At the Central Criminal Court trial of seven family members accused of sexually abusing a deaf woman, the complainant testified that Accused G, her 45-year-old uncle, raped her when she was seven. Accused G denies this single count of rape alleged to have occurred between 1996 and 1997. The trial involves six other men, including three uncles and four brothers, who face a total of 98 counts of sexual abuse spanning 1996 to 2013. All defendants deny the charges. Accused A, 55, faces one count of rape. Accused B, 48, is accused of eight counts involving rape, oral rape, and anal rape. Accused C, 34, faces 45 counts against the complainant and additional charges regarding two other sisters, including sexual assault, rape, and anal rape. Accused D, 33, pleaded not guilty to 19 counts of rape and three counts of anal rape. Accused E, 32, denied nine counts of anal rape and seven counts of rape. Accused F, 32, denied three counts of anal rape and two counts of rape. The complainant gave evidence via videolink with interpreters and an intermediary. Ms Justice Caroline Biggs noted clarifications from monitoring teams regarding interpretation accuracy. The trial continues before a 15-juror panel.
Chengwen Guo, the Irish representative of a transnational crime organisation, was jailed for seven years for his involvement in a €10 million 'zombie' iPhone fraud. Guo owned several mobile phone shops called Murray Mobile and was involved in a scheme where fake iPhones were sent to Apple for repair, and genuine replacements were sent to Hong Kong to be sold outside the EU. The court heard that Guo also sold counterfeit Apple products in his shops. A significant quantity of counterfeit goods, including power adaptors and phone cases, were found during a search of his stores. Guo's co-accused, Lukasz Lupa, was also jailed for his role in the scheme. The court noted that Apple lost considerable value due to the fraud, and Guo was found to have used his stores to sell counterfeit Apple products. The court ordered the forfeiture of the cash sums involved and the Audi, which was in the possession of Guo's wife. Chengwen Guo pleaded guilty.
Kian Pettit, the former head of compliance in Europe for the crypto exchange Gemini, has claimed that he was sidelined and forced out of his job after warning the company that its operating model would fall foul of EU crypto trading regulations. Pettit alleged that Gemini's model of executing trades at a guaranteed price would violate the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA), which requires exchanges to provide price improvement to customers. He said that the company's leadership decided to move operations to Malta, where they could operate under a more friendly regulator. Pettit claimed that he had no input in the decision and that his role was reduced to handling compliance work for small regulated businesses in Ireland. Gemini denied the allegations, stating that there was no evidence of illegality and that Pettit's claims did not stack up. The tribunal heard that Pettit had not invoked the company's grievance process before resigning, which could affect the success of his constructive dismissal claim. The case was adjourned for further consideration.
Lucas Valadares, a 42-year-old man, was jailed for 15 months after distributing and possessing child abuse material. Valadares pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material. An investigation in 2018 led to the seizure of devices containing over 5,300 images and videos, including child exposure and sexually explicit content. Messages in a WhatsApp group revealed Valadares shared the material with others. He was arrested in 2021 but was not charged until 2024 due to delays in the investigation. Valadares has no previous convictions and moved to Ireland from Brazil over 20 years ago. Judge Martin Nolan emphasized the seriousness of the offence and noted the delays were partly due to limited garda resources. He imposed a 15-month sentence, considering Valadares' lack of sophistication in the crime and his steady work history.
Jake Kelly, 22, was sentenced to seven years in prison for dangerous driving that resulted in the death of his friend, Ross Rice, in a crash in July 2023. Kelly was driving at a speed of 162km/h on a road with a 60km/h speed limit when his car crashed into the back of an articulated lorry. The passenger side of the car was covered in tarmacadam, which poured out of the lorry upon impact. Ross Rice died instantly from blunt force injuries. Kelly was helped out of the car by the truck driver and then walked away from the scene. He later told gardaí he was unsure if Rice had gotten out of the car and thought he might have been in the fields nearby. Kelly pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing death, failing to report an accident, and driving without insurance. He was on bail for other offences at the time. The court heard that Kelly had a history of addiction in his family and had been severely depressed since the incident.
Michael McDonagh, a 49-year-old banned roads offender with over 200 previous convictions, was jailed for three years after driving the wrong way down the hard shoulder of the Naas dual carriageway. McDonagh pleaded guilty to endangerment, dangerous driving, and driving without a licence or insurance. He stole a car and evaded gardai by speeding at high rates, breaking red lights, and driving on the wrong side of the road. The pursuit lasted seven minutes, with McDonagh reaching speeds of up to 120km/hr in a 60km/hr zone. Gardai broke off the chase due to the danger. McDonagh was extradited from the UK in 2024 and has been in custody since. Judge Martin Nolan noted the dangerous and reckless nature of the driving and imposed a three-year sentence, along with a five-year driving disqualification.
Edward Bradbury, a solicitor, has been granted permission to challenge an order that he pay €500 to the District Court 'poor box' after he was unable to attend a hearing. Bradbury was acting for a bailed defendant in a criminal case when he was required to attend another court in Dublin on the same day. He asked a colleague to represent the client, but the case was adjourned because the defendant wished for Bradbury's office to be present. Later, Bradbury received an email from the court stating that he had been fined €500 to be paid to the poor box. Bradbury's solicitors argued that the judge did not have jurisdiction to impose such a penalty and that the fine was issued without formal notification. Bradbury submitted that the poor box is a common law creation and has no place in the supervision of a member of a regulated profession. The High Court granted leave to pursue the challenge, and the matter was adjourned to the New Year.
A 57-year-old convicted child sex offender failed to have his 11-year sentence reduced on appeal for raping and abusing his niece over a five-year period. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim, was found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of anal rape, and two counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2008 and 2013 when the victim was aged seven to 13. The man has 12 previous convictions, including a three-year sentence for sexual assault. Ms Justice Karen O'Connor sentenced him to 11 years in prison in 2023, with post-release supervision for seven years. The man appealed, arguing the sentence was excessive, but Mr Justice Brian O'Moore dismissed the appeal, noting the severity of the offences and the breach of trust. The victim's impact statement highlighted the lasting trauma caused by the abuse.
A 70-year-old German pensioner, Joachim Ruckweld, was sentenced to two years and three months in prison for importing over €280,000 worth of cocaine into Ireland. Ruckweld pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to importing the drugs at Dublin Airport in November 2024. Garda evidence revealed that 20 packages containing 4kg of cocaine were found in his luggage after an X-ray detected an anomaly. Ruckweld claimed the suitcase belonged to him and contained coffee beans, but he admitted he did not know what was inside. He stated he was instructed to meet someone in Ireland and had no prior criminal record. The court noted that while Ruckweld was naïve, he was aware of the wrongfulness of his actions. Judge Dara Hayes emphasized the negative impact of the drug trade and imposed a sentence with six months suspended on strict conditions.
George Hackett, a 39-year-old man with over 200 previous convictions, had his six-year jail sentence reduced to four years and six months on appeal. Hackett was found guilty of burglary and two attempted theft charges after breaking into a house and stealing a Revolut card. During the burglary, he threatened to use a knife when restrained by a neighbor. The Court of Appeal noted that the original sentence was too harsh and that Hackett's rehabilitation efforts should have been considered. The court acknowledged the aggravating factors, including the burglary at a dwelling and the threat of violence, but also recognized Hackett's willingness to engage in rehabilitation. The new sentence includes six months suspended, and Hackett is encouraged to seek help to break the cycle of criminality.
Geraldo Maklekas, 24, was sentenced at Galway Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and a money laundering offence at his address on February 26, 2024. Judge Brian O'Callaghan imposed a custodial sentence, noting that Maklekas engaged in drug dealing for personal benefit shortly after arriving in Ireland. The judge determined that Maklekas's culpability was well above mid-range, citing aggravating factors such as the nature of the criminal activity and the absence of duress. Mitigating factors included his youth, status as a first-time offender, signed pleas, and cooperation with the Garda investigation and Probation Service. Although the Probation Service assessed him as a low risk of re-offending, allowing the court to depart from the mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, the judge stated that a custodial sentence was necessary. He set a headline sentence of six and a half years, reduced this to four and a half years, and suspended the final 18 months for three years. Consequently, Maklekas will serve two and a half years in custody. The court ordered that he exit the state within 72 hours of his release from prison and prohibited him from returning to Ireland for a period of 10 years.
Luka Mikaidze, a disqualified driver, has been fined €500 for using a fake driving licence during an altercation in Tallaght. Mikaidze admitted to using a false licence and was arrested after gardai discovered it was in a different name. He was disqualified from driving in December 2023 and has eight previous convictions. Defence counsel highlighted that Mikaidze immediately admitted to the false licence and was apologetic. His partner attended court to support him. Judge Áine Clancy fined him €500 and allowed 12 months to pay. The court heard that Mikaidze was disqualified from driving and had a history of road-traffic matters and theft offences. The incident occurred on 16 July last year when gardai were called to an altercation involving Mikaidze and a woman. Luka Mikaidze pleaded guilty.
Lukas Kaunietis, a Lithuanian man, has received a one-year jail sentence for causing thousands of euros in damage at Dublin Airport after missing his flight. Kaunietis pleaded guilty to three counts of criminal damage and one count of using threatening behavior. The court heard that he smashed computers, glasses, and a metal barrier post at Terminal One. Stills from CCTV footage showed over €9,452 in damage. Kaunietis was arrested by gardai and was co-operative during the incident. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kaunietis was upset about missing his flight and lost control, causing significant damage and inconvenience. Kaunietis has no previous convictions and entered an early guilty plea. His defense counsel stated that he is a construction worker who had been employed in Belfast and intended to return to Lithuania upon release. The sentence was backdated to March 17 last year, and Kaunietis has been in custody since that date.
Ronaldo Lupo (24) of Rusheeney Avenue, Clonsilla, has been jailed for an additional four months for his role in a fraud conspiracy involving falsely posing as driver theory test candidates. Lupo pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy between September 2018 and June 2022. He was previously jailed for two years and nine months for assaulting two women at a party. The court heard that Lupo sat 10 driver theory tests and was paid €250 each time, totaling €2,500. The fraud involved 124 tests, with all accused being from eastern Europe. A person would pay €2,000–€2,500 for a test to be taken on their behalf, with a false Romanian identity document presented. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Lupo was part of a group exploiting others to pass their driving tests. The judge said Lupo would serve an additional four months in prison, extending his sentence. Defence counsel Oisin Clarke BL said Lupo expressed remorse for his actions.
A man and woman who were due to be sentenced for student accommodation fraud in south Dublin have failed to appear in court. Michael Ward (33) and Melissa Collins (26) were scheduled to appear before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court but did not show up. Judge Martin Nolan issued a bench warrant for their arrest. Ward, from Moyne Park, Moyne Road, Baldoyle, previously pleaded guilty to stealing €1,800 from a bank account between September 9, 2022, and September 18, 2022, in an unknown location within the State. Collins, from Cherryfield Walk, Hartstown, pleaded guilty to stealing €600 from a bank account on July 27, 2022, in an unknown location within the State. The District Court previously heard that the case involves fraud against a number of international students in south Dublin. The case has drawn attention due to the nature of the fraud and the involvement of international students.
John Stokes, an on-bail offender, has received a fully suspended 12-month sentence for causing serious injury in a head-on collision. Stokes was driving at high speed on Lower Lucan Road, leading to a collision that left a woman with a fractured spine. He pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious harm and was on bail for another offense at the time. Judge Elma Sheahan noted that Stokes had failed to appear for sentencing and was on bail for another offense. Stokes has since been working and is engaging with therapeutic services. Conditions of the suspended sentence include engaging with probation services, providing urine analysis, and being disqualified from driving for 12 months. The court heard that Stokes was a learner driver and was not under the influence of intoxicants. Victim impact statements highlighted the physical and mental health struggles faced by the victims, with the woman who suffered spinal injuries having to change jobs and struggle with rent payments.
A part-time meat factory worker has won over €40,000 in compensation for sexual harassment and employment rights breaches after her boss approached her at her home and asked for a head massage. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) adjudicator described the situation as "profoundly troubling," noting that the company director exploited the worker's financial vulnerability. The worker, who was a student in Ireland, was working part-time at Asba Meats Ltd in Shannon, Co Clare, and was relying on the company for a work permit. The tribunal heard that the worker's pay was delayed, and she was struggling to make rent and bill payments. The company director approached her on the premises and asked for her phone number, later texting her to meet at her home.
A man with an intellectual disability has been jailed for seven years for the historical rape and aggravated sexual abuse of a seven-year-old boy between June 1994 and August 1995 in Co Meath. The now 73-year-old man pleaded guilty to two counts of anal rape and two counts of aggravated sexual assault. The court heard that the defendant would isolate the young child and use a penknife to force him to rub his genital area. The offending escalated in 1995, with the defendant bringing the boy to an isolated area and anally raping him. The victim impact statement described the lasting trauma of the abuse, affecting the victim's education, trust in others, and parenting abilities. The judge acknowledged the courage of the complainant for coming forward and noted that the defendant had insight into his offending. The judge sentenced him to eight years imprisonment, with the final year suspended for three years, and ordered post-release supervision. The defendant was placed on the sex offenders' register.
A woman in her 40s has had a year added to her prison sentence after admitting to a series of alcohol-related public-order offences, including an incident where she tried to bite and head-butt a garda. The woman pleaded guilty to multiple charges before Tallaght District Court, where Judge Patricia McNamara noted the numerous matters before her. The new terms will run consecutively to the custodial sentence she has been serving since September 2025. The offending spanned from early 2023 to late 2024 and involved repeated incidents of intoxication, abuse, and disturbances on her residential road. Defence counsel highlighted that the woman is a full-time carer for her mother with dementia and has struggled to remain in residential addiction treatment. Judge McNamara expressed disappointment that the woman has not been able to address her alcohol addiction. The most serious incident involved the woman attempting to bite and head-butt Garda Conor Lavin. Judge McNamara imposed a five-month sentence for this incident, along with additional terms for other incidents. The total additional 12 months was ordered to run consecutively to her existing sentence.
A former Christian Brother, Jack Manning (89), has had his prison sentence extended by one year for indecently assaulting two additional boys in the 1970s while working as a teacher in a Dublin school. Manning, who is already serving a four-year sentence for abusing eight boys between 1973 and 1974, was found guilty of four counts related to the new abuse allegations. The victims were aged between seven and eight at the time. Judge Martin Nolan emphasized the betrayal of trust by Manning, who held a position of authority, and noted the significant trauma experienced by the victims. The judge stated that the additional sentence was necessary due to Manning's continued harmful behavior. Both victims expressed the long-term impact of the abuse on their lives, including trust issues and emotional distress. The court heard that Manning had a history of 22 previous convictions and that the abuse occurred in a hostile classroom environment. The victims requested anonymity, and the court ensured their identities were protected.
The High Court has ordered the surrender of James Meehan to Northern Ireland. Mr Justice Paul McDermott ruled there was no basis to refuse the extradition, which was sought under the Trade and Co-operation Agreement. Meehan, 56, was arrested by gardai in August following warrants issued after he failed to return to Magilligan prison in Derry while on day release in December 2024. He was sentenced in 2009 to life imprisonment, with a minimum of 14 years to be served, for the murder of Jim McFadden in May 2007. A second warrant seeks to prosecute him in Northern Ireland for being unlawfully at large, an offence carrying a potential sentence of up to two years. Meehan will remain on bail while arrangements are made for his surrender. Defence counsel Brian Storan BL had requested a delay to allow authorities to consider transferring his sentence to the Republic, noting Meehan's 2017 application was withdrawn by Northern Ireland authorities in 2022. However, the judge rejected the argument that Meehan could unilaterally initiate a transfer. Meehan, who previously had addresses in Derry City and Headfort Grove, Kells, Co Meath, was previously extradited to Northern Ireland less than two years ago after being described as unlawfully at large.
A bench warrant has been issued for Barry Moore, the alleged victim in the trial of four men accused of assaulting and falsely imprisoning him in a Dublin house. The men, including Jason Hennessy Jr, Brandon Hennessy, Kenneth Fitzsimons, and Dean Fitzsimons, are charged with false imprisonment, causing serious harm, and participating in a criminal organization. The prosecution case relies heavily on Moore's testimony, which has not been presented in court. The Special Criminal Court granted the application for a bench warrant after Moore failed to appear. The trial has been advanced quickly, and the court is concerned about the lack of progress without Moore's attendance. The court has adjourned the matter for a week to allow for further preparation. The case involves the production of a branding stamp, an axe, and a steel bar during the assault. The court emphasized the importance of proceeding with the trial and avoiding unnecessary delays.
A jury at the Central Criminal Court unanimously convicted 55‑year‑old Billy Burns of murdering his 75‑year‑old mother, Miriam Burns, rejecting his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. The jury found that the cause of the killing was not mental illness but Burns' long‑term drug and alcohol abuse and anger towards his mother. The trial, lasting one week, heard that Burns had been aggressive towards his mother since his teens, had once broken her jaw, and had denied any involvement in her death to Gardaí, lied about his movements on the day, and tried to destroy evidence. Two psychiatrists disagreed on whether Burns qualified for a special verdict; the jury rejected the defence's claim after six hours and eight minutes of deliberation. The verdict was delivered by Ms Justice Karen O'Connor, who adjourned the matter to Friday when Burns will face a mandatory life sentence.
Sean McGovern has been granted legal aid to cover a team of four barristers in his trial for murder and directing a criminal organization. The Special Criminal Court approved the application after the State did not make any observations. McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates, faces charges related to the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization. The court noted that the matter was likely to be complex and emphasized the need for the trial to proceed. McGovern's legal team requested the same representation as the Director of Public Prosecutions, which was granted. The court adjourned the matter for mention in the New Year and directed that video link facilities be made available for McGovern. The court previously expressed concerns about the lack of detail in McGovern's application and emphasized the need for due diligence in the use of public funds.
A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering his only brother during a family funeral in Co Kerry. Fergus O'Connor was found guilty of murder by a jury in October, rejecting his claim of self-defence. The court heard that O'Connor had multiple grievances with his 42-year-old brother Paudie, including disputes over money, land, and relationships. Despite the defence's extensive argument for self-defence, the court rejected it. Paudie died from a 17cm stab wound to the chest, which penetrated vital organs. The trial revealed that the men had attended their cousin's funeral and were drinking in Castleisland. A toxicology report showed Paudie's alcohol level was far above the legal limit. O'Connor claimed his brother made remarks about a woman and had acted improperly with his ID. Paudie's partner, Liz O'Donovan, described the impact of his death on her and their children, highlighting his warmth and generosity. The court noted O'Connor's 15 previous convictions, including drink driving.
Joseph Cahill, a father of four, has been jailed for seven and a half years for beating a man to death with a shovel. Cahill pleaded guilty to the unlawful killing of Gerard Curtin, who had previously threatened him and his family. The court heard that Cahill used excessive force, despite believing he was acting in self-defense. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted that the killing had a profound impact on Curtin's family. Cahill's sentence was reduced from ten years due to his family circumstances, mental health issues, and lack of prior convictions. Conditions of the suspended six months include good behavior, engagement with mental health services, and attending anger management programs. Cahill expressed remorse in a letter to Curtin's family and has a history of mental illness and substance abuse. His defense highlighted his long-term mental health struggles and the impact of childhood trauma on his behavior.
Conor Rafferty (21), of Castlegrange Close, Clondalkin, received a fully suspended four-year sentence at the sentence stage for assault causing harm to David Druzinec (29). Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring imposed the sentence after Rafferty pleaded guilty to the offence, having previously been acquitted of the murder of Josip Strok (31) by a jury. The judge suspended the sentence in full, imposing conditions that Rafferty must be of good behaviour, follow probation service directions, and attend recommended courses for 12 months. She warned that any breach would trigger the four-year custodial term. The court noted Rafferty was the least culpable of the three accused, acting on misinformation from Mark Lee (44), of no fixed abode, who was convicted of Mr Strok's murder following a trial and is serving a life sentence. Anthony Delappe (19), of Melrose Avenue, Clondalkin, was also convicted of the murder and is serving a life sentence. The judge highlighted Rafferty's early guilty plea, remorse, and rehabilitation efforts, including his apprenticeship as an electrician, as mitigating factors. Aggravating factors included the use of a half-crutch and the involvement of multiple assailants. The judge emphasized that Rafferty's actions were driven by a misguided notion of intervening for younger children, rather than shared anti-immigrant views with Lee.
Glen Bride, 32, of Kilbarrick, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty in the Special Criminal Court to assisting in the transportation and disposal of body parts of murdered teenager Keane Mulready-Woods. The court adjourned the matter to January 26 for sentencing. The DPP entered a nolle prosequi regarding two further charges against Bride involving criminal organisation facilitation and arson. Previously, Paul Crosby was jailed for ten years and Gerard Cruise received a seven-and-a-half-year sentence, with the final six months suspended for two years, after both pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder. Ged' McKenna was jailed for four years after pleading guilty to assisting in the clean-up of the crime scene. Bride's plea related to actions on January 15, 2020, intended to impede prosecution. The matter remains at the sentencing stage, with the specific date set for January 26.
The jury in the trial of Billy Burns, a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother, has ceased deliberations for the weekend and will reconvene on Monday. Burns has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the murder of his mother, Miriam Burns, who was found dead at her home in 2022. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Burns' treating psychiatrist, Dr. Eugene Morgan, argued that he met the criteria for the special verdict, while Dr. Stephen Monks, a consultant psychiatrist, stated that Burns understood the nature of his actions. The prosecution has argued that Burns' violent behavior was not due to mental illness but rather drug and alcohol abuse. The jury can return one of four verdicts: guilty of murder, not guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter by reason of diminished responsibility, or not guilty.
A garden centre was ordered to pay €5,000 in compensation for disability discrimination after an autistic job applicant was subjected to an unpaid trial shift without being informed of the conditions. The applicant, a 27-year-old man with autism, was misled into working a full day without pay, leading to confusion, humiliation, and a lasting impact on his confidence and self-worth. The Workplace Relations Commission found that the garden centre failed to accommodate the applicant's needs and conducted an informal, unstructured trial without proper supervision. The tribunal noted that the company's recruitment practices were inadequate and that the trial was discriminatory. The adjudicator ruled that the company was on notice of the applicant's disability and ordered a review of hiring practices to ensure compliance with the Employment Equality Act 1998.
A landlord, Muhammad Naeem Aslam, was ordered to pay €20,000 in compensation for threatening to evict his tenant, Ayodeji Saanu, just two days before he was due for surgery. Saanu, who was in a vulnerable position, had applied for the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme but was refused by Aslam, who threatened eviction if HAP was accepted. The Workplace Relations Commission found that Aslam's actions constituted discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000. Saanu was forced to return to work before he was fit, leading to complications. The adjudicator ruled that Aslam's refusal to accept HAP and subsequent threats were discriminatory and ordered him to pay €12,000 for the breach and an additional €8,000 for victimizing Saanu by threatening eviction and conducting property inspections.
A man convicted of sexually assaulting his younger cousin over a four-year period has had his conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal and will face retrial. The 29-year-old, who cannot be identified to protect the complainant, was sentenced to five and a half years imprisonment following conviction on ten counts of sexual assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The alleged assaults occurred during a holiday in Leitrim and subsequently at a Dublin residence between 2007 and 2011, when the complainant was aged six to ten years old. The accused maintained his innocence throughout proceedings. In his judgement, Mr Justice Peter Charleton found that the trial judge's charge to the jury contained problematic language regarding the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt. The judge's references to being "fairly sure" and a ruler analogy were deemed to have undermined an otherwise adequate instruction, potentially lowering the threshold for conviction. The Court of Appeal determined the conviction must be set aside. The matter is scheduled for mention at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 28 November 2025.
Anthony Ainscough, an on-bail offender, was given a fully suspended sentence after punching an off-duty garda in a Dublin nightclub. Ainscough pleaded guilty to assault causing harm, which occurred during a confrontation where he believed the garda had spoken to his girlfriend. The incident was captured on CCTV, and the garda required medical treatment for a broken nose and tooth. Ainscough, who has previous convictions and was on bail at the time, was intoxicated and did not know the garda was off-duty. His defense highlighted his remorse, noting he had €10,000 in court as a token of apology and would provide additional funds. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and suspended the sentence, emphasizing the need for him to address his behavior.
A master of a fishing vessel, Gerard Caulfield (55) of Abbey Street, Howth, Co Dublin, was fined €2,000 for exceeding the haddock quota while fishing off the south coast of Ireland. He pleaded guilty to charges under the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction Act 2006. The court heard that Caulfield was responsible for ensuring quotas were not exceeded and that catch data was accurately recorded. An inspection of the vessel, the Endeavour, on February 28, 2023, found that the haddock quota had been exceeded by 4.5 tonnes, with a market value of over €8,200. The court was told that the quotas are in place to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and protect the fishing industry for future generations. Caulfield, who has no previous convictions, claimed he had a genuine misunderstanding of the quotas and was working with new crew members who had language barriers. His defence also highlighted his financial situation, noting he is a single man living with his elderly mother and currently earns €23,000 per year.
Fergal Doherty, a repeat offender with a history of road traffic violations, avoided jail after reversing into a supermarket customer, causing a fractured elbow. Doherty pleaded guilty to careless driving causing serious bodily harm in Dalkey, where he had a blood alcohol level just below the legal limit. CCTV footage showed him reversing into the victim, who was walking through the car park. Doherty, who has 20 previous convictions, including 15 for road offenses, was disqualified from driving for two years and received a ten-month suspended sentence. The court acknowledged his guilty plea and the fact that his alcohol level was under the legal limit, but noted the need for him to take greater care while driving. The victim did not prepare a victim impact statement, and the court emphasized the importance of safe driving practices.
A Portuguese dentist, Andreia Funicio, was jailed for a sustained campaign of harassment against her ex-partner, which included creating fake online dating profiles and Instagram accounts in her name. This led to numerous men contacting the victim, causing significant distress and trauma. Funicio admitted to harassment between December 2022 and March 2023. Judge Martin Nolan described the harassment as calculated and intense, resulting in the victim experiencing suicidal thoughts. Funicio received a two-year and three-month suspended sentence, reduced from four and a half years, due to her guilty plea and caregiving responsibilities. The court ordered her to have no further contact with the victim for 20 years. The victim detailed the emotional and psychological impact of the harassment, including feeling targeted in a narcissistic smear campaign and struggling with her mental health. Funicio's actions were found to be premeditated and aimed at damaging the victim's reputation and sense of safety.
Sean McDonald, aged 62, of Tawneymachugh, Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court following his guilty plea to 11 representative counts of rape and sexual assault of a child between 1977 and 1982. The victim, who was aged seven to eleven during the period of abuse, waived her anonymity with the court's agreement. The offences occurred in Glencar, County Leitrim, during family visits when McDonald, then aged fourteen to eighteen, was left to supervise the child. Justice Melanie Greally noted the extreme youth of the victim, the age difference, breach of trust, and the setting within the grandparents' home as aggravating factors. A headline sentence of eighteen years was reduced to seven years to account for McDonald's minority during most of the offending period. The final year was suspended on condition of engagement with offence-focused probation work. The victim reported the abuse to Scottish police in February 2021, leading to gardaí involvement in June 2023.
A man who repeatedly stabbed his friend without any clear reason has been sentenced to three years in prison. Gerard Baird (39) of Kilbarron Road, Coolock, Dublin 5, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm on October 31, 2021, at an address in Beaumont, Dublin. The incident occurred during a social gathering where both men had consumed alcohol. Baird was leaving the victim's home with a bike and a can of alcohol when the victim noticed he had a knife. Baird called the victim a "rat" and stabbed him multiple times in the stomach, chest, and neck. The victim was seriously injured and required surgery but has since made a full recovery. Baird remained at the scene and called emergency services using the victim's phone. He later told gardai that the victim was stabbed after answering the door. Baird has a long history of criminal convictions, including burglary, assault, and public order offences. The court heard that he has serious alcohol issues and was homeless at the time of the incident.
The Court of Appeal has issued new sentencing guidance for sexual assault offences after finding that the sentence imposed on Gerard Nevin was too lenient. Nevin, 42, pleaded guilty to 22 counts of sexual assault committed between 2012 and June 2020 against his stepdaughters, Catalina Grancea and Alexa Grancea. The charges included 12 counts relating to Catalina Grancea, involving inappropriate touching of her buttocks, breasts, and thigh. In November 2024, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin imposed a global sentence of six years, with the final two years suspended. The State appealed, arguing the reduction from a nine-year headline sentence was excessive and that the suspension lacked evidential basis. Mr Justice Peter Charleton agreed, stating that the six-year sentence does not meet the gravity of the offences, which he described as systematic and calculated. The court noted that without the new guidance, the trial judge's approach was not sufficiently informed. The matter was adjourned to December 4 for re-sentencing in light of the new analysis, which places the offending in the upper range with a recommended headline sentence between nine and 14 years.
A Brazilian man has been jailed for two years after using his skateboard to strike a man outside a chipper in Dublin, causing him a fractured skull and a brain bleed. Aquila Batista (33), who has no fixed address and no previous convictions, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assault causing harm on September 2, 2022. The incident occurred near Parnell Street, Dublin 1, when Batista attempted to engage in conversation with the victim's girlfriend inside the chipper. After she pushed him away, a verbal altercation ensued. Batista later returned on his skateboard and struck the victim on the head. The victim required reconstructive surgery and was left with a permanent facial scar. Batista remained at the scene and was also taken to the hospital for minor cuts. He claimed self-defence during his interview. The court heard that the victim has since moved out of Dublin and has physically recovered, though the attack affected his confidence and mental health. Judge Martin Nolan noted the attack appeared to be motivated by revenge or bad temper.
Ronaldo Lupo, 24, of Clonsilla, Dublin 15, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for two counts of assault causing harm. He pleaded guilty to the charges, which relate to incidents on December 30, 2023, where he allegedly assaulted Abby Tierney and Lauren Boyle-Hanney. The court heard that Lupo was intoxicated and his detention was suspended as he was initially unfit for interview. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a sentence of two years and nine months, backdated to February 1 last, when Lupo went into custody. The judge noted Lupo's history of similar offending and his lack of self-control, while acknowledging mitigation factors including his guilty pleas, remorse, and medical issues. Lupo has 52 previous convictions, including three for assault causing harm. The victims described feeling terrified and suffering physical and psychological trauma. The matter was finalized with this custodial sentence.
Aidan Grogan, 28, of Tallaght, pleaded guilty at Tallaght District Court to possession of cocaine, driving without insurance, driving without a licence, and giving a false name to gardaí. The offences arose from an incident on 30 December 2022, when Grogan was stopped on Katharine Tynan Road for erratic driving. Gardaí discovered he was uninsured and unlicensed, and he provided false details. Although he initially failed a roadside drug test, a subsequent test at Tallaght Garda Station was negative, so no drug-driving charge was brought. During a search in custody, gardaí found €350 worth of cocaine concealed in his clothing. His solicitor, Padraig O'Donovan, stated that Grogan is on social welfare, has two children, and has completed treatment for cocaine addiction at Cuile Mhuire. Judge Áine Shannon imposed a four-year driving ban and a €300 fine for the no-insurance offence, allowing three months to pay. The charges for driving without a licence and giving false details were taken into consideration. Acknowledging Grogan's engagement with treatment and his transition out of addiction, Judge Shannon ordered a probation report. The matter was adjourned to 13 February 2026 for finalisation.
The State has argued that the fully suspended sentences given to Jim Connors, a serial driving offender who caused a serious crash and later committed further offences, were too lenient. Connors, who had 36 previous convictions, including road traffic offences, was serving a six-year driving ban when he crashed into a taxi, leaving a passenger with serious injuries. He received a four-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm and four-year suspended sentences for three counts of leaving the scene to escape liability. The sentences were concurrent and suspended for five years. The State also challenged a three-year suspended sentence for reckless endangerment, which occurred a month after the taxi crash. Connors had additional charges, including drug driving and driving without insurance. The State's counsel argued that the sentences were unduly lenient given the severity of the offences and Connors' disregard for court orders. Connors' defence highlighted his cooperation, mental health issues, and rehabilitation efforts. The Court of Appeal reserved its decision until December 1.
The Court of Appeal has heard submissions in an appeal by Gerard Stokes and Samantha Campbell, who were convicted of seriously assaulting a woman, falsely imprisoning her, assaulting her friend, and aggravated burglary. The matter was adjourned as the court reserved judgment. Stokes, 44, received a 13-and-a-half-year sentence with two years suspended, while Campbell, 36, received a 12-year term with two years suspended. The victim, a grandmother in her 50s, lost an eye in the attack and now uses a prosthesis. Defence counsel Roderick O'Hanlon SC argued that the victim's hospital statement should not have gone before the jury because she was "in and out of consciousness" and "virtually asleep" during the reading back. He contended that medical evidence confirming her fitness to testify was absent, and that morphine may have still been administered. Counsel for the State, Timothy O'Leary SC, countered that a substantial voir dire took place and the circumstances were serious. The appeal centres on the admissibility of the statement, with the court hearing that the victim later sought to withdraw it due to memory loss. The procedural stage is an appeal, and the finalisation is an adjournment.
A jury is expected to begin deliberations in the trial of a 55-year-old Kerry man accused of murdering his mother. The accused, Billy Burns, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was suffering from a manic episode related to bipolar disorder when he killed his mother. Two psychiatrists have given conflicting opinions on whether Burns qualifies for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution argues that Burns' actions were not explained by psychiatric illness but by drug and alcohol abuse. The defence maintains that Burns was mentally unwell and did not understand the nature of his actions. The jury has been instructed on the law and the evidence, and deliberations are set to begin tomorrow. The case has drawn significant attention due to the accused's mental health and the nature of the crime.
A warehouse worker who was sacked after suffering severe eczema from handling cosmetic products has won €13,000 in compensation for disability discrimination. Santa Musinska, a Latvian national, was employed at a Masterlink warehouse in Clonmel, where she developed allergic eczema after handling cosmetics. Despite being provided with gloves, her condition worsened, leading to repeated sick leave and eventual dismissal. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that her eczema constituted a temporary disability under the Employment Equality Act. The adjudication officer noted that the staffing agency failed to provide reasonable accommodation and that the dismissal was likely due to her disability. The agency was ordered to pay €5,000 for disability discrimination and €8,000 for discriminatory dismissal. This case marks the first in Ireland where eczema was recognized as a disability in a workplace discrimination claim.
The Court of Appeal has upheld a State appeal against the leniency of the sentence imposed on Ian Doyle, a 34-year-old defendant from Crumlin. Doyle pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to assaulting a woman causing her harm and threatening to kill or cause serious harm in February 2023. He was on bail for assaulting a different partner at the time. The original sentence, set by Judge Orla Crowe, was three years and six months, with six months suspended, running consecutively to an existing term expiring in April 2026. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Alexander Owens, concluded the original sentence was too lenient. The court resentenced Doyle to five years' imprisonment for the two counts, to run concurrently with each other. This new term is consecutive to the sentence Doyle is currently serving for the other matter, as the offences were committed while he was on bail. Mr Justice Owens stated that the five-year term reflects the gravity of the offending and the intimate relationship context, noting it is greater than what would have been imposed had Doyle not been on bail. The court rejected any suspension of the custodial element, citing the seriousness of the assault and the lack of sufficient mitigation.
Conor McGregor has been granted permission to serve legal papers on Sky News for alleged defamation following his civil trial last year, where he was found liable for the rape of Nikita Hand in a Dublin hotel. At the High Court, Paul O'Higgins SC, representing McGregor, successfully applied to Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty to serve plenary summons papers on Sky News UK, Sky News Ltd, and Sky News Ireland. The application was made due to the one-year time limit for defamation cases, which is set to expire on November 22, 2025. O'Higgins stated that a Sky News reporter allegedly called McGregor a rapist during a media scrum outside the Four Courts in Dublin. McGregor was ordered to pay nearly €1.5M in legal costs after the jury awarded Hand almost €250K in damages. McGregor denied the assault and lost his appeal, with new witness evidence withdrawn on the first day of the appeal. He is now awaiting a decision from the Supreme Court on whether to hear his appeal.
Kenneth Kelly, 54, of Monaseed Demesne, Gorey, was sentenced to six years in prison by Judge James McCourt at Wexford Courthouse for demanding €1,000 from a victim over an alleged drug debt on 31 January 2024, a crime that involved threats and the possession of a .177 calibre air pistol and ammunition. Kelly had 12 prior convictions, including armed robbery. He appealed, arguing the judge had wrongly linked his threats to the victim's subsequent suicide and that the eight‑year headline sentence was excessive. The Court of Appeal, led by Mr Justice Anthony Collins, rejected the appeal, noting the maximum penalty for such an offence is 14 years and that the judge had not erred in assessing the gravity of the crime or Kelly's culpability. Collins upheld the six‑year sentence, stating no evidence justified suspending any part of it. The appeal was dismissed. Kenneth Kelly pleaded guilty.
Career criminal Robert 'Roo' Redmond has lost his appeal against his conviction for the murder of Barry Wolverson. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Brian O'Moore, dismissed the bid, ruling that there was no risk of contamination to a North Face jacket containing gunshot residue that strongly supported Redmond's position as the shooter. Redmond, of Kilbarrack, Dublin 5, is serving life imprisonment for the 2020 murder of Wolverson, a father-of-eight, at Madigan's Yard, Swords. He had denied the charge. His co-accused, Bernard Fogarty, of Coolock, Dublin 5, was also sentenced to life imprisonment for the same murder. Redmond's legal team argued the jacket evidence should have been excluded due to improper storage by gardaí, claiming potential contamination. However, the court accepted the Director of Public Prosecutions' submission that the contamination argument was speculative. Mr Justice O'Moore noted that forensic evidence indicated the jacket's wearer was the shooter, a finding not directly disputed during cross-examination. The court found no error by the Special Criminal Court and confirmed adequate evidence placed Redmond at the scene. The appeal was dismissed in its entirety.