Riad Bouchaker, 52, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court, where he has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He is alleged to have attempted to murder two girls and one boy, assaulted creche worker Leanne Flynn causing serious harm, assaulted two other children and an adult male, and produced a knife in a manner likely to intimidate. The incident allegedly occurred on November 23, 2023, at Parnell Square East in Dublin City. The trial, presided over by Mr Justice Tony Hunt, is expected to last up to five weeks. Witnesses described Bouchaker as stabbing children before being restrained by members of the public. Siobhan Kearney, whose brother died in the Stardust nightclub fire, testified that she jumped on Bouchaker to stop him, kicking away his knife and protecting him from further blows by the crowd. Warren Donoghue stated he struck Bouchaker in the jaw to prevent him from killing or seriously injuring the children. Other witnesses, including Eileen O'Sullivan, Michael Healy, and Oisin Murphy, described seeing Bouchaker wield a knife against children and being struck by a motorbike helmet and a bicycle lock before being brought to the ground. The matter is currently at the trial stage and has not been finalised.
Two women from West Dublin have avoided jail for stealing baby formula and other goods from a Tesco store in Tallaght, while a third woman's case was discharged on the condition of a donation to the poor box. Alina Muntean (21), Flora Muntean (27), and Sabina Munteanu (47) all pleaded guilty to stealing goods worth €290. Security staff detained them after they passed payment points without paying. CCTV footage confirmed the theft, and the stolen items were recovered and returned to the store. One woman was arrested at the scene, while the other two, who had children with them, attended a garda station the following day. Alina Muntean had no previous convictions and expressed remorse. Judge Peter White directed her to make a €200 donation to the poor box and remanded the matter. Flora Muntean, who had two previous convictions, was given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200. Sabina Munteanu, who had two previous convictions, was also given a four-month suspended prison sentence and fined €200.
A man who raped and sexually assaulted his younger cousin as a teenager has been jailed for five years. Paul O'Callaghan, now 57, was convicted of rape and indecent assault on multiple occasions between 1985 and 1986. The victim, who has since died, disclosed the abuse to her father in the late 1990s, and O'Callaghan expressed remorse and sought counseling. The victim made a formal complaint in 2016, and her victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and psychological trauma she endured, including alcohol addiction, nightmares, and mental health struggles. O'Callaghan's defense highlighted his guilty pleas and lack of previous convictions. Judge Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the abuse, the young age of the victim, and the breach of trust as aggravating factors. He sentenced O'Callaghan to 12 years, reduced it to six years due to his age at the time of the offenses and mitigating factors, and suspended the final year on conditions.
Myles Connors, 37, was jailed for a year for defrauding an elderly woman of over €50,000 for poor-quality garden work. Connors charged the 82-year-old woman €48,000 for slabbing, weed removal, and cementing her garden, and an additional €5,000 for power washing and painting her tarmac. The work was assessed as being worth no more than €20,000, with materials costing less than €3,000. The woman, who lives alone and has mobility issues, was left with uneven and unsecured slabs and felt unsafe in her home. Connors pleaded guilty to two counts of deception. Judge Orla Crowe described the offense as a "sustained, controlled, and pre-meditated campaign" against the woman, a "gross breach of trust." She ordered the release of frozen funds, fully restituting the woman. Connors received a two-year sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered not to contact the victim. Gardai had previously recommended Connors to the woman based on his work for a neighbor.
Arthur Bradford, a Ghanian man, was jailed for six and a half years for raping an intoxicated woman he approached at a nightclub in Dublin. He was convicted by a Central Criminal Court jury last month. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described waking up in a house she had never been to, with her underwear inside out and feeling as if she had had non-consensual sex. CCTV footage showed Bradford approaching her while she was unsteady on her feet. Bradford claimed the encounter was consensual. The victim's impact statement highlighted the trauma and lasting effects of the rape, including on her relationships and education. Bradford, who has 21 previous convictions, including for theft and money laundering, was subject to a deportation order. The judge noted the traumatic impact on the victim and imposed a six-and-a-half-year sentence, encouraging Bradford to engage in offence-focused work while in custody.
Martin Ward (64) was jailed for 12.5 years for repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his partner's niece when she was at her most vulnerable. Ward was found guilty of 27 counts of sexual abuse, including three counts of rape, nine counts of oral rape, and 15 counts of sexual assault. The abuse occurred between 2000 and 2004 when the girl was sent to live with Ward and his partner. The victim, Martina Ward, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having stolen her childhood. She stated that Ward manipulated her and caused her profound trauma, including PTSD and ongoing mental health issues. Ms Justice Melanie Greally noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 16 years but reduced it to 12.5 years considering mitigating factors such as Ward's lack of related convictions and his community work. Ward has eight previous convictions for road traffic offences and made no admissions during the trial.
Noel O'Neill (30) was convicted of three counts of orally raping a child when she was between six and 12 years old. The abuse occurred at his former family home in Edenderry, Co Offaly, and involved a game called 'guess the finger' where he would place his penis in the child's mouth. The victim, now 19, waived her anonymity and described the abuse as having taken her innocence and caused her PTSD. She stated that O'Neill's refusal to acknowledge the verdict broke her further and that the court process retraumatized her. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon set a headline sentence of 11 years but reduced it to 10 years considering mitigating factors such as O'Neill's lack of previous convictions and his role as a sole provider. O'Neill has not acknowledged the verdict and has never offered an apology. The victim expressed a desire to raise awareness and support other abuse victims. Noel O'Neill pleaded not guilty.
Tom White (76) was jailed for six years for repeatedly sexually abusing a young girl over 50 years ago when they were neighbors in Limerick. White was found guilty of 10 counts of indecent assault between 1971 and 1976. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, described the abuse as having ended her childhood and shaped her life for 50 years. White had regular access to the girl's home and made lewd comments and physical abuse. The court heard that the abuse occurred several times a week and was described as 'opportunistic'. Ms Justice Eileen Creedon noted the breach of trust and the severity of the abuse. The judge set a headline sentence of 10 years but reduced it to six years considering mitigating factors such as White's age, health issues, and the long intervening period since the crimes were committed. White has a long work history and has been married for about 50 years.
A 44-year-old man from Offaly was jailed for six years after being found guilty of raping his best friend while she slept beside her grandchild in a Moses basket. The victim testified that she awoke to find the accused on top of her, having sex with her. She managed to push him off and left the room, only for the accused to return and attempt to re-enter the house. The victim later reported the incident to the gardaí and was treated at a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit, where she was found to have bruising and a small cut. The accused, who has eight previous convictions, claimed the sex was consensual. The victim described the emotional toll of the assault, including feeling like a "zombie" and losing quality time with her dying brother. She expressed that the rape had "shattered my sense of security in my home" and that she felt "dirty" despite scrubbing herself.
Larry Connors (32) and Michael Connors (34), both of Newbridge, Co Kildare, were sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to assault causing harm at Fleet Street, Temple Bar, Dublin, on December 21, 2024. The incident occurred in a pub restroom following a Tyson Fury boxing match, where the victim was assaulted after shouting "up Usyk." The victim sustained a chipped tooth, bruising, swelling, and cuts to his face. Both defendants were already serving sentences for affray imposed by Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court in February and had been due for release in November. Judge Martin Nolan noted that while Michael Connors initiated the incident by pushing the victim, Larry Connors used the greatest force. Both men brought €1,500 each to court. The judge imposed a sentence of 20 months on each defendant, with the final year suspended on conditions. These conditions require them to hand over the total €3,000 to the garda to be offered to the victim or, if not accepted, donated to charity. The court acknowledged their apologies and good work histories, noting they would return to stable situations upon release.
An eight-year prison sentence for Aaron Babbington, who attacked a man with a broken bottle, was upheld by the Court of Appeal. Babbington, who has 146 previous convictions, was found guilty of attempted murder after an unprovoked attack on Jason Butler, who died two days later. The sentencing judge had imposed a 10-year sentence with the final two years suspended, considering Babbington's plea and potential for rehabilitation. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued the sentence was unduly lenient, but the Court of Appeal rejected this, noting that the judge had considered both aggravating and mitigating factors. Babbington's defense argued that the incident was out of character for him and that the reduction from the headline sentence was within the court's discretion. The court concluded that the sentence was not a gross departure from the norm and dismissed the appeal.
Wayne Roche, who murdered his partner's father, John O'Connor, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with the judge criticizing his "appalling" behavior throughout the trial. Roche had repeatedly lied and tried to blame an innocent man, Michael Bancewicz, for the murder. The judge noted that Roche had a significant criminal history, including 83 previous convictions for assault, robbery, and other violent crimes. During the sentencing hearing, Roche interrupted the proceedings and left the court before the sentence was handed down. The judge praised the victim's family for their "patience and dignity" in the face of Roche's provocations. The family described the attack as "vicious" and "inhumane," stating that Roche had shown no remorse. The court heard that Roche had taken the victim's future from his family and that the victim had been robbed of his life. Roche's defense argued that he did not accept the jury's verdict, but the judge emphasized the severity of the crime and the need for justice. Wayne Roche pleaded not guilty.
A deafblind man, David Eccles, is challenging the refusal of legal aid by the Legal Aid Board in the High Court. He is seeking to pursue a discrimination claim against the HSE for not providing an Irish Sign Language interpreter to assist him in learning braille. Eccles has Usher Syndrome Type 1, which has caused him to lose his hearing and vision progressively. He relies on ISL to communicate and requires an interpreter to access braille training. The HSE's health contractor, Vision Ireland, refused to fund an interpreter, preventing Eccles from participating in the training. Eccles argues that this refusal constitutes direct discrimination under the Equal Status Act 2000 and the Constitution. He is unemployed and dependent on social welfare, making it impossible for him to afford legal representation. The High Court granted permission for the legal challenge, acknowledging the logistical difficulties faced by Eccles in pursuing the case. The matter is adjourned to July for further proceedings.
David Hunter, a British national, has failed in his appeal to overturn his conviction for the murder of Michael Barr in a Dublin pub in 2016. The Court of Appeal upheld the Special Criminal Court's decision to dismiss the evidence of a witness regarding the height of one of the shooters. Hunter had argued that the trial court erred in rejecting the testimony of a witness who claimed the gunman was over six feet tall, while Hunter is five foot ten. The court found that the trial court's assessment of the eye-witness evidence was both cogent and rigorous. The DNA evidence linking Hunter to the crime was also upheld, as was the court's decision to admit the mobile phone evidence despite concerns about privacy rights. The appeal was dismissed, and Hunter's conviction remains in place.
Mark Salmon (33), a drug dealer, was jailed for ten years for making threats to kill and damage property, as well as possessing cocaine and proceeds of crime. Salmon threatened a mother that he would get 'junkies' to rape her son if she failed to repay a €157,000 debt. Presiding judge Mr Justice Patrick McGrath noted the severity of the threats and Salmon's role in the drug trade. Salmon had pleaded guilty to the charges and the court considered mitigating factors such as his early guilty plea and efforts at rehabilitation. The court also noted that Salmon had previously been involved in criminal activities and had a history of intimidation. The victim's mother had to leave her home and her son fled the country due to fear. Salmon was also found in possession of €35,000 worth of cocaine and had unexplained income from criminal activities. The court ordered the forfeiture of cash and the destruction of the drugs seized.
A mother who attempted to murder her eight-year-old daughter by strangling her with a phone cable and stabbing her more than 70 times has been jailed for nine years. The mother, a 49-year-old Russian national, claimed she was "out of her mind" when she attacked her daughter. The child, who is now in foster care, described the "tormenting" pain of the attack in her victim impact statement. The court heard that the mother had a history of mental health issues, including bipolar affective disorder and recurrent depressive disorder. She had previously been hospitalized for mental health treatment and had attempted suicide. The jury found her guilty of attempted murder, and the judge noted that her mental health significantly contributed to her actions. The mother was sentenced to 12 years, but the final three years were suspended, resulting in a nine-year custodial sentence. The victim impact statement highlighted the lasting emotional and physical trauma the child endured, including scars and nightmares.
A childcare worker, Leanne Flynn, described a ferocious knife attack by Riad Bouchaker on a group of children in Dublin. Bouchaker, who is on trial for attempted murder and assault, allegedly stabbed a girl in the chest multiple times and threatened other children with a knife. Flynn intervened, grabbing Bouchaker from behind and pulling him away from the children. She was stabbed in the back during the struggle and later required emergency surgery for severe injuries, including a collapsed lung and a severed diaphragm. A Deliveroo driver, Ciao Benicio, struck Bouchaker with his helmet and punched him, helping to subdue him. The court heard that the attack was "ferocious" and that Bouchaker was "hell bent on getting the children." The trial continues with the accused denying all charges. The incident occurred on November 23, 2023, and the court has heard from multiple witnesses, including a nurse who described the horrifying nature of the knife used. Riad Bouchaker pleaded not guilty. Leanne Flynn pleaded not guilty.
A 42-year-old prisoner, Paul Clarke, who was originally charged with the murder of Eoin Boylan in November 2019, has pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of a criminal organisation. Clarke, from Coolock Drive, Coolock, appeared before the Central Criminal Court and admitted to participating in the killing of Mr Boylan at Clonshaugh Avenue, Dublin, with knowledge of the existence of a criminal organisation. The court heard that Clarke, between November 23 and 24, 2019, participated in the killing with the intent to enhance the ability of the organisation to commit serious offences. Clarke was initially charged with murder in March 2025. His defence counsel, Michael O'Higgins SC, noted that Clarke is currently serving a lengthy sentence but is doing well and requested a probation report. Mr Justice Paul McDermott listed the case for October 5 and requested the probation report be prepared by that date. Eoin Boylan was shot six times outside his home on Clonshaugh Avenue on November 24, 2019, and later died at Beaumont Hospital.
Two 21-year-old twin brothers, Eric and Sean Farrell, who had no prior criminal history, were sentenced to six years in prison for the manslaughter of Nicolae Diaconu (45) during a domestic incident. The court heard that the twins stabbed Diaconu eight times and struck him with a blunt object after he became abusive towards their mother, leading her to seek refuge. Mr Justice Tony Hunt noted that the incident occurred out of the blue and that the twins acted under a mistaken belief they were under threat. The judge imposed a seven-year and six-month sentence with the final 18 months suspended for the rest of their lives. The twins had previously pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter. CCTV footage showed them being amicable with Diaconu before the incident. The court considered mitigating factors such as their youth, remorse, and lack of previous convictions. The judge emphasized the level of violence and the use of knives and a hammer as aggravating factors.
A demoted Aer Lingus pilot, Declan McCabe, may be able to return to command within weeks, according to the airline's chief pilot, John Kelly. McCabe was demoted following an incident at Dublin Airport in 2023, where an Airbus A321neo failed to link up with the radio navigation beacon for the new north runway. McCabe claimed the event was a "non-event" and that he had the discretion to decide whether to report it. The tribunal heard that McCabe had written directly to the regulator without copying his manager, Captain Colm Wynne, due to concerns about retribution. McCabe was taken off flying duties pending a safety probe and was later demoted. His legal team argued that he was penalized for raising protected disclosures, while the airline maintained that McCabe failed to fulfill safety reporting duties. The tribunal is continuing, with the chief pilot stating that McCabe may be able to return to command after spending enough time on the line under review.
A judge has dismissed a claim that Stephen Dowling, a boxing instructor, breached the conditions of a suspended sentence imposed for threatening his former girlfriend and her fiancé with a hammer. Dowling was accused of calling his former girlfriend a 'fucking snitch' and raising his middle finger at her during an encounter outside a shopping centre. The court heard conflicting accounts of the incident, with Dowling denying the allegations. CCTV footage was played, but the judge was not satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged breach had occurred. The suspended sentence remains in place, and the judge warned Dowling not to return to court. Dowling had previously been convicted of producing an article capable of inflicting serious injury and threatening to kill or cause serious harm.
Theresa O'Reilly, a woman who threatened to burn down another woman's mother's house and take a lump hammer to her head during a row over an e-scooter, has avoided a jail sentence. O'Reilly pleaded guilty to threatening to kill or seriously harm the woman and her family, and demanding €500. She has 13 previous convictions, including several under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act. The court heard that O'Reilly was under pressure at the time and was deeply remorseful for her actions. Judge Peter White imposed three six-month prison sentences, all suspended in full for 18 months, on conditions that O'Reilly keep the peace and be of good behaviour. The judge acknowledged the stressful period in O'Reilly's life but noted that the offences were serious and not idle threats.
Mohammad Rehman, a British national, has been jailed for helping serious criminals escape after they attacked a Tallaght home and beat a man with a hammer during a drug-related dispute. Rehman arrived in Ireland the previous day with plans to set up a mobile valeting business. He pleaded guilty to driving the vehicle involved in an aggravated burglary to and from the scene. The court heard that the attack was caused by a drugs transaction that went wrong. Rehman was not involved in the attack and did not get out of the car. He had no previous convictions and the judge noted that he had tested negative for drugs while in custody. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced Rehman to three and a half years in prison, backdated to when he went into custody, for helping serious criminals escape.
A man who was found with €5,000 worth of drugs in his home five years ago has received a suspended 18-month sentence. Sean Hassett, who was 24 at the time, immediately admitted to the drugs when gardaí searched his home in June 2021. However, due to delays in processing the case, he was only charged this year. During the time between the search and his charge, Hassett moved to Spain, removed himself from negative peer groups, and turned his life around. He provided clean urine analysis to the court to prove he no longer uses drugs and is now engaged to be married. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Hassett had not re-offended since 2021 and had fully cooperated with the investigation. She acknowledged his efforts to change his life and suspended his sentence for three years on certain conditions. The drugs involved included ketamine, cannabis, and cocaine, with a total value of just over €5,100. Hassett has four previous convictions, including one for a road traffic offence and three for drug possession. The unnamed accused pleaded guilty.
Anne Marie Forrester, a former Tesco employee, has been given a fully suspended prison sentence of two and a half years for stealing €6,500 from her employer. Forrester had a previous conviction for a similar offence and was given the benefit of the Probation Act. The court heard that Forrester was present during the cash transfers and stole individual bags of €500. She later submitted a sick note and was not in work for seven weeks. Forrester has since engaged with MABS to address rental arrears and is making weekly repayments. She is a carer for her mother and works 18 hours a week. The court acknowledged her personal difficulties and mental health issues but noted that stealing from an employer must be deterred. Forrester was ordered to repay €7,000 over 18 months to Tesco. Anne Marie Forrester pleaded guilty.
A 48-year-old man has been jailed for two and a half years for instigating a violent attack on two men in Balbriggan. Kevin Cox pleaded guilty to a charge of violent disorder that occurred on March 31, 2024. During the incident, Cox pushed and struck one of the victims multiple times, and the second victim was punched and kicked. Both victims sustained serious injuries, with one suffering from ongoing headaches and impaired vision, and the other suffering from a knee dislocation and fractures. Cox has 16 previous convictions, most of which are from the District Court. His defence argued that most of his previous convictions were historic and that he had not come to garda attention since the incident. He expressed remorse and offered €4,000 as a token of apology. Judge Elma Sheahan noted the CCTV footage showing Cox's aggressive actions and set a headline sentence of six years, which she reduced to four years. She suspended the final 18 months for 18 months under strict conditions.
A former haulage company owner has been given a suspended sentence for writing two cheques for green diesel that failed to clear. Kenneth Browne pleaded guilty to two counts of deception in 2019. He had agreed to pay for 2,500 litres of green diesel with a cheque, but the cheque bounced. He later ordered an additional 5,000 litres, which he also paid for with a cheque that also bounced. Browne had made some repayments to the supplier but stopped when he was told he would only receive a receipt upon full repayment. He attended a voluntary interview and admitted to making poor business decisions that led to his company's bankruptcy. His defence highlighted that he had no repeat offences in the past seven years and was now employed full-time. Judge Jonathan Dunphy noted that Browne had made a dishonest decision to write the cheques and had relevant previous convictions. He set a headline sentence of two and a half years, which he reduced to 20 months in prison on each count to run concurrently.
A receptionist at an English Language school in Dublin described the chaos that followed a knife attack on children. She heard a colleague scream 'the kid is dead' as she saw a girl being treated by paramedics and a man unconscious nearby. The witness, Luciana Yaya, recognized the man as the same individual who had earlier entered the school. She described the man as being chubby, wearing a brown coat and a beanie hat with a visible scar on his face. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder three children and seriously injuring a care worker, continues. Evidence presented included a bloodstained jacket belonging to the care worker and a 24cm carving knife found in a rucksack at the scene. The trial is expected to last up to five weeks, with the jury considering the testimonies of witnesses and the exhibits presented.
An accountant, Siobhán McDonagh, who claimed her employer laughed at her when she asked about her redundancy package, has won over €25,000 in compensation for unfair dismissal. McDonagh, who worked for James P McCann Ireland Ltd for 17 years, was made redundant in January 2026. She alleged that her employer, Jim McCann, told her she would have to claim her redundancy from the State. Despite receiving her redundancy from the Social Protection Fund, McDonagh believed the company was doing well. The tribunal heard that the company was in extreme financial difficulties, with only two arcades remaining in Dublin. The adjudication officer found that the company had significant procedural defects in the termination, including no meaningful consultation or selection process. McDonagh was awarded €25,177.62 for unfair dismissal.
A witness testified that she heard a man speaking aggressively on the afternoon of a knife attack that left several children injured. Patricia Byrne heard the man say 'sh*t Irish, sh*t f***ing Irish' in an aggressive manner as he walked along Mary St in Dublin. She saw him approach two women with buggies and later identified him on CCTV footage. The trial of Riad Bouchaker, who is accused of attempting to murder two girls and one boy, and assault causing serious harm to a care worker, continues. Gardai found a 24cm carving knife in a rucksack near the scene of the attack. Bouchaker has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the trial before a jury of nine men and three women is expected to last up to five weeks.
A Lithuanian man with a history of violent convictions has been sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for raping a woman and threatening to "cut her face off and eat her" shortly after they met. Tasas Ruzas (42) was found guilty of rape, anal rape, and making a threat to kill or cause serious harm following a trial in the Central Criminal Court. The incident occurred after a day of drug and alcohol use with the victim, who had initially met Ruzas in Dublin city centre. During the assault, Ruzas punched the victim, raped her without a condom, and then anally raped her. The victim managed to escape and call for help. Ruzas has numerous previous convictions in Ireland, Lithuania, and the UK, including theft, assault, and dangerous driving. The judge noted the extreme humiliation and degrading nature of the sexual offences and the violence inflicted on the victim, who suffered a fractured eye.
A 22-year-old man, Wojtek Kulik, has been sentenced to two years in prison for money laundering and one year for possession of cannabis for sale or supply. Kulik received over €18,000 into his Revolut account through hundreds of transactions between January 2024 and January 2025. He was also caught with €7,272 worth of cannabis in October 2023. Kulik admitted to being an addict and said he was given €100 to deliver the cannabis to someone else. The court heard that he had a history of substance misuse since the age of 16 and that he had made full admissions. A probation report indicated that Kulik is at high risk of reoffending but is motivated to engage with services. Judge Orla Crowe noted the aggravating factor of the money laundering over a considerable period of time but took into account his guilty pleas, youth, and willingness to engage with services. She suspended the final six months of the two-year sentence on strict conditions and directed him to undergo supervision by the Probation Service for one year post-release.
A disqualified driver, Conor Warburton, narrowly avoided hitting two children in a double buggy while fleeing gardai in a stolen car. Warburton (36) was jailed for three years and disqualified from driving for ten years after pleading guilty to charges including endangerment, dangerous driving, and unauthorized use of a vehicle. The incident occurred on May 9, 2023, when Warburton drove at high speed through a bus stop, narrowly missing the children and a garda who was about to exit a patrol car. The car had false registration plates and Warburton was not insured at the time. The pursuit lasted around 30 seconds over 800 meters before gardai lost sight of the car. Warburton has 66 previous convictions, including dangerous driving and no insurance. His defence highlighted addiction issues as the root of his offending, and he has been clean for seven months. Judge Orla Crowe noted the reckless and dangerous nature of his actions and the aggravating factors of his previous convictions and disqualification.
A 23-year-old man from Dublin was jailed for three-and-a-half years after gardai discovered nearly €280,000 worth of drugs in his van and home. Ben Murray was stopped by gardai in Dublin 8 after spinning his van's wheels at a junction. During a search, gardai found 1.16kg of cocaine in the van, and over 2.8kg of cocaine and 2,500 alprazolam tablets in his home. Murray admitted to possessing the drugs for sale and stated he was to be paid €200 for transporting them. He had five previous convictions for road traffic offences. The court noted the large quantity of drugs and Murray's role in moving and storing them. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a four-year sentence, with the final six months suspended on strict conditions, considering Murray's cooperation, his history of addiction, and his family's support. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the drug trade and the need for rehabilitation. Ben Murray pleaded guilty.
A 28-year-old man's rape conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal due to the trial judge failing to warn the jury about conflicting evidence. The complainant initially told friends that a different man had sex with her, but the trial judge did not address this in his instructions to the jury. The defendant was found guilty of two counts of rape and one of sexual assault, but the appeal court ruled that the conviction should be overturned. The court noted that the complainant's evidence was inconsistent and that the jury should have been warned about the conflicting accounts. The appeal court emphasized the importance of ensuring that juries are properly instructed on the need for corroboration in cases with conflicting evidence. The defendant was remanded in custody to appear before the Central Criminal Court.
A 68-year-old woman with schizophrenia, Elaine Tyrrell, was convicted of harassment for over 20 years against a single victim. She was sentenced to three years fully suspended by Judge Orla Crowe. The State has appealed the sentence, arguing that the maximum penalty for harassment increased during the period of the offending and that a fully suspended sentence is inappropriate given her previous convictions. The court heard that Tyrrell had a history of mental health issues and that her culpability was mitigated by her condition. Mr Justice John Edwards noted that while a suspended sentence may have stopped the harassment, it could be seen as lenient. The court will reserve judgment on the appeal. Tyrrell's defense argued that the sentence was not unduly lenient and that the judge had monitored her for ten months before imposing the sentence.
The Women of Honour CLG has initiated a High Court judicial review against Defence Minister Helen McEntee, Ireland, and the Attorney General, challenging the State's refusal to fund the group's legal teams for a tribunal investigating bullying, harassment, and sexual assault allegations within the Defence Forces. The group, represented by Mark Harty SC, argued that the State's decision creates a "fundamental inequality of arms" and "fundamental unfairness." They submitted that while the State and the Defence Forces, who are the subjects of the complaints, are fully funded, the complainants face potential cost denial despite being voluntary participants assisting the tribunal's fact-finding. Mr Harty contended that denying funding acts as a structural barrier to participation and renders the right to representation illusory, as witnesses may face reputational scrutiny. He further argued that the State cannot rely on tribunal limitations to avoid ensuring effective participation. The tribunal, which began this week, is scheduled to continue for 33 days. In her decision, Ms Justice Sara Phelan put all respondents on notice and adjourned the matter to appear before the judicial review list again at the High Court next week.
A personal trainer at a female-only gym, John Peters (33), has been jailed for two years and two months for assaulting his then-girlfriend. Peters pleaded guilty to assault, assault causing harm, and criminal damage to her phone. He has no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter noted the aggravating factors of the intimate relationship and the significant effect of the aggression on the victim. Peters' probation report indicated that he minimized his actions and claimed the victim provoked him. The judge highlighted the lack of evidence that Peters is addressing his aggression and the absence of contrition. She sentenced Peters to three years for assault causing harm, two and a half years for criminal damage, and six months for assault, all to run concurrently. The final 10 months of the sentence were suspended for 15 months, and Peters was placed under the supervision of the Probation Services for 10 months post-release.
The Court of Appeal has ordered the retrial of Aaron Connolly, whose murder conviction for Cameron Reilly was quashed due to remarks by the trial judge that may have been perceived as mocking the defence case. The trial judge's charge to the jury was found to lack balance and may have been seen as advocacy for the prosecution case and disparaging of the defence case. Connolly, who was 26 at the time of the murder, initially denied any sexual contact with Reilly but later admitted to performing oral sex on him. The trial heard that Reilly was bisexual and had confided in friends about this. Connolly was found guilty in December 2022 and received a mandatory life sentence. His appeal argued that the trial judge's comments were denigrating of the defence case. The Court of Appeal ruled that the trial judge's remarks were capable of being perceived as disparaging and mocking the defence case. The conviction was quashed, and the Director of Public Prosecutions will decide whether to apply for a retrial. Aaron Connolly pleaded not guilty.
A special needs assistant has claimed she was forced out of her job at a south Dublin school due to mistreatment from parents who objected to her wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf. Sarah O'Mahony alleges that management failed to protect her from mistreatment by parents who objected to her clothing. She brought complaints under the Unfair Dismissals Act and the Employment Equality Act, relying on the protected ground of nationality and race based on her association with people of Palestinian ethnicity. Her lawyer argued that the school put pressure on her to stop wearing the scarf and that this led to her taking a leave of absence and ultimately resigning. The school is contesting the case, and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has given the parties four weeks to submit legal submissions. O'Mahony's solicitor initially wanted both complaints to remain live but later withdrew the Unfair Dismissals case. The WRC administrators extinguished the equality claim, but O'Mahony's solicitor filed a new equality complaint out of caution. The case is ongoing, and the WRC will require written submissions before proceeding further.
Patrick Stokes, a 24-year-old with over 120 previous convictions, was jailed for 21 months after pleading guilty to assaulting a Dublin Bus passenger who objected to social-distancing breaches during the pandemic. Stokes and his co-accused attacked the victim on a bus, resulting in the victim's tooth being dislodged. Stokes admitted to kicking the victim, while his co-accused punched him in the face. The court heard that Stokes had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and his legal team argued that he had changed his life and was now drug-free, married, and a father. Despite this, Judge Martin Nolan noted the "thuggish" nature of the attack and the harm caused to the victim. Stokes expressed remorse and apologized for his actions, but the court emphasized the seriousness of the incident and the need for justice for the victim.
A family member of a 62-year-old woman who was killed by her son described the family as "severely divided" by the incident. Luke Donnelly, 29, was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter after claiming he was provoked by his mother, Catherine Henry. The court heard that Donnelly had a history of drug use and mental health issues, and that his mother had a history of violence. Donnelly claimed he was in fear for his life when his mother threatened to kill him. His family members gave victim impact statements, with some expressing that they felt the mother was on trial rather than the son. The court heard that Donnelly had a complex relationship with his mother and that he had been groomed into a life of drugs and violence. The Director of Public Prosecutions argued for a sentence of between 10 and 15 years, while the defense argued for a sentence in the medium culpability range. Donnelly was remanded in custody until his sentencing hearing.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) awarded €14,262 to applicant Krzysztof Bonarek, finding that his dismissal by Sean Doyle Windows Ltd in November 2024 constituted penalisation for safety complaints. Adjudication officer Davnet O'Driscoll determined that the termination breached the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, directing the firm to pay €11,200 in compensation for this penalisation. The WRC noted that Mr Bonarek had reported that the company van's brakes were not working properly to management, specifically Sean Doyle Jnr, and subsequently had the vehicle inspected by a mechanic who found it in poor repair. Following this, Mr Bonarek was told he was being laid off and later informed his position was terminated due to insufficient work. The respondent argued the dismissal was for performance reasons and that the applicant had agreed to immediate termination in exchange for a reference. However, the adjudication officer found no evidence of a disciplinary process, redundancy notice, or consultation, describing the situation as unusual. The officer concluded the dismissal was unfair on procedural grounds and amounted to penalisation. Additional redress was awarded for breaches of the Payment of Wages Act 1991 and the Terms of Employment (Information) Act 1994, bringing the total award to €14,262. Counsel for the applicant was Darach McNamara BL, and for the respondent, Cillian McGovern BL.
A preliminary hearing at the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) was adjourned in a dispute between Frank Purcell, Purcell's Wrc, and the Augustinian Order. Mr. Purcell, a volunteer security officer at St Augustine's Church in Limerick City, filed a complaint under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977, alleging he was dismissed after warning church authorities that "rogues" intended to sell "fake relics." The Augustinian Order's legal representatives objected to the tribunal hearing the substance of the case, arguing that Mr. Purcell had no standing under employment legislation because he was unpaid, with his WRC form listing gross weekly wages as €0.00. They contended the matter was not an employment issue but a dispute between parties. Mr. Purcell's counsel countered that the Protected Disclosures Act recognizes volunteers and that Mr. Purcell suffered penalisation for his disclosure after 16 years of service. Adjudication Officer Peter O'Brien noted the lack of compensation evidence and suggested the issue might be better resolved outside an industrial relations tribunal. The officer invited written legal submissions on the respondent's objection and closed the hearing, meaning the matter was adjourned rather than concluded.
An Indian business student, Rishabh Mahajan, was jailed for four months after sexually assaulting a woman and brazenly masturbating in public multiple times in Dublin. Mahajan pleaded guilty to four counts of offensive conduct of a sexual nature and one count of sexual assault. The court heard that Mahajan targeted vulnerable women working alone at night and that his behavior was brazen and public. Judge Martina Baxter noted that Mahajan had no entitlement to remain in Ireland and was subject to a deportation order. She imposed a total of 16 months in prison, with the final 12 months suspended on strict conditions. Mahajan was also registered as a sex offender. The court heard that Mahajan had arrived in Ireland to study but had used cannabis and alcohol, which affected his behavior. His family is not in Ireland, and he is now homeless. The court emphasized the need for Mahajan to address his risk factors and develop insight into his offending.
Jonathan Gill, accused of murdering Robbie Lawlor, has challenged his extradition to the UK, arguing that he would not receive the same legal protections in UK courts as he would in the European Union. His legal team highlighted that evidence from EncroChat, an encrypted messaging platform, may not be admissible in UK courts, unlike in the EU, where individuals can challenge the admissibility of such evidence through the Court of Justice of the European Union and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights. The UK, however, does not have the same protections, and Gill's legal team claims this would breach his fundamental rights. The Minister for Justice argued that EncroChat messages are admissible in both the EU and the UK, and that Gill has multiple avenues to challenge their use in UK courts, including through the European Court of Human Rights. The court has remanded Gill in custody ahead of a bail hearing, with a judgment on extradition to be delivered later.
Thomas Grace, a serial criminal with over 250 previous convictions, was jailed for two on-bail offences, including breaking into a couple's home and ransacking it while they slept. Judge Orla Crowe noted that Grace's criminal history dates back nearly 25 years and includes a wide range of offences, from burglary and robbery to drug-related crimes and assaults. She acknowledged Grace's struggle with heroin addiction, which began at 18, but emphasized that many people have been directly affected by his actions. Grace was sentenced to concurrent terms of 18 months and three years and nine months for theft and burglary, with the final nine months of the second term suspended on strict conditions. Grace pleaded guilty to stealing from a café and burglarizing a family home. His legal team highlighted his troubled past, including leaving school at 13 and falling into addiction and criminality after returning home. Despite showing remorse, Grace's long history of offending and ongoing drug addiction were significant factors in the court's decision.
A CFO has been awarded her full losses of €60,000 after her ex-employer failed to provide a reason for her dismissal, causing her significant difficulty in finding new employment. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that Horizon Controls Ltd must pay Helen Nason this amount under the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977. Nason was informed of her dismissal without any explanation, and she was cut off from the company's systems immediately. The tribunal noted that the company had financial difficulties and that Nason had warned the CEO about risks in an investment. Despite this, she was dismissed due to redundancy, but the company admitted the process was flawed. Nason applied for 146 positions during her six-month job search, and the adjudicator found that the lack of a reason for her dismissal caused her significant difficulty in finding re-employment. The company argued that Nason should not have been out of work for six months, but the adjudicator found that her efforts to mitigate her losses were reasonable and that the failure to provide a reason was unreasonable.
An 80-year-old former Scout leader, Noel Sheehan, has had his appeal against his conviction for indecently assaulting five young boys rejected by the Court of Appeal. Sheehan had argued that the trial should have been split into two due to the severity of the attack on one of the victims. However, the court ruled that the connection between Sheehan and all the complainants through his leadership of a scout troop was of particular relevance. Sheehan was found guilty of 16 counts of indecent assault and sentenced to four and a half years, with the final six months suspended. The court dismissed the appeal, noting that the alleged offence against the victim in the woods was more serious but still of a similar nature to the other counts. The court found that the trial judge was correct to refuse the defense application for a separate trial, as all the incidents occurred at scouting events involving sleepover elements. The unnamed 80-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Daniel Dooley, one of six family members convicted of the murder of Thomas Dooley in an honour killing during a funeral in Co Kerry, has failed to convince the Court of Appeal that his identification by the victim's widow was unfair and should have resulted in the case being withdrawn from the jury. Dooley was convicted by a majority jury verdict in July 2024 and was one of six defendants, including a teenage boy, who were found guilty of murder. The court ruled that the evidence against Dooley, including CCTV footage showing him entering a van with an implement, was sufficient for the jury to draw inferences that he was part of a joint enterprise of a pre-planned violent attack. The court rejected the appeal, noting that the evidence was not tenuous, weak, or vague and that the credibility of the widow's identification was a matter for the jury. Daniel Dooley pleaded not guilty.