Almost 200 witnesses are involved in the case of Michael Kelley, a former US soldier charged with the murder of Co Kerry sheep farmer Mike Gaine. A nine-week trial is set to begin in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin in January 2027. Kelley, 54, is charged with murdering Gaine, 56, at Carrig, Kenmare, Co Kerry, between March 20 and 21, 2025. The court was told that there are 191 witnesses in the book of evidence, and the case is estimated to last up to nine weeks. Kelley is currently in custody in Cork Prison, and video arrangements have been made for his appearance on video-link. His defense team has informed the court that his solicitor, Patrick Mann, is applying to cease acting for him, and Frank Buttimer has been retained as his new solicitor. The trial was set for January 11, 2027, in the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, as the court could not allocate a case of this length to Cork.
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the privacy rights of Kevin Braney, a former leader of the New IRA in Dublin, were not breached when gardaí used a surveillance device to listen in on him conversing with members of a criminal gang at a KFC restaurant. Braney was found guilty of murder in February 2019 by the Special Criminal Court for the killing of dissident republican Peter Butterly in 2013. The court dismissed Braney's appeal, with Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stating that the grounds raised were not proven. Braney's legal team had argued that gardaí did not obtain proper authorisation before using the listening device and that the recording should not have been admitted as evidence. However, the court upheld the use of the device under the Criminal Law (Surveillance) Act 2009, noting that the superintendent believed an emergency justified the action. The court also rejected arguments that the audio evidence was of insufficient quality and that the testimony of David Cullen, a former accomplice who became a witness, should have been excluded.
The Supreme Court will hear an appeal by Dean Byrne, a Dublin man with over 120 convictions, challenging his 2024 Special Criminal Court conviction for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. Byrne was sentenced to two years for allegedly conspiring with Aaron Brady to dissuade witness Daniel Cahill from testifying in Brady's murder trial. The Court of Appeal previously rejected Byrne's bid to overturn this conviction, finding he used unlawful means by sending the witness's Garda statement to a third party. The Supreme Court will now consider whether it can ever be lawful to persuade a witness not to give evidence. Meanwhile, Aaron Brady, who pleaded guilty to two offences related to efforts at perverting the course of justice during his trial, was sentenced to three years. Brady is serving a life sentence with a minimum term of 40 years for the 2013 murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Byrne's appeal raises a question of public importance regarding the legality of witness persuasion, while his prior record includes an 18-year sentence for aggravated burglary in Tipperary.
A 24cm carving knife recovered from the scene of a stabbing in Parnell Square was shown to the jury in the trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempted murder and assault. Detective Sergeant Padraig Cleary testified that the knife was found in a backpack discarded at a bus stop near the scene. The knife was later retrieved from the Garden of Remembrance by a member of the public. Medical witnesses described the severe injuries sustained by a child who was stabbed and required emergency treatment. Dr Michael Boyle testified that the child was in critical condition and required immediate transfusion and transport to the hospital. The trial also heard that Bouchaker was arrested after a 28-day assessment for post-traumatic amnesia. The accused has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial is expected to last up to five weeks. The jury was shown evidence including the knife, a jacket with bloodstains, and strands of hair from the alleged victims.
Luke Donnelly, an amateur fighter, was sentenced to six and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of his 62-year-old mother, Catherine Henry. The Central Criminal Court heard that Donnelly, who had a history of drug use and mental health issues, kicked his mother to death after she allegedly threatened him. The court was told that Donnelly had walked over his mother's lifeless body and showed no attempt to seek help. Mr Justice Paul McDermott noted the severity of the violence and the breach of a safety order that had been in place against Donnelly. Donnelly had previously been found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. His family expressed deep divisions, with some members condemning his actions and others defending him. The judge emphasized the need for Donnelly to address his drug addiction and mental health issues, and the sentence included a suspended portion to allow for community supervision. Donnelly's criminal history included drug-related offenses, and the judge acknowledged his efforts at rehabilitation while emphasizing the seriousness of his actions.
A consultant testified in the Central Criminal Court that doctors 'went against protocols and just ran with things' as they tried to save the life of a five-year-old girl who had been stabbed in the heart on a Dublin city center street. Dr Michael Boyle described the scene where the girl was found with no pulse and grey skin. He and other doctors worked to stabilize her before transporting her to the hospital. The girl was taken to Temple St Hospital despite the lack of a cardiothoracic surgeon there. Dr Boyle said he believed the girl was dead when he saw her. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder the girl and others, is ongoing. The doctors' quick actions were crucial in the girl's survival, and the case highlights the urgency and challenges faced in such emergency situations.
A Romanian national, Costel Raducan, was jailed for 11 years after being convicted of burglary, rape, and attempted anal rape. The victim described the traumatic experience of being attacked in her own home by a man who had posed as a taxi driver. Raducan broke into her home and raped her after she had been left alone. The victim had to undergo a sexual assault examination and faced significant emotional and psychological trauma. Raducan denied the charges and claimed the victim had consented to the sexual act. The judge described the case as 'the stuff of nightmares' and noted the premeditated nature of the attack. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting effects of the crime on her life, including fear, panic attacks, and career setbacks. The court acknowledged the severity of the crime and the need for justice for the victim.
A 31-year-old man was jailed for assault causing harm and making threats to kill his pregnant partner during a brutal 20-minute attack. The victim, who was four months pregnant, described being kicked in the stomach, punched, and choked by the defendant, who repeatedly threatened to kill her and the baby. The assault occurred in July 2025, and the victim was found in a parked car with her children and a support worker, showing signs of severe bruising and swelling. The defendant, who had 98 previous convictions, including drug and road traffic offences, was arrested and later taken to a garda station, where he joked about not being able to stand up in court. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma she experienced and the loss of trust in her former partner. The defendant, who claimed to be in treatment for addiction, apologized and expressed a desire to stay away from the victim and her family. The unnamed 31-year-old pleaded guilty.
A 22-year-old man charged with threatening to kill his former partner lost an appeal against a High Court decision that upheld a District Court judge's refusal to hear formal submissions from his solicitor before refusing him bail. The man was charged with assault causing harm, making threats to kill, and breaching a safety order in Wicklow on April 20, 2026. During his bail application in the District Court, he denied the allegations, leading to his remand in custody. His legal team argued that the District Court judge failed to hear his submissions, but the High Court upheld the remand. The Court of Appeal dismissed the habeas corpus appeal, stating that the issue was moot as the original order was spent within eight days. The High Court judge was entitled to conclude that the bail hearing was fair, and the appellant had the opportunity for a full hearing in the High Court. The appeal was dismissed, and the man remained in custody.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is accused of attempting to murder three children and assaulting others causing harm, including creche worker Leanne Flynn, at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. Additional allegations include assaulting two other children and an adult male, and producing a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The trial, expected to last up to five weeks, is currently at the evidence stage. Firefighter Brian Mulvaney described the chaotic scene, noting a girl in pink shoes receiving CPR and Ms. Flynn with a severe back laceration. Advanced paramedic David Hosback detailed emergency treatment for the girl, while Detective Garda Aaron Grattan described seizing Bouchaker's belongings. The jury was sent home for the day due to a juror's personal matter, and the trial was adjourned to continue tomorrow. No findings or sentences have been recorded, as the matter remains under active trial proceedings.
A man who claimed that his apologies after raping his girlfriend at work were for "poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules" rather than for sexual assault has been jailed for five years. The 29-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified to protect the victim's anonymity, was convicted by a jury at a third trial in the Central Criminal Court of raping the woman in January 2020. The court heard that the couple were in the early stages of a romantic relationship, and the victim had not felt ready for a sexual relationship. The accused man locked the door of a shower cubicle and raped her after she returned to work. The victim later confided in a colleague and gardai were called. The defendant made admissions to a colleague and was arrested. He later claimed that his apologies were for poor sexual performance and breaching workplace rules. The victim described the adverse effects on her physical and mental health and relationships.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, having pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on November 23, 2023. During cross-examination, defence counsel suggested to witness Catherine Carbery that Bouchaker's intention may have been to terrify and intimidate rather than stab, though she maintained she believed he was injuring a child. Another witness, Alison Carbery, stated she definitively saw the knife plunged into a child's torso. Carlos Antonio Lopes dos Santos testified that he saw Bouchaker strike a girl in the stomach or chest area. Former garda Adam Kealy described finding Bouchaker prone on the ground, restrained by a fire officer, and noted he was later sedated at Mater Hospital. The trial is presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt and a jury of nine men and three women. The defence has not yet entered a final plea or received a sentence, as the matter is currently at the trial stage. The proceedings are expected to last up to five weeks and continue before the court.
The Court of Appeal has rejected Patrick Murphy's claim that his murder conviction was unsafe due to the jury's 'extremely brief' deliberation. Murphy, who stabbed his daughter's neighbour to death in a 'drunken rage', was sentenced to life in prison in December 2024. He had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. The Central Criminal Court jury unanimously convicted him of murder after rejecting the defence's argument of provocation. Murphy's counsel argued that the jury's quick decision raised concerns about the safety of the conviction and the right to full deliberation. However, the court dismissed the appeal, stating the jury deliberated for over three hours and reached a verdict based on the evidence. The judge noted that the issue of provocation was straightforward and that the jury's decision was sound. The trial revealed that Murphy had a history of 15 previous convictions, mostly for traffic and public order offences.
A violent criminal, Gerard Stokes, who carried out a three-hour hammer attack on a 'Good Samaritan' grandmother, leaving her blind in one eye after tying her up and threatening to kill her, had his jail sentence increased by two years following a successful appeal by the State. Stokes and his co-accused, Samantha Campbell, were convicted of inflicting what a judge described as a 'punishment beating' on the woman over alleged missing drugs. The Court of Appeal found that Stokes' 13-and-a-half-year jail term, with two years suspended, was unduly lenient and resentenced him to 14-and-a-half-years, with one year suspended. However, the court ruled that Campbell's ten-year sentence was not too lenient. The court heard the victim lost an eye in the attack and now uses a prosthesis. The judge noted that both defendants 'participated willingly' in the attack and the jury accepted that this was joint enterprise.
Mr Justice Paul McDermott criticized the Law Society of Ireland for failing to inform the courts of the proposed withdrawal of legal aid work by solicitors, calling it 'highly discourteous'. The judge expressed disappointment that the court had not been notified of the action by solicitors or the Law Society. He emphasized the need for formal notification from a representative body, such as the Law Society, if such action was to be taken. The judge noted the potential impact on trials, including murder cases, jurors, and families. Solicitors were reportedly withdrawing services in a dispute over legal aid reforms involving solicitor fees. McDermott urged solicitors to inform the court in advance and not leave it to barristers to handle the situation. The comments were made ahead of the swearing in of a Central Criminal Court jury, with concerns that the trial may not proceed as scheduled.
Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident allegedly occurred on November 23, 2023, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is expected to last up to five weeks. Witnesses described Bouchaker as stabbing children before being restrained by members of the public. Siobhan Kearney, whose brother died in the Stardust nightclub fire, testified that she jumped on Bouchaker to stop him, kicking away his knife and protecting him from further blows by the crowd. Warren Donoghue stated he struck Bouchaker in the jaw to prevent him from killing or seriously injuring the children. Other witnesses, including Eileen O'Sullivan, Michael Healy, and Oisin Murphy, described seeing Bouchaker wield a knife against children and being struck by a motorbike helmet and a bicycle lock before being brought to the ground. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
A man who raped and sexually assaulted his younger cousin as a teenager has been jailed for five years. Paul O'Callaghan, now 57, was convicted of rape and indecent assault on multiple occasions between 1985 and 1986. The victim, who has since died, disclosed the abuse to her father in the late 1990s, and O'Callaghan expressed remorse and sought counseling. The victim made a formal complaint in 2016, and her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including alcohol addiction, nightmares, and mental health struggles. O'Callaghan's defense highlighted his guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. Judge Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the abuse, the young age of the victim, and the breach of trust as aggravating factors. He sentenced O'Callaghan to 12 years, reduced it to six years due to his age at the time of the offenses and mitigating factors, and suspended the final year on conditions.
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
Tom White (76) was jailed for six years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over 50 years ago when they were neighbors in Limerick. White was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault between 1971 and 1976. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the abuse as having ended her childhood and shaped her life for 50 years. White had regular access to the girl's home and made lewd comments and physical abuse. The court heard that the abuse occurred several times a week and was described as 'opportunistic'. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to six years considering mitigating factors such as White's age, health issues, and the long intervening period since the crimes were committed. White has a long work history and has been married for about 50 years.
A 44-year-old man from Offaly was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping his best friend while she slept beside her grandchild in a Moses basket. The victim testified that she awoke to find the accused on top of her, having sex with her. She managed to push him off and left the room, only for the accused to return and attempt to re-enter the house. The victim later reported the incident to the gardaí and was treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she was found to have bruising and a small cut. The accused, who has eight previous convictions, claimed the sex was consensual. The victim described the emotional toll of the assault, including feeling like a "zombie" and losing quality time with her dying brother. She expressed that the rape had "shattered my sense of security in my home" and that she felt "dirty" despite scrubbing herself.
Larry Connors (32) and Michael Connors (34), both of Newbridge, Co Kildare, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred in a pub restroom following a Tyson Fury boxing match, where the victim was assaulted after shouting "up Usyk." The victim sustained a chipped tooth, bruising, swelling, and cuts to his face. Both defendants were already serving sentences for affray imposed by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in February and had been due for release in November. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Michael Connors initiated the incident by pushing the victim, Larry Connors used the greatest force. Both men brought €1,500 each to court. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 months on each defendant, with the final year suspended on conditions. These conditions require them to hand over the total €3,000 to the garda to be offered to the victim or, if not accepted, donated to charity. The court acknowledged their apologies and good work histories, noting they would return to stable situations upon release.
An eight-year prison sentence for Aaron Babbington, who attacked a man with a broken bottle, was upheld by the Court of Appeal. Babbington, who has 146 previous convictions, was found guilty of attempted murder after an unprovoked attack on Jason Butler, who died two days later. The sentencing judge had imposed a 10-year sentence with the final two years suspended, considering Babbington's plea and potential for rehabilitation. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued the sentence was unduly lenient, but the Court of Appeal rejected this, noting that the judge had considered both aggravating and mitigating factors. Babbington's defense argued that the incident was out of character for him and that the reduction from the headline sentence was within the court's discretion. The court concluded that the sentence was not a gross departure from the norm and dismissed the appeal.
Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.
David Hunter, a British national, has failed in his appeal to overturn his conviction for the murder of Michael Barr in a Dublin pub in 2016. The Court of Appeal upheld the Special Criminal Court's decision to dismiss the evidence of a witness regarding the height of one of the shooters. Hunter had argued that the trial court erred in rejecting the testimony of a witness who claimed the gunman was over six feet tall, while Hunter is five foot ten. The court found that the trial court's assessment of the eye-witness evidence was both cogent and rigorous. The DNA evidence linking Hunter to the crime was also upheld, as was the court's decision to admit the mobile phone evidence despite concerns about privacy rights. The appeal was dismissed, and Hunter's conviction remains in place.
A mother who attempted to murder her eight-year-old daughter by strangling her with a phone cable and stabbing her more than 70 times has been jailed for nine years. The mother, a 49-year-old Russian national, claimed she was "out of her mind" when she attacked her daughter. The child, who is now in foster care, described the "tormenting" pain of the attack in her victim impact statement. The court heard that the mother had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar affective disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. She had previously been hospitalized for mental health treatment and had attempted suicide. The jury found her guilty of attempted murder, and the judge noted that her mental health significantly contributed to her actions. The mother was sentenced to 12 years, but the final three years were suspended, resulting in a nine-year custodial sentence. The victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and physical trauma the child endured, including scars and nightmares.
A childcare worker, Leanne Flynn, described a ferocious knife attack by Riad Bouchaker on a group of children in Dublin. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, allegedly stabbed a girl in the chest multiple times and threatened other children with a knife. Flynn intervened, grabbing Bouchaker from behind and pulling him away from the children. She was stabbed in the back during the struggle and later required emergency surgery for severe injuries, including a collapsed lung and a severed diaphragm. A Deliveroo driver, Ciao Benicio, struck Bouchaker with his helmet and punched him, helping to subdue him. The court heard that the attack was "ferocious" and that Bouchaker was "hell bent on getting the children." The trial continues with the accused denying all charges. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and the court has heard from multiple witnesses, including a nurse who described the horrifying nature of the knife used. Riad Bouchaker pleaded not guilty. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
A 42-year-old prisoner, Paul Clarke, who was originally charged with the murder of Eoin Boylan in November 2019, has pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Clarke, from Coolock Drive, Coolock, appeared before the Central Criminal Court and admitted to participating in the killing of Mr Boylan at Clonshaugh Avenue, Dublin, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation. The court heard that Clarke, between November 23 and 24, 2019, participated in the killing with the intent to enhance the ability of the organisation to commit serious offences. Clarke was initially charged with murder in March 2025. His defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, noted that Clarke is currently serving a lengthy sentence but is doing well and requested a probation report. Mr Justice Paul McDermott listed the case for October 5 and requested the probation report be prepared by that date. Eoin Boylan was shot six times outside his home on Clonshaugh Avenue on November 24, 2019, and later died at Beaumont Hospital.
Two 21-year-old twin brothers, Eric and Sean Farrell, who had no prior criminal history, were sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Nicolae Diaconu (45) during a domestic incident. The court heard that the twins stabbed Diaconu eight times and struck him with a blunt object after he became abusive towards their mother, leading her to seek refuge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that the incident occurred out of the blue and that the twins acted under a mistaken belief they were under threat. The judge imposed a seven-year and six-month sentence with the final 18 months suspended for the rest of their lives. The twins had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. CCTV footage showed them being amicable with Diaconu before the incident. The court considered mitigating factors such as their youth, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge emphasized the level of violence and the use of knives and a hammer as aggravating factors.
A 48-year-old man has been jailed for two and a half years for instigating a violent attack on two men in Balbriggan. Kevin Cox pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder that occurred on March 31, 2024. During the incident, Cox pushed and struck one of the victims multiple times, and the second victim was punched and kicked. Both victims sustained serious injuries, with one suffering from ongoing headaches and impaired vision, and the other suffering from a knee dislocation and fractures. Cox has 16 previous convictions, most of which are from the District Court. His defence argued that most of his previous convictions were historic and that he had not come to garda attention since the incident. He expressed remorse and offered €4,000 as a token of apology. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the CCTV footage showing Cox's aggressive actions and set a headline sentence of six years, which she reduced to four years. She suspended the final 18 months for 18 months under strict conditions.
A receptionist at an English Language school in Dublin described the chaos that followed a knife attack on children. She heard a colleague scream 'the kid is dead' as she saw a girl being treated by paramedics and a man unconscious nearby. The witness, Luciana Yaya, recognized the man as the same individual who had earlier entered the school. She described the man as being chubby, wearing a brown coat and a beanie hat with a visible scar on his face. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder three children and seriously injuring a care worker, continues. Evidence presented included a bloodstained jacket belonging to the care worker and a 24cm carving knife found in a rucksack at the scene. The trial is expected to last up to five weeks, with the jury considering the testimonies of witnesses and the exhibits presented.
A witness testified that she heard a man speaking aggressively on the afternoon of a knife attack that left several children injured. Patricia Byrne heard the man say 'sh*t Irish, sh*t f***ing Irish' in an aggressive manner as he walked along Mary St in Dublin. She saw him approach two women with buggies and later identified him on CCTV footage. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to a care worker, continues. Gardai found a 24cm carving knife in a rucksack near the scene of the attack. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial before a jury of nine men and three women is expected to last up to five weeks.
A Lithuanian man with a history of violent convictions has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a woman and threatening to "cut her face off and eat her" shortly after they met. Tasas Ruzas (42) was found guilty of rape, anal rape, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred after a day of drug and alcohol use with the victim, who had initially met Ruzas in Dublin city centre. During the assault, Ruzas punched the victim, raped her without a condom, and then anally raped her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Ruzas has numerous previous convictions in Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK, including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The judge noted the extreme humiliation and degrading nature of the sexual offences and the violence inflicted on the victim, who suffered a fractured eye.
A 28-year-old man's rape conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal due to the trial judge failing to warn the jury about conflicting evidence. The complainant initially told friends that a different man had sex with her, but the trial judge did not address this in his instructions to the jury. The defendant was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but the appeal court ruled that the conviction should be overturned. The court noted that the complainant's evidence was inconsistent and that the jury should have been warned about the conflicting accounts. The appeal court emphasized the importance of ensuring that juries are properly instructed on the need for corroboration in cases with conflicting evidence. The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court.
The Women of Honour CLG has initiated a High Court judicial review against Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland, and the Attorney General, challenging the State's refusal to fund the group's legal teams for a tribunal investigating bullying, harassment, and sexual assault allegations within the Defence Forces. The group, represented by Mark Harty SC, argued that the State's decision creates a "fundamental inequality of arms" and "fundamental unfairness." They submitted that while the State and the Defence Forces, who are the subjects of the complaints, are fully funded, the complainants face potential cost denial despite being voluntary participants assisting the tribunal's fact-finding. Mr Harty contended that denying funding acts as a structural barrier to participation and renders the right to representation illusory, as witnesses may face reputational scrutiny. He further argued that the State cannot rely on tribunal limitations to avoid ensuring effective participation. The tribunal, which began this week, is scheduled to continue for 33 days. In her decision, Ms Justice Sara Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
A personal trainer at a female-only gym, John Peters (33), has been jailed for two years and two months for assaulting his then-girlfriend. Peters pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm, and criminal damage to her phone. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors of the intimate relationship and the significant effect of the aggression on the victim. Peters' probation report indicated that he minimized his actions and claimed the victim provoked him. The judge highlighted the lack of evidence that Peters is addressing his aggression and the absence of contrition. She sentenced Peters to three years for assault causing harm, two and a half years for criminal damage, and six months for assault, all to run concurrently. The final 10 months of the sentence were suspended for 15 months, and Peters was placed under the supervision of the Probation Services for 10 months post-release.
The Court of Appeal has ordered the retrial of Aaron Connolly, whose murder conviction for Cameron Reilly was quashed due to remarks by the trial judge that may have been perceived as mocking the defence case. The trial judge's charge to the jury was found to lack balance and may have been seen as advocacy for the prosecution case and disparaging of the defence case. Connolly, who was 26 at the time of the murder, initially denied any sexual contact with Reilly but later admitted to performing oral sex on him. The trial heard that Reilly was bisexual and had confided in friends about this. Connolly was found guilty in December 2022 and received a mandatory life sentence. His appeal argued that the trial judge's comments were denigrating of the defence case. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge's remarks were capable of being perceived as disparaging and mocking the defence case. The conviction was quashed, and the Director of Public Prosecutions will decide whether to apply for a retrial. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
A family member of a 62-year-old woman who was killed by her son described the family as "severely divided" by the incident. Luke Donnelly, 29, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after claiming he was provoked by his mother, Catherine Henry. The court heard that Donnelly had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and that his mother had a history of violence. Donnelly claimed he was in fear for his life when his mother threatened to kill him. His family members gave victim impact statements, with some expressing that they felt the mother was on trial rather than the son. The court heard that Donnelly had a complex relationship with his mother and that he had been groomed into a life of drugs and violence. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued for a sentence of between 10 and 15 years, while the defense argued for a sentence in the medium culpability range. Donnelly was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, was jailed for four months after sexually assaulting a woman and brazenly masturbating in public multiple times in Dublin. Mahajan pleaded guilty to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The court heard that Mahajan targeted vulnerable women working alone at night and that his behavior was brazen and public. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Mahajan had no entitlement to remain in Ireland and was subject to a deportation order. She imposed a total of 16 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mahajan was also registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Mahajan had arrived in Ireland to study but had used cannabis and alcohol, which affected his behavior. His family is not in Ireland, and he is now homeless. The court emphasized the need for Mahajan to address his risk factors and develop insight into his offending.
Jonathan Gill, accused of murdering Robbie Lawlor, has challenged his extradition to the UK, arguing that he would not receive the same legal protections in UK courts as he would in the European Union. His legal team highlighted that evidence from EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform, may not be admissible in UK courts, unlike in the EU, where individuals can challenge the admissibility of such evidence through the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. The UK, however, does not have the same protections, and Gill's legal team claims this would breach his fundamental rights. The Minister for Justice argued that EncroChat messages are admissible in both the EU and the UK, and that Gill has multiple avenues to challenge their use in UK courts, including through the European Court of Human Rights. The court has remanded Gill in custody ahead of a bail hearing, with a judgment on extradition to be delivered later.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has had his appeal against his conviction for indecently assaulting five young boys rejected by the Court of Appeal. Sheehan had argued that the trial should have been split into two due to the severity of the attack on one of the victims. However, the court ruled that the connection between Sheehan and all the complainants through his leadership of a scout troop was of particular relevance. Sheehan was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. The court dismissed the appeal, noting that the alleged offence against the victim in the woods was more serious but still of a similar nature to the other counts. The court found that the trial judge was correct to refuse the defense application for a separate trial, as all the incidents occurred at scouting events involving sleepover elements. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Daniel Dooley, one of six family members convicted of the murder of Thomas Dooley in an honour killing during a funeral in Co Kerry, has failed to convince the Court of Appeal that his identification by the victim's widow was unfair and should have resulted in the case being withdrawn from the jury. Dooley was convicted by a majority jury verdict in July 2024 and was one of six defendants, including a teenage boy, who were found guilty of murder. The court ruled that the evidence against Dooley, including CCTV footage showing him entering a van with an implement, was sufficient for the jury to draw inferences that he was part of a joint enterprise of a pre-planned violent attack. The court rejected the appeal, noting that the evidence was not tenuous, weak, or vague and that the credibility of the widow's identification was a matter for the jury. Daniel Dooley pleaded not guilty.
A Cavan man, Danny Heyneman, must serve a six-year prison sentence for attempting to murder his father before beginning a life sentence for murdering his mother in attacks of extreme violence within the family home. Mr Justice Tony Hunt ruled that the attempted murder of his father was a separate and extremely serious offence, and that the six-year sentence should be served before the life sentence for the murder of his mother. The judge noted that the most aggravating factor in the case was the breach of trust involved, as the victims were attacked in their own home, which should have been a place of safety. The court heard that the defendant had a history of depression, self-harm, and paranoid ideation, but these factors were not sufficient to explain the violence meted out to his parents. The judge acknowledged the defendant's remorse but said it was a very small drop in a very large ocean of damage and destruction. Danny Heyneman pleaded guilty.
Ionel Rostas (20) has been jailed for two years and three months for assaulting his ex-girlfriend outside a nightclub. The incident occurred on April 21, 2025, at the Red Cow Inn, where Rostas was captured on CCTV headbutting and punching the 18-year-old woman. The victim required plastic stitches above her right eyebrow after the attack. Rostas, who has 30 previous convictions, was interviewed by gardai and made no comment during the interview. The victim did not wish to make a statement to the gardaí, and the prosecution relied on CCTV footage. Rostas was on a suspended sentence for a drug offence when he committed the assault. Judge Orla Crowe noted the deplorable violence and the vulnerability of the victim. She imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, suspending the final six months on the condition that Rostas keep the peace and be of good behaviour. She also ordered him to engage with the Probation Service for anger management programmes. Ionel Rostas pleaded guilty.
Two brothers, Patrick Pa' Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42), are on trial for attempting to murder two brothers at an unofficial halting site in Co Offaly. The victims, Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh (46), were shot in the chest, neck, and face with pellets from a shotgun. Anthony McDonagh testified that he locked eyes with Patrick Ward before being shot, while Michael McDonagh claimed John Pio Ward shot him. The prosecution, led by Kevin White SC, argued that the recognition evidence given by the McDonagh brothers was crucial, despite the lack of CCTV footage or maps of the incident. The defence, led by Damien Colgan SC, argued that there was no evidence to support the victims' testimony and suggested they were colluding to falsely accuse the accused. The trial continues with the jury considering whether the McDonagh brothers' accounts were truthful or if they were lying. The accused face further charges of possession of firearms and violent disorder. Patrick Pa' Ward pleaded not guilty. John Pio Ward pleaded not guilty.
An 81-year-old former teacher, Barra Connolly, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for 97 sexual offences against four teenage pupils over 20 years ago. The Central Criminal Court in Waterford heard that Connolly was found guilty of 23 counts of rape, 73 counts of sexual assault, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material. The abuse occurred at his home in Chapel Street, Lismore, Co Waterford, between 1997 and 2006. The victims, aged between 13 and 17 at the time, were given keys to Connolly's house and subjected to various forms of abuse, including touching, oral and anal rape. Gardai discovered 984 items of child sexual abuse material on his devices. The court was told that the victims experienced long-term emotional and psychological trauma, including suicidal ideation and mental health issues. Connolly, who has no previous convictions, does not accept the jury's verdict. The judge noted the grooming of the boys and the prolonged duration of the abuse as aggravating factors.
Jim McCarthy, 27, formerly of Oughterard, Co Galway, pleaded guilty at Galway Circuit Criminal Court to one count of hijacking a vehicle on Foster Street, Galway, on April 10, 2024, and to burglary, assault, and possession of an article at St Lawarnce Park, Loughrea, on January 23, 2024. Prosecution evidence alleged that McCarthy hijacked a car from a woman using a knife and later assaulted a resident in Loughrea, striking him with a knife and stealing cash. The court heard that McCarthy has 11 previous District Court convictions. Defence counsel noted that McCarthy has addressed addiction issues, completed a 12-week course at Cluine Mhuire, is employed, and has engaged with the Probation Service. Both injured parties declined to provide victim impact statements or participate in a restorative justice programme. Judge Brian O'Callaghan adjourned the case for an updated probation report in January 2027. The matter was adjourned and not concluded.
Jonathan Gill, aged 44, faced a High Court bail hearing in connection with an extradition warrant issued by Northern Irish authorities. He is charged with murder in relation to the death of Robbie Lawlor on 4 April 2020, and with possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol between 2 and 5 April 2020. Both charges carry potential life sentences. The Criminal Assets Bureau has assessed a liability of over €860,000 against Mr Gill, primarily comprising interest on unpaid income tax dating to 2005. Gardaí objected to bail, citing the seriousness of charges, alleged links to organised crime, and concerns regarding access to cash and potential flight risk. Mr Gill's father offered an independent surety of €100,000, which the State accepted as suitable. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath adjourned the bail application to 3 June, pending clarification regarding Mr Gill's tax payments. The extradition hearing is scheduled for the same date.
The High Court has granted a stay on a notice of dismissal against a garda convicted of assaulting his then-wife. Mr Justice Sara Phelan approved the stay, which suspends dismissal proceedings until 14 July. The garda, based in Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in April 2025 to assault in October 2012 and received a three-month suspended sentence in January 2026. Following conviction, An Garda Síochána Commissioner issued a dismissal notice in February, citing necessity to maintain public confidence. The applicant's legal representatives challenged the dismissal through judicial review, contending the Commissioner acted unlawfully and that the circumstances did not warrant dismissal under the Policing, Security and Community Safety Act 2024. Counsel argued the garda was denied access to comparator cases and that standard disciplinary procedures remained available. The applicant, now a regular garda under suspension, was granted leave to pursue the judicial review challenge.
The trial of Patrick Pa' Ward (38) and John Pio Ward (42), both of Kilcruttin, Tullamore, Co Offaly, continued at the Central Criminal Court before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The accused, who have pleaded not guilty to all charges, face allegations of attempting to murder Anthony McDonagh (40) and Michael McDonagh (46) at an unofficial halting site on March 21, 2025. They also face charges of possession of firearms and violent disorder. Defence witness Eileen McDonagh, the sisters of the alleged victims and partner of Patrick Ward, testified that she did not believe Patrick committed the shootings. She stated she was with him that night and denied lying to the jury. An unnamed alibi witness for John Ward testified to hearing loud bangs near the site around 10:05 pm and seeing John Ward outside. Another unnamed witness claimed to have been in John Ward's yard around 9:40 pm when he heard two bangs. The prosecution case has concluded, and the defence is currently presenting its evidence. The matter was adjourned and the trial continues tomorrow.
Mary Hand (49), mother of murdered gunman Tristan Sherry, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and possession of an article in the course of a dispute on February 3, 2024. She received a three-and-a-half year suspended sentence, conditional on engaging with the Probation Service for 18 months. The incident occurred weeks after her son's funeral, following his murder in a Dublin steakhouse. During the incident, Hand was involved in a dispute with a bar manager at a pub on Fleet Street. The manager asked the intoxicated Hand and another woman to leave, leading to an altercation. Hand lunged at the manager, who ducked and felt something on his torso. A knife was later found on the ground, and the manager sustained cuts to his abdomen and chest. Hand was arrested and initially claimed she had no memory of the incident, attributing it to alcohol abuse. She has a history of previous convictions, including threats to kill and public order offences. The court heard that Hand had made genuine efforts at rehabilitation, including staying away from alcohol.