certain she did not show her mother the journal before making her statement, but admitted that if her mother had asked, she probably would have. The trial continues before a jury of seven men and five women and Mr Justice Sean Gillane, with the case expected to last two weeks.
A murder trial jury has viewed CCTV footage showing Mark Carroll running from a house in north Dublin clutching his chest, followed by Derek Boyd, the accused in his murder. The footage, presented by Garda Ronan Kelly, showed Carroll arriving at the house on June 8, 2024, and spending time with his girlfriend Megan Rock and Boyd. At 5:30 pm, all three were seen outside the house. At 00:55 on June 9, Carroll was seen running from the house, followed by Rock, and then Boyd. Prosecuting counsel stated that no direct evidence of the stabbing would be presented, but jurors were asked to infer it occurred during the seven minutes between the two men's movements. The footage also showed Boyd leaving the house, shouting, and running back inside. He was later seen climbing over the roof and into a back garden before boarding a taxi. Boyd and his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, have both pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial continues before Ms Justice Melanie Greally and a jury of seven men and five women.
The jury in the trial of a 77-year-old former sports coach accused of historical abuse is to resume deliberations tomorrow. The accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault and not guilty to 73 other counts, including one of attempted rape, related to alleged abuse of four girls between the 1970s and 1980s. The jury has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts relating to two complainants. The accused initially faced 29 counts of indecent assault in relation to the first complainant, with 16 of these counts being dismissed. He pleaded guilty to five counts of indecent assault on this complainant between May and September 1976. In relation to the second complainant, the accused denied two counts of indecent assault. He also denied 41 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape against the third complainant, with 17 of the indecent assault counts being dismissed. The accused has pleaded not guilty to one count of indecent assault against the fourth complainant.
The eldest daughter of a garda accused of rape and child cruelty has testified that the family home had an atmosphere of violence and threats, likening it to living in a military barracks. The 24-year-old complainant, who referred to the accused as her father, described incidents of physical and emotional abuse, including being forced to run daily, being physically punished with a spatula, and being subjected to verbal abuse by her father. She also recounted an incident where her father threatened to poison a puppy if it was brought back into the family home. The complainant said she began attending therapy in June 2024, which led to Tusla being involved. She described her father's behavior towards her younger sister as emotional manipulation, including making her eat until she was sick and commenting on her weight. The accused has pleaded not guilty to charges of child cruelty, assault, and rape. The trial continues with the jury of seven men and five women, presided over by Mr Justice Sean Gillane.
Brian O'Connor, a criminal with 167 previous convictions, stabbed a 55-year-old motorist five times with a screwdriver before hijacking his vehicle in Dublin in August 2025. O'Connor pleaded guilty to seizing a vehicle by force and assault causing harm. The victim was threatened with death by O'Connor and another man, who then stabbed him before fleeing in the car. The victim was injured and frightened, and the car was driven recklessly before the men fled. O'Connor, an inmate at Wheatfield Prison, has been in custody since the offence. Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case until November to allow for a probation report to be prepared. O'Connor's defence highlighted his difficult childhood, drug and alcohol issues, and recent efforts to seek treatment and recovery. He has handed in a letter of apology and is now an enhanced prisoner working in custody.
The jury in the trial of a former sports coach accused of abusing four girls over 40 years ago has been directed to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts of indecent assault. The 77-year-old accused man was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. He had pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981 in various locations across the country. The judge, Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins, directed the jury to return not guilty verdicts on 33 counts following legal submissions and the absence of supporting evidence. The accused man cannot be named for legal reasons. The jury has been instructed to consider the remaining 41 counts after hearing closing speeches from both the prosecution and defence. The prosecution, led by James Dwyer SC, emphasized the difficulty of proving older allegations and the importance of proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
A woman has denied allegations that she made a rape claim against her garda husband to get him out of the family home. The 48-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping her in 2009 and 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one of assault against his daughters. The complainant described two incidents of rape, stating she felt numb and ended the marriage. She said she only spoke to gardai after a Tusla investigation. Under cross-examination, she confirmed she was still living in the family home and that the marriage was not finalised. She denied that she made the criminal complaint to get her husband out of the house. The trial continues before a jury in Dublin.
During the trial of Riad Bouchaker, his lawyers argued that the judge should direct a not guilty verdict on two of the attempted murder charges. However, Mr Justice Tony Hunt rejected the application, stating there was sufficient evidence for the jury to reach a safe guilty verdict. The defence did not seek an acquittal for the girl who suffered the most serious injuries but argued that there was a lack of evidence regarding the other girl and the boy. The judge said the jury could reasonably infer that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing the use of a knife towards a small child and the persistence of his actions. He also noted that the boy's injury was likely caused by Bouchaker. The judge agreed to introduce alternative verdicts on the attempted murder charges, allowing the jury to return a verdict of not guilty on attempted murder but guilty of causing serious harm.
A murder trial jury has been informed that CCTV footage shows the moment a man was fatally stabbed and ran from a house in north Dublin with his hand on his chest. Derek Boyd is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, charged with the murder of Mark Carroll, while his partner, Chantelle Harcourt, faces charges of impeding his prosecution. The State alleges that Mr Boyd stabbed Mr Carroll with the intent to kill or cause serious harm. Ms Harcourt is accused of making an effort to clean the scene before gardai arrived, though not successfully. Mr Boyd has pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Carroll and to threatening and assaulting Megan Rock. Ms Harcourt has pleaded not guilty to impeding the apprehension or prosecution of Mr Boyd. Prosecuting counsel Sean Guerin SC outlined that Mr Carroll was fatally stabbed on June 9, 2024, at the home of the two accused.
A garda has gone on trial accused of child cruelty and the rape of his wife. The jury at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin heard that the 48-year-old man was allegedly a violent and domineering father and husband who subjected two of his daughters to unreasonable chastisement for most of their childhood. Prosecuting counsel, Dominic McGinn SC, told the jury that the man is alleged to have neglected his eldest daughter for most of her childhood and is charged with child cruelty against her on an unknown date between 2007 and 2013, and again between 2013 and 2020. He is also alleged to have assaulted this complainant causing her harm sometime in late 2021 or early 2022, after she had turned 18. The man is also charged with child cruelty of another daughter on an unknown date between 2015 and 2024. He has pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping his wife on two occasions in June 2009 and November 2021, as well as three counts of child cruelty and one count of assault causing harm.
A 24-year-old man from Dublin has been refused bail after being charged with raping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl in a laneway on September 29, 2025. Appearing before Dún Laoghaire District Court, Judge Anne Watkin refused bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged offences and the strength of the evidence, including CCTV and DNA evidence. The defence argued the accused was not a flight risk and had cooperated with gardaí. However, the judge noted the complainant was very nervous and that the evidence was compelling. She described the case as one of the most difficult she had dealt with, but ultimately ruled that the seriousness of the charges and the evidence meant bail must be refused. The accused was remanded in custody to Cloverhill Prison until July 7, with legal aid assigned.
The High Court has quashed the assault conviction of Kevin Taylor, a former Garda from Longford, following a judicial review appeal. Taylor was originally convicted in Strokestown District Court in August 2021 of assaulting security staff member Ian Gordon during the execution of a possession order at Falsk, Strokestown, Co Roscommon, on December 11, 2018. The initial conviction resulted in a €200 fine. In March 2024, Taylor appealed to the Circuit Court, where he received a two-month custodial sentence. He subsequently sought a judicial review against the Director of Public Prosecutions, arguing that the prosecution failed to specify the precise factual basis of the alleged assault, violating fair procedure principles. Mr Justice Garrett Simons accepted that CCTV footage did not show Taylor grabbing Gordon's genitals, as alleged, though it did show him laying hands on him. The High Court judge found that the Circuit Court judge had undermined the effectiveness of cross-examination by taking over questioning, depriving Taylor of a fair opportunity to test the complainant's account. Furthermore, the trial judge failed to assess the reasonableness of the force used based on Taylor's asserted belief that he was protecting a disabled man. Mr Justice Simons quashed the conviction and determined it was not in the public interest to remit the matter, noting that Taylor had already served a two-month sentence for contempt in the same proceedings.
The jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker began deliberations at the Central Criminal Court before requesting transcripts of evidence and barristers' speeches. Mr Justice Tony Hunt sent the jury home, instructing them to return the following day when the requested documents will be provided. Bouchaker, 52, of no fixed address, is charged with three counts of attempting to murder children using a 36cm carving knife, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and Frenchman Alan Guille. He is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. All incidents are alleged to have occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In his closing remarks, the judge outlined the legal standards for attempted murder, emphasizing that the jury must be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill. He noted that if the prosecution fails to prove attempted murder, the jury may consider alternative verdicts, such as intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm for the first charge, or assault causing harm for the second and third charges. The judge urged the jury to apply a logical analysis, setting aside emotions, and reminded them that justice is determined in court, not by external actions. The matter remains ongoing as the jury awaits the requested materials to resume their deliberations.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of three counts of attempting to murder children, causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and assault causing harm to two other children and a teenager. The alleged offences occurred at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023. Mr Bouchaker is also charged with producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. During his charge to the jury of nine men and three women, Mr Justice Tony Hunt outlined the verdict options. Regarding the first charge, which alleges an attempt to murder a five-year-old girl who suffered a stab wound to the heart resulting in severe brain damage, the judge stated that if the jury is not satisfied of an intent to kill, they may find him guilty of intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm. He described a finding of not guilty of any criminal endeavour as a "theoretical option" that was not strongly argued by the defence. For the second and third attempted murder charges, the judge noted that if the prosecution fails to prove its case, the jury could find Mr Bouchaker guilty of assault causing harm, while again characterizing a not guilty verdict as a theoretical possibility. The judge informed the jury that they would begin their deliberations that afternoon. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded.
The mother of a teenage sex assault victim has secured €2,500 in an employment rights case after her employer revoked a part-time remote work arrangement without proper notice. The decision, made under the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, marks the first time a worker has received compensation for not being given four weeks' written notice for the termination of a remote work deal. The worker, who had been granted permission to reduce her in-office days from five to three, was told to return to the office with only one day's notice. She had requested the arrangement to support her daughter, who was sexually assaulted at school and was undergoing medical and legal processes. The tribunal found that the employer breached the act by not following the required notice provisions. The adjudication officer noted the worker was ignored when she asked for clear reasons for the revocation and that the managing director denied the existence of the agreement. The worker described a hostile work environment after the remote arrangement was revoked, including micromanagement and pressure.
A couple will face trial in connection with the alleged murder of a man in north Dublin two years ago. Derek Boyd and Chantelle Harcourt have been arraigned before the Central Criminal Court on multiple charges, including murder, threats, and obstructing justice. Boyd pleaded not guilty to murdering Mark Carroll and threatening his partner, Megan Rock. Harcourt also pleaded not guilty to obstructing the apprehension of the accused. The trial is set to begin and is expected to last three weeks. The judge informed the jury that Megan Rock, who is Mr Carroll's partner, will be a key witness in the case. The accused are from different areas in Dublin, and the trial will be presided over by Ms Justice Melanie Greally.
Jason Bonney and Paul Murphy, convicted of facilitating the murder of David Byrne during the 2016 Regency Hotel attack, are appealing their prison sentences at the Court of Appeal. Both men, who pleaded not guilty and were convicted by the Special Criminal Court, argued their sentences were excessive. Bonney, sentenced to eight-and-a-half years, and Murphy, jailed for nine years, had their bids to overturn convictions dismissed in November. Counsel for Bonney highlighted his unblemished record and argued his involvement was less significant than that of Jonathan Dowdall, who received a headline sentence of eight years for facilitating the Hutch gang. Dowdall was later sentenced to four years imprisonment in October 2022. Counsel for Murphy contended his role was peripheral and he lacked knowledge of the attack's seriousness. The State argued the appellants were integral to a serious criminal endeavour. Appeal judge Mr Justice John Edwards noted that prosocial contributions offer only modest mitigation and that the gravity of the offense mandated significant custody. He stated the court would deliver its judgment on July 3. The matter remains at the appeal stage, with the final decision pending.
The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23rd, 2023, has reached the closing submissions stage. Bouchaker, of no fixed address, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which also include assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution, led by Karl Finnegan SC, argued that the evidence proves beyond reasonable doubt that Bouchaker intended to kill, citing his use of a 36cm carving knife and repeated targeting of children's upper bodies. Conversely, the defence urged the jury to consider alternative verdicts, asserting that the prosecution failed to meet the high threshold for attempted murder. Counsel highlighted that one boy suffered only a minor laceration and another girl an 8cm scalp wound, suggesting the intent was to cause harm rather than kill. The defence also noted Bouchaker's cognitive issues following 2021 brain surgery, though psychiatrists ruled out an insanity defence. The jury, comprising nine men and three women, has been informed they may return alternative verdicts, such as causing serious harm or assault causing harm, if they find the evidence insufficient for attempted murder. The matter remains before the court for deliberation.
A sports coach accused of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s told gardaí he had never heard of some of the complainants. During his trial, the accused, now 77, claimed that two of the complainants were never in his house and that he had never heard of a third. He was originally charged with 79 counts but pleaded guilty to five of them. The prosecution alleges that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and attempted rape. The man has pleaded not guilty to the remaining 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged offences occurred between 1971 and 1981, and the complainants came forward to gardai between 2021 and 2022. The prosecution case has now closed, and the jury will reconvene the following day.
A sister of one of the four women allegedly abused by their sports coach around 50 years ago testified that her sister was a 'completely different person' the day after the alleged attempted rape. The complainant, who was around 12 years old at the time, described how she stopped wearing skirts and started wearing jeans to protect herself from the alleged abuse. The accused, now 77, has pleaded not guilty to multiple counts of indecent assault and attempted rape. The complainant denied the defense's assertion that she was lying about the abuse. The trial continues with the prosecution alleging that the abuse included kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. The defense has challenged the complainant's account, but she maintained that the abuse occurred. The jury has heard that the accused has pleaded guilty to some counts but remains not guilty to others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and the jury.
Ciaran Tate, 29, of Claremorris, Co Mayo, was sentenced at the Central Criminal Court for offences committed in November 2024. Following a trial, a jury convicted Tate of aggravated sexual assault, assault causing harm, and false imprisonment, while acquitting him of non-fatal strangulation and making threats to kill. The court heard that Tate, who has no previous convictions, assaulted a stranger in her hotel room after she rejected his advances. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced to eight and a half years in mitigation for his lack of prior convictions, co-operation, and remorse. The final 12 months of the sentence are suspended on strict conditions, requiring Tate to engage with interventions addressing sexually harmful behaviour. He is also subject to three years of post-release supervision and a prohibition on contacting the injured party. The judge noted that while Tate expressed horror, his victim empathy was limited due to his tendency to distance himself from the events. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
A French national, Tarak El-Hemissi, sexually assaulted a patient in a Dublin hospital shortly after arriving in Ireland. El-Hemissi, who has a history of paranoid schizophrenia and had stopped taking his medication, pleaded guilty to the assault. The incident occurred while the victim was waiting for a psychiatric assessment. El-Hemissi approached the victim, touched her arm, and then exposed himself, asking her to perform oral sex. The victim managed to alert hospital staff, and El-Hemissi was taken into custody. French authorities have offered to pay for his return to France for treatment. The court heard that El-Hemissi has a long history of mental health issues and has been admitted to psychiatric hospitals in France multiple times. The judge noted that the assault was not at the lower end of the scale, given the victim's vulnerable state as a patient in a hospital. The case was adjourned until October for further reports and sentencing.
A 30-year-old man from Carlow has been jailed for seven years after admitting to grooming, raping, and sexually abusing his partner's 13-year-old niece. The abuse occurred between December 2022 and January 2023 in the home they shared. The victim, who was 13 to 14 years old at the time, described the abuse as starting with inappropriate touching and progressing to oral rape. The court heard that the defendant sent the victim text messages, including one where he wrote, "I like what we have, it's weird I shouldn't really." The abuse ended when the girl confided in her mother. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The defendant, who has a history of addiction and violence, expressed remorse and acknowledged his actions. The judge noted the severity of the offenses and the victim's courage in coming forward, sentencing him to seven years for the oral rape and eight years and three months for the sexual assault, both to run concurrently.
Peter 'Peadar' Keating, a former senior member of the Kinahan Cartel, appeared in the High Court in Dublin following an extradition warrant issued by the UK. Keating, 45, was sentenced in December 2024 at the Old Bailey to four years and eight months for his role in a failed plot to secure a reduced jail term for Thomas 'Bomber' Kavanagh by amassing a weapons arsenal. At the time, Keating was already serving an 11-year sentence in Ireland for directing the attempted murder of a rival Hutch gang member. The UK warrant, issued in November 2022, stated that firearms were sourced from the Netherlands as part of a scheme to demonstrate Kavanagh's cooperation. Kavanagh, a senior Kinahan drug trafficker, was jailed in England in March 2022 for 21 years for importing over £30M worth of drugs. Keating's legal team, led by Keith Spencer BL, highlighted significant issues in the case and applied for legal aid, which was granted. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for further proceedings. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
A woman has told a Central Criminal Court jury that her sports coach attempted to rape her when she was 12 years old during a summer camp over 50 years ago. The now 79-year-old accused man is charged with 74 counts of sexually abusing four girls in the 1970s and 1980s. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The offences are alleged to have occurred in various locations in the State on dates between 1971 and 1981 when the complainants were aged between 10 and 15 years old. The man pleaded guilty before the jury to a further five counts of indecently assaulting one of these complainants on dates between May and September 1976. The third complainant told the court that the man started paying more attention to her and offered her lifts. The first incident occurred while she was in the car alone with him, where he kissed her and put his tongue in her mouth.
A Mountjoy inmate made 'graphic' threats to two prison officers after he was found unresponsive in his cell following an overdose attempt, a court has heard. Dylan Smith (35) of Captains Road, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to two counts of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to prison officers at the Mater Hospital and Mountjoy Prison on August 19 and 20, 2025. Detective Garda Andrew Harte explained that Smith was found unresponsive in his cell, and when he regained consciousness, he was aggressive and abusive towards hospital staff. Smith made explicit threats against the officers, including stating he would be at the foot of their beds and threatening their children. After being released from hospital and returned to prison, Smith again threatened the officer who found him. His defence counsel, Pieter Le Vert BL, highlighted that Smith had suffered a serious assault in prison and had incurable bladder cancer. He also noted that Smith had received news about his worsening condition on the day of the incident and took drugs in an attempt to end his life.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is currently on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have committed the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. He is further charged with assaulting two other children and a teenager, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The prosecution has called all its witnesses and will formally close its case next week. Evidence presented includes testimony from Dr Louise Baker, who stated that one of the alleged victims, a girl who was five at the time of the incident, suffered a knife wound to her heart resulting in a 40-minute cardiac arrest. Dr Baker told the jury the girl now requires 24-hour care for life, has no control over her limbs, and is at risk of scoliosis and muscular spasms. Dr Aoife Mahony confirmed the girl suffers from a severe neurological disorder and dystonia. Professor Ann Brannigan testified that Ms Flynn suffered a major stab wound to her lower back, requiring the removal of her spleen and repair of her stomach. The matter is not concluded; the trial is ongoing, with the next phase scheduled for next week.
A 62-year-old Dublin man accused of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl at a south Dublin Luas stop has been granted bail, despite Garda objections. The accused, who is legally entitled to anonymity, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with the alleged offence. A garda objected to bail under Section 2 of the Bail Act, citing the seriousness of the alleged crime. Gardaí stated they were present at the Luas stop but did not witness the incident. The court heard that gardai had obtained CCTV footage of the alleged incident. The accused was allegedly highly intoxicated at the time and was arrested at his home the following morning. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the alleged assault was at the lower end of the scale of sexual assault offences and that there was insufficient evidence to establish a likelihood of further offending if bail was granted. The accused was granted bail on his own bond of €500, with conditions that he have no contact with the injured party, including through social media.
Aaron McDermott, 33, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for offences committed at Beaumont Hospital on April 7, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force or threat, as well as three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm to the driver and two children. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a sentence of nine years, with the final 12 months suspended on the condition that McDermott engage with The Probation Service for 12 months upon his release. He was also disqualified from driving for two consecutive terms of ten years in relation to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. The court heard that McDermott, who was highly intoxicated, held a knife to an infant and threatened the occupants before driving off at speed, causing a crash that left the victim with a fractured ankle. Judge Sheahan described the dashcam footage as harrowing and noted the severe psychological trauma inflicted on the family, including PTSD and financial distress. While acknowledging McDermott's difficult early life and addiction issues, the judge highlighted his 125 previous convictions and disregard for road traffic laws. McDermott expressed remorse in a letter to the court, stating he was determined to turn over a new leaf.
Riad Bouchaker denied allegations that he targeted the smallest children during an alleged attack on Parnell Square East, where two five-year-olds and a six-year-old were injured. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, claimed he was not in his right state of mind and that he was 'sick'. Detective Garda Kevin Bambrick presented evidence, including CCTV footage and interviews, showing Bouchaker's actions on the day of the incident. Bouchaker was accused of searching for a school, waiting for children, and stabbing them, with a creche worker, Leanne Flynn, intervening and sustaining serious injuries. Bouchaker expressed remorse for the injuries but claimed he was not in control of his actions. The prosecution highlighted the severe injuries to the children and Ms Flynn, emphasizing that the children were not okay and that Bouchaker's actions had lasting effects. Bouchaker's defense argued that his cognitive impairment, due to brain surgery, affected his decision-making. The trial continues with the jury considering the evidence and the defense's claims of diminished responsibility. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
The High Court is seeking further information from Greek authorities before ruling on the extradition of a Limerick man wanted on a human trafficking charge, after hearing that jails there are effectively 'being run by the prisoners' due to overcrowding. Barristers for Jeremiah O'Brien (56), who is alleged to have attempted to facilitate the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat, told the High Court that overcrowding in one Greek prison had been recorded at 164%. Lawyers for the State said that any issues raised about the levels of overcrowding and violence Mr O'Brien could experience if he is surrendered needed to be addressed by the Greek state. It is alleged that Mr O'Brien and two other named persons acted jointly on November 22nd, 2017, to facilitate the transportation of 66 people, without life jackets, from an unknown desert place near Nafplio, Greece, towards Italy. The boat stranded on a rocky shore near Gyalia beach close to Gerolimenas, Greece.
Aaron Connolly, who was previously convicted of murdering Cameron Reilly but had his conviction quashed on appeal, has been given a date for his retrial at the Central Criminal Court. The retrial is set for November 23, with a management date set for July 24. Connolly's original trial lasted three weeks, and the retrial is expected to extend into a fourth week. The Court of Appeal found that remarks made by the trial judge may have been perceived as disparaging of the defense case and advocacy for the prosecution. Connolly, who is now 26, was remanded on bail with strict conditions, including living with his parents and not leaving the house unaccompanied. The murder of 18-year-old Cameron Reilly occurred on May 26, 2018, in Dunleer, Co Louth. During his trial, Connolly admitted to performing oral sex on Reilly but claimed he left him alive. The original conviction was quashed due to concerns about the trial judge's comments influencing the jury. The retrial will address these issues and determine Connolly's guilt in the murder of Cameron Reilly. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
Christopher Strickland, a criminal with 99 previous convictions, was jailed for assaulting his girlfriend after receiving 'misinformation' that she was pregnant. Strickland kicked the woman in the face and beat her around the head with a stone. He told gardai he was 'glad' he beat her and that she 'deserved it.' The victim, who has since died from an unrelated illness, was found with blood on her head and lip and swelling on her face. Strickland had blood on him and told gardai he had assaulted his girlfriend. Det Gda Jason O'Carroll agreed that Strickland was given 'misinformation' that the victim might have been pregnant and 'he lost it.' The court heard that Strickland's relationship with the woman was built around substance abuse. He has been clean since going into custody. Judge Fiona O'Sullivan said this was a violent and sustained attack on a 'very vulnerable' woman. She noted Strickland's long history of heroin addiction and his steps towards rehabilitation. Christopher Strickland pleaded guilty.
A man from Dublin has been jailed for three and a half years and ordered not to contact his former partner for 30 years after repeatedly breaching court orders and harassing her by sending messages to their 10-year-old child's phone. Judge Martin Nolan criticized the defendant for making life miserable for his former partner and child, noting that he had been given multiple chances to change his behavior. The man had pleaded guilty to harassment over a week-long period in September 2025. He has a history of breaching court orders, theft, assault, and criminal damage. During the period of harassment, he sent over 300 messages, some of which were aggressive and distressing. The victim described the experience as "hell on earth" and said she and her children faced significant emotional distress. The court heard that the man was also on bail at the time for breaching a court order not to contact the injured party.
A 79-year-old former sports coach is on trial accused of sexually abusing four girls between 1971 and 1981. He has pleaded not guilty to 73 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. The alleged abuse occurred in various locations, including changing rooms, the accused's car, and in the complainants' beds. The prosecution stated that the accused 'exploited his position of authority' and sexually abused the girls 'entrusted in his care.' The first complainant testified that the accused was her coach and visited her parents' house. She described incidents of kissing, inappropriate touching, and forced oral sex. She said the abuse occurred over a 'reasonably prolonged period' and that she was 'very obedient' to the accused. She stated that the abuse 'petered out' when she was around 14 and that she told two friends about it but did not report it until 2020. The trial continues before Mr Justice Mícheál O'Higgins and a jury, with the woman expected to be cross-examined by defence counsel tomorrow.
Riad Bouchaker told gardai that his anger over a negative social welfare decision led him to attempt to murder three children in Dublin city centre. He stated that the Department of Social Welfare's refusal to grant him a disability allowance made him feel 'like this country is telling me to leave.' He mentioned that he had an injury in his head and a shoulder injury and could not work. He said he did not counterfeit anything to get the disability allowance and that if the department had helped him, 'this wouldn't have happened.' He also told gardai that he went to a mosque on Talbot Street to leave a bag containing his belongings and his Algerian and Irish passports. He said he was not thinking of going to hurt people when he left the suitcase. The trial jury has been viewing DVDs of Bouchaker's garda interviews from December 20, 2023, at Mountjoy Garda Station. He had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
Maurice Magner, a 44-year-old man from Co Cork, has been jailed for 17 years for coercive control, two counts of rape, one count of oral rape, two counts of anal rape, and three counts of sexual assault committed against his partner between 2019 and 2021. The victim described a regime of oppression, including being left without light and heat, being forced to stand in a hot press, and being subjected to physical and sexual abuse. Magner controlled all aspects of her life, including her finances, social contacts, and personal choices. The court heard that the victim was also denied basic pain medication and sanitary products after giving birth. During the trial, Magner broke down in tears. Justice Tony Hunt described the offenses as "sustained and deliberate" and emphasized the lack of consent in the sexual assaults. The judge imposed a 17-year sentence, with the final two years suspended on the condition that Magner agrees not to contact the victim. Maurice Magner was found guilty.
A 26-year-old man has been jailed for 10 years for raping a 14-year-old girl in Co Meath in September 2022 and later mocking her with degrading social media messages. The man had previously met the girl through social media, where they chatted for about a year before the rape. During the attack, he told the girl that if she had screamed, he would choke her to death. The man also got a tattoo of the safe word they had agreed on, which he used as a reminder of the rape. In messages to an account set up by the girl's then-boyfriend, the man referred to the girl as a "slut" and said the tattoo was a reminder of her weakness. The court heard that the man had a history of consuming violent pornography, which led to distorted expectations around sex. The victim described the experience as a betrayal of trust and said she felt her vulnerability was mocked. She also expressed fear that she would never be loved again. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
A Sligo man, Barry Young, has appeared in court in Dublin following an arrest warrant from Northern Ireland, where he is wanted for the murder of gangland figure Robbie Lawlor in 2020. Young, 41, faces charges of murder and possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life. He is the second individual to be brought before the extradition court as part of a joint Garda-PSNI investigation into Lawlor's murder. The PSNI believe Lawlor's murder was linked to a drugs feud involving criminal elements in Dublin, Sligo, and Drogheda. Detective Sergeant Aoife Cronin confirmed Young's identity based on the warrant and informed him of the charges. Young's legal team requested a video link appearance for the next court date, and he was remanded in custody until then.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is standing trial at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. He has pleaded not guilty to the alleged attempted murder of two girls and one boy, assault causing serious harm to creche worker Leanne Flynn, and other assaults on children and a teenager at Parnell Square East in Dublin City on November 23, 2023. The jury heard evidence from Sergeant Ben Geoghegan regarding Bouchaker's first police interview on December 20, 2023, conducted with a French-Arabic interpreter and his solicitor present. During the interview, Bouchaker stated he did not want to kill and described the incident as a mistake, saying he found himself with a knife and blood. He expressed a desire for the gardai to do whatever they wanted, citing a belief that the outcome was in the hands of God. Prosecution counsel Karl Finnegan SC noted that Bouchaker was interviewed seven times in total. The trial is ongoing, with the jury scheduled to hear the second interview next, followed by the final interview and memos of other sessions. The matter remains at the trial stage, with no final verdict or sentence recorded in this report.