Latest news with #LimerickCircuitCriminalCourt
The Journal
28-07-2025
- The Journal
Man who sexually abused girl during sleepovers with one of his children jailed for six years
A PAEDOPHILE, WHO sexually abused a girl during sleepovers with one of his own children, was jailed today for seven years with the final 12 months suspended. The man, who cannot be named to protect the anonymity of the victim, sexually groomed the girl and got her to send him explicit videos of herself via her mobile phone. The girl's family rejected an apology from the man through his barrister at his sentencing hearing at Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. The court heard that the man, with an address in Co Clare, would whisper to the girl, 'Don't tell, don't tell, it is our little secret', after he abused her. The abuse started in 2010, when the girl was aged ten, and the man was in his 40s. It continued until the girl was 15. The victim made a formal complaint to Gardaí in 2016, when she was aged 16. The man left Ireland after he was arrested and questioned and released on bail pending further enquiries in 2017. He was in custody since he was re-arrested abroad in 2024 on foot of an extradition warrant in respect of 31 child-sex related charges. The man pleaded guilty to six sample charges, including three counts of sexual assaults on the girl, two counts of sexual exploitation of the girl, and one count of possession of child sex abuse images. The court directed the man be included on a national sex offenders register for an indefinite period. The register of known paedophiles in Ireland is not available to the public. Prosecuting barrister John O'Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, assisted by Garda Mark McGauley, previously told the court that the man actively groomed the girl 'for the purpose of his own sexual gratification'. The man groomed the girl through chats via the Facebook and Viber social media platforms late at night, and when she attended his home on sleepovers with one of his children. Advertisement The man sent the victim ten images of his penis and asked her to send him images of her private parts. The girl sent the man 20 photos and one video. In an effort to conceal his offending, the man instructed the girl to delete the imagery and video, which she did, and this material could not be recovered. The man told the girl that when she was 18, they would go to Spain and 'go further'. 'She didn't want that,' O'Sullivan told the court. Reading a victim impact statement in court, the girl said her life had been destroyed by the abuse. The girl, now in her 20s, said she continues to suffer from flashbacks, severe depression, anxiety and a complex post traumatic stress disorder. 'He will never truly understand what he did to me. He stole my childhood and he stole my adulthood because I will never cleanse the memories from my mind,' the victim said. 'The abuse continues to filter into my daily life in unexpected ways and trigger me. A song he used to play might play in a shop and it instantly transports me back, memories of what he did would surge into my mind. I can still hear his voice whisper, 'Don't tell, don't tell, it's our little secret'.' The man's barrister, senior counsel Mark Nicholas, said the defendant is in his 50s, had no prior convictions, and was considered by a psychologist as being below average risk of reoffending. Nicholas read out a letter of apology from the man expressing his remorse and shame. A member of the girl's family, who was sitting in the court with her, replied: 'We don't accept your apology.' O'Sullivan said the victim was entitled to her right to anonymity, and that the 'issue of publicity' in respect of the defendant's identify could be finalised at the conclusion of the criminal proceedings. Sentencing Judge Colin Daly ordered that no parties could be identified. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
17-07-2025
- The Journal
Limerick man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of his niece Marguerita O'Rourke
A MAN PLEADED guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on 21 December, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. 'Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Advertisement Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue was also facing a fifth offence that he did threaten to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. Lily Buckley told the court that Mr O'Donoghue was pleading guilty to the four other offences outlined 'without prejudice'. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan's, death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In an online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan described Ms O'Rourke, née Sheridan, as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on 29 October. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Sunday World
17-07-2025
- Sunday World
Limerick man admits causing death of niece weeks after she gave birth
Danny O'Donoghue, (42) admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke. A man pleaded guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The funeral of Marguerita O'Rourke in Rathkeale Picture: Brendan Gleeson The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Marguerita O'Rourke (née Sheridan) Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 17th Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. A nolle prosequi is to be entered by the prosecution in respect of Mr O'Donoghue previously being charged with one count of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended at a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following her Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan's death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her funeral mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on October 29th.
Irish Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Man pleads guilty to dangerous driving causing death of niece
A man pleaded guilty before a court today to dangerous driving causing the death of his niece and to producing a machete on the same day. Danny O'Donoghue, (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, Co Limerick, admitted the offences when he appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Mr O'Donoghue, appeared before the court via a video-link from Portlaoise Prison, where he is currently being held on remand. He admitted one count of dangerous driving causing the death of his niece, Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, at Bank Place, Rathkeale, on December 21, 2024. Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, had given birth to her first child, a son, three weeks prior to her death. The young mother had been closing steel gates to a property when Mr O'Donoghue struck the gates, killing her. Mr O'Donoghue's barrister, senior counsel Michael Bowman, instructed by solicitor Michael O'Donnell, told the court: 'The tragic deceased was actually the niece of the accused.' Judge Colin Daly said it was a 'sad case indeed'. The judge said, given the 'sensitive' nature of the case he was directing that Mr O'Donoghue's sentencing hearing would be scheduled on its own. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week 'There is some sensitivity to this and I believe Mr O'Donoghue's sentence hearing would benefit from an afternoon to itself, the evidence is likely to take some time, possibly an hour,' the judge said. Prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley BL, told the court: 'The deceased was 21 years of age and her husband is currently in the United Kingdom. Victim impact statements will have to be canvassed, the deceased's parents John Sheridan and Margaret Sheridan will have to be canvassed, and (Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan) had one brother and a three-week old child at the time.' Mr O'Donoghue also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to the set of gates, the property of Mary Teresa O'Rourke, arising out of the same fatal incident last December. He also pleaded guilty to producing a machete during the course of a dispute and causing criminal damage to a silver Ford Transit Custom van, the property of Patrick Sheridan, on the same date. A nolle prosequi is to be entered by the prosecution in respect of Mr O'Donoghue previously being charged with one count of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Patrick Sheridan, also on the same date. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail since he was arrested and held in custody on remand last December. A few weeks prior to her death, Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan and her husband, Denis, had celebrated the birth of their first child. Thousands of people attended at a candle lit vigil at Rathkeale, last Christmas Eve following her Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan's death. Blown up photographs of the deceased dressed in her wedding dress were erected in and around St Mary's Church, Rathkeale, during her Funeral Mass. Her remains were brought in a glass carriage drawn by horses to her final resting place at Rathkeale Cemetery. In online tribute to his late daughter, John Sheridan, described Ms O'Rourke née Sheridan as 'a true legend' who loved 'horses'. The deceased's brother Freddy Sheridan stated: 'It's never going to be the same without you, Maggie, but you left us a very special boy, I know his mama should be here with him, but unfortunately life didn't go that way.' 'Rest in Peace Marguerita, I can't believe I had to say it, love you my sister.' In court today Mr O'Donoghue's barrister successfully applied for a pre-sentencing report from the Governor of Portlaoise Prison as well as an Prison educational report in respect of the accused. Judge Colin Daly remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody for sentencing on October 29. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Mentally ill man did not have access to meds before slash attack, court told
A man who was diagnosed with a serious mental illness did not have access to anti-psychotic medication when he slashed another man's throat at an addiction treatment centre, the accused's trial heard on Wednesday. It is accepted by all parties that the accused, Sean Buemer, Edenmore Crescent, Raheny, Co Dublin, slashed Aaron Babbington's throat with a makeshift knife, which he made by attaching a razor blade to a plastic handle. The two men were participating in a residential alcohol detox programme, at Cuan Mhuire addiction treatment centre, Bruree, Co Limerick, when the attack occurred at the centre during the early hours of December 13, 2019. Mr Beumer, (29), has pleaded 'not guilty by reason of insanity' before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court to charges of assault causing harm and to producing a makeshift knife during the course of the assault on Mr Babbington, (30s), of Churchfield, Co Cork. The court heard Mr Beumer had an established long-term diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia, however a GP who assessed him for his suitability to attend the detox programme at Cuan Mhuire, was not aware of this diagnosis. Cuan Mhuire was also not aware of Mr Beumer's diagnosed mental health condition, nor that he had been prescribed anti-psychotic mediation. Cuan Mhuire's detox policy at the time required that all participants non-medical medications be discontinued for the duration of the programme. Mr Beumer had, in the days prior to the attack, requested his medication but he did not receive it, the trial heard. Mr Buemer told gardai after his arrest that 15 days into his residency at Cuan Mhuire, and with psychotic 'thoughts building' in his mind he 'exploded' and slashed Mr Babbington's throat with the razor, the court heard. Mr Babbington received stitches for three slash wounds to his neck including one of seven-inches in length, and stitches to one of his thumbs where he had been slashed with the 'shiv'. Mr Beumer told gardai, after his arrest, that in the days leading up to him attacking Mr Babbington, he heard 'voices' and experienced hallucinations which he said 'brainwashed' him into erroneously believing he and his family would be murdered if he didn't act. There was no evidence that Mr Babbington had done anything to provoke Mr Beumer. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week Dr Ivan Murray, a forensic consultant psychiatrist and a key witness for the defence, provided uncontested evidence, that in his 'professional opinion', there was a 'definite link' between Mr Beumer not receiving his anti-psychotic medication and the assault on Mr Babbington. Dr Murray said in his opinion, Mr Beumer's diagnosed condition was 'significantly exacerbated' when he did not receive his mediation in the days prior to the attack. Dr Murray said he it was his view that Mr Beumer would not have been able to shake off the 'false thoughts' 'delusions' and 'hallucinations' that he reported experiencing while he was off his meds. Dr Murray, who carried out an independent medical assessment of Mr Beumer in May 2025, said he believed that being off his mediation caused Mr Beumer to suffer a 'psychotic relapse' which led to him 'suffering from a mental disorder at the time that rendered him unable to refrain form his actions and which overwhelmed his decision-making'. Dr Murray said, in his opinion, that Mr Beumer 'meets the criteria' of being not guilty of the offences by reason of insanity. The psychiatrist agreed with prosecuting barrister, Lily Buckley, that Mr Beumer's schizophrenia should have been flagged with Cuan Mhuire in advance of him attending the centre to participate in its alcohol detox programme. Dr Murray said, in his opinion, Mr Beumer requires a 'multi-disciplinary' medical approach to treating his schizophrenia, including a MRI scan on his brain in order to rule in or rule out the possibility, although a 'rare' one, that Mr Beumer may be suffering from a 'lesion' on his brain that could cause similar mental health difficulties. In her closing speech to the jury, Ms Buckley said there were three verdicts open to the jury, guilty, not guilty, or not guilty by reason of insanity. In his closing speech, Mr Beumer's barrister, senior counsel Lorcan Connolly, said Mr Beumer was responsible for the attack on Mr Babington, but he argued Mr Beumer was not of sound mind at the time and therefore he was not guilty of the offences by reason of insanity. 'The fact is Mr Beumer needed medication, he didn't get it, which resulted in him cracking and doing what he did,' Mr Connolly said. 'Dr Murray's professional opinion was that Sean Beumer was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia that rendered him unable to control his actions. The only logical verdict is based on the evidence that Mr Beumer is not guilty by reason of insanity,' Mr Connolly told the jury. The jury of seven men and five women is expected to retire Thursday to consider its verdicts.
