The WRC reported on two distinct employment matters involving applicants Ali Izzy and Fernando Oliveira. In September, Ali Izzy, a former software salesman at Solar Winds Software Europe DAC, alleged he was dismissed for insubordination after his ex-boss approved a €500,000 discount in a side deal with a supplier described as having a history of corruption. Izzy claimed he was left without work and resorted to food delivery. The WRC is currently considering his case. In October, Ryanair lawyers challenged the filings of flight attendant Fernando Oliveira, pointing to phantom legal rulings potentially generated by AI. Oliveira initially denied this but later acknowledged he may have used AI. The tribunal deemed the phantom citations egregious and an abuse of process. Following this, the WRC published guidelines stating parties must take full responsibility for submissions and that AI tools should not be relied upon as legal advice. In a separate October case, a chef who admitted using ChatGPT to draft a statement was found to have made a misrepresentation regarding a sexual harassment complaint, which was rejected. These rulings highlight the tribunal's scrutiny of AI-assisted legal submissions and the ongoing adjudication of complex employment disputes.
A young man who raped a 15-year-old girl in a field near a housing estate in north Dublin has been jailed for three years. The man, now 19, was found guilty of rape, attempted oral rape, sexual assault, and assault causing harm in March 2022. He was 16 at the time of the incident. The attack began with consensual kissing but escalated when he refused to stop touching the girl despite her repeated requests. He became aggressive, choking her and telling her, "You're mine," before proceeding to rape her. The victim reported the attack to her mother, who subsequently threw her out of the house. The girl ended up homeless and in hostels, suffering severe mental health issues. Mr Justice Patrick McGrath described the victim impact statement as harrowing, noting the catastrophic effect on the girl. He stated that if the defendant had been an adult, the sentence would have been eight years. However, considering his age, he imposed a three-year sentence, suspending the final year to encourage rehabilitation.
A man convicted of raping a woman as she slept beside her boyfriend and newborn baby in County Donegal has failed in his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal. Shaun O'Donnell, aged 35, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment in August 2024 following his conviction on one count of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offence occurred on 26 March 2021 at a home in Donegal. O'Donnell's appeal argued that the trial should have been stayed because two items of the victim's clothing were unavailable for DNA testing. Ms Justice Nuala Butler rejected the appeal, finding that O'Donnell had introduced a new argument not raised at trial. She noted that DNA testing on available items had proved negative and that substantial evidence remained for the jury to consider, independent of forensic analysis. The judge stated the law does not impose an obligation on crime victims to preserve evidence. O'Donnell has not accepted the verdicts nor expressed remorse.
The 40‑year‑old defendant, whose name is withheld to protect complainants, was convicted in December 2023 on nine counts of sexual assault under the Criminal Law (Rape) Amendment Act 1990. The offences, alleged to have occurred between March 1996 and July 2002, involved three women who were aged six, seven and 17 at the time. The defendant, aged 11 to 17 during the alleged acts, was jailed for four years by Mr Justice David Keane in April 2024. He appealed on two grounds: that the trial judge should have severed the charges relating to the third complainant from those involving the first two, and that a doli incapax defence should have been granted. The Court of Appeal dismissed both grounds, ruling that the judge's decisions were not erroneous and that sufficient evidence existed to rebut the doli incapax presumption. The appeal was dismissed by Mr Justice John Edwards. The case remains at the conviction stage.
A mother has reached a resolution in her case against Tusla, The Child and Family Agency, regarding her newborn son who became unwell after being taken into State care. The High Court ruled that the mother will be allowed to express milk under supervision on certain mornings and breastfeed the child in the afternoons. While her legal representatives expressed dissatisfaction with the terms, they indicated they might be acceptable. The mother, who cannot be named by court order, claims that the child met all his developmental markers for the first two weeks after birth while she was breastfeeding him in hospital. She stated that the child was removed due to her mental health issues and that her GP prescribed Xanax and Quetiapine, which she claimed were safe for breastfeeding. The child then rejected formula milk, failed to meet weight markers, vomited frequently, and was prescribed Gaviscon, sometimes up to six times a day.
A 48-year-old man, Edward Colclough, was fined €700 for careless driving after pulling out in front of an e-scooter rider in Dublin 4 on March 19, 2024. Colclough, of Pearse Street, Dublin 2, had pleaded not guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court. The court heard that the e-scooter rider was travelling to work along a main road when Colclough drove out from St Patrick's Villas and began to turn right. The rider claimed he had the right of way and was travelling at an average speed. CCTV footage showed Colclough failing to stop at a stop sign before turning right. The footage did not show a collision, but the prosecution argued that Colclough's failure to stop caused the rider to react suddenly, leading to him losing control and falling off the scooter. Colclough claimed he did not see the scooter and argued the rider may have been speeding and struck a pothole. However, Judge Watkin rejected this, stating that Colclough should have ensured the road was clear before proceeding.
A repeat offender, Thomas Joyce (45), has been jailed for six weeks after entering a car parked in a private driveway in south Dublin while on probation and swallowing crack cocaine during garda custody. Joyce was sentenced at Dún Laoghaire District Court after pleading not guilty to entering a Volkswagen Touran on Anglesea Road, Dublin 4, on November 18, 2024. The car's owner saw Joyce enter the driveway and rummage through the vehicle before claiming it was his. Joyce was later arrested in a Spar shop in Ballsbridge. While in custody, he swallowed crack cocaine wraps hidden in his dentures and was taken to hospital. Judge Anne Watkin noted Joyce's 77 previous convictions, including 47 for theft and fraud, and stated that despite previous leniency, he had breached probation by committing another offence. She imposed a six-week sentence, half the maximum available, and did not order compensation as no damage was done to the vehicle.
A 76-year-old man with a record of 458 previous convictions has had two additional months added to his prison sentence for repeatedly stealing food items from a convenience store in south Dublin. Paddy McCann, who is currently serving a sentence for similar offences, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to theft, criminal damage, trespassing, and public order offences. The court heard that McCann stole various items from a Mace store in Sandymount over a five-day period in March 2025. He was also found highly intoxicated at a location in Blackrock, where he became abusive towards gardaí. The charges included criminal damage and trespass from a separate incident in Sandymount. Judge Anne Watkin described the case as a 'chronic situation' and noted that McCann's offending is cyclical. His defence highlighted that McCann is a chronic alcoholic with significant health issues and a difficult personal background. Judge Watkin stated that there was little more the court could do given previous interventions had failed.
A Northern Irish man has been jailed for 13 years for using his legitimate haulage business to smuggle over €6 million worth of drugs into the country. Padraig Casey (45) was found guilty of five counts related to the seizure of cannabis and cocaine at Dublin Port in 2020. The court heard that Casey, who was the owner and director of a haulage company, used his business to bring the drugs into the country. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that the aggravating factors included the seriousness of the offence, the nature and amount of the drugs, and the fact that Casey used his legitimate business to facilitate the trafficking. In mitigation, the court considered testimonials from Casey's family, his lack of previous convictions for this type of offence, and his long history of employment. Judge Sheahan set a headline sentence of 15 years but reduced it to 13 years, taking mitigation into account. Casey was stopped at Dublin Port upon his return from Rotterdam, where 93kg of cannabis and 60.9kg of cocaine were found in his truck.
Sarah Ryan, a victim of rape and coercive control by her former partner Nathan Grant McNulty, spoke out after he was jailed for eight years. Ms Ryan waived her right to anonymity, emphasizing the importance of speaking out against abuse. She described the experience as 'pure evil' and expressed a desire to 'turn my pain into purpose'. McNulty pleaded guilty to charges of rape and coercive control. The court heard that Ms Ryan suffered years of physical and emotional abuse, including beatings and threats. She described feeling trapped in a nightmare and suffering from severe depression and anxiety. The judge noted the aggravating factor of the relationship being intimate and domestic. McNulty received a nine-year sentence with the final year suspended under strict conditions. Ms Ryan's family, friends, and support organizations were thanked for their support. The case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of seeking help. Nathan Grant McNulty was convicted.
A Somali man who used diplomatic passports to illegally bring several women into the State has been jailed for four and a half years. Abdallatif Mohamed (40), who had no previous convictions, pleaded guilty to four counts of assisting in the unlawful entry of persons into the State. The court heard that Mohamed used genuine Somali diplomatic passports to bring two women into the country at Dublin Airport in 2024. The women were not the same as those depicted in the passports, and Mohamed was found with their genuine passports and a significant amount of cash. The women confirmed that they had paid Mohamed to bring them to the country, with one paying $14,000 and the other $15,000. Mohamed claimed he was acting under pressure to help his family, but the court found no evidence to support this. Judge Dara Hayes noted that the use of diplomatic passports was an aggravating factor and that the operation was for profit.
A man in his fifties and a woman in her forties have been sentenced to a combined eight and a half years imprisonment at Castlebar Circuit Criminal Court following their conviction for the systematic abuse of six children over several years. The man received six years and three months, with nine months suspended, while the woman was sentenced to three years and nine months, also with nine months suspended. Judge Sinéad McMullan described the abuse as "relentless and degrading," inflicting "immeasurable" trauma on the victims. The case came to light when two eldest children walked into a garda station to report ongoing physical and emotional mistreatment. Secret audio recordings made by a teenager documented the parents hitting the children almost daily and using demeaning language. The man pleaded guilty to four counts of child cruelty, the woman to two counts, out of thirteen offences committed between January 2018 and October 2021. All six children were taken into state care. The judge commended the children for their courage in reporting the abuse.
A 68-year-old man who was convicted of sexually abusing four family members, including his granddaughter and nephew, will continue to serve a life sentence after the Court of Appeal rejected his appeal. The man was found guilty of 24 charges, including two charges of anally raping his granddaughter and 22 charges against his nephew. He had denied all the charges and launched an appeal, arguing that the jury was prejudiced by evidence given by his daughter. The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal, with Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy stating that the evidence given by the man's daughter was essential to understanding the case. The judge noted that the evidence was admissible both as background evidence and to support the accounts from the man's granddaughter and nephew. The appeal also included arguments about the jury's verdict on one of the counts, but the court found no prejudice. The man's sentencing hearing was told he did not accept the verdicts of the jury and continues to maintain his innocence.
The Court of Appeal has upheld the murder conviction of Lee Canavan, who was jailed for life by the Special Criminal Court in June 2021 for his role in the 2016 killing of David 'Daithí' Douglas. Canavan, who pleaded not guilty, was found to have participated in a joint enterprise to murder Mr Douglas at Shoestown, Bridgefoot Street, Dublin 1, on July 1, 2016. The appellate court dismissed his argument that the prosecution wrongly relied on him being the triggerman, ruling that the case was properly based on common design. Canavan was also concurrently sentenced to five years for criminal damage to a getaway vehicle. This appeal follows earlier convictions in the case: Frederick 'Fat Freddie' Thompson was sentenced to life in 2018; Nathan Foley pleaded guilty to assisting a criminal organisation and received six years in 2019; and Gareth Brophy was jailed for ten years in 2020 for acting as a getaway driver. The court affirmed that Canavan's involvement in the meticulously planned execution was established by evidence of his movements with four vehicles and his participation in the attempted arson of a stolen Suzuki Swift.
Ross O'Rourke, aged 31, was found not guilty by reason of insanity after stabbing his father, Stefan Nivelle Posschier, 65, 18 times during a psychotic episode in October 2022. A jury of five men and seven women returned a unanimous verdict. O'Rourke claimed he believed his father was linked to criminals and the IRA and that he had received coded messages urging him to kill. Psychiatrists for both sides agreed he suffered from a schizophrenic disorder at the time of the killing. Dr Dearbhla Duffy, at a hearing, stated he continues to lack capacity for informed decisions and needs ongoing inpatient care at the Central Mental Hospital. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ordered his commitment for treatment, with reviews every six months. The family of the deceased remains in grief. The case highlights the application of the special verdict under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006.
The family of Maud Coffey, a woman killed by her partner Austin Mangan during a relapse of his schizoaffective disorder, expressed devastation and disbelief over her death. They criticized the HSE Mental Health Services for not providing adequate care, as Mangan had not been taking his medication for three months before the incident. The family agreed with the jury's verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity but emphasized the need for improved mental health services. Mangan had sought help the day before the killing but was sent away with an appointment for the following week. The family described Maud as a 'loving and gentle creature' who had her own mental health struggles. They expressed the impact of her death on their family, including the loss of future plans and the difficulty in explaining her death to their children. The trial revealed that Mangan had a long-standing history of mental illness and had been admitted to mental health services on 30 occasions. The family called for changes to prevent similar tragedies and expressed their support for Mangan's recovery.
The brother of Michael Tormey, a man fatally shot by his brother-in-law Christopher Devine in his own front garden, described his sibling as a 'decent, honest man' who paid the ultimate price for meeting people involved in the drugs trade. Devine was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of Mr Tormey, who was shot five times in his front garden. The court heard that Devine had a history of drug-related activity with Mr Tormey and had previously been involved in moving drugs. The jury rejected Devine's claim of diminished responsibility due to cocaine intoxication, finding that he acted deliberately. Victim impact statements highlighted the devastation caused to the Tormey family, with Mr Tormey's brother describing the murder as 'coldly' executed. Devine had no psychiatric history and had never taken psychiatric medication. The trial revealed that Devine had a history of previous convictions, mostly under the road traffic act, and had been involved in drug-related activity with Mr Tormey. Christopher Devine pleaded not guilty.
A Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator, Séamus Clinton, has initiated a case against the State, alleging mistreatment and gender-related discrimination. He filed complaints under the Employment Equality Act 1998, the Protection of Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act 2006, and the Protected Disclosures Act 2014 against the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment. A preliminary hearing at Lansdowne House in Dublin heard that the dispute relates to a competition issue. Clinton, a former trade union official appointed to the WRC in 2022, presides over employment rights disputes and discrimination claims. Counsel for the State, Stephen Hanaphy BL, requested an adjournment to consider submissions filed on Wednesday, citing the case's unique nature and the enhanced version of the claim. Michael Kinsley BL, for the complainant, agreed to the adjournment, noting that the claim had been dramatically enhanced. The original complaint included age discrimination and a claim against the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER), but these have been dropped, focusing now on gender discrimination. The case also involves alleged victimisation and whistleblower penalisation.
A young man from Donegal has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison, with the final eighteen months suspended for one year, following his conviction for oral rape. Jason McLaughlin of Cashel, Gleneely pleaded guilty to the offence, which occurred in January 2022 when he was sixteen years old. The victim was fourteen at the time. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring, sitting at the Central Criminal Court, heard that the defendant approached the girl after they met behind a filling station. He has been ordered to pay €10,000 compensation to the injured party in January 2026 and will remain under Probation Service supervision for one year following his release. During sentencing, the judge expressed concern that early access to pornography featured as a recurring pattern in cases involving young male offenders.
The Central Criminal Court sentenced three adults for offences against a 13-year-old girl during court-ordered access visits. A 34-year-old man, the aunt's partner, pleaded guilty to oral rape and sexual assault between July and September 2023. Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to ten years for oral rape and three years for sexual assault, to run concurrently. She suspended the final 12 months and placed him under probation supervision for 12 months. The girl's father, aged 41, pleaded guilty to child neglect (September 2022–September 2023) and intimidation of a witness. He was sentenced to six years for intimidation and four years for neglect, to run concurrently. The final 12 months were suspended, with 12 months of probation supervision. The girl's aunt, aged 40, pleaded guilty to child neglect. She received a three-year sentence, with the final two years suspended for 12 months, and was placed under probation supervision for 12 months. The court noted the defendants exposed the child to alcohol and drugs. The father allegedly intimidated the child into dropping her complaint. All sentences were pronounced at the sentencing stage.
A 23-year-old man has been jailed for four years for the defilement of a 16-year-old girl whom he plied with alcohol. The Central Criminal Court heard that the defendant pleaded guilty to one count of defilement of a child under the age of 17 on February 16, 2025, in Co Westmeath. The injured party was extremely intoxicated and fell unconscious after consuming alcohol with the defendant and his friend. She was found in a highly intoxicated state near her home, with cuts to her hands, and an ambulance was called. The girl was also examined at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit. Gardai obtained CCTV footage, and the defendant was identified and arrested. A victim impact statement was read to the court, which spoke of the fear and anxiety she had experienced. The defendant arrived in Ireland in June 2024 seeking asylum and was living in an IPAS Centre at the time of the offence. A probation report stated that the defendant has taken full responsibility for his actions and is deeply ashamed.
A long-running dispute between a stepfather and three bereaved siblings over the operation and ownership of a Co Meath nursing home has finally settled "in principle" at the High Court. In October of last year, nursing home co-owner Jim Cahill was judged to have left his bereaved step-children alone in the family home before he "cut them off from all income" and was ordered to pay them €410,000 in damages and legal fees. Their mother, Brigid Seepersad, died in a road traffic incident while on holiday in 2008, days after she and Mr Cahill divorced. Ms Justice Eileen Roberts said the now-adult Tara, Karl and Desmond Seepersad had, for some years, been without income due under a 2009-2010 settlement agreement with their estranged stepfather, Jim (John James) Cahill. At the High Court today, in finalising that order, Ms Justice Roberts heard from Thomas P Conlan SC, for Mr Cahill, that the matter had "settled in principle" between the parties.
A garda with severe asthma has brought complaints of disability discrimination, harassment and victimisation before the Workplace Relations Commission, alleging he was ordered to return to frontline duties at Longford Garda Station during a winter Covid-19 surge in January 2022, contrary to medical advice to cocoon. The garda, who has served since 2000, claims he was directed to report for foot patrol on 1 January 2022 despite health vulnerabilities and poor workplace safety measures. State counsel argued the garda was "grossly exaggerating" safety requirements and that appropriate protective measures were in place. The State also contends there are jurisdictional issues with the commission hearing the claims. The garda's legal representatives countered that management showed a dismissive attitude towards disability accommodation. The tribunal heard closing arguments on the ninth day of hearings in the equality case today.
A man from Castlefinn, County Donegal has been sentenced to six and a half years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his conviction for rape. Kevin McGovern, aged 28, was found guilty by jury of one count of rape committed on 21 August 2021. Two further charges, comprising sexual assault and burglary, resulted in a nolle prosequi after the jury could not reach agreement on these matters. Ms Justice Melanie Greally imposed a seven-year sentence with the final six months suspended. She identified grave aggravating factors, including breach of trust, the violation occurring in the victim's own home and bed whilst she slept, and the profound impact on the injured party. The judge noted McGovern's lack of previous convictions. He was directed to accept Probation Services supervision for twelve months following release. His sentence was backdated to 18 November when he entered custody. An earlier trial at Carrick-on-Shannon had been discharged following a procedural issue.
The Central Criminal Court jury trial of seven men accused of familial abuse has been adjourned until January 12 for the Christmas break. The accused, aged 32 to 55, have all pleaded not guilty to a combined total of 103 charges. The primary complainant, who is deaf, completed her evidence-in-chief via video-link with interpreters and an intermediary. She alleged that Accused F, her 32-year-old brother, raped and anally raped her between 2007 and 2010. Accused A, a 55-year-old uncle, is accused of one count of rape. Accused B, another uncle, faces eight counts of rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C, 34, is accused of 45 counts of rape and anal rape against the primary complainant, plus further charges of sexual assault and rape against two other sisters, Complainant 2 and Complainant 3. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven of rape. Accused G, 45, denied one count of rape. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs directed the jury to return on January 12, noting that preparatory work would occur during the break. All allegations remain contested, and no findings or sentences have been issued.
Drug dealers made a "very nasty threat" to a money mule mother-of-three who got into a cocaine debt, a Dublin court has heard. Garda Paddy Kelleher was giving evidence at the sentence hearing at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court of Anna Stewart (36) for laundering money stolen from a Kildare resident. He agreed with Kieran Kelly BL, defending, that Stewart had become addicted to cocaine after the break-up of a relationship and racked up a drugs debt. Gda Kelleher testified that Stewart came under pressure from the drug dealers, who told her she could get something taken off the debt if she gave them access to her bank account. Counsel told the court that they made a further threat "of a very nasty nature". Judge Orla Crowe noted that gardai accepted that this was a real threat and was "particularly serious". Stewart of Kiltalown Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24 pleaded guilty to having possession of the proceeds of crime on a date in May 2021.
A man who robbed a service station on Valentine's Day in 2013 was charged eight years later after he was caught attempting to rob the same location again. Brian Comiskey (46) was initially arrested in 2013 after the robbery was featured on RTE's Crimecall, but there was not enough evidence to charge him. In 2021, he was spotted by an off-duty detective entering the same service station with a hammer and face covering. He was apprehended before he could take any money and confessed to the 2013 robbery, though this confession was not admissible. Comiskey pleaded guilty to the 2013 charges and was sentenced to one year in jail for the 2021 robbery. He was released in 2023 and has 45 previous convictions. Sergeant Bernard Dunne detailed the 2013 robbery, where Comiskey stole €700 from the service station and a screwdriver from a nearby store. His defense claimed he has since made significant personal improvements, including sobriety and steady employment.
James McMahon, aged 31, of Riversdale Road, Clondalkin, has been sentenced to six years and nine months imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, with the final two years suspended. McMahon pleaded guilty to stealing six vehicles from homes in his local community between February and April 2020, along with possession of stolen property including a laptop, e-scooter, car keys and a handbag. He also admitted using a cloned credit card at a Dublin retailer in May 2019. The court heard McMahon employed a bamboo device fitted with magnets to facilitate vehicle thefts and that evidence of the crimes, including photographs and discussions about stolen cars, was recovered from his mobile phone. One stolen vehicle had previously belonged to the Lord Mayor of Dublin. All vehicles were subsequently recovered, though two sustained damage. McMahon has 114 previous convictions for drug dealing and road traffic offences. Judge Sinéad Ní Chulachain imposed strict conditions on the suspended portion of the sentence.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is alleged to be unfit to stand trial due to a mental disorder, according to his defence lawyers. A consultant forensic psychiatrist testified that Bouchaker, who has a complex medical history, suffered a brain injury during the incident and had prior brain surgery. The psychiatrist stated that if Bouchaker is deemed unfit, he would be reviewed every six months by the mental health criminal law review board. Bouchaker, 51, faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and assault. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and involved a chaotic scene with multiple stab wounds to children and a care worker. The psychiatrist noted that Bouchaker has a history of epilepsy, a brain tumour, and partial blindness in his right eye. She found that he has moderate dementia and impaired judgment, making it difficult for him to understand the charges or mount a defence.
A 64-year-old man who sexually abused and raped two of his sisters, his niece, and his own two daughters has failed in his attempt to overturn his convictions. At the Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy ruled that there was no prejudice to Richard O'Brien by the trial judge allowing the victims to give evidence via video link. The court also rejected O'Brien's argument that there was no evidence of a lack of consent from some of the complainants. O'Brien was convicted unanimously by a jury in 2023 following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. His five victims, including his sisters, niece, and daughters, waived their right to anonymity so he could be named. The abuse occurred at his family home in Ballyfermot and continued until the women ran away as teenagers. The women described physical abuse and emotional torture at his hands. O'Brien also abused his own daughters, leading to their removal into care. One daughter later told her foster mother about the abuse, prompting others to come forward.
A 62-year-old man who sexually abused three children over several years had his sentence increased from five years and three months to eight years in prison after the Court of Appeal ruled the original sentence was unduly lenient. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victims, admitted to five charges of indecent assault. The Court of Appeal noted that the abuse was not a one-time incident but occurred repeatedly over a long period. The assaults involved digital penetration and genital touching, and the perpetrator exploited his position as a trusted neighbor and employee. The victims were preteens, while the perpetrator was significantly older, and the court emphasized the cruel exploitation of the age difference. The judge noted that the abuse was pre-planned and occurred when the victims were away from adults. A psychological report indicated the perpetrator had an intellectual disability, but the court ruled that this did not mitigate his culpability. The unnamed 62-year-old pleaded guilty.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted five men from Tipperary of colluding to inflate tender prices for school bus services in the south west of Ireland. The defendants—Raymond Heney, Andrew Walsh, Noel Browne, Larry Hickey and Anthony Flynn—were alleged to have coordinated bids for routes supplied by Bus Éireann, which handled 10% of school routes while contractors managed the remaining 90%. The prosecution argued that the men's concerted practice, led by Heney, aimed to prevent, restrict or distort competition, thereby affecting taxpayers and the Department of Education's €163 million budget for 2015. Each defendant pleaded not guilty. The court remanded all five on continuing bail pending a sentencing hearing on 23 March 2026. The case was brought by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Director of Public Prosecutions. The trial focused on the alleged coordination and exchange of information among the operators, rather than any formal agreement.
A driver who collided with a motorcyclist who claimed he was 'filtering' through traffic had a charge of careless driving dismissed after a judge criticized the motorcyclist's dangerous behavior. Judge Anne Watkin noted that the motorcyclist had overtaken cars in their own lane, which was illegal and highly dangerous. The collision occurred during heavy traffic, and the motorcyclist claimed he was filtering through the congestion. However, the judge stated that the motorcyclist had no right to overtake in that manner and that his actions were breaking the law. The motorcyclist was found to have a cut and swelling from the collision but declined hospital treatment. The judge ruled that the driver, Ms Arta Kroni, could not reasonably have been expected to see the motorcyclist or anticipate his actions, leading to the dismissal of the charge of driving without due care and attention against her. Arta Kroni pleaded not guilty.
A man from County Donegal has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to sexual assault charges. The defendant, now aged 41, pleaded guilty in October to four sample counts of sexual assault occurring within the family home between 2003 and 2005, when the victim was aged between 10 and 13 years and he was aged between 19 and 21. Justice Karen O'Connor noted the offending was premeditated and characterised by a significant breach of trust. The judge highlighted aggravating factors including the age disparity, the victim's isolation following disclosure, and the fractured family relationships that resulted. The victim delivered a statement to the court describing the lasting psychological impact and the loss of her childhood innocence. Justice O'Connor commended the victim's courage and voice. The defendant has no previous convictions. The sentence was backdated to his entry into custody.
A mother and daughter were found in possession of €1.3 million in gold bullion and hundreds of thousands in cash during garda raids, leading to their convictions for the possession of proceeds of crime. Svethana Bahtijeva (39) and her mother Jelene Idele (59) pleaded guilty to multiple charges, with Bahtijeva receiving a five-year prison sentence and Idele receiving a four-year suspended sentence. During the raids, 18kg of gold bullion, €399,000 in cash, and drugs were discovered in their homes. Bahtijeva's husband, who is believed to have fled the country, was identified as the main figure in the criminal activities. The court heard that Bahtijeva was under her husband's control and facilitated his criminal activities, while Idele was unaware of the drugs in her home. The judge noted that the main culprit was not present in court and that Bahtijeva's actions were influenced by her husband's criminal behavior.
Shop workers described the fear and trauma they experienced during the Dublin riots, with one of the perpetrators, Thomas Dannevig (21), pleading guilty to burglary. Victims from Footlocker and Lifestyle Sports stores recounted the panic and lasting psychological effects of the riots, including nightmares and anxiety. Dannevig was identified through CCTV footage and admitted to taking items from the shops, though he claimed he was not involved in the riots themselves. The court heard that Dannevig acted alone but was part of a larger group. He expressed remorse and apologized for his actions, acknowledging the impact on the shop workers. The judge noted Dannevig's youth and prosocial background, and recommended a probation report to assess his suitability for community service. Dannevig is willing to carry out community service and has offered to increase his contribution if given more time.
A mentally ill passenger who aggressively wielded a bible and assaulted a garda at Dublin Airport will be released from custody after his prison sentence was suspended. Gavin Risden (48), of no fixed abode in the United Kingdom, pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Conor Neill on June 3 last. Air traffic control had alerted gardai to an unruly passenger on a transatlantic flight from Newark. Risden was aggressive, waving a bible and claiming to be royalty with royal blood. When gardai asked him to step off the plane, he refused and punched the garda eight times, causing him to be dazed and suffer facial bruising. Another garda pepper sprayed Risden, but this was deemed a suboptimal approach as it occurred inside the plane. Some passengers were also affected by the spray. Risden escaped initially but was eventually arrested in Terminal 2. He has no previous convictions and has been in custody since the incident. His defence highlighted his mental health issues and lack of medication.
A man subjected his wife to a prolonged campaign of coercive control, sexual assault, and rape during the Covid-19 lockdown, leading to a nine-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The victim described the ordeal as a "prolonged campaign of domination" that culminated in a rape in June 2021. The court heard that the man threatened to expose her private matters, slapped her in front of her children, and repeatedly sexually assaulted her despite her repeated refusals. The victim suffered from PTSD and described the lasting psychological impact of the abuse. The judge noted the man's disregard for his wife's consent and the severe breach of trust. He imposed consecutive sentences and suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions, including no contact with the victim. The man has 10 previous convictions for breaching barring orders and has since expressed remorse, though the judge was skeptical of his sincerity. The unnamed accused pleaded not guilty.
In a Central Criminal Court hearing, Karl Fish (53) was convicted on two counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault, all committed between November 1988 and November 1990 when he was 16 or 17 and the victim was 14 or 15. The victim, a woman who was raped as a teenager by her cousin, testified that Fish had twisted the truth and tried to conceal his actions. Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced Fish to ten years for the rape offences, reduced to five years because of his age at the time, and further to four years to account for the delay in prosecution. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences and the impact on the victim, who expressed gratitude for the court's decision and her support network. No further legal outcomes are mentioned in the article. Karl Fish pleaded not guilty.
A man who poured petrol on a shop counter and threatened to burn it has been jailed for 33 months. Darragh Kane (26) told gardai he had been beaten the night before the robbery and needed money to pay off a drug debt. He threatened shop staff with a lighter and a knife, demanding cash before stealing €466 from the till. Kane pleaded guilty to robbery and has previous convictions for drug and traffic offences. The judge noted the severity of the crime, which occurred in broad daylight and terrified staff and customers, including a woman with a baby. Kane expressed remorse and acknowledged the impact of his actions, but the judge emphasized the need for justice for the victims. Kane's sentence was suspended for 12 months on strict conditions, including engaging with the Probation Service. His defense highlighted his difficult background and requested time for drug treatment.
An accountant with a prior conviction for theft stole nearly €30,000 from Foxrock Golf Club, a court has heard. Cheryl Robinson (49) from Rathdrum, Co Wicklow, pleaded guilty to ten charges of theft between October 2018 and July 2020. She previously served a two-year jail sentence in 2010 for stealing €125,000 from a former employer, using the name Cheryl Byrne. Garda Padraig Nagle explained that staff at the golf club noticed discrepancies in the accounts and initiated a forensic investigation, which revealed that Robinson had redirected supplier payments to her own account. Although she did not admit to the theft during garda interviews, the transactions were easily identifiable. Robinson's defense, led by Ronan Kennedy SC, highlighted her personal circumstances, including her separation in 2022, sole care of her three children, and financial difficulties. She has no financial support from her ex-husband and is in arrears on her mortgage. Kennedy stated that Robinson is deeply ashamed and acknowledges her mistakes, emphasizing her efforts to support her children.
An executive who was dismissed by video call just days before his one-year work anniversary has been awarded €180,000 for unfair dismissal, the largest such award in 2025. David Haran was employed as chief of staff by Hed Unity Limited, earning €160,000 annually, but was informed of his dismissal on 14 April 2022 during a video call with the CEO and a director. He had been promised an €80,000 bonus and other benefits under his contract, which was signed only by him. The tribunal ruled that the dismissal was unfair and unlawful, noting that the company failed to provide evidence justifying the termination. The adjudicator extended the qualifying period for the Unfair Dismissals Act due to the lack of full notice pay, leading to a higher award. Haran was left unemployed for six weeks before finding new work at a lower salary, and the tribunal acknowledged the significant financial loss he incurred.
A Dublin man who was suffering from a severe relapse of schizoaffective disorder when he killed his girlfriend was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Austin Mangan (53) was found not guilty of the murder of Maud Coffey (41) after a psychiatric evaluation concluded that he was unable to refrain from committing the act. The court heard that Mangan had a long history of mental illness, including bipolar disorder and schizoaffective disorder, and had been treated with electroshock therapy. He had stopped taking his prescribed medication and had been drinking heavily before the incident. Mangan told psychiatrists that he believed the deceased was the devil and that he heard Lucifer laughing at him. The court accepted the defense's argument that Mangan was unable to control his actions due to his mental state. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict. The judge committed Mangan to the Central Mental Hospital for inpatient care and ordered a psychiatric assessment.
A father-of-four was found guilty of manslaughter for killing an 'intruder' who had stolen from his unlocked van and entered his partner's car. Patrick Murphy (35) was not found guilty of murder but was convicted of manslaughter. The jury heard that Murphy stabbed 20-year-old Jordan Ronan, who had stolen a Revolut card from Murphy's van. Murphy claimed he was acting in self-defense, but the court found that the force used was excessive. The prosecution argued that Murphy's actions were disproportionate, as he armed himself with a knife and deliberately stabbed Ronan in the chest. The defense claimed Murphy acted out of panic after his property was violated. The jury viewed CCTV footage showing Ronan entering Murphy's van and partner's car before Murphy ran out with a knife. The court accepted that the Revolut card found on Ronan belonged to Murphy. The judge will sentence Murphy in January 2026, and the Ronan family will be invited to make statements. The jury spent over seven hours deliberating before delivering the verdict.
The Special Criminal Court heard that seven men conspired to import up to 600kg of cocaine, valued at up to €42 million, into Ireland. The defendants, Miljan Koprivica, Conor Costello, Gary Monks, Ryan Watson, Hanz Pangahin, Christopher Ampo, and Feljon Lao, all entered guilty pleas to conspiring to import drugs in excess of €13,000 under section 71 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Evidence presented by a Detective Inspector alleged the group operated in structured cells under the control of unidentified individuals. Three Filipino defendants were accused of loading the drugs onto the MV Royal in the Amazon, while four others with UK addresses formed a landing cell intended to collect the cocaine via a rigid inflatable boat. The landing crew was arrested at Meenogahane pier in County Kerry on January 12, 2025, after allegedly completing the transfer. The three men on the ship were subsequently arrested between January 15 and 17, 2025. The court heard that the defendants were instructed by figures using pseudonyms such as "Emaar Boss" and "Albert," and that EncroChat devices were used for coordination. The sentence hearing was adjourned to continue before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, sitting with Judges Sarah Berkeley and Fiona Lydon.
Leonardo Fernandez, 29, of Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to assaulting a security worker and a public order offence on 30 December 2024 at Meta's Ballsbridge premises in Dublin 4. The defendant, a former kitchen porter, admitted to the charges after Gardaí alleged he lingered on the site before running towards the pedestrian entrance. Prosecution evidence stated that when a security officer attempted to speak to him, Fernandez swung his arms towards the worker, causing the officer to fall and hit his head. Fernandez was subsequently restrained by staff. Defence solicitor Patricia Camilon submitted that Fernandez believed he had arranged to meet a former colleague, who allegedly used his photograph without consent to create a false dating profile intended to control him and tarnish his image. She argued he reported the matter to Gardaí previously and attended the premises as a last resort. Judge Anne Watkin described the case as "very strange" and noted that the defendant's behaviour resulted in injury to the security worker. The court heard Fernandez has no previous convictions. The matter was adjourned for a probation report and a victim impact statement from the injured party to 27 April at Dún Laoghaire District Court for finalisation.
At Castlebar Circuit Court, two parents have admitted to multiple counts of child cruelty following an investigation into the abuse of their six children. The case emerged after two teenagers walked into a garda station in the west of Ireland to report ongoing physical and emotional abuse. Over 188 secret audio recordings made by one of the young complainants were presented to the court, with extracts depicting instances of striking and verbal abuse directed at children as young as one year old. The defendants, a man in his fifties and a woman in her forties, changed their pleas to guilty after their trial commenced in May. The father pleaded guilty to four sample counts while the mother admitted two counts from a total of thirteen charges on the indictment. Evidence heard during sentencing proceedings this week included a recording of a 999 call made following an alleged serious assault on the eldest son. All six children were subsequently placed in emergency care. Sentencing is scheduled for Friday at Castlebar Circuit Court.
Rui Mendes, 45, of Ardrahan, Co Galway, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court for one count of sexual assault committed at an address in Galway on November 27, 2021. The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Brian O'Callaghan handed down an 18-month custodial sentence but deferred the commencement of the term to January 20 to allow Mendes to spend the Christmas holidays with his family. The judge suspended the final six months of the sentence in recognition of the substantial rehabilitation work undertaken by the defendant. Mendes was placed under the supervision of Probation Services for 12 months post-release. Additionally, the court ordered that €2,000, provided by Mendes as a token of remorse, be paid to the victim within four weeks. The judge noted that the assault occurred while the victim was asleep and was for self-gratification, despite her clear prior rejection of his advances. The matter was finalised with this sentencing order.
A woman who set fire to a bus during the 2023 Dublin riots, causing nearly €500,000 in damage, was sentenced to six years in prison. Leanne Kelly (34) told the judge to 'fuck off' and refused to provide a urine sample. She pleaded guilty to criminal damage after throwing a piece of cardboard, which she had set alight using a nearby burning garda car, onto the bus. The bus was empty but completely destroyed. Kelly, who was homeless and addicted to drugs at the time, was identified through 17,000 hours of CCTV footage. She had 66 previous convictions and was on bail for other offences. The court heard that the riots began after a stabbing incident earlier that day. Dublin Bus employees described the events as violent and threatening, with the company suffering a loss of about €1.9 million. Kelly's defence argued she had no political motivation and was under the influence of drugs. Judge Baxter noted Kelly's actions were 'gratuitous' and 'breathtaking' and that she fed into the 'mob mentality' of the riots.
A woman who scammed her pensioner friend out of €30,000 over a five-year period by falsely claiming to be investing in a Lanzarote pub was sentenced to make restitution. Geraldine McGrath, who pleaded guilty to three counts of deception, had misled her friend into making regular cash payments. The victim, now in her early 80s, has no real savings and has been unable to afford a headstone for her son's grave. McGrath, who has no previous convictions, was ordered to repay the money and had already put aside €3,000 in court. The court heard that McGrath had health issues and was on disability allowance, making it difficult for her to repay the full amount. Judge Jonathan Dunphy said the court would give her more time to make repayments and ordered that €3,000 be handed over immediately with a further €1,000 by Friday. McGrath was also remanded on continuing bail until March 23. The court heard that the victim had been deceived for years and that McGrath had written a letter of apology to the injured party.