Court archive
2026-02-26 · Dublin
The murder trial of Tomas Cypas heard his 999 call for an ambulance after he found his friend Juris Kokenbergs cold and not breathing. Cypas has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan. The jury heard that Cypas admitted hitting him and will consider his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
2026-02-26 · Laois
Henry McGowan has been committed to the Central Mental Hospital after a jury found him not guilty of murdering his father by reason of insanity. The court heard that he continues to have schizoaffective disorder and needs specialist inpatient care. The murder of John McGowan occurred at Ballyfin Demesne after the father travelled from the US to help his son.
2026-02-25 · Ireland
The Central Criminal Court trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has heard that the primary complainant, who is deaf, first made allegations after attending a health promotion course in 2017. The accused, aged between 32 and 55, face a combined total of 103 charges, with 98 counts pertaining to the main complainant. They are her four younger brothers and three uncles, all of whom deny wrongdoing. One man is further accused of abusing two of his younger sisters. An organiser of the course testified that the complainant asked to speak to him to report being harmed by several people. In cross-examination, he agreed she did not make allegations regarding three specific accused: her 55-year-old uncle (Accused A), her 45-year-old uncle (Accused G), and her 32-year-old brother (Accused F). Accused A is accused of one count of rape; Accused G of one count of rape; and Accused F of three counts of anal rape and two counts of rape. Accused B (48) is accused of eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C (34) faces 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the main complainant, plus one count of sexual assault and three counts of rape and anal rape against a second sister. Accused D (33) pleaded not guilty to 19 charges of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E (32) denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape. The trial continues before Ms Justice Caroline Biggs.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
Tomas Cypas pleaded not guilty to murdering Juris Kokenbergs at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin. The prosecution case is that Kokenbergs died from stomping on the head. Cypas admits hitting Kokenbergs over the weekend, while the jury must decide his intent; the trial continues before Mr Justice Paul McDermott.
2026-02-25 · Dublin
A 22-year-old man who cannot be named for legal reasons received a three-year term for a knife robbery at Dean Swift Square, Dublin 8. The court heard he and others assaulted a man, stole his phone and wallet, and left him with a deep calf wound. The term is consecutive to a nine-year sentence for a separate attack on a woman, with the final 12 months suspended. The unnamed 22-year-old pleaded guilty.
2026-02-24 · Sligo
A man convicted of raping and sexually assaulting his younger sister over seven years has appealed his conviction at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. Kyle Jinks, aged 32, of Slievemore, Ballytivnan, County Sligo, was found guilty at the Central Criminal Court of twenty-one counts of rape and four counts of sexual assault between 2008 and 2014. He received a twelve-year sentence in February 2025. The appeal centres on whether the trial judge correctly instructed the jury that the defendant's silence when confronted by his mother about the allegations could amount to corroboration of the victim's account. The defence argues that silence alone cannot constitute corroboration without additional conduct. The Director of Public Prosecutions contended that the context made the defendant's lack of response meaningful. The three-judge court reserved judgment pending a later date.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Brandon Gavin's appeal against his murder conviction was heard before the Court of Appeal, where his legal team argued that evidence of his Tinder activity and messages to a third party was prejudicial and inadmissible. Gavin, of Swords, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Marius Mamaliga (19) at Forest Court, Swords, on February 23, 2023, but was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury in November 2024. He was subsequently sentenced to the mandatory term of life imprisonment by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon. The defence contended that the admitted material cast Gavin in an unfavourable light and suggested a propensity for criminal conduct unrelated to the charged offence. Conversely, the State argued the evidence was probative in refuting Gavin's claim of self-defence, which he alleged was necessitated by a €2,500 drug debt and threats from the deceased. The prosecution maintained the killing was premeditated, noting Gavin searched for prison sentences for murder the day prior and interacted with Tinder minutes before the attack. The trial jury had unanimously rejected the self-defence argument as "self-serving nonsense." The three-judge appeal panel, presided over by Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy, reserved judgment on the matter, meaning the appeal has not yet been concluded.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Dean Paget, 37, of Carnlough Road, Cabra, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a robbery committed on December 3, 2020. Paget pleaded guilty to one count of robbery at Castleknock Road. A count of assault causing harm was struck out, while two counts of making a threat to kill and production of an article were taken into consideration. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-and-a-half-year jail term, which dates from his guilty plea in January. As Paget is currently serving a 13-year sentence for the attempted murder of his former partner, he will not serve additional time for this offence. Prosecution evidence alleged that Paget and co-accused Megan Creighton attacked a man recovering from hip surgery near the Dublin canal. Creighton, 37, of Blanchardstown, was jailed for three years in 2022. The victim reported a bite mark to his nose and abrasions, stating he believed he was going to die. Defence counsel Anne-Marie Lawlor SC highlighted Paget's remorse and the delay in bringing charges. Judge Crowe described the incident as a sustained, physical, violent robbery, setting a headline sentence of six years before reducing it to four and a half years based on mitigating factors.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
Bakuani Diasivi, 26, of Cardy Rock Crescent, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to affray after punching an 11-year-old boy on a Dart while on bail. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Diasivi had 24 previous convictions but no previous convictions for violence. Judge Orla Crowe imposed an 18-month sentence suspended on strict conditions and directed a €1,000 payment to the boy's family.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A scaffolder is set to face trial tomorrow, accused of murdering a man in west Dublin in 2024. Tomas Cypas (35), who resides at Foxborough Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, was arraigned before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Juris Kokenbergs (49), who was killed at Old Bridge Park, Lucan, Co Dublin on October 28, 2024. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon informed the jury panel that the accused is a resident of Dublin and works in the scaffolding trade. The judge swore in a jury of eight men and four women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow before Mr Justice Paul McDermott. The trial is expected to last two weeks. The court proceedings will focus on the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder and the evidence presented by the prosecution.
2026-02-24 · Dublin
A man has been sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court after pleading guilty to conspiracy to murder. Joseph Richards, aged 35 and from Lanesborough Square in Finglas, was convicted in connection with the death of Robert Sheridan, 45, who was shot at his front door in Ballymun on 5 October 2018. Mr Justice Paul McDermott found the killing was meticulously planned and involved considerable coordination to lure the victim to answer the door. Richards, who initially faced a murder charge, will serve the seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with six months suspended, after completing his current prison term, resulting in an effective sentence exceeding twelve years. The judge noted Richards has ninety-nine previous convictions and acknowledged his guilty plea and efforts to address drug addiction while imprisoned. The victim's family delivered impact statements describing the lasting trauma caused by his death.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 63-year-old Dublin man who was seen as the 'cool older cousin' by six children he groomed and sexually assaulted has been jailed for seven years. The man pleaded guilty to 10 sample counts of indecent and sexual assaults, which occurred between 1983 and 1990, and again in 2000. The abuse took place at his family homes in Dublin and Cork. The victims, who were his cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the abuse as 'shameless exploitation.' Judge Orla Crowe noted the predatory nature of the offences and the breach of trust. One of the victims, who was aged nine to 11 when the abuse occurred, described being frozen in fear and feeling guilty for years. The court heard that the defendant had previously received a suspended sentence in 2005 for sexual assault. Judge Crowe set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to seven years, taking into account the defendant's remorse and health issues. The victims' impact statements highlighted the lasting trauma and the breakdown of family relationships.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A 36-year-old man who raped his former partner in a hotel room and threatened to gouge her eyeball out with a spoon has been jailed for nine years. The Central Criminal Court heard that the victim was left fearing for her life. The man was convicted of sexual assault, rape, and threats to kill the woman at a Dublin hotel. He has over 70 previous convictions, but no prior sexual offence convictions. Mr Justice Paul Burns noted the intimate relationship between the pair was an aggravating factor and described the rape as 'appalling'. He imposed a headline sentence of 11 years, but suspended the final year for three years on condition the man remains under probation and undertakes recommended courses. The victim described how the crimes changed her life and left her in fear for her life. The man denied all offending at interview and initially claimed they had not had sex in the hotel. In her victim impact statement, the woman said she had washed her skin with bleach and was terrified to socialise.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
A repeat sex offender, Randi Gladstone, has argued that his trial was unfair after he was forced to withdraw his claims of good character, which led to the jury being informed of his previous convictions for serious offences. Gladstone was convicted in January last year of rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment in a holiday complex in Co Dublin. He had previously been deported from the UK and had 19 prior convictions, including rape and kidnapping. Gladstone's legal team argued that the trial judge's clarification on false imprisonment and the introduction of his previous convictions unfairly prejudiced his case. The court heard that Gladstone lured an 18-year-old woman into his room, where he raped and falsely imprisoned her. The appeal will be heard by a three-judge court, with a decision expected on March 10. Randi Gladstone pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Twin brothers Sean Farrell and Eric Farrell, aged 21, appeared before the Central Criminal Court on a charge of murder relating to the death of Ionel Nicolae Diaconu in Tallaght, Dublin 24, on December 11, 2023. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the murder charge but guilty to the lesser offence of manslaughter. The Director of Public Prosecutions accepted that the manslaughter pleas met the case. Defence counsel noted that the brothers were 19 at the time of the incident and have no significant previous convictions, requesting the court to consider probation reports. The defendants are currently held in custody at Castlerea Prison. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the matter to May 18 for a sentence hearing and ordered the preparation of two probation reports. The judge remanded the Farrell twins in custody until that date. Regarding the victim's family, prosecution counsel stated that Mr Diaconu's relatives do not live in Ireland and have previously attended proceedings remotely. The court did not record a final conviction or sentence at this stage, as the case remains adjourned for sentencing.
2026-02-23 · Dublin
Sean McGovern, 39, appeared by video-link from Portlaoise Prison before the Special Criminal Court, where he is accused of the murder of Noel Kirwan on December 22, 2016, at St Ronan's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin. The accused, who has a previous address at Kildare Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, also faces charges of directing the activities of a criminal organisation in connection with that murder between October 20 and December 22, 2016. Additional allegations include directing a criminal organisation regarding the surveillance of James Gately between October 17, 2015, and April 6, 2017, and facilitating a criminal organisation in a conspiracy to murder Mr. Gately. During the trial proceedings, his barrister, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant work had been completed between legal parties and suggested the case might not ultimately require a trial date, though he could not confirm this immediately. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, presiding over the three-judge, non-jury court, adjourned the matter to March 16 for an update. No plea, finding, or sentence was recorded at this stage, and the matter remains ongoing.
2026-02-20 · Mayo
A Knockmore man has been sentenced to four years in prison at Castlebar Circuit Court for offences including the savage mauling of a woman by his unmuzzled dog. David Barrett, aged 41, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm following an attack on November 20th, 2022, at Mount Falcon estate. The victim sustained life-changing injuries including severe lacerations and puncture wounds requiring emergency surgery and ongoing treatment. Judge Eoin Garavan noted the dog had been wandering loose and described Barrett's casual attitude toward the danger posed to the public. Barrett also pleaded guilty to assaulting two female gardaí who attended his home in July 2024 whilst responding to a domestic disturbance report. The court heard he was heavily intoxicated and attacked both officers with violence. The global sentence comprised two years for the dog attack and three years for assaulting the gardaí, with the final year suspended. Barrett was ordered to engage in mental health services, substance addiction treatment, and probation supervision upon release.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Dylan Mangan, the lead assailant in an extortion plot, failed to convince the Court of Appeal to reduce his five-year sentence for threatening two victims with violence and demanding €20,000. Mangan, who has 18 previous convictions, was identified through CCTV and was in possession of a phone used to contact the victims. His defense argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider the principle of parity with his co-accused, Des Smyth, who received a four-year sentence with part suspended. The Court of Appeal rejected the appeal, noting that Mangan's level of involvement was significantly greater than Smyth's and that the judge had a rational basis for the disparity in sentences. The court emphasized that Mangan was the principal perpetrator and had a more substantial criminal history. The threats involved slitting the throats of children and burning down homes, with the victims having no connection to the drug debt. The appeal was dismissed, with the court upholding the original sentence. Dylan Mangan pleaded guilty. Des Smyth pleaded guilty.
2026-02-20 · Monaghan
A 72-year-old man from Castleblayney, County Monaghan, has had his eight-year prison sentence reduced to six and a half years following a successful appeal at the Court of Appeal. The man pleaded guilty to fifteen counts of indecent assault against three of his siblings, commencing in the 1970s and 1980s when the victims were aged between nine and fourteen. The original sentencing judge imposed consecutive sentences to reflect the serious and persistent nature of the offending. However, Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy found an error in principle, stating it was not apparent the totality principle had been properly applied. The court quashed the original sentence and resentenced accordingly. The three victims waived their right to anonymity in impact statements describing their upbringing as a "house of horrors.
2026-02-20 · Carlow
Paul Rowland was convicted of strangling his then-partner at her home in County Carlow in January 2025. The woman testified that Rowland, who was intoxicated, grabbed her by the neck and strangled her, causing her to fear for her life. She managed to escape and barricaded herself and her son in a bedroom before contacting the gardaí. Rowland was found not guilty of the two assault charges but was convicted of the strangulation charge. The court heard that Rowland had previously tripped the woman and pushed a pool table into her, causing injuries. The jury deliberated for nearly three hours before convicting him. Rowland was remanded in custody for sentencing in March. The court acknowledged the woman's account of the incident and the severity of the strangulation charge, which was a new offense added to the Non-fatal Offences Against The Person Act in 2023. Rowland denied the allegations and claimed he was not intoxicated, but the gardaí confirmed he was unfit for questioning due to his level of intoxication.
2026-02-20 · Dublin
Joseph Lawlor was found guilty of murdering Michael Ryan by a Central Criminal Court jury, despite his claim that the stabbing was a coincidence. The jury rejected his self-defence argument after deliberating for eight hours and 57 minutes. Lawlor will be sentenced to life imprisonment next week. His second trial followed the collapse of the first due to late evidence disclosure and allegations of coaching a witness. During the trial, enhanced audio revealed Lawlor threatening Ryan, undermining his self-defence claim. CCTV and neighbour recordings showed multiple altercations between the men. Lawlor claimed he stabbed Ryan in self-defence after Ryan threatened to throw grenades through his windows. The jury did not accept his claim of reasonable force or honest belief in the need to attack Ryan.
2026-02-20 · Sligo
A 70-year-old man has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the systematic sexual abuse of five of his children over two decades at various addresses in County Sligo. Noel Farrell of Rathedmond Estate, Sligo, pleaded guilty to three counts of rape and 19 counts of indecent assault and sexual assault. The abuse included rape, sexual assault, and inappropriate touching of victims aged between two and seventeen. Evidence revealed that Farrell locked children in rooms for extended periods without food and forced them to drink urine. Mr Justice Tony Hunt described the case as "truly shocking" and noted the absence of mitigating factors beyond the guilty plea. He imposed a headline sentence of 30 years, reduced to 20 years. Four of the five victims waived anonymity to allow Farrell's identification. The judge commended the complainants for their fortitude in confronting their experiences. Farrell has been in custody since his guilty plea in November.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
Serial offender Ronaldo Otto, who goes by the name Samantha, has been jailed for five years after sexually assaulting a vulnerable autistic man. Otto, originally from the Philippines, was found guilty of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old autistic man on February 1, 2023, in a laneway in Dublin. The victim, who uses a disability card for the bus, was followed by Otto, who sat beside him and asked for his phone number. Otto then groped the victim and forced him down a laneway, where he performed oral sex on him. The victim reported the incident to his parents and attended the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. CCTV footage and DNA evidence linked Otto to the crime. Otto had previously been given a suspended sentence for throwing boiling water on a man in 2019, but it was reactivated after he was convicted of another sexual assault in 2022. Judge Orla Crowe noted the victim was vulnerable due to his disability and described Otto's actions as predatory and intimidating.
2026-02-19 · Cork
A former British Army soldier, Noel Long (77), is seeking to have his life sentence for murder overturned, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to prove intent. Long, who has 31 previous convictions, was found guilty in August 2023 for the 1981 murder of Nora Sheehan, whose body was discovered in Shippool Woods, Co Cork. His legal team claims that the prosecution failed to prove that Long did more than assault the victim with slaps and punches to the head and face. They also argue that there was a prejudicial delay in bringing the case and that DNA evidence should not have been presented to the jury. During the appeal hearing, Long's legal team submitted that the trial judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, made errors in his charge to the jury regarding the definition of 'serious injury' and in not withdrawing the murder charge after the defense's evidence. The defense argues that the force described by the pathologist was not enough to prove intent to cause serious injury. Noel Long pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A jury will return to the Central Criminal Court to continue deliberations in the trial of Joseph Lawlor, who is accused of murdering his friend Michael Ryan in June 2024. Lawlor claims he acted in self-defence and to protect his property. The trial began in January, and the jury requested a copy of Lawlor's testimony, which detailed the events leading to the fatal stabbing. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations throughout the evening. Ryan was arrested for drink driving and later returned to Lawlor's home, demanding the return of a watch and threatening to use "pineapples" (slang for grenades). Lawlor pursued Ryan to a carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The judge instructed the jury that if they found Lawlor's account credible and that he used reasonable force, they must acquit. However, if he used excessive force, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved he did not act in self-defence, the verdict would be murder. Joseph Lawlor pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-19 · Dublin
A 45-year-old man who slapped his eight-year-old son over toileting issues in 2018 has been jailed for two years and four months, with the final eight months suspended. The man pleaded guilty to child cruelty and assault causing harm. He has six previous convictions for domestic violence against the boy's mother. Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin described the incident as a breach of parental trust and noted the psychological impact on the boy, who now experiences anxiety. The man self-reported the incident to authorities in 2019. The court heard that the boy's mother did not report the incident to Tusla, and photos of the boy's injuries were shown in court. The man, who represented himself, expressed that he believed the judge was fair and questioned the sentence length. The judge allowed him to appeal the sentence to the Court of Appeal.
2026-02-19 · Ireland
A judge has expressed frustration with what he described as the 'triumph of bureaucracy and administration over actually doing something' during a murder trial. The accused, who was due to stand trial earlier this year, had his case adjourned due to concerns about his mental health. His barrister informed Mr Justice Tony Hunt that initial issues regarding pay rates for psychiatric reports had been resolved, with the Legal Aid Board agreeing to increase the rate from €120 to €300 per hour. However, a new obstacle has emerged, as the board now requires a PPS number for the accused before sanctioning a report. The accused's solicitor has been unable to obtain this number. Mr Justice Hunt stated that he could not 'micromanage affairs between solicitors and the Legal Aid Board' and emphasized that trials should not be delayed over trivialities like providing a PPS number. He called for action to be taken rather than bureaucratic delays. A barrister for the State said they would assist in finding the PPS number. The matter was adjourned to March for an update.
2026-02-19 · Mayo
PJ Higgins, 47, pleaded guilty at Castlebar Circuit Court to assault causing harm to his brother, Michael Higgins, at their address in Cloongullaune, Swinford, Co Mayo, on July 27, 2022. The defendant admitted to hitting the victim over the head with a shovel, an act Judge Eoin Garavan noted could easily have been fatal. Michael Higgins was taken to Mayo University Hospital unconscious and bleeding, with a CT scan revealing fluid on the brain. He was discharged three days later but reported ongoing headaches, blurred vision, and fear for his life. The court heard the incident arose from an entrenched, longstanding family dispute. Judge Garavan delayed sentencing until the conclusion of two other cases against family members to ensure all background information was available. A probation report placed PJ Higgins at moderate risk of re-offending but noted he accepts responsibility and shows genuine remorse. The judge highlighted that the offence occurred the day before PJ Higgins was due to be sentenced for a previous threat to kill or cause serious harm, for which he served 12 months in custody. Defence counsel argued the act was impulsive rather than premeditated. The matter was adjourned to July 23 to finalise the sentence.
2026-02-18 · Dublin
A 25-year-old Dublin man was sentenced to six years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended, for assaulting his pregnant partner and making threats against his ex-girlfriend. The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including assault causing harm and making threats to kill or cause serious harm. During the incident in August 2024, he punched, dragged, and kicked his pregnant partner in the stomach, knowing she was pregnant. He had previously been on bail for threatening to petrol bomb his ex-girlfriend's home. The court heard that he had a history of violent behavior, including breaches of protection orders and criminal damage. The victim, who was three months pregnant at the time of the assault, declined an ambulance and did not want to leave her children. The man was arrested after a five-day drugs bender and had a history of addiction. His defense highlighted his mental health issues and history of child sexual abuse, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the assault on a pregnant woman.
2026-02-18 · Dublin
A jury has begun deliberations in the murder trial of Joseph Lawlor, who claims he stabbed his friend, Michael Ryan, in self-defense. Lawlor, 39, pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark after a dispute. The jury heard that Lawlor and Ryan had been drinking and had multiple altercations. Ryan returned to Lawlor's home after being released from custody for drink driving and accused Lawlor of calling gardai. Ryan threatened to bring others to attack Lawlor's home. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him once in the neck, severing an artery. The judge instructed the jury that if Lawlor used reasonable force in self-defense, he must be acquitted. If the force was excessive, the verdict would be manslaughter. If the prosecution proved Lawlor did not act in self-defense, the verdict would be murder.
2026-02-17 · Ireland
An unnamed man had his conviction for breaching a safety order overturned on appeal by the District Court Appeals Court. The appellant, who was originally convicted in the District Court on May 24, 2023, under section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018, was fined €500 before lodging the appeal. The case involved allegations that he threatened his ex-partner during a child access collection. While the complainant and a prosecution witness testified that the man used threatening language, the appellant denied using such words, stating he was merely discussing the child's confusion. Defence counsel argued the evidence did not meet the criminal standard, highlighting conflicting accounts. Judge Gerard Meehan allowed the appeal, finding that the court could not be satisfied beyond doubt that the alleged words were used. The judge concluded that the evidence did not reach the criminal standard required for a conviction, resulting in the conviction being overturned.
2026-02-17 · Dublin
Stephen Markham, a sexual assault survivor, has spoken out about the importance of being vocal if someone experiences a similar incident. He was sexually assaulted by Cezar Toader, an on-bail offender, who followed him home after they met in Dublin City Centre in 2020. Toader, who is part of the Roma community, was sentenced to four years in prison, with the final six months suspended. Markham waived his anonymity and shared his victim impact statement, detailing the emotional and psychological toll the assault had on him, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He expressed gratitude for the support he received from the community and gardai, and encouraged others to speak out if they are victims of similar crimes. The court heard that Toader had a history of previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the assault. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the courage of Markham in coming forward and noted the impact of the crime on the victim. Cezar Toader pleaded guilty.
2026-02-17 · Cork
The Court of Appeal was told it is a mystery how over 300 physical exhibits from the 1981 murder of Nora Sheehan were lost, including a vaginal swab that could have yielded further DNA evidence. Noel Long, now 77, was convicted of the murder in 2023 after a DNA match between semen found on the victim and DNA from his clothing. Long's defense argued that the 42-year delay in bringing the case breached his right to a fair and expeditious trial. They also claimed that the loss of exhibits, including the vaginal swab, prejudiced his case. The prosecution countered that the delay was not sufficient to presume prejudice and that the DNA evidence was crucial to the conviction. They emphasized that the case was not dropped in 1981 but was revived after a DNA breakthrough in 2008. The trial judge ruled that the delay was not enough to affect the fairness of the trial, and the prosecution argued that the evidence was compelling enough to secure a conviction despite the passage of time.
2026-02-17 · Dublin
A jury has been asked to determine whether Joseph Lawlor used reasonable force in stabbing his friend to death after the deceased threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor, 39, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, 51, who was found dead in a carpark behind Lawlor's home in Dublin. The incident occurred on June 20, 2024, following a night of drinking and altercations between the two men. Ryan accused Lawlor of calling the gardai to have him arrested for drunk driving and demanded the return of an expensive watch. When Lawlor refused, Ryan allegedly threatened to throw grenades through his windows. Lawlor pursued Ryan to the carpark and stabbed him in the neck, causing his death. The prosecution argues that Lawlor created the situation deliberately to use force, citing audio evidence of Lawlor inviting Ryan to a fight. The defence claims that Lawlor acted in self-defence, citing the Criminal Law (Defence and the Dwelling) Act 2011, which allows for the use of reasonable force against trespassers.
2026-02-17 · Ireland
A man in his 20s charged with assault, criminal damage, and drug possession following an incident in Dún Laoghaire has been remanded in custody. The accused is charged with assaulting a woman and causing her harm, damaging a window at a neighbouring property, and possessing heroin, cocaine, and benzodiazepines. He is also charged with criminal damage at Dún Laoghaire Garda Station, where he allegedly spat food onto a cell wall and door after his arrest. No bail application was made, and the accused was remanded in custody to appear by video link for a bail hearing. Judge Anne Watkin directed that the accused receive medical attention for injuries sustained during the incident, as well as for heroin addiction and mental health issues. Legal aid was granted to the accused's defence solicitor. The case highlights concerns about drug use, assault, and property damage in the area, with the accused facing multiple charges that could result in significant legal consequences.
2026-02-16 · Donegal
Richard Walsh, 32, of Lisminton, Ballintra, Co Donegal, was sentenced to seven years in prison at the Central Criminal Court for the sexual assault of a woman in her 20s. Walsh pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred on December 13, 2020, at his home in Ballintra. Justice Tony Hunt described the incident as a serious sexual assault, noting that Walsh's guilty plea was compelled by independent corroboration rather than remorse. The judge reduced a headline sentence of eight years to seven to account for the plea. Walsh was ordered to serve the full term, followed by three years of supervision, including notifying the Probation Service of his contact details and engaging in offence-focused work. The court noted that Walsh was on bail for an unrelated defilement charge at the time of the assault. He had previously pleaded guilty to defilement of a child under 17 and received a custodial sentence of one year and eight months in January 2023. Justice Hunt stated that Walsh's previous conviction complicated sentencing and that his apology carried little weight. The victim, who wished to retain anonymity, stated that the assault ruined her life and caused serious depression. The judge commended her strength and noted that Walsh's misconduct rightly resulted in community shunning.
2026-02-16 · Dublin
Patrick Harte, 84, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing following his conviction on 17 counts of indecent or sexual assault against eight boys between 1969 and 1986. Harte, a former teacher and principal at Sancta Maria Christian Brothers school on Synge Street, pleaded not guilty to all charges and continues to deny any offending. This fourth set of prosecutions brings his total convictions for sexual or indecent assaults to 89, involving 32 victims. During the hearing, Judge Martina Baxter heard victim impact statements detailing long-term mental health effects, including alcohol addiction and trust issues. One victim stated that "nobody cared, nobody has ever apologised." Defense counsel John Griffin BL stated Harte does not accept the jury verdicts and instructed that no plea of mitigation would be entered. Harte addressed the court, attempting to raise issues regarding evidence from a different trial, which the Judge dismissed as irrelevant to this hearing. The court noted Harte's previous sentences, including a three-year term in 2020 and a four-year term in December 2024. Judge Baxter adjourned the finalisation of sentencing to March 18 next.
2026-02-16 · Cork
Noel Long, a former British Army soldier and convicted sexual offender, has launched an appeal to overturn his murder conviction for the 1981 killing of Nora Sheehan. Long, now 77, was found guilty in 2023 based on DNA evidence linking him to the victim, as well as other physical evidence such as fibres and paint fragments. His legal team, led by Michael Delaney SC, has raised three main grounds for appeal: the admissibility of DNA evidence, the delay in bringing the case, and the trial judge's handling of the jury charge. Delaney argued that the arrest of Long under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939 was unlawful and that the subsequent search of his car and blood sample were invalid. The prosecution, represented by Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, defended the admissibility of the evidence and the trial judge's decisions. The appeal hearing, which is expected to last three days, continues with the Court of Appeal considering whether the conviction should be overturned based on the legal arguments presented. Nora Sheehan pleaded not guilty.
2026-02-16 · Dublin
A murder trial at the Central Criminal Court has heard closing arguments in a case arising from the fatal stabbing of a man in Dublin in June 2024. Joseph Lawlor, aged 39, of Hampton Wood Road in Finglas, Dublin 11, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Michael Ryan, aged 51, who died from a stab wound to the neck in a carpark behind Mr Lawlor's home on 20 June 2024. The prosecution contends that Mr Lawlor inflicted the fatal wound with intent to kill or cause serious injury and was not acting in lawful self-defence. The defence argues that Mr Lawlor was entitled to use reasonable force to protect himself and his property after Mr Ryan, a friend with whom he had been drinking, broke into his home, took cash, and made threats. The jury heard evidence regarding earlier physical altercations between the men and a 999 call made immediately after the incident. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath is presiding over the trial, with closing arguments continuing.
2026-02-16 · Dublin
Joseph Richards, 35, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiring to murder Robert Sheridan, a 45-year-old father-of-two who was fatally shot at his Ballymun home in October 2018. Prosecutors alleged that Richards, who has 99 previous convictions, was "crack crazy" and acted for payment, enlisting someone known to the victim to lure him to the door. Sheridan, who had received a Garda Information Message warning of threats to his life, sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the face. The court heard that Richards is currently serving a prison sentence of six years and five months. In mitigation, his counsel cited a traumatic upbringing, chronic drug addiction, and recent bereavement. Victim impact statements described the killing as a "cold-blooded execution" and detailed the lasting psychological trauma suffered by Sheridan's children. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 24 for finalisation.
2026-02-16 · Dublin
Patrick Murphy, a 37-year-old man who admitted to stabbing 20-year-old Jordan Ronan to death outside his home, is now on 23-hour lockup for his own protection after being attacked in prison. Murphy claimed he was defending his family and property when he stabbed Ronan, who was found in his front driveway. Murphy's dog alerted him to the presence of Ronan, and he rushed out of his home armed with a kitchen knife. CCTV footage showed Murphy telling his partner that Ronan was breaking into their car. A jury found Murphy not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter. Ronan's partner, Lauren Geraghty, who was six weeks pregnant with their first child, delivered a victim-impact statement expressing her grief and the loss of their future together. Ronan's father, Stephen Packenham, spoke of his son's wish to meet his daughter and the devastation of identifying his body. Sabrina Ronan, Ronan's mother, thanked those who provided first aid to her son. The pathologist testified that the stab wound was 18cm deep and caused cardiac arrest within minutes.
2026-02-16 · Donegal
A man from Killygordon in Donegal has been sentenced to 12 years imprisonment, with the final six months suspended, following his conviction at the Central Criminal Court for a series of sexual offences. Eunan Merritt, aged 56, was found guilty by jury after an 11-day trial of eight counts of rape, four counts of oral rape, and two counts of sexual assault committed between June 1999 and September 2003. The offences were perpetrated against a woman who waived her anonymity, detailing in her victim impact statement how the abuse had fundamentally altered her life trajectory and ongoing mental health. Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo noted that Merritt had exploited his victim's vulnerability over an extended period and rejected limited cooperation with gardaí as mitigation. The judge observed that the defendant presented contrasting versions of himself to his victims and the public. Merritt maintains he does not accept the jury's verdicts.
2026-02-16 · Donegal
The Special Criminal Court sentenced Stephen Carberry and Glen Bride to six years in prison for assisting in the disposal of the dismembered remains of Keane Mulready Woods. Both men pleaded guilty to charges of impeding the apprehension or prosecution of the alleged murderer, Robbie Lawlor, by transporting and burning the victim's body parts in a stolen Volvo V40 in north Dublin. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor described the acts as showing "abhorrent inhumanity and disrespect." Carberry, who had a headline sentence of ten years, received a reduced term due to his guilty plea and the requirement to serve a consecutive sentence for a prior drug offence. Bride, who played a lesser role, had his nine-year headline sentence reduced to six years following his guilty plea and expressions of remorse. The court noted that neither defendant was involved in the murder itself. This sentencing follows earlier convictions in the case: Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years for facilitating the murder; Gerard Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with six months suspended for two years for the same offence; and Ged McKenna was sentenced to four years for assisting an offender by cleaning the crime scene. The court acknowledged the severe trauma suffered by the victim's family, who described the disposal of their son's remains as a "constant and unbearable torment."
2026-02-16 · Westmeath
Christopher Fitzsimons, 40, of Athlone, Co Westmeath, was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Central Criminal Court for rape and sexual assault. A jury convicted him last July of all 22 counts, including 18 counts of raping Claire Berry, aged 15 to 16, between 2010 and 2011; one count of raping Tara Berry, aged 16, in 2006; and two counts of sexually assaulting Tara Berry, aged 12. He was also found guilty of one count of sexually assaulting Chloe Berry, aged 14, in 2001. The abuse occurred over a 10-year period while Fitzsimons was in a relationship with the victims' older sister. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon described the conduct as an "egregious abuse of trust" and a "wolf in sheep's clothing." She set a headline sentence of 14 years, reduced to 13 years, citing his lack of previous convictions and work history as a butcher in mitigation. Fitzsimons has been in custody since the verdict. The victims, who waived anonymity, submitted impact statements detailing long-term trauma and his lack of remorse. Prosecutors requested consecutive sentences for the separate complainants, while the defense highlighted his good character.
2026-02-13 · Dublin
A 63-year-old man, Michael Donnelly, accused of assaulting his sister during a will dispute had the charge against him dismissed after CCTV footage contradicted key parts of the complainant's account. Donnelly had pleaded not guilty to a Section 2 assault at Woodley Park in 2024. The court heard that the complainant and another sibling arrived at their late mother's house, where Donnelly was living, seeking access to the property. Mobile phone and doorbell footage showed the complainant and another sibling at the doorway filming Donnelly during a heated exchange. The complainant claimed her wrist was struck and that she had difficulty moving her hand. However, the footage showed the phone was in her left hand when it was struck away. The defense highlighted inconsistencies in the complainant's account, noting that she referred to her right hand being struck. Judge Anne Watkin noted the inconsistency between the medical report and the footage and accepted the credibility concerns raised by the defense. She concluded that the charge could not be proven beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed it.
2026-02-13 · Dublin
A Dublin horse handler, Scott Clarke, has been ordered to perform 150 hours of community service after throwing a vape at an American tourist, causing him to lose a tooth. The incident occurred outside the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin 8 in 2023. Clarke pleaded guilty to assault, which carries a maximum sentence of six months. The victim, who is in his 20s, said he feared for his life and that the incident marred his final holiday with his parents. He has undergone dental surgery and continues to experience nerve pain, spending around US$5,000 on dental implants. CCTV footage showed the victim taking down a sign displaying the charges for the horse and carriage rental, leading to a scuffle. Clarke threw the vape at the victim, hitting him in the mouth. Garda Greg Moroney testified that there was no evidence linking the horse handlers to the incident. Clarke has previous drug convictions but none for violent offenses. His defense highlighted that he is a full-time carer for his father, who is in the advanced stages of cancer.
2026-02-13 · Ireland
Patrick Honan, 70, has failed in his bid to overturn his conviction for the rape and sexual abuse of his daughter, Noreen Honan. The Court of Appeal dismissed his appeal against the conviction, which was secured following a Central Criminal Court trial in February 2024 where he was found guilty of 48 sample counts, including 25 of rape and 23 of indecent assault. The abuse, which took place in Co Clare between 1977 and 1989, occurred when the victim was aged between three and a half and 16. In March 2025, the Court of Appeal quashed his original sentence of 13 years, with the final 18 months suspended, and imposed a jail term of 19 years following an undue leniency application by the Director of Public Prosecutions. During today's appeal, defence counsel argued that the trial judge erred in allowing evidence of alleged admissions by Honan, as the three witnesses to those admissions were not called to testify, thereby breaching his fair trial rights. The State argued the evidence was admissible and relevant. Mr Justice John Edwards ruled that the court was satisfied the evidence was admissible and that the defence had options to summon witnesses for cross-examination. Consequently, the appeal was dismissed, leaving the 19-year sentence intact.
2026-02-13 · Dublin
A murder accused, Joseph Lawlor, told a prosecution barrister that it was '100 percent coincidental' that he threatened to stab his friend, Michael Ryan, hours before doing so. Lawlor claimed he was in fear after Ryan broke into his house and threatened to throw grenades. He said Ryan took a bag containing almost €4,000 in profit from selling Zopiclone tablets. Lawlor followed Ryan outside with a knife and stabbed him in the neck, claiming it was accidental. He described Ryan as a 'capable and dangerous' man and said he feared for his life. The prosecution suggested Lawlor was not scared but wanted to 'send a message' that nobody threatens him. Lawlor denied intending to harm Ryan and said he was trying to scare him away from his house. The trial has heard that Lawlor and Ryan were drinking together and had earlier arguments captured on CCTV. Lawlor pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ryan, who was found dead in a carpark.
2026-02-13 · Clare
A murderer who claimed he was acting in self-defence when he stabbed his ex-partner's boyfriend to death has failed in an appeal against his conviction. Nassar Ahmed (45) of The Mews, Kilrush Road, Ennis, had pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Eoin Boylan (32) at Gordon Drive, Cloughleigh, Ennis, on April 14th, 2020. The trial jury found Ahmed guilty of murder after deliberating for just two hours and five minutes, rejecting his claim of self-defence. Ahmed was sentenced to life imprisonment by Ms Justice Eileen Creedon in July 2022. The prosecution argued that Ahmed had invited Boylan to a fist fight and then stabbed him in a 'sneak attack' while concealing a knife. Ahmed told gardaí he grabbed a sharp object but could not remember what it was or where he threw it. The prosecution described his lies as 'borderline laughable'. The jury watched CCTV footage showing Boylan retreating from the attack. Ahmed admitted to unlawfully killing Boylan but claimed self-defence. The jury rejected his claim, finding he was the aggressor.
2026-02-12 · Dublin
A 63-year-old Dublin man who pleaded guilty to multiple sexual assaults on six children over a seven-year period will be sentenced later this month. The victims, including five of his first cousins and a cousin of a cousin, described the defendant as a 'cool older cousin' who groomed them. One victim recounted being sexually assaulted in her bedroom and later again as an adult. The court heard that the abuse caused significant pain and family splits. The defendant has previous convictions for sexual assault and was given a suspended sentence in 2005. His legal team asked for leniency, citing his role in caring for elderly parents and his good work history as an engineer. The judge remanded him into custody for sentencing.