Dylan Mangan, 27, of Patrick Heaney Crescent, Dublin 1, who pleaded guilty to making unwarranted demands with menace in March 2020, has argued that his five-year sentence was twice as severe as that of his co-accused, Des Smyth. Mangan was jailed for five years by Judge Martin Nolan, who described the threats as menacing and frightening, including threats to kill victims and slit the throats of their children. Smyth was sentenced to four years with the final 18 months suspended for three years. Mangan's legal representative, Paul Carroll SC, argued that the sentencing judge failed to consider the principle of parity and rehabilitation, as Mangan's sentence had no suspended element. He highlighted Mangan's difficult upbringing and issues with gambling. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Jane McCudden BL, defended the judge's decision, stating that Mangan was the lead assailant and had a more culpable role in the premeditated and planned offence. The court reserved judgment on the appeal.
Christopher Murray, a former Amazon supervisor, has lost his claim against the company for alleged penalisation after accusing it of carrying out a biased disciplinary investigation. Murray, who worked at Amazon since 2023, filed complaints under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and the Payment of Wages Act 1991, alleging that Amazon had failed to pay wages and annual leave. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) rejected his complaints, noting that Amazon had already paid the money due after Murray quit his job in May 2025. Murray claimed he became a 'marked man' at the company for filing a grievance about a three-day wait period for sick pay. The tribunal found that Amazon's processes were not biased or amounting to penalisation, and noted that Murray had secured new employment quickly. Adjudication officer Michael McEntee concluded that there was no evidence of penalisation or harassment, and that Murray's parting message to colleagues was more of a 'sorrowful' tone rather than a forced dismissal.
A judge is set to rule next month on whether Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is fit to stand trial. Mr Justice Tony Hunt has heard evidence from two psychiatrists, who differ on whether Mr Bouchaker (51) has the cognitive ability to instruct his legal team, enter a plea, and engage in the trial process. A prosecution psychiatrist stated that despite Mr Bouchaker's serious neurocognitive disorder, he can be accommodated at trial with appropriate measures. However, a defence psychiatrist argued that Mr Bouchaker is "utterly cognitively incapable" of understanding the trial process. The judge has ordered that legal representatives for the accused and the identities of the doctors giving evidence are not to be named in media reports. Mr Bouchaker is charged with the attempted murder of two girls and one boy, as well as with assault causing serious harm to a care worker. The incident occurred at Parnell Square East on the afternoon of November 23, 2023.
A jury has been sworn in for the trial of James Greengrass, a UK national accused of attempting to murder a fellow patient at a psychiatric facility. Greengrass, 25, of Chapel Place, Lismore, Co Waterford, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to the attempted murder of the other patient on 3 February, 2023 at the psychiatry department of University Hospital Waterford. The accused answered 'Not guilty by reason of insanity' when the charge was read to him at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin. The alleged victim was one of the proposed witnesses on a list read out by Mr Justice Sean Gillane. The jury pool was told that the case would involve issues of mental health, and a jury of four men and eight women was empanelled for the trial, which is expected to last seven or eight days.
A man who admits the manslaughter of his mother in Dundalk three years ago but denies her murder will stand trial later this week. Luke Donnelly, 29, of no fixed abode, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Catherine Henry in May 2023 but admitted to her manslaughter. The charge against Donnelly is of murdering Ms Henry on a date unknown between 23 and 24 May, 2023 at an apartment on Bridge Street in Dundalk, Co Louth. Donnelly answered 'Not guilty; guilty of manslaughter' when asked by the court registrar. Mr Justice Seán Gillane informed the jury pool that Ms Henry is the mother of the accused and swore in a panel of five women and seven men to hear the trial. The two-week trial is set to commence on Thursday, with the jury instructed to return to the court on that day.
A judge has entered a not guilty plea on behalf of a 35-year-old man, who is charged with the murder of his father at their home in Dublin nearly two years ago, after the accused did not respond at his arraignment. Seth Whelan was before the Central Criminal Court this afternoon and is charged with the murder of Michael Whelan (64) at their flat on Herberton Park, Rialto, Dublin 8 on a date unknown between February 19 and 27, 2024. When the registrar read the first count on the indictment to the accused man and asked him how he was pleading, he did not respond. Mr Justice Tony Hunt told the jury panel that his only option was to enter a not guilty plea on behalf of the accused man. Seth Whelan is also charged with damaging property, namely a Ring doorbell camera, on February 20, 2024. The judge swore in a jury of four men and eight women to hear the trial, which will begin tomorrow. The jurors were asked to make themselves available until February 20 next.
The Special Criminal Court has adjourned the sentencing of seven defendants to Monday, March 23, with Ms Justice Karen O'Connor remanding all in custody until that date. Gary Monks, Miljan Koprivica, Conor Costello, Ryan Watson, Hanz Pangahin, Christopher Ampo, and Feljon Lao have all pleaded guilty to conspiring to import controlled drugs with a value exceeding €13,000 between December 18, 2024, and January 15, 2025. The court heard that the group operated as structured cells, with three Filipino crew members transporting cocaine from the Amazon region to Co Clare, while the other four, including Monks, formed a UK-based landing cell tasked with collecting the drugs for transport to Co Kerry. Defence counsel for Monks, a former British soldier, argued he was not at the upper echelons of the organisation and suffered from PTSD stemming from service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Counsel stated Monks began abusing drugs and alcohol after returning to Scotland, leading to his involvement in the offence. A probation report noted Monks is at high risk of reoffending in the generic sense over the next 12 months. The matter was adjourned, and no final sentence was imposed at this stage.
A repeat offender, Liam Houston (40), of Kiltalown Road, Tallaght, has had an additional five months added to his prison sentence for cocaine offences. Houston pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine for sale or supply and simple possession before Judge Peter White at Tallaght District Court. The court heard that Houston was found in possession of cocaine valued at €550 in November 2019. He has a history of 55 previous convictions, including one drug conviction. Judge White imposed a five-month prison sentence for the Section 15 offence, which will run consecutively to a four-year prison term for assault offences he has been serving since May 2024. The simple possession offence was dealt with under the Probation Act. Houston is currently serving his sentence in Mountjoy Prison.
Dilzar Hamad, a 40-year-old barber from Carrick on Shannon, Co Leitrim, was sentenced to eight years' imprisonment at the Central Criminal Court for the rape of a woman who was a guest in his home in early 2021. A jury convicted Hamad in March 2025 following a retrial after a hung jury in 2024. He pleaded not guilty and continues to deny the offence, claiming it was consensual. Mr Justice David Keane set a headline sentence of nine years but reduced it to eight years, citing mitigating factors including Hamad's good character, cooperation with gardai, and good prison behavior. The judge noted that Hamad's refusal to accept the verdict meant he demonstrated no remorse or rehabilitation. A probation report indicated a high risk of re-offending in the next 12 months due to factors such as hostility towards women and sexual preoccupation. The judge ordered two years of post-release supervision with strict conditions to protect the public. The victim stated in her impact statement that the offence changed her life forever and she no longer feels safe. The prosecution argued the case fell into the 'more serious' band, while the defense submitted it was standard. Hamad has no previous convictions.
The husband of Ann Watters, who died after being hit by a delivery van, has called for changes in driver behavior, asking, "How many more people have to die before driver behavior changes?" David McCann, the delivery driver, pleaded guilty to careless driving causing the death of Ann Watters. CCTV footage showed that McCann was not looking where he was going when he made a right turn, leading to the collision. McCann, who had a history of road traffic offenses, expressed deep remorse for the incident. Ann's husband, Gary Watters, described the devastating impact of her death on their family and highlighted the need for improved road safety. The court adjourned the sentencing to next Monday, with McCann remanded on continuing bail.
Raymond Donovan (44), who murdered his ex-girlfriend 21 years ago, had his claim that the Court of Criminal Appeal had substituted his life sentence with a 20-year term dismissed by the High Court. Mr Justice Garrett Simons ruled that Donovan had no basis for his claim and that it caused distress to the victim's family. Donovan, formerly of New Houses, Cooraclare, Co Clare, strangled his former girlfriend, Ann Walsh (23), to death in 2005. He launched a High Court bid for release, claiming the Court of Appeal had substituted his sentence, but no detention warrant proved this. The court found that the Central Criminal Court could not direct any other sentence than the mandatory life imprisonment for murder. Donovan's application was dismissed, and the judge said there was no basis for his claim of legality over his imprisonment. Raymond Donovan was convicted.
Riad Bouchaker, charged with assaulting a care worker and attempting to murder three children on Parnell Square in Dublin, is deemed fit to stand trial by a State psychiatrist, despite suffering from a serious neurocognitive disorder. The psychiatrist stated that Bouchaker can understand the charges against him and can participate in the trial process, although he may require closed questions and an interpreter. The defense psychiatrist, however, argued that Bouchaker is unfit to stand trial due to his memory issues and inability to weigh choices. The court is assessing Bouchaker's fitness to stand trial, with the State psychiatrist concluding that he is capable of understanding the legal process. The case involves serious charges, including attempted murder and assault, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
Stephen Carberry, 48, pleaded guilty at the Special Criminal Court to charges of assisting an offender and facilitating the murder of Keane Mulready-Woods. He admitted to transporting and disposing of the teenager's body parts between January 13 and 15, 2020, while on bail for drug offences. The court heard victim impact statements from Keane's parents, who described the "cruelty and inhumanity" of the disposal. Carberry, who has 77 previous convictions, was alleged to have collected two sports bags from Rathmullan Park, Drogheda, and dumped one in Moatview, Dublin. His co-accused, Gerard Cruise, 51, also pleaded guilty to facilitating the murder under Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006. In February 2023, co-accused Paul Crosby was sentenced to ten years for the same offence, while Cruise received seven-and-a-half years with the final six months suspended for two years. Ms Justice O'Connor adjourned Carberry's case to Monday, March 9, for sentencing, noting the panel could not imagine the depth of the family's pain.
Cian Fitzpatrick (28), an unemployed money mule, was jailed for 21 months after allowing €188,000 of illicit money to pass through his accounts. Fitzpatrick, of Ashlawn Park, Ballybrack, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to possession of the proceeds of criminal conduct. Gardai found that Fitzpatrick had no legitimate employment and did not pay tax or register for tax during the four-year period. He received disability allowance and had €74,000 in cash lodged into his AIB account and €123,479 through his Revolut account. Fitzpatrick admitted to controlling his co-accused's Revolut account and transferring funds. He claimed part of his income was from breeding bulldogs and working as a cleaner. The court heard that Fitzpatrick had 26 previous convictions and that he had mental health and substance abuse issues. Judge Martin Nolan noted the large amount of illicit money and handed him a 21-month sentence.
William Kavanagh (67), a well-known musician, was given a total of 17 and a half years for repeatedly raping his former wife and her sister. Kavanagh was convicted of 59 offences, including anal rape, sexual assault, and vaginal rape, which took place between 1996 and 2006. His former wife and sister read victim impact statements, detailing the devastating impact of the abuse on their lives. Kavanagh does not accept the jury's verdict and maintains his innocence. The judge, Mr Justice Kerida Naidoo, said Kavanagh has a high degree of moral culpability and that the abuse had a profound ongoing impact on both victims. Kavanagh was sentenced to seven years for the offences against his former wife and 12 years and six months for the offences against his sister. The final 12 months of the sentence was suspended. Kavanagh's defence argued that he has no prior relevant convictions and has suffered from depression. William Kavanagh pleaded not guilty.
A shop worker with a weakened immune system who was dismissed for taking too much sick leave has won €6,500 for disability discrimination. The Workplace Relations Commission ruled that the employer had breached the Employment Equality Act 1998. The worker, who had a heart condition and a stent inserted at age 16, informed her manager during her job interview that she would need time off for medical appointments. She took sick leave for five days in September 2024 and seven days in January 2025 due to illness. The employer claimed her absence rate was unacceptably high during her probation period. The tribunal found that the worker had raised the issue of her disability at the interview stage and that the employer failed to provide reasonable accommodation. The employer was directed to pay €6,500 in compensation and to review its procedures and training to ensure compliance with equality law.
A Central Criminal Court judge has accepted that he cannot review the sentence imposed on Boy B, who murdered schoolgirl Ana Kriegel when he was 13 years old. The judge, Mr Justice Paul McDermott, noted that the Supreme Court ruled that sentencing courts do not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention for child offenders. Boy B was sentenced to 15 years' detention with a review after eight years, but the Supreme Court found that life sentences for child murderers should only be imposed in exceptional cases. Boy B's lawyers withdrew his appeal against his conviction, and the court heard details of the murder, where Boy B lured Ana to a derelict house, knowing that Boy A intended to kill her. Boy A was sentenced to life imprisonment with a review after 12 years, and he will appeal his sentence in light of the Supreme Court's ruling.
Lawyers for Sean McGovern, who was extradited from the United Arab Emirates to face charges of murder and directing a criminal organization, have told the Special Criminal Court that they are not in a position to indicate whether a trial date will be required. McGovern's defense counsel, Sean Guerin SC, stated that significant progress has been made in the case but that they are not yet ready to determine if a trial date is necessary. McGovern, who is charged with the murder of Noel Kirwan and directing a criminal organization, appeared via videolink. The court adjourned the matter to February 23, with McGovern to appear again by videolink. His lawyers have raised concerns about the legality of his extradition, and the court will continue to hear evidence on the matter.
The son of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly, who was shot dead over a decade ago, attempted to murder his former wife's friend, blaming her for the breakup of his marriage, the Central Criminal Court heard. Matthias Kelly (42) suffered a brain injury in 2016 and another head injury in a fall two days before the attack on Fiona Timmermans. His lawyers argued that a neuropsychologist report is needed to assess how his injuries affected his behavior, but none are willing to work for the legal aid rate. The judge requested the Minister for Justice to address the issue and adjourned the sentencing until February 16. Kelly sent threatening messages to Ms Timmermans before breaking into her home and attempting to stab her. She fought back and sustained serious injuries, but survived. Kelly expressed remorse and claimed he was not in his right frame of mind at the time. He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and other charges.
Darragh Quigley (26) was sentenced at the sentence hearing for the attempted murder of Gretta McCullough (64) on November 16, 2023, at Chatham Row, Dublin 2. Quigley pleaded guilty to the charge, having admitted to the offence. The court found him not guilty by reason of insanity, as expert psychiatric evidence concluded he did not meet the legal criteria for that verdict despite suffering from schizophrenia and drug-induced psychosis. Mr Justice Paul Burns described the attack as totally unprovoked and random, noting Quigley had travelled to the city centre with a plan to hunt someone. The judge set a headline sentence of 14 years and six months. In mitigation, the court considered Quigley's guilty plea, his expression of remorse, and his lack of previous convictions. Quigley was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with the final year suspended for a period of five years. The sentence was backdated to November 17, 2023. The judge recommended a psychiatric assessment two months prior to release to determine if secure medical treatment is required. The matter was concluded with this sentencing order.
A member of the Hutch family, Sammy Hutch (50), was jailed for six and a half years for a robbery at a Dublin Dealz store where he was armed with a hammer. He was convicted following a trial last October, despite claiming he was not the person on CCTV. DNA evidence linked him to the crime. The court heard that the victim suffered psychological trauma and that Hutch has 102 previous convictions. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the victim's distress and reduced the headline sentence of seven and a half years to six and a half years. Hutch denied involvement, claiming he sold the helmet and may have had a broken ankle. The victim described the incident as the most traumatic experience of her life, leading to ongoing psychological issues. Hutch's defense highlighted his PTSD from witnessing a cousin's shooting and his drug addiction history.
Domestic abuse survivor Margaret Loftus has described her experience of the criminal justice system as 'every bit as damaging as the abuse itself'. Speaking outside the Criminal Courts of Justice, she said the conclusion of the case marked the end of a 'very difficult, traumatic journey' that took 14 years and 58 court appearances. Ms Loftus said Detective Garda Trevor Bolger violently assaulted her and was granted full legal aid by the court. She thanked Judge Martina Baxter, her husband and family, and the investigation team for their support. She expressed disappointment at seeing members of An Garda Siochana support Bolger in court. Ms Loftus thanked all women who have stood against male violence and urged others to come forward if they are victims of domestic abuse. Chief Superintendent Ian Lackey acknowledged the bravery of Ms Loftus and the professionalism of the investigation team. He said An Garda Siochana has a zero tolerance for domestic abuse and encouraged victims to contact the Garda or support services for help.
A 33-year-old man convicted of defiling a child at his home has been granted bail pending his appeal against conviction at the Court of Appeal in Dublin. The man, whose identity is protected to safeguard the complainant, was convicted by majority jury verdict at Castlebar Circuit Court in 2020 of defilement and sentenced to two years imprisonment with the final year suspended. He was acquitted of a separate sexual assault charge relating to the same complainant. His legal team objected to the trial judge's references during jury directions to the prosecution's characterisation of the defence as a "Bart Simpson defence", arguing this amounted to judicial advocacy and rendered the trial unfair. Ms Justice Isobel Kennedy found the threshold for bail was met, particularly regarding comments she identified as potentially prejudicial. The man was released on his own bond of €150 with a €5,000 cash lodgement, subject to conditions including attendance at a local garda station three times weekly. The appeal hearing is scheduled for 7 May.
Convicted murderer Raymond Donovan has applied to the High Court for his release from prison, claiming that the Court of Appeal replaced his life sentence with a 20-year term. Donovan, who strangled his former girlfriend Ann Walsh to death on the grounds of a church in 2005, was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2006. He now argues that the Court of Appeal substituted his sentence, and that prison authorities do not have the necessary documents to justify his continued detention. In an ex-parte application, Donovan's legal team successfully sought permission to inquire into his detention, citing Article 40.4.2 of the Constitution. He claims that prison officials have provided him with documents indicating a 20-year sentence, but he has been unable to obtain a copy of the Court of Appeal's warrant. Donovan is seeking a full inquiry into the legality of his detention and potentially bail. The High Court has adjourned the matter for further proceedings. At his trial, Donovan admitted to choking Ms Walsh but claimed he did not intend to kill her.
Daniel Kearney (37) was jailed for two years for his role in a burglary where seven e-bikes worth over €20,000 were stolen from a Dublin store. He pleaded guilty to taking two of the bikes valued at €7,300. The burglary caused significant damage to the shop, and only one of the stolen bikes was later recovered. The business owner described the impact on his professional and personal life. Kearney has 13 previous convictions and is homeless with a history of drug addiction. He is now drug-free and has a job offer upon release. Judge Orla Crowe set a headline sentence of four years but reduced it to two years and eight months, suspending the final eight months on conditions.
Robert O'Donnell, 37, of Corduff Gardens, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing drugs under S15A of the Misuse of Drugs Act. The court heard that gardaí intercepted O'Donnell on the M7 in Laois on July 11, finding two kilos of cocaine in his vehicle. A subsequent search of his mother's home revealed additional cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, and heroin, with a combined street value of €2.1 million. O'Donnell, who has no previous convictions, alleged he was transporting the substances to settle a drug debt. Judge Orla Crowe accepted that he acted at the behest of others but noted he was sufficiently trusted to hold the drugs. Although the offence carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, the judge departed from this requirement due to mitigating factors, including his early guilty plea and lack of prior record. She set a headline sentence of 12 years, reduced it to eight years, and suspended the final four years on conditions, including that O'Donnell be of good behaviour for that period. Consequently, he faces four years of effective custody.
A criminal who took part in an unprovoked, "vicious and sustained" late night city centre attack in Dublin, kicking and punching the victim as he lay on the ground, has been jailed for 18 months. Tony Grimes (26) was with two other young men when they set upon the victim in the Wexford Street area of Dublin after socialising until the early hours of the morning on February 29, 2024. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that the victim fell to the ground in the first 30 seconds of the assault, but the three men continued to punch and kick him as he lay defenceless on the path. After passers-by pleaded with the attackers to stop, they left the scene but not before Grimes returned to kick the man to the head one more time. Grimes, of Goatstown Close, Dundrum, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to the man. It is an offence which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years. He has 29 previous convictions including criminal damage, public order and road traffic offences.
An uninsured motorist who believed he was covered when stopped by gardaí has avoided a driving ban after appearing before Tallaght District Court. Claudius Dsouza (44), of Marybrook Village, Portlaoise, Co Laois pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and failing to produce an insurance certificate. The court heard that Mr Dsouza was stopped by gardaí on Garter Lane, Saggart, on March 9, 2025. Garda checks showed the 2009-registered car was not insured at the time. Mr Dsouza was unable to produce an insurance certificate at the roadside and did not later produce one at a garda station. Gardaí told the court the defendant later accepted he had no insurance on the vehicle on the day in question. Solicitor Jeremiah Breen, for Mr Dsouza, said his client had believed he was insured and expressed regret for the incident. The court heard he is married with two children and works part-time in a garage. It was confirmed he has no previous convictions.
Two Slovak nationals have been convicted and sentenced at the Central Criminal Court following a sexual assault on two teenage girls on a disused railway line in County Mayo in March 2023. Rudolf Makula, aged 30, of Gleann Ard, Ballaghderreen, Roscommon, pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting one girl. Marian Peci, aged 29, of no fixed abode, was convicted following trial of sexually assaulting and falsely imprisoning a second girl. Mr Justice Paul McDermott imposed a sentence of three and a half years on Makula and three years on Peci, with two years post-release supervision for both. The court heard the men had separated the girls from their friends after plying them with alcohol. The judge noted the girls had been entitled to feel safe when socialising and commended friends who intervened to assist them. Both men remain in custody since August 2025.
Darren Hayes, 50, was sentenced at the procedural stage of sentence for a series of offences in the Baggot Street area. The defendant pleaded guilty to 10 counts of burglary and seven counts of criminal damage committed between September 6 and October 15, 2023. The court heard that Hayes, who was on bail at the time, carried out these acts at unoccupied office premises, forcing entry and causing damage or stealing property. On September 6, he allegedly stole €21,929 worth of laptops and iPhones from a Haddington Road office with another man, who has since fled the jurisdiction. On October 15, he allegedly ransacked a hair salon and damaged other businesses, including a gym and doctors' offices. Judge Orla Crowe noted Hayes's extensive criminal history, including 140 previous convictions, one for rape, and two for failing to inform gardaí of a change of address under the Sex Offender's Act. She described the theft of devices and the destruction of equipment as requiring separate marking. The judge imposed a sentence of three years and four months, with the final year suspended, on those specific offences and took the remaining counts into consideration. Defense counsel highlighted Hayes's chronic drug addiction and housing difficulties, noting his intention to enter residential treatment upon release. Hayes is currently serving a sentence for other burglaries.
A teenager who used "extreme violence" in kicking a defenceless man to death has been given more time to bring an appeal against his life sentence following a landmark Supreme Court decision. The youth was 16 when he murdered Romanian national Claudio Robu (39) on a laneway off Madison Road, South Circular Road, Dublin 8 on September 14, 2020. He pleaded guilty in 2021 and was sentenced to life detention with a review after eight years. He had been due to come back before the Central Criminal Court in June 2028 to review his progress and to allow the court to consider whether he could safely return to society. However, last March the Supreme Court ruled that a sentencing court does not have jurisdiction to review terms of detention imposed on child offenders.
A garda has received a suspended three-month sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for assaulting his then-wife, a fellow member of An Garda Síochána, in County Mayo in October 2012. Trevor Bolger (48), previously attached to Ballymun Garda Station, pleaded guilty to the assault under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. Judge Martina Baxter suspended the sentence in full on strict conditions, including engagement with the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violent Emotions) programme. The court heard the assault occurred during a family gathering when Bolger became angry that his wife spoke with her family rather than remaining at his side. The victim described the incident as terrifying and protracted, and ended the marriage the following day. Judge Baxter noted Bolger held a position of trust as a serving garda and that alcohol aggravated the offence. She acknowledged his six years of sobriety, genuine remorse, and engagement with rehabilitation services, finding him at low risk of reoffending. Bolger is currently suspended from An Garda Síochána.
Dundalk FC confirmed the settlement of a workplace dispute with former press officer Gavin McLaughlin at the Workplace Relations Commission. The tribunal was informed that the matter would not proceed with a hearing into McLaughlin's complaints, which included alleged breaches of the Payment of Wages Act 1991, the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, and the Redundancy Payments Act 1967. McLaughlin's solicitor, Francis Watters, stated that all complaints had been withdrawn, and he thanked Emma Coffey, the club's solicitor, for her efforts in resolving the matter. The presence of two legal teams on behalf of the club was noted by adjudication officer Christina Ryan, with one team representing the club in the context of a directors' dispute. This case is the third such dispute against the club in the past 18 months, following similar cases involving former director of football Brian Gartland and former chief operations officer Martin Connolly.
A 34-year-old man from Finglas has admitted to conspiring to murder a Dublin father-of-two who was fatally shot at his home in 2018. Joseph Richards, with an address at Lanesborough Square, pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to conspiracy to murder Robert Sheridan, aged 45, who died following a shooting at Poppintree Crescent, Ballymun, on October 5, 2018. Richards was charged with the offence in 2024. Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to February 16 for sentencing.
Vincent Hendy, who was sentenced to six months in custody for damaging a car with a gardening hoe, had his sentence overturned on appeal. Judge Christopher Callan at the District Court Appeals Court suspended the sentence for two years due to Hendy's family medical needs, despite noting a lack of remorse. Hendy, who works as a carer for his wife, who has had two strokes, was found guilty of criminal damage. His defence highlighted his caregiving responsibilities and his lack of intent. The judge required Hendy to pay €1,000 in compensation, complete an anger management course, and avoid interfering with cars at the East Pier Howth public car park. The appeal focused on the severity of the sentence rather than the guilt.
Sabrina Fox, a young woman who was repeatedly raped and abused by her uncles from the age of nine until she was 13, spoke out in court about the lasting trauma of the abuse. James Joseph Jordan and Patrick Fintan Jordan pleaded guilty to rape and indecent assault. Fox described how her uncles had intimidated her and told her to forget the abuse, leaving her feeling ashamed and isolated. Justice David Keane imposed a nine-and-a-half-year sentence on both men, noting the severity of the abuse and the vulnerability of the victim. The judge acknowledged the men's guilty pleas and their medical issues but emphasized the need for justice. The victims' impact statement highlighted the long-term effects of the abuse on Fox's life and mental health.
An Albanian man who claimed to be fleeing a 'blood feud' in Albania was refused refugee status by the Irish State due to inconsistencies in his application. The High Court ruled that the International Protection Appeals Tribunal correctly rejected his claim, citing a lack of credibility in his story. The applicant claimed a family feud had led to threats against him, but inconsistencies in his statements and the long gap between the alleged feud and the threat undermined his claim. The court found that the applicant's story was not plausible and that the tribunal had not erred in refusing an oral hearing. The applicant had also not sought protection in Italy, where he had lived for five months without reporting any threats.
Christopher O'Neill has been sentenced to six years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court following his guilty plea to the manslaughter of Martin Lynn on 30 July 2023. The 31-year-old punched Mr Lynn once to the head in an unprovoked attack outside the victim's home in the Larkhill area. Mr Lynn, who was returning from socialising in Dublin city centre, was taken to hospital where he died two days later from catastrophic brain injuries. Judge Martin Nolan stated the assault appeared to stem from a temper outburst, noting no provocation was evident. The court heard victim impact statements from Mr Lynn's family, including his sister who described enduring 899 days of nightmare following his death. Mr Lynn, originally from Donegal and Mayo family roots, had recently begun employment at Santry Sports Clinic. O'Neill, from Whitehall, Santry, has 24 previous convictions.
Erick Roa, a hospitality worker at the Marker Hotel in Dublin, alleged that his manager, Matt Sherlock, repeatedly asked invasive questions about his sexuality and country of origin, creating a toxic work environment. Roa began covertly recording his manager to gather evidence of the alleged discrimination. He claimed that Sherlock asked inappropriate questions about his partner's gender and made fun of his accent. Roa resigned in February 2025 after feeling the workplace was not addressing his concerns. The hotel's legal team denied the allegations, stating that Roa's claims were not credible. The tribunal heard that Roa had made multiple complaints, but the HR manager did not follow up. The case was adjourned, with a resumption of the hearing scheduled for March.
A 41-year-old man has been jailed for 12 months for making threats to petrol bomb his ex-partner's home and break her father's knees. The man pleaded guilty to three counts of making threats to kill or cause serious harm in May and June 2023. The threats were made during a period of separation from his ex-partner, with whom he had a long-term relationship. The court heard that the man threatened to petrol bomb the house and break the father's knees, causing significant distress to the victim and her family. The woman's child overheard some of the threats, which were described as 'incredibly serious' by the judge. The man has a history of minor convictions and was experiencing mental health issues and substance abuse at the time. The judge imposed an 18-month sentence, suspended for six months, with conditions to stay away from the injured parties and maintain good behaviour.
A 22-year-old man, Reece Byrne, has been sentenced to six years in prison for possession of heroin, cocaine, and diazepam, with the final six months suspended. Byrne pleaded guilty to possession of drugs for sale or supply and money laundering at his home in Ballymun. During a search, Gardaí found large amounts of cocaine, heroin, and diazepam, with a total market value of €48,000. Byrne initially claimed the drugs were not his and that he had a drug debt, but the court did not accept this. Judge Martina Baxter noted Byrne's cooperation and lack of previous convictions but emphasized his role in the drugs trade. Byrne's co-accused, Laura Smith, received a two-and-a-half-year suspended sentence for allowing her home to be used for drug preparation. The court acknowledged Smith's cooperation and her status as a mother of three, deeming it unlikely she would reoffend.
A man has been charged with criminal damage after allegedly kicking a car during a protest outside the Iranian Embassy in south Dublin. The incident occurred on Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, on Tuesday at around 1.40pm. The damage, estimated at €2,000, was caused to a grey 2020 Mercedes that was being driven at the time, with no injuries reported. Saeid Khosroabadi (41), of Seville Place, Dublin 1, was charged with criminal damage. Garda Niall McGraynor stated that Mr Khosroabadi allegedly kicked the car three times during the protest. Gardaí arrived at the scene after the incident and later arrested Mr Khosroabadi at his home. He spent the night in custody and was fully co-operative with gardaí. Judge Conor Fottrell accepted jurisdiction in the case. Mr Khosroabadi was released on bail with conditions to stay away from the embassy and the Blackrock area. The defence requested CCTV footage, and an application for legal aid was granted. The case was adjourned to April 13 at Dún Laoghaire District Court.
Sean O'Brien, a former Portlaoise prison guard, has challenged a Defence Forces tribunal in the High Court after being denied the opportunity to make representations regarding his dismissal in 1989. O'Brien claims he was fired after being shot at with lethal intent while helping to apprehend a paramilitary prisoner during an escape attempt in 1988. He argues that the tribunal's terms of reference should include him as he worked under the Defence Forces' control at the time. O'Brien's legal team asserts that the tribunal's refusal to hear his case was a further trauma, given the impact of the incident on his mental health. The tribunal's legal representative countered that O'Brien was employed by the Department of Justice and not the Defence Forces, and thus fell outside the tribunal's scope. The judge has reserved her decision on the matter.
The owner of a discount store, Anthony Walsh, has been fined €5,000 for selling untaxed cigarettes and tobacco. Walsh, 66, pleaded guilty to keeping for sale products without the relevant Irish tax stamps in his shop, 'Dominics Crazy Deals'. Revenue officers found 44,560 cigarettes and 2.75 kg of hand-rolled tobacco during a search of his shop in May 2022. The estimated loss to Revenue was €27,786. Walsh has previous convictions for selling illegal products and failing to file tax returns. The judge acknowledged his community contributions but noted his criminal activity deprived the state of revenue. Walsh did not contest the confiscation of €78,000 in cash found in his shop. The court heard testimonials from the community highlighting his generosity and support for local initiatives.
A Canadian drugs mule, Mohamad Alaha (20), was jailed for three years after being caught 'literally red-handed' with €400,000 worth of vacuum-packed cannabis at Dublin Airport. He was arrested after customs officers noticed suspicious behaviour during a flight from Canada. Alaha admitted to importing 20 kilograms of cannabis into Ireland on April 26, 2025, and had no previous convictions. His defence, Marc Thompson SC, explained that Alaha was fleeing Syria with his family when he was 11 and moved to Canada. He suffered from mental health issues and developed a drug addiction, which led him to seek treatment in Egypt. However, he accumulated debt and relapsed. To settle his debts, Alaha sold personal items and eventually agreed to transport drugs. His defence argued that his choices were limited. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged his guilty plea and noted that drug trafficking is a societal scourge. She accepted that Alaha was cooperating and had been doing well in custody, but sentenced him to three years in prison, backdated to the day of his arrest.
Karl Murphy, 40, of Blanchardstown, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for witness intimidation. He pleaded guilty to intimidating Lyndsey Doyle on September 1, 2023, by sending threatening voice notes. Judge Orla Crowe described the messages as vile and menacing, noting Doyle's vulnerability as the principal witness in the trial of Keith Smithers and Peter White for the unlawful killing and robbery of Brian Hogan in Finglas. Murphy, who has 66 previous convictions and is currently serving a burglary sentence, received an 18-month jail term with the final six months suspended. His then-partner, Sinead White, 39, also pleaded guilty to witness intimidation and was jailed for 21 months in November 2024 by Judge Martin Nolan. In the underlying trial, Smithers, 41, pleaded not guilty but was convicted of both charges and sentenced to nine years last June. Peter White, 40, also pleaded not guilty; he was acquitted of the unlawful killing but convicted of robbery and jailed for four and a half years. The court acknowledged Murphy's remorse and progress in custody, including reduced methadone intake, while emphasizing the seriousness of interfering with justice.
A woman from Kingscourt, Co Cavan, has been convicted and fined €750 following an assault at a concert venue in Dublin. Sarah Callan, aged 37, pleaded guilty at Dún Laoghaire District Court to a Section 2 assault that occurred on 20 June 2024 during a Pink concert at the Aviva Stadium. The court heard that Callan punched a 17-year-old attendant, mistakenly believing he was responsible for an earlier incident involving her husband. The teenager sustained facial injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene. Callan made admissions to gardaí on the night and expressed remorse. Her defence counsel submitted the assault was out of character and consisted of a single punch. Judge Conor Fottrell described the circumstances as concerning and alarming, noting the victim had been a minor performing his duties. He convicted Callan and imposed the fine with seven months to pay. Legal aid was granted.
A 32-year-old woman, Tegan McGhee, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of four-year-old Mason O'Connell Conway in Limerick City in 2021. The court lifted a press ban, allowing her identity to be revealed. McGhee was also sentenced to four years and six months for child cruelty, which will run concurrently with her life sentence. The child was found with serious injuries and died three days later. The judge described the abuse as an 'appalling breach of trust' and commended the child's mother for her courage in delivering a victim impact statement. The child's father, John Paul O'Connell, was previously sentenced to seven years for endangerment and obstructing McGhee's prosecution. The court heard that the child was deliberately isolated and subjected to disproportionate punishment by both parents. The mother described her son as a loving and caring child who brought joy to their lives. She expressed deep sorrow and anger at the loss of her son and the betrayal by those who were supposed to protect him.
Sharon Shadiya (22), of Drumcairn Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty to a money laundering offence arising from an incident on June 15, 2023. The court heard that €1,700 was credited to Shadiya's Revolut account before being transferred on to another account. Shadiya admitted allowing the proceeds of criminal conduct to pass through her Revolut account, contrary to section 7(1)(a)(ii), section 7(1)(b) and section 7(3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010. Detective Sergeant Mick Ormsby informed the court that the two injured parties had since been reimbursed by their banks. Defence solicitor, Michael Hennessy, stated that Shadiya was 20 years old at the time of the offence and has no previous convictions. He said Shadiya was taken advantage of by a male friend, who told her he needed to use her Revolut account to make a purchase online. Mr Hennessy said the matter before the court was one of recklessness rather than knowledge, and that his client had no awareness of the wider fraud involved. He said Shadiya had made a full admission to her limited role, was fully co-operative and had shown genuine remorse, offering an unreserved apology to those who lost money. The court heard that Shadiya works as a care assistant in private home-care and is of good character with a strong work ethic and good prospects for the future. Judge Karen Dowling accepted jurisdiction in the case and adjourned it to April 13 next for the preparation of a probation report.
Lawyers for Jeremiah O'Brien, a Limerick man wanted in Greece for human trafficking, have raised concerns about Greek prison conditions in the High Court. O'Brien is accused of facilitating the smuggling of 66 Middle Eastern people to Italy by speedboat in 2017. His legal team argued that Greek prisons are overcrowded, unsafe, and controlled by prisoners, violating human dignity. They cited a 2022 report highlighting poor healthcare, lack of medical confidentiality, and inadequate government funding. The court was asked to delay O'Brien's extradition to allow Greek authorities to address these concerns. The State's legal representative noted the Greek government's response was aspirational but did not contradict the report. The case was adjourned to January 26, with both sides agreeing to request further information from Greek authorities.