The Court of Appeal has criticized the failure of gardai to interview the wife of an octogenarian child abuser but ruled that her husband's trial was not rendered unfair as a result. The man, now 87, had argued that his wife would have supported his claim that the girl did not spend the night at their home on the night of the attacks. He was convicted of two counts of sexual assault in 1991 and sentenced to two years in prison. His appeal focused on the absence of his wife's statement, which his lawyers claimed would have challenged the victim's credibility. However, the court noted that his wife had died before the trial and that her potential evidence was not certain to be admitted. The judge also pointed out that the victim's evidence was not challenged on the issue of her staying at the abuser's home. The court concluded that the trial, while imperfect, did not result in unfairness for the appellant. The unnamed 87-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Two criminals involved in a "very disturbing" assault in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground and kicked have been jailed for three years and three months. Aidan Daniels (30) and Adam Kelly (21) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault with intent to cause bodily harm at the Daybreak shop in Loughlinstown, Dublin, on June 23, 2025. Judge Martina Baxter handed both men a sentence of three years and three months, backdated to when they went into custody. Garda Sinead Whelan told the court that a member of the public anonymously called gardai after witnessing the attack outside the shop. The victim declined to make any statement to gardai, but the defendants were identified from CCTV of the attack. Viewing this footage in court, Judge Baxter said: "This is very disturbing." The footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim as he "slides to the ground." She said the victim was then defenceless on the ground and being dragged by his hoodie with one of the men dragging him by his leg.
Jonathan Gill, aged 44, with an address on the Malahide Road in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court in relation to extradition proceedings initiated by authorities in Northern Ireland. Gill is wanted by the PSNI in connection with the murder of Robbie Lawlor, shot dead in Belfast on 4 April 2020, and for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. His legal representatives submitted that extradition could prejudice his right to a fair trial, citing divergent interpretations of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the UK and EU regarding the admissibility of encrypted phone data. The High Court rejected an application for additional senior counsel representation, with Mr Justice Sean Gillane finding the legal arguments sufficiently clear. Gill was remanded in custody pending a bail application on 6 May. The extradition hearing is scheduled for 3 June.
Sean McGovern, a Kinahan cartel lieutenant, has asked the Special Criminal Court to give him credit for pleading guilty to directing the criminal organization in the murder of a grandfather and the attempted murder of another man. His lawyers also requested additional credit for the time he spent in harsh conditions in a Dubai prison before his extradition to Ireland. McGovern pleaded guilty to directing the activities of the criminal organization in the murder of Christopher Kirwan and the surveillance of James Gately. His defense argued that his role was limited to surveillance and communication, not planning or executing the attacks. Michael Bowman SC highlighted the guilty plea as a significant mitigating factor and requested a reduction in the sentence beyond the standard 25 percent. He also presented testimonials from McGovern's family, emphasizing his rehabilitation and current status in Portlaoise Prison. The prosecution, however, questioned whether additional credit should be given due to McGovern's challenge to his extradition, which prolonged his time in Dubai.
A 42-year-old man was convicted of breaching a safety order after calling his former partner a 'tramp' and making an offensive gesture at a food market. The victim, who was with her new partner and children, stated that the accused drove through the car park, passed her, and made the offensive remarks. The accused denied the allegations, claiming he had gone to the market to buy an air-conditioning unit and had not made any offensive gestures. The court found the victim's evidence credible and convicted the accused. The judge noted that the incident was at the lower end of domestic violence but emphasized that all such cases are serious. The accused, who was already serving a suspended sentence, was ordered to undergo a community service suitability report. The defense highlighted the accused's willingness to engage with the MOVE programme and his part-time work. The unnamed 42-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A self-proclaimed 'drugs lord' named Craig O'Connell, who had 62 previous convictions, was jailed for nine years for raping a 16-year-old girl. O'Connell falsely claimed the girl owed him €12,000 and threatened her with violence if she did not comply. He convinced her to have sex with him, recording the act to provide proof. O'Connell continued to extort money from the girl, taking items such as her mother's wedding band and an engagement ring. He also threatened her former boyfriend, falsely accusing him of being a 'rat' and making him sell drugs to repay a debt. O'Connell pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including rape, theft, and coercion. The court noted the abuse of trust and the deliberate planning to terrify the victims. The judge imposed a sentence of 11 years for the rape and a consecutive six-year term for making a demand with menace. O'Connell was also ordered to attend sex offender treatment and be under post-release supervision.
Daniel Hutchinson was convicted of assault causing harm after attacking a stranger with a champagne bottle, leaving him in a coma for four days. The incident occurred on North Earl Street in Dublin City Centre, where Hutchinson struck the victim 12 times on the head and face. The attack was captured on CCTV, and Hutchinson was arrested 30 minutes later. The victim suffered multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and required surgery. A victim impact statement highlighted the ongoing effects of the attack, including anxiety, panic attacks, and an inability to work in crowded places. Hutchinson, who had 10 previous convictions, claimed he was intoxicated and could not remember the incident. His defense highlighted that his son had died three days before the attack, leading him to go on a bender. The court adjourned the case until July 24 to allow for further reports to be submitted. Daniel Hutchinson pleaded guilty.
Jenifer Devine, a mother of eight, was given a suspended sentence for withholding information about her husband's involvement in the murder of her brother-in-law. Devine had fled with her husband, Christopher Devine, who was later convicted of murder. The court heard that Devine was afraid of her husband, who was described as a 'snake' and had a history of significant violence. Devine pleaded guilty to withholding information during the four-day period following the murder. The judge noted that Devine was the sole carer for her two youngest children while her husband was serving a life sentence. The court acknowledged her mental distress and the chaotic living conditions she faced. The judge imposed an 18-month suspended sentence, taking into account her guilty plea, lack of recent convictions, and her role as a primary carer. The victim's family expressed a significant rift due to the incident, and Devine's victim impact statement highlighted the emotional toll on her and her family. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
A trial date has been set for Sean Harding (31), from Marian Terrace, Tipperary town, who is accused of murdering an 81-year-old pensioner, Timothy Murnane, in Tipperary town on September 12, 2025. Mr Murnane was found with serious injuries outside his home at St Michael's Avenue and later died at University Hospital Limerick two days later. In addition to the murder charge, Harding also faces three burglary charges related to the same location on September 11 and 12, 2025. The case was heard at the Central Criminal Court, where Mr Justice Paul McDermott set a trial date for October 5 and scheduled case management for June 5 next year. The court proceedings mark a significant step in the legal process for the accused, who is now set to face trial for the alleged murder and burglary charges. The case has drawn attention in the local community, with many awaiting the outcome of the trial.
Dylan Brady, 39, of Ballybrack, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to assaulting a garda, obstructing a garda, threatening and abusive behaviour, failing to comply with a garda direction, and violent disorderly behaviour. The court heard that Brady, who has 133 previous convictions, became abusive towards staff at St Vincent's University Hospital A&E on November 3, 2024. After refusing a direction to leave, he was arrested and taken to Donnybrook Garda Station. There, he allegedly continued to be abusive, slammed doors, and spat in the face of Garda Lee O'Donoghue while attempting to grab him. Defence solicitor Andrew Vallely stated that Brady suffers from schizophrenia and psychosis and was not medically compliant at the time, noting he is now in residential treatment at Coolmine Lodge. Judge Anne Watkin described the station behaviour as "pretty serious" but decided to deal with the matter under the Probation Act given the guilty plea and treatment progress. Brady was placed on a 12-month probation bond on his own bond of €500, with an independent surety of €500. Conditions include notifying gardaí if he leaves Coolmine Lodge, remaining off alcohol and illegal drugs, engaging with the Probation Service and treatment providers, taking prescribed medication, and completing residential treatment. Judge Watkin warned Brady he "will be jailed" if he commits any further offences.
Jonathan Gill, aged 44 and with an address on the Malahide Road in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court in connection with an extradition application by Northern Irish authorities. Gill is wanted by the PSNI in relation to the murder of Robbie Lawlor, a 36-year-old man shot dead in Belfast on April 4, 2020. He faces charges on a joint enterprise basis and is also accused of possessing a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life between April 2 and 5, 2020. The PSNI believe the killing was part of an ongoing drugs feud involving criminal elements across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. During proceedings before Mr Justice Sean Gillane, Gill's legal team sought to adjourn the bail application to renew a request for senior counsel. The counsel raised concerns regarding the lawfulness and admissibility of evidence, noting differing standards between European and UK courts. The judge remanded Gill in custody pending a renewed application for senior counsel on May 1. An extradition hearing is scheduled for June 3.
A dentist, Lutfi Hamuda (54), was found guilty of assault causing harm after he spat at his neighbour and fractured his nose following a noise dispute. Hamuda had no previous convictions and claimed the injured party was the aggressor. The court heard that Hamuda told the injured party he was going to kill him and then spat in his face before punching him. The injured party was terrified and believed Hamuda when he said he was going to kill him. He was treated for a fractured nose, which required surgery. Hamuda's defence argued that he had mental distress and had moved away from the area. The judge described the case as 'inherently serious' and adjourned the case until July for the preparation of a probation report.
The daughter of Noel Kirwan, an innocent man murdered by the Kinahan organised crime group, told cartel lieutenant Sean McGovern that her father would have been offended to have been killed by 'somebody as stupid as you.' Donna Kirwan, whose father was shot dead outside his home in December 2016, addressed McGovern directly in her written statement to the court. She questioned how McGovern thought he would get away with the murder, pointing out that he was linked to the murder by DNA, mobile phones, CCTV, and other evidence. The court heard evidence relating to McGovern's role in the murder of Mr Kirwan and the attempted murder of James Gately. The Kinahans targeted Gately because they believed he was one of the armed attackers at the Regency Hotel. McGovern used a secure messaging service to relay information about Gately's movements. The case was adjourned for the completion of evidence and pleas in mitigation by McGovern's lawyers. Sean McGovern pleaded guilty.
Christopher Vaughan, a 63-year-old convicted rapist, was jailed for 13 years for sexually abusing a young girl in her home between 1996 and 1997. The victim described Vaughan as a monster and a coward, urging parents to watch for signs of abuse and teach children to speak out. Vaughan exploited the neglect in the victim's home, where her mother was an alcoholic and unable to protect her. He was violent towards the mother, contributing to a climate of fear. The abuse included two rapes and multiple sexual assaults, with Vaughan threatening to harm the mother and siblings. The abuse ended when the children were moved to their father's home. Vaughan denied the offences, but the court found him culpable, noting his prior rape conviction and the severity of the abuse. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma and the need for awareness about child abuse. The court emphasized the need for justice and the importance of protecting vulnerable children.
A girl described the moment her mother locked their bedroom door before pushing a kitchen knife through her chest in an attempted murder, stabbing her more than 70 times. The girl, now in foster care, said she no longer loves her mother but doesn't hate her, telling her mother: 'I hope you have a nice time in prison.' The court heard that the mother, a 49-year-old Russian national, had been suffering from depression and had overdosed on medication before the attack. The mother claimed she was 'out of her mind' when she attacked her daughter. The girl described how her mother held a knife over her and told her: 'I'm going to kill you and after will kill myself, as that will be best.' The mother was found to be at risk of self-harm and was admitted to an acute psychiatric hospital. The case was adjourned for further submissions on sentencing.
A 32-year-old man from Ballyconnell, County Cavan, has pleaded guilty to murder and attempted murder before the Central Criminal Court. Danny Heyneman admitted to the murder of Annie Heyneman at a family home in Kilnavart on January 11, 2025, and to attempting to murder Henk Heyneman at the same address on that date. Prosecution senior counsel Gerardine Small indicated that victim impact statements would be presented to the court. The defence counsel requested that education and governors' reports be prepared and indicated an intention to rely on psychiatric evidence during sentencing. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to May 19 for sentencing, at which time the court will hear background evidence, victim impact statements, and the prepared reports.
Sean McGovern, a senior Kinahan cartel member, swore on his baby's life that he would not stop targeting the Hutch gang following the Regency Hotel attack in 2016. Detective Superintendent David Gallagher testified that McGovern directed the Kinahan gang's activities, including tracking James Mago' Gately, who was believed to be involved in the attack. In text exchanges, McGovern vowed to continue targeting the Hutch gang until all members were gone. McGovern pleaded guilty to directing the Kinahan gang's activities in relation to the murder of Christopher Kirwan and the surveillance of James Gately. Kirwan was an innocent man with no connection to either gang, targeted after being photographed at a Hutch family member's funeral. Gately survived two attempted hits, including one where he was shot five times. McGovern's actions were part of a broader campaign of violence and intimidation against the Hutch gang, highlighting the ongoing conflict between the Kinahan and Hutch criminal organisations.
A man who became a trusted family friend has been jailed for 14 years for the sexual abuse of two young daughters in Galway. Benedick Joel (46) was convicted of 24 counts of sexual assault and one count of attempted anal rape on dates in 2017 and 2018. The court heard that Joel, referred to as 'Uncle Ben' by the children, was a family friend who initially engaged in 'body checks' on the girls and later sexually abused them. Both victims, now in their 20s, reported the abuse in 2022. Joel denied the allegations and has no previous convictions. The victims described the long-term emotional and psychological impact of the abuse, including depression, anxiety, and self-harm. The judge emphasized the breach of trust and the serious degradation of the offences, imposing a global sentence of 15 and a half years, with the final 18 months suspended to encourage rehabilitation.
A violent criminal with 123 previous convictions, Jordan Carroll, has been jailed for over three years for stabbing an English tourist in Dublin's Temple Bar. Carroll, who pleaded guilty to possession of a steak knife, assault causing harm, and violent disorder, was involved in an attack on a tourist celebrating a friend's birthday. The victim was stabbed after a verbal dispute, with Carroll retrieving a knife and lunging at him. Carroll's accomplices fled the scene, but a bloodstained knife was recovered. The court heard that Carroll had a traumatic upbringing marked by violence and criminal exposure. Despite his extensive criminal history, the judge reduced the headline sentence of six years to three years and nine months due to mitigation, including an early guilty plea and cooperation with gardaí. The victim's impact statement highlighted ongoing physical and psychological effects from the attack.
A court has ruled that a now 20-year-old man who raped his then girlfriend when they were both teenagers cannot be identified, despite the State's objections. The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the offence, was convicted of rape but acquitted of sexual assault. The court heard that the victim was visibly distressed and crying when she was dragged to the toilet by the defendant. The defendant denied the rape and claimed the sexual activity was consensual. The court imposed a custodial sentence of three and a half years, with the final year suspended for two years. The judge noted the defendant's disregard for the victim's lack of consent and placed him under probation supervision and on the sex offenders register. The court also made a Gilchrist order to prevent the publication of any details that might identify the defendant, citing a culpable delay in charging him as a child. The unnamed 20-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A 19-year-old woman accused of biting her friend and damaging property after allegedly inhaling 'fast gas' has been sent forward for trial after a judge refused jurisdiction in the District Court. Abbie Glynn appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court charged with assault causing harm and two counts of criminal damage, including damaging a television and a curtain pole. Gardaí alleged that Glynn bit the woman on the arm, causing bruising and breaking the skin, and also kicked her and struck her on the arms and hit her head off a television. She is also charged with pulling down and damaging a curtain pole. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the curtain pole's removal during the incident would have been intimidating for the injured party and said she would refuse jurisdiction. She granted Glynn bail on several conditions, including daily sign-on at a garda station, a curfew, and no contact with the injured party. Glynn was remanded on bail to appear again before the court on September 1.
Gary O'Shaughnessy, 39, of Mullingar, Co Westmeath, has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and treatment following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned unanimous verdicts of not guilty by reason of insanity on two charges: the alleged attempted murder of his brother, Mark (42), and intentionally or recklessly causing him serious harm. The alleged offences occurred at the same address between May 15 and 16, 2024. O'Shaughnessy had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to both counts. The court heard evidence that the accused struck his vulnerable, partially blind brother with a hammer and cut his neck with a knife. Prosecution and defence psychiatrists testified that O'Shaughnessy was suffering from schizophrenia at the time, which prevented him from knowing the nature and quality of his acts or refraining from them. Mr Justice Tony Hunt, relying on a report by consultant forensic psychiatrist Dr Dearbhla Duffy, was satisfied that O'Shaughnessy suffers from a mental disorder and requires inpatient care. The judge ordered his commitment to the Central Mental Hospital in Portrane, Co Dublin, pursuant to section 5(3) of the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006. This commitment will continue until a further order is made under section 13 of the Act. The judge described the case as "terribly sad" and noted the verdict aligned with the medical evidence.
The Court of Appeal has fixed November 5 as the hearing date for Alan Wilson's application to change his guilty plea to not guilty and to extend the time to lodge an appeal against his conviction. Wilson, who is representing himself, confirmed under oath that his handwritten affidavits were true. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy ordered Wilson to file submissions by June 25, while the Director of Public Prosecutions has been granted three months to respond. Wilson was originally jailed for six years by the Special Criminal Court in July 2019 for conspiring with others to murder Gary Hanley between September 15 and November 6, 2017. He pleaded guilty to this charge, as did co-accused Joseph Kelly. Kelly, who was recorded instructing the plot, was sentenced to six years for the conspiracy and 12 years for possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life. The matter remains at the procedural stage of an appeal hearing date being set, and the case has not been concluded or finalised. Wilson had previously submitted a letter of apology to the court, expressing regret for aiding a gang and his actions in the alleged murder plot.
An appeal brought by Jozef Puska against his conviction for the murder of schoolteacher Ashling Murphy has been rescheduled for July. Puska is serving a life sentence for stabbing Ms Murphy 11 times in the neck and slashing her once with a blade in January 2022. The appeal was delayed after Puska changed his barristers shortly before the original hearing date. The new date for the appeal was set for July 15, with a case management hearing scheduled for May 15. Puska, who was identified by CCTV footage and DNA evidence, had pleaded not guilty to the murder. The court heard that Puska's DNA was found on the murder weapon and under Ms Murphy's fingernails, indicating she had fought back. The appeal will be heard by the Court of Appeal, with the judge noting the need for an early hearing date.
Jonathan Gill, with an address on the Malahide Road in Clontarf, Dublin, appeared before the High Court in connection with extradition proceedings sought by authorities in Northern Ireland. The 44-year-old is wanted by the PSNI in relation to the murder of Robbie Lawlor, shot dead in Belfast on 4 April 2020, and for alleged possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol between 2 and 5 April that year. During today's hearing before Mr Justice Sean Gillane, Gill's barrister submitted that evidence proposed in the case would not be admissible under EU law, though it would be valid in UK courts. The judge scheduled a bail application for the following Wednesday, with Gill remanded in custody until that date. The extradition hearing has been fixed for 3 June. Gill was arrested on foot of a warrant issued by Belfast Magistrates' Court on 31 March.
A judge described an assault as "very disturbing" in which the victim was punched, pulled to the ground, and kicked. Aidan Daniels, 30, and Adam Kelly, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to cause bodily harm. CCTV footage showed Kelly punching and kneeing the victim, who was then dragged by his hoodie and leg. The victim was kicked and stamped on multiple times while on the ground. Kelly has 38 previous convictions, including theft and drug dealing, and was on a suspended sentence. Daniels has 18 previous convictions, including possession of a flick knife and aggravated burglary. Both were arrested and bail was refused. Their defence argued that the assault was out of character and that they were remorseful. Judge Martina Baxter ordered reports from prison governors and adjourned sentencing to May 1 next.
A tenant, Philip Lalor, was jailed for 12 months after assaulting his landlord and brandishing a knife in a dispute over leaving a shared accommodation in 2020. Lalor, a repeat offender with 20 previous convictions, was convicted of two counts of assault causing harm, one of producing a Stanley knife, and two counts of threatening and abusive behaviour. The landlord and his wife went to the house to ask Lalor to leave, leading to a confrontation where Lalor choked the landlord and later brandished a knife. Lalor fled through a window but was apprehended by gardai. He resisted arrest and was taken to a cell for his own safety. The landlord described the incident's lasting impact, including stress-related issues and a demotion at work. Lalor's counsel argued for mitigation, citing his regret and willingness to engage with Probation Services. The judge imposed a two-year global sentence, suspending the final 12 months on strict conditions.
Frances O'Brien, a repeat offender, had her jail term for assaulting a garda replaced with a fully suspended sentence on appeal. O'Brien, who had not come to garda attention in two years, was originally sentenced to three months for assaulting a garda and another three months for trespassing. Her appeal highlighted her current stability, including being drug-free, pregnant, and in a different stage of life. Her defence presented letters from Tusla and her mother-in-law, emphasizing her commitment to her children and a stable future. Judge Christopher Callan noted the change in her behavior and suspended the six-month sentence for two years, with conditions that she remain drug-free and avoid garda attention. The judge emphasized that the decision did not condone her actions but acknowledged her efforts toward rehabilitation. Frances O'Brien was convicted.
A 21-year-old digital marketing worker charged with assault causing harm to his former girlfriend has been granted bail. Daragh Fennell is accused of kicking her repeatedly in the leg during an incident in 2024. The court heard that no injuries were reported, and the parties are no longer in a relationship. Judge Anne Watkin ordered no contact with the injured party. Fennell, who has lived abroad in Thailand and Iraq, has family in Iraq and connections in Spain. Conditions for bail include daily sign-on at Stepaside Garda Station and surrendering his passport. Legal aid was granted, and Fennell is to appear again in July for a plea. The court noted the complaint was made 18 months after the incident, and gardaí had no objection to bail.
Dubliner Conor Wallace (34) has been sentenced to three years in prison, with the final year suspended for two years, following his guilty plea to coercive control between May 2021 and December 2022. The court heard that Wallace subjected his then-partner to a prolonged period of controlling, abusive and violent behaviour, including during the Covid-19 lockdown. After the relationship ended in December 2022, Wallace continued to harass the victim through numerous emails, texts and calls, and even threw a bottle through her window in December 2023. Separate charges of criminal damage and harassment were taken into consideration in sentencing. The court heard that Wallace lied about his personal circumstances, including claiming to have no family and fabricating stories about his health, in order to manipulate the victim into giving him money. The victim, who was present in court with supporters, described Wallace as a 'complete fraud' and stated that his actions left her psychologically damaged and in a 'state of fear'. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Wallace showed an utter lack of empathy and that the victim demonstrated an extraordinary level of kindness. The sentence was reduced from four years to three years to account for mitigating factors, including Wallace's guilty plea and his attempts to address his alcoholism. The suspended portion of the sentence is conditional on Wallace keeping the peace, engaging with the Probation Service, and disclosing any future intimate partner relationships to the Probation Service. He is also prohibited from having any contact with the injured party.
A Romanian serial sex offender, Liviu Tenea, who committed two counts of aggravated sexual assault on a vulnerable woman in Leinster, failed to convince the Court of Appeal that his 19-year sentence was excessive. Tenea, who had a prior conviction in Spain, targeted a drunk woman, tricked her into his car, and drove her to an isolated location where he brutally raped her twice. The court found that Tenea showed no remorse or insight into the harm caused, and his actions were planned and executed with malice. The judge emphasized that the victim was an 'easy target' due to her intoxication and isolation. The court upheld the 19-year sentence imposed by the Central Criminal Court, noting that Tenea's guilty plea did not mitigate the severity of the crime due to the strength of the evidence against him. The victim suffered extreme harm, and the court ruled that the sentence was appropriate given the nature of the offence and Tenea's history of violence.
A youth who was 16 when he murdered his friend, Glen 'Ossie' Osborne, is appealing his life sentence. The Court of Appeal heard that since his incarceration, the youth has assaulted a prison officer and sold heroin to fellow inmates. The defendant, who admitted to the murder, was sentenced to life with a review after ten years by Mr Justice Paul McDermott. However, the Supreme Court ruled that life sentences for child offenders should only be imposed in exceptional cases. The youth's defense argued that the murder was impulsive and not premeditated, and that the defendant showed genuine remorse. The court noted that the youth had a history of drug abuse and a turbulent upbringing, and that his transfer to an adult prison had a significant impact on his behavior. The defense requested that a significant portion of the sentence be suspended, emphasizing the need for rehabilitation and support upon release. The court reserved judgment and directed that a governor's and education report be prepared, acknowledging the desire of both families for closure in the legal process. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the life sentence imposed on Christopher O'Sullivan for his role in the killing of Timothy Hourihane. O'Sullivan, 43, pleaded guilty to manslaughter at the Central Criminal Court in Cork in 2023. Mr Justice Paul McDermott originally sentenced him to life imprisonment, citing his history of violent offending as an aggravating factor. O'Sullivan's legal team, led by Michael Bowman SC, argued on appeal that the sentence constituted impermissible preventative detention and that the correct headline sentence should have been between 15 and 18 years. They also contended that the disparity between O'Sullivan's sentence and that of co-accused James Brady, who was jailed for 11 years, was unjustified. Delivering judgment, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy rejected these arguments, finding that O'Sullivan exhibited an "extremely high level of culpability" in a "severe and vicious attack." She noted that his post-offence conduct, including setting the victim's tent on fire and lying to gardai, further aggravated the offence. The judge affirmed that the sentencing judge was entitled to consider O'Sullivan's 48 previous convictions and his high risk of reoffending, concluding that a determinate sentence would not adequately address public safety concerns. The appeal was dismissed, and the life sentence stands.
Slawomir Gierlowski, a predatory serial sex offender, failed to overturn his conviction for attempted rape and sexual assault in a Dublin park. Gierlowski, who has a long history of violent and sexual offenses against women, was found guilty of attacking a fourth victim in 2010. His defense argued that the circumstantial evidence against him was weak and that the trial judge improperly influenced the jury. However, the Court of Appeal dismissed these arguments, stating that the weight of the circumstantial evidence was a matter for the jury to decide. The court also rejected claims that the trial judge had improperly charged the jury or that the evidence was too tenuous to be considered. Gierlowski's fingerprints and DNA were found to match evidence from the crime scene, and the court upheld the conviction. The victim was attacked in a secluded part of the park, where the assailant attempted to strangle her and sexually assault her before fleeing the scene.
A paedophile who was repeatedly caught with high volumes of child abuse material, including violent images of infants being tied up and abused, has failed to have his five-and-a-half-year jail term reduced on appeal. David McGrath, 32, was jailed for five and a half years by Judge Elma Duffy at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in February last year. She imposed consecutive sentences totalling eight-and-a-half-years but suspended the final three years for a period of six years on strict conditions. McGrath had appealed his jail term, arguing the sentence was "disproportionate" and represented an error in principle. Dismissing McGrath's appeal, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the sentencing judge had made no error and acted within her margin of discretion. He said the cumulative sentence was neither excessive nor disproportionate and no error in principle had been identified. McGrath has two previous convictions for possession of child pornography from 2017 and is deemed as being at high risk of reoffending. The unnamed 32-year-old pleaded guilty.
A 24-year-old Wicklow man was sentenced today at the Central Criminal Court after being convicted of eight counts of sexual assault following a trial last December. He had previously pleaded guilty to two further counts of sexual assault before the trial commenced. The offences, which occurred between December 2015 and July 2017, involved the defendant, then aged 13 to 15, abusing a girl aged 10 to 11 who was fostered by his mother. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon set a headline sentence of four years, reducing it to three years in light of mitigating factors including his early guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. She suspended the final year of the sentence on conditions, including two years of Probation Service supervision post-release. The judge also ordered that the media must not identify the offender, despite the victim's wish to waive her anonymity, citing the defendant's age at the time of the offending. Defence counsel had argued for a suspended sentence, highlighting the defendant's youth, remorse, and community support. The court noted the victim's impact statement, which described lasting psychological harm. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the custodial sentence and the anonymity order.
A 19-year-old woman who was sexually abused, orally raped, and threatened at knifepoint by her father as a child has told a court that she plans to build an 'amazing life' for herself. The woman delivered her victim impact statement during the sentencing of her 39-year-old father, who was jailed for 16 years and six months. The abuse occurred between 2017 and 2021 in the family home in Limerick when the girl was aged between 11 and 15 years old. The man was convicted on 25 charges, including attempted rape, oral rape, sexual assault, and threatening to kill her. The woman stated in her victim impact statement that she tried to take her own life in May 2024 and that if it were not for her brother, she would not be here today. She said she is no longer in fear of her father and that she is leaving all the evil darkness with him. The judge described the case as serious and imposed an 18-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on strict conditions. The unnamed 19-year-old pleaded not guilty.
A double killer serving a life sentence for the 'gruesome' murder of Philip Finnegan has argued that his conviction should be quashed, as he was denied an adjournment to get a new legal team after discharging his original barristers for refusing to call certain witnesses. Stephen Penrose (43) told the Court of Appeal that the gardaí fabricated the case to make it fit him. He submitted a number of grounds of appeal, including allegations of perjury against a garda witness and bias from the trial judge. Barristers for the State said that Penrose was the 'author of his own misfortune' after he twice dismissed his legal team to represent himself at trial. Penrose was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict in November 2021 of murdering Mr Finnegan at Rahin Woods, Rahin, Edenderry, Co Kildare on August 10, 2016. He had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
A now 75-year-old Limerick man, Tom White, repeatedly groped and sexually abused a young girl when they were neighbours more than 50 years ago, the Central Criminal Court has heard. White had regular access to the girl's house and repeatedly touched her inappropriately and subjected her to lewd commentary and physical abuse, his sentence hearing was told today. White went on to marry, had three children, and never came to garda attention in the intervening 50 years, his sentence hearing was told. His victim wishes for White to be named but wants to maintain her anonymity, Ms Justice Eileen Creedon was told. White, of Brookhaven, Montpelier, Co Limerick, was found guilty by a jury of 10 counts of indecent assault of the girl at her home and his home in Limerick on dates between August 1971 and August 1976 following a trial earlier this year. He was acquitted of a number of other counts on the indictment. The complainant was aged between 13 and 16 at the time of the offence, while White was in his 20s.
Lisa Temple, 56, was given a one-year suspended sentence in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting two security officials during a home repossession. She refused to enter a good behaviour bond, leading Judge Martin Nolan to order her into custody, stating no one is above the law. Temple, who represented herself during the trial, was convicted of assault and possession of a taser. Her legal team argued the case was emotionally charged and a long-standing property dispute. During the sentencing, Temple protested and was taken into custody. The incident occurred in March 2022, where she punched one official and used a taser on another. Neither official required medical attention. Judge Nolan noted her behaviour was disgraceful but did not believe she deserved a custodial sentence. He allowed her legal team to reapply for a bond if she changed her mind.
A young man who killed a pensioner with an MMA-style kick which caused him to fall to the ground and suffer a fatal head injury, has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing next month. Joshua Rush (25) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to the manslaughter of Charles McCaughley (69) at Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3 on June 7, 2021. Shortly before the incident, Mr McCaughley ordered fish and chips from a takeaway where staff said he "was in good form", Detective Sergeant David Ennis previously told Diana Stuart SC, prosecuting. Another witness waiting for a bus told gardai that he saw three youths passing an older man as he walked along Fairview Strand. He said he saw one of the young men – Rush – employ a "back spin kick, like MMA" on the older man, causing him to fall on his back. The trio left the scene and were seen entering accommodation nearby. When the witness ran to his assistance, Mr McCaughley was unconscious and there was blood coming from his mouth.
Christina Hayes, 36, praised Detective Garda Maria Flynn for her dedication in pursuing justice for the sexual abuse she suffered as a child at the hands of her stepfather, Tommy Barry. Barry was jailed for 12 and a half years after being convicted of sexual assault and rape of the child between 1996 and 1998. Hayes waived her right to anonymity to allow Barry to be named. She detailed the long-term effects of the abuse on her mental health, relationships, and self-worth. Detective Flynn worked on the case for over 25 years, including after Barry escaped from prison in 1999 and lived in the UK under different aliases. Hayes expressed gratitude to her teacher, who first reported the abuse, and to Detective Flynn for her persistence. Barry, who denied the charges, had a history of convictions in Ireland, Scotland, and England. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor acknowledged the courage Hayes showed and the efforts of Detective Flynn in bringing Barry to justice. Hayes emphasized her determination to protect her daughter and ensure she grows up safe and valued.
A 44-year-old man from Clontarf, Dublin appeared before the High Court in connection with extradition proceedings relating to a 2020 murder in Belfast. Jonathan Gill is wanted by the Police Service of Northern Ireland to face prosecution on a joint enterprise basis for the death of Robbie Lawlor, who was shot in the front garden of a house on Etna Drive on April 4, 2020. Mr Gill is also charged with possession of a 9mm self-loading pistol with intent to endanger life between April 2 and 5 that year. The PSNI believes the killing was connected to an ongoing drugs feud involving criminal elements across Dublin, Sligo and Drogheda. During the hearing before Mr Justice Paul Burns, the court was told that Mr Gill's solicitor, based in Belfast, was unable to attend. The judge agreed to adjourn the matter and set April 24 as the date when an extradition hearing date will be fixed. Mr Gill remains in custody pending that hearing.
In a Court of Appeal hearing on 17 April 2026, the prison term for 29‑year‑old Martin Gooney was increased from three years and two months to four and a half years after the State successfully appealed. Gooney had pleaded guilty in February 2025 to coercive control and sexual assault, and was originally sentenced by Ms Justice Caroline Biggs at the Central Criminal Court on 3 June 2025. The appeal focused on the severity of his conduct, which included hiding in the victim's shed to spy on her, threatening to hang her pet dog, and sending messages to her family purporting to be from her that expressed suicidal ideation. The Court of Appeal judge, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, described the offences as "grave" and "extremely manipulative", noting that Gooney had a history of nine prior convictions, including assault and threats of serious harm.
Veteran comedian Sil Fox, 94, failed in his attempt to have a jury hear his High Court claim for damages against the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), An Garda Síochána, and other state bodies. Fox, who was cleared of a sexual assault charge in 2020 due to inconsistencies in the complainant's evidence and CCTV footage, claims the prosecution destroyed his reputation and caused him emotional distress. His legal team argued that the DPP was guilty of a dereliction of duty and that the case should be heard by a jury due to its impact on public reputation. However, High Court judge Mr Justice Oisín Quinn ruled that the case was not suitable for a jury, citing the legal architecture of the case and the complexity of the issues involved. Fox's case will now be heard before a High Court judge only. The DPP's legal team argued that the prosecution was based on reasonable grounds, including the complainant's witness statement and CCTV footage. The judge concluded that the case was not appropriate for a jury and refused the application.
An unnamed 30-year-old man was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to making a threat to kill or cause serious harm in April 2025. The defendant, whose identity is protected to preserve the anonymity of the children involved, admitted to the charge following an incident where a dispute between two six-year-old girls escalated. Prosecution evidence, including door camera footage, alleged the man threatened to set a neighbour's house on fire and encouraged his daughter to stab the other child with scissors. The court heard the man had prior convictions for assault, theft, and road traffic offences, though he has not been in trouble with gardaí since this incident. Defence counsel David Fleming BL described the man's reaction as disproportionate and noted his client's remorse, anger management attendance, and voluntary work. Judge Orla Crowe remarked that the offence should not have taken place and that the reaction was completely disproportionate. She imposed a sentence of 18 months, which was suspended in full for two years. Strict conditions were applied, requiring the man to stay away from the injured party and their family. Additionally, the judge ordered that €1,000, brought to court as a token of remorse, be paid over to the injured party.
A 67-year-old man who repeatedly raped his daughter over nearly a decade has argued that his legal team was caught off guard by the victim's testimony about wiping semen from her leg with a teddy bear. The man's legal team told the Court of Appeal that this 'stark' evidence was not disclosed to the defence, and that the judge was wrong not to discharge the jury and select new jurors. The man, who cannot be named, was convicted in 2023 of 71 counts of rape, oral rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2024. The abuse reportedly began on the day of the girl's first Holy Communion in 1988 and continued until 1997. The complainant said the abuse started with inappropriate touching and escalated to full sexual intercourse when she was between 14 and 17. The man's senior counsel argued that the judge should have discharged the jury after the victim's testimony about the teddy bear, which had not been disclosed to the defence. The unnamed 67-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Harry Bamidele, 21, was sentenced in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assault causing harm to two women. He pleaded guilty to assaulting the first victim at her home in Dublin on September 19, 2024, and the second victim at her home in the city on October 6, 2025. The court heard that Bamidele, who was on bail for the first offence, allegedly used an iron to strike the first woman over the head approximately 20 times. Regarding the second incident, the court heard that he allegedly strangled his pregnant partner for two to three minutes after breaking into her bathroom. Defence counsel David Fleming BL highlighted Bamidele's childhood trauma and psychological vulnerability, noting that violence had become normalised in his psychology. Judge Elma Sheahan described the offending as horrendous but considered his background. She imposed a total sentence of seven years and eight months, suspending the final 20 months on the condition that he come under the supervision of the Probation Services. Bamidele has 14 previous convictions. The matter was finalised with this sentence.
Jozef Puska's appeal against his conviction for the murder of Ashling Murphy has been adjourned after he changed legal representation less than a week before the scheduled hearing. Puska, who pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms Murphy at Cappincur, Tullamore, on January 12, 2022, was convicted and is serving a life sentence. His counsel informed the Court of Appeal that Puska instructed his solicitor to engage new senior counsel, necessitating a withdrawal from the case. The DPP's counsel expressed concern over the delay, noting the family's anxiety to proceed. Ms Justice Kennedy vacated the April 23 hearing date and listed the matter for April 24 to determine the earliest possible future date. Separately, in June 2025, Puska's brothers Marek and Lubomir were convicted of withholding information and sentenced to 30 months each. Their wives, Viera Gaziova and Jozefina, were sentenced to 24 and 21 months respectively for burning evidence. Puska's partner, Lucia Istokova, pleaded guilty to withholding information and received a 20-month sentence. All five individuals were living with Puska at the time of the 2022 offences.
A man has been jailed for two years for beating, slapping, and choking his former partner during the covid lockdowns. Toyatma Fedee, 40, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, which occurred in March and July 2020. The court heard that the woman feared for her life during the attacks, and that Fedee had a history of possessive behavior. The judge noted that the second incident, which occurred after the couple had reconciled, was particularly concerning and warranted a custodial sentence. Fedee, who has since married and taken steps to address his aggression, expressed remorse and apologized. The victim described the emotional trauma she suffered, including night terrors, hypervigilance, and PTSD. She stated that she no longer feels safe and has struggled to rebuild her life. Fedee's defence argued that the assaults were isolated incidents and that he had made efforts to change his behavior, including attending counseling and anger management courses. The judge acknowledged these efforts but emphasized the need for a custodial sentence to address the severity of the crimes.