Jonathan Dowdall's appeal against his four-year prison sentence for facilitating the murder of David Byrne has been adjourned until after judgment is returned in the trial of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch. At a brief hearing at the Court of Appeal, counsel Gemma McLoughlin-Burke BL applied to postpone the appeal to await the outcome of the Hutch trial, where Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, gave State evidence. The court sent the matter to the next list to fix dates on March 27. Dowdall, who did not attend, had previously pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to making a room available to the Hutch gang at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. He was originally charged with murder, but the State dropped that charge after he admitted to the lesser facilitation role. In October, the Special Criminal Court sentenced him to four years' imprisonment. The presiding judge noted Dowdall was complicit in the crime despite claiming ignorance of the room's purpose. Separately, Patrick Dowdall was jailed for two years for his own facilitation role in the same incident. The source notes that Patrick Dowdall's name was used to book Room 2104 one day before the murder. Jonathan Dowdall's appeal remains pending, not concluded, as it awaits the Hutch trial judgment.
Aaron Brady, aged 31, is awaiting a new trial for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, a charge that arose from attempts to persuade State witness Daniel Cahill not to testify in the murder case of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. The Special Criminal Court postponed the trial to April 8 2024 to avoid conflict with Brady's October appeal of his murder conviction. Brady and co‑accused Dean Byrne, aged 29, are accused of conspiring between April 8 2020 and June 22 2020 to influence Cahill's testimony, and of recording a video of Cahill being interviewed by Gardaí between February 20 2020 and May 7 2020. The video, circulated on social media, was described by Judge Michael White as "the most outrageous contempt of court" and a "deliberate attempt to intimidate." Brady was convicted in August 2020 of murdering Garda Donohoe and sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years.
A 34‑year‑old man, Charles McClean of St Mark's Grove, Clondalkin, has been charged with the murder of gangland figure Mark 'Guinea Pig' Desmond, who was shot at least three times at Griffeen Valley Park, Lucan, on 2 December 2016. Mr Justice Paul McDermott set the trial for 29 January 2024, with all disclosure to be finished by 22 May 2023. Desmond, aged 41 at death, had links to dissident republicans and the drug trade in west Dublin. He had earlier faced, but had those charges dropped, the murder of two men in 1999.
A man has been found not guilty of attempted murder by reason of insanity following a trial at the Central Criminal Court. The jury returned the special verdict in the case of Neil O'Dowd, who was charged with stabbing his former employer 19 times at The Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road in Sutton on January 28, 2021. The victim sustained serious injuries including a pseudoaneurysm requiring surgical intervention. Medical evidence presented to the court indicated that O'Dowd was experiencing a psychotic episode at the time, consistent with paranoid schizophrenia, and did not know the nature or wrongfulness of his actions. Two forensic psychiatrists agreed on his mental state. The jury deliberated for 28 minutes before returning a unanimous verdict. The matter has been adjourned to February 15 for assessment of O'Dowd's current mental health status, with O'Dowd remanded on continuing bail.
A jury has been discharged in the trial of Stephen Silver at the Central Criminal Court following difficulty raised by one juror. Mr Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Aughavard in Foxford, Co Mayo, faces a charge of murdering Garda Colm Horkan, aged 49, at Castlerea, Co Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has pleaded not guilty to capital murder and guilty to manslaughter. The original jury of twelve was sworn in on Monday and the prosecution opened its case on Tuesday. However, when proceedings resumed on Wednesday morning, a juror indicated an inability to continue serving. Justice Tara Burns determined it inappropriate to proceed with eleven jurors and discharged the entire panel. Both prosecution and defence agreed this course was preferable. A fresh jury panel was expected to be sworn in later that day to commence the trial afresh.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of a pub manager in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the victim 19 times at The Elphin Pub on Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021. Two forensic psychiatrists giving evidence for the prosecution and defence have told the jury that the accused was experiencing profound psychosis at the time of the alleged incident. Both experts diagnosed the man with a psychotic disorder and testified that severe delusions—including false beliefs about the victim's involvement in an unsolved murder—had severely impaired his judgement. The psychiatrists stated that his condition would have prevented him from understanding the nature of his actions. Both doctors recommended that a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity should be considered. The prosecution and defence have agreed on the facts of the case, with the jury to determine whether the requisite intent was present. The unnamed 35-year-old was acquitted.
A 35-year-old man charged with the attempted murder of his former employer at a public house in Baldoyle has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court. The accused is alleged to have stabbed the manager of the Elphin Pub on the Baldoyle Road on 28 January 2021, inflicting 19 stab wounds across the victim's shoulders, chest and hands using three separate knives. The victim also sustained a serious cardiac injury requiring surgical intervention. During trial, the prosecution and defence agreed on the factual circumstances of the incident. Evidence heard indicated the accused, who formerly worked as a barman at the establishment, told gardaí he believed his former boss was responsible for an unsolved murder in Mauritius. The defence presented that the accused was experiencing psychotic delusions and paranoia in the weeks preceding the assault. Two medical reports for both prosecution and defence were to be considered regarding the accused's mental state at the time of the alleged offence.
In January 2023, Liam Byrne, aged 41, was sentenced to 20 months' imprisonment after threatening to stab Gardaí and assaulting them with a wooden pole and knife at his mother's home in Dublin. Byrne had previously been barred from the house but was allowed back after promising to stay clean. The incident followed a June 2022 court case where he pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill a Garda and producing a knife. Byrne's lawyer linked his violent escalation to the traumatic discovery of his father's murder in 2000, which led to severe drug addiction. He had reportedly rehabilitated a year earlier, worked in construction, and assisted at a vaccination centre, but relapsed and was intoxicated during the offence. He is now awaiting assessment for residential treatment.
The Central Criminal Court heard that an 18‑year‑old teenage rapist, who has had 12 Garda interactions in a West of Ireland town since moving there four months ago, is now facing a trial for sexual assault. The court was told by a Tusla official that all State services are working together to assist with his rehousing. The defendant, who was previously sentenced in May 2022 to a five‑year prison term suspended for three years on strict conditions, was remanded in custody for the new charge. He is also before the District Court for failing to notify Garda of his address under the Sex Offenders Act. A Probation Service official explained that the main issue is suitable accommodation, and that Waterford County Council is willing to conduct a housing assessment pending his release.
At the Central Criminal Court, Stephen Silver, aged 46, a motorbike mechanic from Foxford, County Mayo, pleaded not guilty to the capital murder of Garda Colm Horkan on June 17, 2020, at Castlerea, County Roscommon. He has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The prosecution opening alleged that following an encounter on the main street in Castlerea, Mr Silver engaged in a struggle with the uniformed officer, seized his firearm, and discharged it multiple times, causing fatal injuries. The court heard that Mr Silver told gardai at the scene that the deceased had attempted to attack him. The defence intends to raise issues of bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility due to mental health difficulties. The trial, before Ms Justice Tara Burns and a jury of twelve, is expected to last six weeks. The main disputed issue concerns Mr Silver's state of mind at the time of the incident.
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 31 January 2023, 46‑year‑old Zbigniew Zadecki was sentenced to 27 months' imprisonment for assault causing harm. The offence occurred on 23 April 2020 in Phoenix Park's Fountain Road, where Zadecki, a qualified carpenter with 22 prior convictions, attacked a victim who was stamped on, punched, kicked and suffered a ruptured eye. Video evidence from Zadecki's phone showed the attackers laughing and the victim bleeding heavily. Zadecki pleaded guilty, admitting he believed the victim and a friend were Gardaí and that they were thieves. The judge, Martin Nolan, described the assault as savage and merciless, noting that any provocation was minor and did not justify the violence. Zadecki's accomplice is yet to stand trial for his role in the attack. No victim impact statement was presented. The court highlighted Zadecki's homelessness and alcohol addiction as contributing factors.
Charles McClean, aged 32, of St Mark's Drive, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to facilitating a criminal organisation in the fatal shooting of Thomas McCarthy. The indictment alleges that between 25 January and 27 July 2020, McClean, knowing of the organisation's existence, intentionally or recklessly performed an act to aid the murder. Mark Lee, also 32 from Balgaddy, Lucan, admitted the same charge for the period 26–27 July 2020. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to 6 March for mention.
A man accused of murdering his mother in a house fire in Donegal has had his trial date set for April 8, 2024 at the Central Criminal Court. Geunter Lohse, aged 61, is charged with the murder of Ruth Lohse at Coolvoy, Doochary on April 12, 2022. The defendant appeared before Mr Justice Paul McDermott via videolink on January 31, 2023, when the trial date was fixed. The trial is expected to last approximately one and a half weeks. The court heard that psychiatric evidence will be necessary, with a preliminary report already received and a full report anticipated within several months. Mr Justice McDermott remanded Mr Lohse in custody and scheduled case management for May 5, 2023, directing that all disclosure be completed by that date.
The Special Criminal Court will start a full‑day opening for the trial of Brendan Treanor and James Flynn, accused of a credit union robbery that led to the death of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Treanor, 34, and Flynn, 32, are charged with conspiracy to steal a car key and robbery of €7,000 at Lordship Credit Union on 25 January 2013. Aaron Brady, 31, is already serving a 40‑year sentence for Donohoe's murder and the burglary. Treanor's counsel intends to sever the conspiracy and robbery charges, a move also supported by Flynn's counsel.
Mark Boyd, 34, of Finglas, was sentenced to 16 months' imprisonment after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at his former partner's home on 23 September 2018. On that day he was intoxicated, kicked in the door, entered the house, and violently attacked the woman, pulling her to the ground, striking her face and head, and causing a burst lip, bruising under her eyes and on the bridge of her nose. She escaped to a bedroom, then to the street, while Boyd also assaulted a man across the road, leaving him with minor injuries. The judge noted Boyd's nine prior convictions, his guilty plea, and mitigating factors such as the time elapsed since the offence and attempts at rehabilitation. The court imposed a 16‑month jail term, refusing a defence request for non‑imprisonment. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
A 32‑year‑old man from Balgaddy, Lucan, pleaded guilty to facilitating a criminal organisation in the murder of Thomas McCarthy in Dublin. Mark Lee appeared briefly at the Central Criminal Court, where he entered his plea. The charge alleges that between 26 and 27 July 2020, with knowledge of the organisation, Lee intentionally or recklessly committed an act to facilitate the murder. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to 6 March and ordered a probation report.
Dean Paget, 36, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his former partner Lisa Ward, who was 32 weeks pregnant, and to intentionally ending the life of their unborn child. At the Central Criminal Court, CCTV footage showed Paget repeatedly kicking and punching Ward as they walked along Dame Street toward a tent on Montague Lane on 25 April 2021. He shouted, "I'll rip her out of you," and later called the unborn child a "bastard." Ward, aged 32, was taken to the Rotunda Hospital in a distraught state; medical tests found no fetal heartbeat and a placental abruption likely caused by the assault. Paget's 68 prior convictions include robbery, violent behaviour and drug offences. He expressed remorse during the hearing, apologised to Ward, and was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 7 February. Ward's statement described the lasting emotional pain and her loss of hope for a child.
Shaun Groome's appeal against his 15-year sentence for assault causing serious harm has been dismissed. In December 2021, Groome pleaded guilty to the 2015 attack on Ciarán Murphy at Coolcor, Co Offaly, where Murphy was stabbed 16 times and set alight, suffering burns to 96% of his body and losing his ears. The trial judge, Judge Martin Nolan, described the violence as exceptional and noted Groome's murderous intent, reducing a 20-year headline sentence to 15 years without a suspended portion. Groome's counsel argued the plea discount was insufficient, citing mitigating factors including remorse and addiction. However, the Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice George Birmingham, rejected this, noting the plea was entered only after Groome was extradited from the UK. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy stated the sentence was within the margin for exceptional cases and the discount was appropriate. Groome's co-accused, David Keena, who was 17 at the time, was jailed for five years in October 2020 for his role in the attack, which involved providing petrol. The court upheld the original sentencing, finding the trial judge correctly weighed the mitigating circumstances against the severity of the injuries.
A jury of six men and six women has been sworn in at the Central Criminal Court for the trial of a man charged with the murder of Detective Garda Colm Horkan. Stephen Silver, aged 46, of Aughavard, Foxford, County Mayo, pleads not guilty to capital murder in relation to the death of Det Gda Horkan at Castlerea, County Roscommon on 17 June 2020. He has entered a guilty plea to manslaughter. Justice Eileen Creedon advised the jury that proceedings are expected to extend over six weeks. The defence is expected to raise matters concerning bipolar disorder and diminished responsibility on grounds of mental health difficulties. The trial, led by Justice Tara Burns, commences tomorrow at 11am before the sworn jury.
At the Central Criminal Court, Noel Lennon, 49, of Dundrum, Dublin, appeared regarding the alleged murder of Isaac Horgan, who died after being stabbed in the leg at his home in Markievicz House, Townsend Street, Dublin 2, on March 29, 2021. Lennon pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, a plea accepted by the State. He is also charged with impeding his own apprehension at Spring Garden Lane, Dublin 2, on the same date. Counsel for Lennon stated that a psychiatric report was pending, preventing the case from proceeding. Mr Justice Hunt noted it was "rather sad" that no family members were present to make a victim impact statement, though he confirmed the opportunity remained. Lennon was remanded in custody until April 17. Co-accused Lisa Lee, 41, of Little Britain Street, Dublin 7, is charged with impeding Lennon's apprehension. Her counsel noted she had missed a probation service call. Mr Justice Hunt directed Lee to continue signing on and contact the probation service, warning she could face a custodial sentence. He granted her bail, describing it as a "last chance saloon," and emphasized that any misconduct or failure to sign on would result in severe consequences. The matter was adjourned to April 17.
Peter Monks, 32, of Balbriggan, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to his then-partner on 30 November 2019 after returning home intoxicated from a night out. He punched, kicked, bit and pulled her hair, causing serious stress and bruises. The victim fled to a neighbour's house, later returned to find Monks sleeping, then was attacked again with a shoe. Gardaí recorded the injuries and arrested Monks. Monks admitted drinking heavily and could not recall details. He had 20 prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, after hearing counsel's request not to imprison him, imposed a custodial sentence of two years with the final 16 months suspended. The court noted the victim's recovery and Monks' mental health concerns, including a suicide attempt and a letter from his sister. The case remains at the sentencing stage.
Two 27‑year‑old semi‑professional footballers from Scotland, Liam Callaghan and Craig Johnston, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm and obstruction after a "shameful attack" on a 52‑year‑old man in Dublin on 8 December 2019. The victim's eye socket was fractured and his head was struck by a box, causing him to bounce off the ground. The court heard that the men had no prior interaction with the victim and that an earlier altercation at a bar had no relevance to the attack. Both men brought €6 000 to court as a token of remorse, which the victim accepted. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a two‑year prison sentence on each, suspended in full on the condition of keeping the peace for two years, and directed the men to hand over the gesture of remorse to the victim.
In a 2023 appeal, the State argued that a 34‑year‑old man was wrongly acquitted of rape and sexual assault of a six‑to‑seven‑year‑old girl in 2005. The jury had been directed by Judge David Keane to find the man not guilty, citing UK case law that a person who invites another to touch them cannot be convicted of assault. The State cited Fairclough v Whipp and DPP v Rogers, arguing that the alleged victim's touching was voluntary and that the man's alleged actions did not constitute an active assault. The State also noted the victim's statement that the man "kind of just stopped" during the alleged assault, suggesting agency. Counsel for the respondent, Fiona Murphy, countered that the victim's touch was initiated by invitation and that no force was used, challenging the State's reliance on the UK cases.
Ruzmond Muwaniri, 34, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting three people in the St Stephen's Green area on 1 and 2 February. He admitted punching a woman, causing a broken nose, and striking two men in the face. The judge noted Muwaniri's history of mental illness, including schizophrenia, and his previous conviction for assaulting his girlfriend. He had spent two years in the Central Mental Hospital and was homeless upon release. Muwaniri denied recollection of the attacks but admitted the incidents when shown CCTV footage. He has 80 prior convictions, 16 for assault causing harm. The court ordered him to keep the peace for one year after release and comply with Probation Services. The sentence was back‑dated to 2 February 2022. Ruzmond Muwaniri pleaded guilty.
Michael Delaney, 36, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment in June 2022 for hijacking a car and violently assaulting a Good Samaritan, Zolt Tolmowski, who offered him a lift. Delaney had a 12‑13 year driving ban and was on bail at the time. The Court of Appeal quashed the original sentence and re‑sentenced him to seven years' imprisonment, with the final 12 months suspended. The new sentence includes five years for the hijacking, three years for assault causing harm, and 12 months for violent disorder, with the latter suspended. Delaney's concurrent sentences for dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving without a licence and failing to supply a urine specimen remain at four months each. The Court noted his 99 prior convictions and his participation in rehabilitation programmes while incarcerated. The decision was made after the State appealed the original sentences as unduly lenient. Michael Delaney pleaded guilty.
In the Special Criminal Court, Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney face charges related to the murder of David Byrne during a boxing weigh-in at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty. Mr. Hutch is accused of the murder, while Mr. Murphy and Mr. Bonney are charged with participating in or contributing to the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. The matter is currently at the sentencing stage, although the source text details the defense counsel's closing speech, arguing that the prosecution's case relies heavily on the testimony of Jonathan Dowdall, whom they described as a proven liar and perjurer. Counsel Brendan Grehan SC contended that the audio recordings presented by the prosecution did not contain unambiguous admissions of guilt by Mr. Hutch. He argued that the recordings suggested Mr. Hutch was involved in post-incident mediation rather than the attack itself. The defense emphasized that Mr. Hutch is not charged with firearms offenses and that the prosecution's case stands or falls on the credibility of Mr. Dowdall. The court has not yet delivered a verdict or sentence in this report.
A woman giving evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court has described being moved between rural towns weekly while allegedly trafficked for sexual exploitation. The complainant, who cannot be named, told the trial she was relocated from locations including Portarlington, Enniscorthy and Tralee, and kept a knife for protection following violent incidents with clients. She said she received instructions via phone and messaging apps from two women regarding services to be provided and payment collection, with no option to refuse work or relocation. Natalia Nogueira Da Silva, aged 32, of Drumlish, County Longford, has pleaded not guilty to human trafficking between March and May 2019, but guilty to organising prostitution, facilitating illegal entry to the State, and money laundering charges. Ivanilce Vailones Fidelis, aged 46, of Roscommon, denies all eighteen counts against her, including two counts of human trafficking and fourteen counts of money laundering. The prosecution alleges both defendants exploited vulnerable Brazilian women through debt bondage. The trial continues at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The appeal stage of the case involving Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, who are accused of participating in or contributing to the murder of David Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016, is ongoing. All three have pleaded not guilty to the charges. Patrick Dowdall, who was previously convicted of facilitating the murder by making a room available at the Regency Hotel, has admitted guilt and was later re-sentenced to 7 years and 11 months and four years imprisonment after successful appeals. The prosecution has presented evidence, including secretly recorded conversations between Gerard Hutch and Jonathan Dowdall, which allegedly show Hutch's central involvement in the Regency Hotel attack. The trial has heard that three AK-47 assault rifles were found in the boot of a car following an intervention by gardai. The case has been adjourned and is not yet concluded.
A 62‑year‑old man was sentenced to two‑and‑a‑half years in prison for two counts of sexual assault committed against his girlfriend in Waterford in 2001. The assaults, which involved vaginal and anal penetration without consent, occurred over a five‑week period during a relationship that had lasted 20 years. The victim, who has intellectual and memory difficulties, described the experience as the worst of her life and expressed a loss of self‑belief. The court noted that the defendant had pleaded guilty, expressed regret, and had lived a productive life since the offences, with no further convictions. The sentence was back‑dated to February of the previous year when the defendant entered custody after his guilty plea. The judge highlighted the serious breach of trust and the violent, targeted nature of the acts. The case was delayed largely because of the victim's learning difficulties.
The murder trial of farmer Michael Scott, accused of killing his aunt Christina Treacy in 2018, was adjourned for two weeks after his senior defence counsel, Mícheál P O'Higgins SC, was nominated to the High Court. Justice Caroline Biggs informed the jury that Scott had lost his lead counsel and would need time to appoint a replacement and review the case files. The jury agreed to remain available until May 31 and to return after the Easter break if the trial extends beyond the expected timeframe. The trial, which began last week, was expected to last more than two months and involved a 15‑person jury of seven men and eight women. It will resume on February 7, with the jury required to attend again on February 9. Michael Scott, aged 58, has pleaded not guilty.
In a High Court case, three Egyptian tenants—Mostafa Elsayed Morshedy Elsayed Faraag, Gomaa Rashed Ahmed Arafa and Hussein Mohamed Hussein Mahmoud—claim they were violently assaulted by a group of up to 20 men on 13 December 2022 while renting a Dublin apartment. They say the attackers broke wooden chairs on their bodies, damaged their possessions and left the apartment in a "war zone" state. The tenants allege the assault was intended to force them to vacate the property, which they had rented since October 2021 for one year with an option to extend and paid rent in cash. They argue they were entitled to 30 days' notice of termination, which was not given. A judge granted them permission to add Mr Tony Tang Le (or Lee) as an additional defendant, while the injunction against the owner, Mr Xia Ping He, remains in place.
Patrick Murphy, 36, of Kilcogan, Co Galway, was found guilty in the Central Criminal Court of six sexual assaults on two girls and eight counts of sexual assault on their seven‑year‑old cousin, plus eight counts of oral and anal rape of a boy. The offences occurred between 1999 and 2004 when Murphy was aged 12 to 17, with some taking place before he reached the age of criminal responsibility. The victims, who are sisters and a cousin, reported the abuse in 2017 and the case was brought to court. Murphy pleaded not guilty and maintains no memory of the acts, though he has expressed remorse. Justice Paul McDermott sentenced him to six years for the rape offences, with two and a half years for the sexual assaults, to run consecutively, and suspended the final year of an eight‑and‑a‑half‑year term on condition of participation in sexual offending programmes.
Matthew Telford, aged 32, was found guilty of assault causing harm after he attacked his partner in a hotel room in Tyrellstown on 13 August 2019. The assault took place in front of their children, with Telford squeezing the woman's face and jaw, throwing her onto the bed, grabbing her by the hair, and slapping and kicking her legs. She fell, breaking her wrist, which required surgery. Telford pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan described the attack as "unprovoked, shameful and cowardly" and, considering his remorse and lack of previous offences, imposed a two‑year suspended sentence. The sentence includes a €4,000 compensation payment to the victim, with an additional €5,000 payable in two years, and the suspension will be lifted if the victim declines the money. The court noted the long‑term impact of the wrist injury but did not impose immediate custodial time.
A man has been sentenced to three years in custody at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following a road incident in Lucan that endangered innocent bystanders. Martin Mongan, aged 47, was convicted by jury of endangerment and dangerous driving arising from an incident on Newcastle Road on 6 May 2018. The court heard that Mongan, embroiled in a family feud originating from a violent incident at a Roscommon funeral in 2017, deliberately drove his truck at a van containing family members he was in dispute with. The collision caused the van to strike an uninvolved car with three occupants who had no connection to the parties involved. Judge Patricia Ryan noted the incident occurred in broad daylight and considered aggravating factors including the repeated nature of the driving at the van. The judge stated a custodial sentence was necessary to mark the seriousness of the offence and its effects on the injured parties.
At the Special Criminal Court on 24 January 2023, a defence witness testified that Jason Bonney, accused of participating in the murder of Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016, was working north of the hotel approximately 15 minutes after the attack. The witness also gave evidence that she observed Bonney's deceased father driving a BMW X5 jeep, which the prosecution alleges was used to transport a raider from the scene. Under cross-examination, the State contended that Bonney's father had not driven the vehicle that day. A second defence witness corroborated seeing the father operating the jeep. Bonney, aged 52, of Drumnigh Wood, Portmarnock, Dublin, pleads not guilty to participating in the murder by providing access to motor vehicles. His co-accused Gerard Hutch and Paul Murphy likewise deny involvement. The prosecution concluded its case after 13 weeks of evidence.
The State concluded its prosecution case after thirteen weeks at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin against Gerard Hutch, charged with murdering Kinahan Cartel member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on 5 February 2016. Hutch's two co-accused, Paul Murphy and Jason Bonney, face charges of participating in the murder by providing vehicle access. Presiding Judge Tara Burns, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Grainne Malone, ruled licence plate evidence inadmissible, finding the court could not be satisfied as to its provenance or reliability. Hutch's defence indicated they would not call evidence or have their client testify. Murphy's legal team stated they would not call evidence but wished to make a jurisdictional submission. Bonney's counsel indicated he may call witnesses. The trial, now in its fiftieth day, continues before the three-judge court. Gerard Hutch pleaded not guilty. Paul Murphy pleaded not guilty. Jason Bonney pleaded not guilty.
Luke Yates, aged 21, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for attempting to impede the arrest of Robert O'Connor, aged 34, during an incident in north Dublin on 12 October 2021. Yates pleaded guilty to the offence. O'Connor, who was later convicted of unlawful possession of firearms and jailed for six and a half years, was fatally attacked 48 hours after his sentencing and died five days later. Yates had been in 23‑hour lockup since the fatal attack. The court noted Yates' prior convictions, including drug offences, hit‑and‑run, possession of a mobile phone in custody and dangerous driving, some of which were committed as a minor. The judge considered Yates' guilty plea and age as mitigating factors and imposed the sentence from the date of the offence, 12 October 2021.
Michael Delaney, 36, was sentenced by Waterford Circuit Criminal Court in June 2022 to three years' imprisonment for assault causing harm and unlawful vehicle seizure after he violently attacked a 'Good Samaritan' who offered him a lift during a car‑jacking incident on 21 June 2021 in Kilmeaden. Delaney, who was on bail and serving a 12‑13 year driving ban at the time, dragged the injured party from his Saab, punched him repeatedly, threw him into a ditch and drove the hijacked car into parked vehicles. The assault left the victim with broken teeth, vision problems and tinnitus. Delaney's 99 prior convictions, including for dangerous driving and assault, were cited as aggravating. The judge imposed a fully‑suspended 18‑month sentence for violent disorder, while the State appealed the three sentences as unduly lenient. The case remains pending. Michael Delaney pleaded guilty.
Sean Norris, 22, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final 12 months suspended, after pleading guilty to assault causing harm for striking a student on the back of the head with a bottle on 23 July 2019. The victim suffered a brain bleed and was unable to play sports for nine months. Norris, who has 23 prior convictions including four for assault, was part of a group of "absolute thugs" that attacked the victim from behind. Garda evidence included CCTV, blood on Norris's clothing and the bottle, and DNA matching the victim's blood. The judge, Pauline Codd, emphasised the need for deterrence against group violence and noted Norris's vulnerabilities, including substance addiction and mental health issues, which may have contributed to his conduct.
In a Central Criminal Court trial, 22‑year‑old Bajo Ziflai was found guilty of four counts of rape and one count of sexual assault against a 23‑year‑old woman he met on a dating website. He had given her a false name and arranged to meet at a house where he forced her to submit to repeated sexual violence despite her clear refusal. The victim suffered PTSD and depression, and her impact statement described ongoing flashbacks and self‑harm. Ziflai, who had no prior convictions, has been in custody since the attack. Justice Eileen Creedon sentenced him to ten years' imprisonment, suspending the final year, and ordered his placement on the Sex Offenders Register. He maintains the allegations are fabricated and refuses to apologise or accept the verdict.
The State appealed the fully suspended 18‑month sentence imposed on Timmy O'Reilly, a 47‑year‑old "family man" from Kilkenny, for laundering over €120 000 while receiving social welfare. The Court of Appeal heard that O'Reilly had pleaded guilty to eight counts under the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 and was charged with 32 offences relating to €125 000 found in an Irish Life account and two credit union accounts between 2011 and 2018. Judge Cormac Quinn had originally set a headline sentence of three years' imprisonment, reduced to 18 months before suspending it entirely. The State argued that a custodial term was necessary, citing O'Reilly's 15 prior convictions and a previous suspended sentence for assault. O'Reilly's counsel contended the money was inactive, not part of a larger scheme, and that the suspended sentence was within the judge's discretion. The court reserved judgment.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, who are accused of participating in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, is nearing the conclusion of the State's case. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges of providing access to motor vehicles for the attack. Prosecutors indicated they expect to close their case tomorrow, with senior counsel Fiona Murphy delivering closing submissions. Defence counsel for Hutch and Murphy stated they do not anticipate calling evidence, while counsel for Bonney confirmed his client would give evidence. The court will also rule on a challenge by Murphy regarding the admissibility of license plate evidence. The prosecution alleges that a tactical team, including three men disguised as gardaí, shot Byrne during a boxing weigh-in and escaped using vehicles, including a BMW X5 allegedly driven by Bonney. Bonney has denied involvement, claiming his father drove the vehicle that day. The matter remains at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
In the Special Criminal Court, Gerard Cruise and Paul Crosby pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods in Drogheda, Co Louth, between January 11 and 13, 2020. The court heard that Cruise admitted to dropping the victim and Crosby at the murder scene, while Crosby had prior convictions including an acquittal for attempted murder. The presiding judge, Mr Justice Tony Hunt, noted that the defendants' apologies may appear empty to the victim's family given the horrific nature of the crime. The matter was adjourned to February 13 for sentencing. The report notes that Gerard McKenna was jailed last year for four years for assisting in the clean-up of the crime scene. Cruise's previous convictions include public order matters and a burglary in 1990. The court acknowledged Crosby's early guilty plea, which entitles him to a 25 percent discount on any headline sentence, and Cruise's early guilty plea. The investigation into other individuals involved in the murder remains ongoing.
Brendan Leahy, a former Trinity College facilities manager, withdrew his bid to be reinstated after the college sought to question him about a sexual assault case. Leahy had pleaded guilty in 2018 to assaulting a woman at Kehoe's Pub and received a suspended three‑month sentence, a fine, and a compensation payment. He appealed to the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and was granted the benefit of the Probation Act in July 2021. In August 2021 he wrote to the college's HR department that the Circuit Court order meant his conviction was "disposed of". He filed an unfair dismissal claim under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 after being sacked in 2021. The Workplace Relations Commission hearing, held on 20 January 2023, considered evidence from the college, Leahy's barrister, and witnesses, and concluded with the adjudicator reviewing the case after a third and final hearing.
In a 2023 Court of Appeal decision, the State's appeal to increase the sentence for Caitlin Corcoran, an 18‑year‑old Waterford woman convicted of manslaughter for the death of her newborn Sophie Elizabeth, was dismissed. Corcoran had given birth in a toilet on 22 April 2018, placed the infant in a bin, and the child was later found dead. She was found guilty of manslaughter and child neglect in October 2021. Judge Eugene O'Kelly originally imposed a headline sentence of four years, reduced by nine months and suspended three years, leaving Corcoran jailed for three months (served five weeks). The Court of Appeal, led by Justice George Birmingham, upheld the original mitigation, noting Corcoran's psychological issues, cooperation with Gardaí, remorse, and lack of prior convictions. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the sentence remained unchanged. The case was described as "tragic" and "extraordinary" but the court found no basis for a harsher penalty. The unnamed woman pleaded not guilty.
Samy Taib, aged 21, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, coercive control, endangerment, driving without licence and insurance, and dangerous driving. He had previously been convicted of 22 road traffic offences. The court found the victim endured significant trauma and physical injury, including permanent foot damage. Taib's mental health, diagnosed as paranoid schizophrenia, was cited as a mitigating factor. Judge Elma Sheahan imposed a five‑year prison sentence, crediting time served in Scotland and any time already spent in custody. The final 12 months were suspended for two years, with strict conditions: probation supervision, no contact with the victim, and avoidance of her home and workplace. Taib was also disqualified from driving for six years. The case highlighted the severity of his offences and the impact on the victim's life.
The Regency Hotel trial continued in the Special Criminal Court with Senior intelligence analyst Sarah Skedd testifying regarding phone records. Skedd stated there is no clear evidence supporting Jonathan Dowdall's claim that he met Gerard Hutch in a Whitehall park to hear a confession about the murder of David Byrne. While a cell site potentially covering the park was used on February 7, 2016, at 3.16pm, Dowdall's phone connected to a mast in Finglas just 4.5 minutes later, suggesting insufficient time for the meeting. Skedd confirmed no records support a meeting on February 8. Dowdall, who pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by booking a room at the Regency Hotel, was previously sentenced to four years' imprisonment. His father, Patrick Dowdall, also admitted to the facilitation offence and was jailed for two years. Gerard Hutch, 59, of Clontarf, Dublin 3, and co-accused Paul Murphy, 61, of Swords, and Jason Bonney, 52, of Portmarnock, have all pleaded not guilty to participating in or contributing to the murder of Byrne by providing access to motor vehicles on February 5, 2016. The defence, led by Brendan Grehan SC, challenged Dowdall's credibility, arguing his account was inconsistent with the digital evidence presented by the State.
The Central Criminal Court heard submissions in the case of an unnamed boy, now 17, who was 14 when he murdered Mongolian national Urantsetseg Tserendorj on January 20, 2021. The boy pleaded not guilty to the murder but guilty to manslaughter on January 29, 2021. The State did not accept his plea, and he twice stood trial for her murder. A reduced panel jury found him guilty of murder by a majority verdict of 10 to one after eight hours and 59 minutes of deliberations. He also pleaded guilty to producing a knife and attempting to rob Ms Tserendorj on a walkway between George's Dock and Custom House Quay in the IFSC, Dublin on January 20, 2021. Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned the sentence hearing until next month to allow him time to consider the options available to him. The judge raised concerns about the lack of statutory basis for sentence reviews in cases involving minors, noting that the Court of Appeal has ruled that suspended sentences cannot be imposed on minors. The matter was adjourned and never described as concluded or finalised.
A former senior manager at Trinity College Dublin, Brendan Leahy, claims he was unfairly dismissed from his €120,000-a-year post after the university learned that he had pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting an American tourist in 2018. The Workplace Relations Commission is hearing his complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Leahy was given a suspended three‑month sentence by Dublin District Court, required to complete a sex offenders course and pay a fine and compensation. He appealed to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and received the benefit of the Probation Act in August 2021. Trinity placed him on paid leave and launched an investigation in August 2021, following a second allegation of sexual harassment from a former employee, Ms X, who accused him of miming oral sex at a karaoke party. Leahy argues the investigations were procedurally flawed and pre‑determined, citing the Probation Act order as a basis for dismissal of his conviction.
The Special Criminal Court trial of Gerard Hutch, Paul Murphy, and Jason Bonney, all accused of participating in the murder of David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in February 2016, continues before Ms Justice Tara Burns. All three defendants have pleaded not guilty to charges including providing access to motor vehicles and facilitating the offence. Today, defence counsel for Mr Bonney stated it is their case that his father, not Mr Bonney, drove the BMW X5 alleged to have been used in the attack. Prosecution evidence from Garda Michele Purcell and Senior Intelligence Analyst Sarah Skedd detailed vehicle movements, including a Toyota Avensis taxi driven by Mr Murphy and the BMW X5, which allegedly transported a man in a flat cap from the scene. The court also heard evidence regarding Jonathan Dowdall, a former co-accused who turned State's witness. Mr Dowdall, a former Sinn Fein councillor, previously pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder by making a hotel room available and was sentenced to four years' imprisonment. His father, Patrick Dowdall, also pleaded guilty to the same facilitation charge and was jailed for two years. The trial will continue tomorrow with further evidence from Ms Skedd.