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Sunday World
a day ago
- Sunday World
Irish woman who accused Madeleine McCann suspect of rape fears he will hunt her down if freed
Christian Brueckner (48), is due to be freed from a German jail in September Christian Brueckner was tried in Germany for Ms Behan's rape and was found not guilty on the basis of insufficient evidence (Getty) An Irish woman who alleged she was raped at knifepoint by the main suspect in the disappearance of toddler Madeleine McCann says she fears he will seek her out following his release from prison. Christian Brueckner (48), is due to be freed from a German jail in September after completing his sentence for the rape of a 72-year-old US woman in Praia da Luz, Portugal in 2005. Hazel Behan (41), who has waived her right to anonymity, said she fears the German man will 'hunt her down'. 'His sentence may be ending but mine never did. I have lived with fear every day for 21 years,' she told The Sun. 'Fear that I'll see him. Fear that he'll find out where I live and hunt me down. I also have fear that he'll do to someone else what he did to me. 'I've called him out in a public forum and I have genuine concern he could confront me. 'I wouldn't put anything past a person like him. 'If he is released, I will worry for every woman and child who, like me, believes the justice system is protecting them. 'A leopard doesn't change his spots.' Brueckner, a convicted sex offender, was acquitted by a German court in relation to the charge of violent rape of Ms Behan at her apartment in Praia da Rocha in Portugal's Algarve. Later this year, Ms Behan expects to discover the outcome of her High Court appeal in Germany against his acquittal for raping her, another woman and a girl in Portugal in 2004. Hazel Behan (Steve Humphreys) Today's News in 90 Seconds - 08 June 2025 Ms Behan has accused the Portuguese authorities of alleged 'inaction' in identifying and prosecuting Brueckner. In April, she lodged an application to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against the Portuguese authorities over their handling of her attack. Ms Behan also expressed her sympathy and support for the Leicestershire-based family of Madeleine who went missing in Praia da Luz while on holiday with her family in 2007 when she was three years old. 'As a parent, I cannot begin to imagine what they have gone through and continue to go through every day for the past 18 years,' she said. German and Portuguese police and firefighters carried out a three-day search of an area near Praia da Luz last week in the latest efforts to find out what happened to the missing child.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Man who exposed his genitals to teens in three ‘nasty' separate incidents avoids jail
Asking for some leniency, the barrister said her client was really a 'gentle soul' A man who exposed his genitals to teenage girls in Tralee on three separate occasions in one week has received a suspended sentence. Afonso Chavez, also known as Junior Chavez, pled guilty to three counts of exposing his genitals to cause fear, distress or alarm to another person at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court on Friday, May 30. Mr Chavez, of Kileen Road in Tralee, was convicted of exposing his genitals to a 14-year-old girl and a 15-year-old girl at Monavalley in Tralee on Monday, July 19, 2021. He was convicted of exposing his genitals to the same two girls at Monavalley two days later, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Mr Chavez, who had no previous convictions, was also convicted of exposing his genitals to a 16-year-old girl at Market Place in Tralee on Friday, July 23, 2021. The court heard that the girl was in a car when Mr Chavez approached and she used a phone to video him. Ahead of sentencing, barrister for the defendant, Katie O'Connell, told Judge Behan that her client was 'very upset' after spending some time in custody. Ms O'Connell said that Mr Chavez fully accepted that his penis was erect during the incidents with the girls. Asking for some leniency, the barrister said her client was really a 'gentle soul'. Judge Behan, summarising the case, said Mr Chavez had altered his clothing and exposed his genitals to the girls in a planned manner. 'It was nasty and upsetting for those girls,' she said. The Judge said she was sceptical of Ms O'Connell's argument that the loss of Mr Chavez's mother had contributed to him carrying out the exposures, given how long had passed since her death. She noted that Mr Chavez had engaged in counselling and was taking anti-depressants. He had also spent a number of nights in custody. Judge Behan said a probation report on the accused caused her to consider his sentence. She said that Mr Chavez had struggled to take responsibility for the harm he caused to his victims and had been embarrassed about the incidents. Tralee Circuit Criminal Court. File photo Today's News in 90 Seconds - 08 June 2025 The Judge said he was at medium risk of reoffending and low risk of committing a non-sexual offence. His offences meant he could get up to two years imprisonment. She sentenced Mr Chavez to 18 months in prison and suspended this sentence in entirety for three years. Judge Behan took into account Mr Chavez's lack of previous convictions, guilty pleas and work history in the hospitality industry before sentencing him. Mr Chavez is required to engage in a therapy programme and address any mental health issues as part of the conditions of his sentence.
Irish Independent
27-05-2025
- Irish Independent
Four charged after gardaí conduct searches across Wicklow targeting those involved in burglary, theft and drugs
An imitation firearm was seized in the operation Four people have been charged after gardaí carried out searches across Co Wicklow as part of a 'day of action' targeting those involved in burglary, theft and drug related offences. A total of six people had been arrested and an imitation firearm seized after gardaí conducted searches of 13 locations on the morning of May 23. 'Gardaí have since charged four of these individuals in relation to this operation and they will appear in court at a later date,' a Garda spokesperson said today. 'Two individuals have been released without charge and a file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions. 'During the day of action six individuals were arrested for driving offences and a total of 16 vehicles were detained under Section 41 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.' Uniform gardaí from across the county were backed up by the Detective Unit, Roads Policing Unit, Garda Armed Support Unit and Air Support Unit during the planned operation. An imitation firearm that was seized was sent for ballistic analysis. Gardaí also conducted more than 80 checkpoints over the course of Operation Thor which involves investigations into those suspected of committing burglaries and theft offences in Co Wicklow. An imitation firearm was seized in the operation Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 27th 'Today's operation follows the arrest of 12 other people over the past ten days who have been wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court,' a Garda spokesperson said at the time. 'Furthermore, more than €100,000 worth of drugs have been seized by gardaí in the past two weeks and two people arrested. 'One person is now before the courts in connection with this seizure in Co. Wicklow.' Gardai added that throughout the day, crime and burglary patrols, both covert and high visibility, were carried out along with a series of checkpoints. A number of road traffic and crime related detections were made. Chief Superintendent Derek Hughes from the Wexford Wicklow Division said: "When a person's home is broken into or someone has had their possessions taken from them, it can leave a lasting impact and really affect their sense of safety and privacy. 'It's an invasion and causes huge upset. "Gardaí across Wicklow have been working around the clock to fully investigate the crimes that have been committed, and are determined to continue detecting and preventing criminals from profiting from the hardship of others – our work this month demonstrates our commitment to robustly investigate and prosecute offenders who engage in this type of crime.' Operation Thor was launched in November 2015 to tackle an increase in the number of burglaries and associated criminal activity by 'undertaking targeted enforcement and preventative activity'.
Sunday World
05-05-2025
- Sunday World
Teenager (13) who died in Cork motorsport tragedy named locally
The youngster - named locally as Lauren O'Brien (13) - suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork A teenager who died in a motor sport tragedy in Cork has been described as a 'remarkable young girl'. The youngster - named locally as Lauren O'Brien (13) - suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork. A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane in west Cork by the Cork Autograss Racing Club. The teenager was one of the participants in the event which was at the preliminary heat stage. The accident occurred at around 3.30pm this afternoon. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and desperate attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition. Tragically she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene before she could be rushed to Cork University Hospital (CUH). Paramedics had fought desperately to save the girl at the scene. Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services. All competitions were immediately suspended and one local said there were very distressing scenes at the event when it was realised the incident had resulted in a fatality. The teenager's body was later transferred to CUH. Lauren was a first year student at St Mary's secondary school in Macroom. The teenager was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and boasted a wide circle of friends. "Lauren was a remarkable young girl and everyone is devastated for the family. The entire community is numb with shock," one Macroom local said. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - May 5th Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident but it is being described as a tragic accident. Gardaí are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office over the tragedy. It is understood the youngster is from the Cork area. However, her identity will not be formally confirmed until all relatives have been notified. A spokesperson for Kart Paddock, who covers Tullyallen Kart Club and Motorsport Ireland karting events, wrote on social media: 'Out of respect to the young girl who died in a motorsport event in Cork today, there won't be any winning posts. "Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.' Gardaí are appealing for witnesses, with the scene currently preserved for technical examination. In statement gardaí asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available to investigating gardaí. 'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event,' the garda statement read. 'A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene. 'Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course. 'The scene is being preserved for technical examination. 'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.'
Sunday World
02-05-2025
- Sunday World
Mum of Luke Hyde who drowned while swimming in the Lee ‘disgusted' by people filming incident
I don't know if these people know the heartache and the suffering we in his family are going through' The devastated mother of Luke Hyde who drowned while swimming in the River Lee has expressed her disgust at those people who filmed the incident. Luke had got into difficulty while swimming in the Lee near St Mary's Church in Cork city centre on Wednesday evening. The 33-year-old, from Cork's northside, entered the north channel of the river from Pope's Quay with a friend at around 6.45pm to try to swim to Kyrl's Quay. The first man successfully made it across the channel, however Luke got into difficulty as he neared the quay wall and disappeared beneath the surface of the water, which was rising towards high tide at 8.20pm. Two divers, using a sonar scanner, later recovered the body of the swimmer not far from where he had gone underwater. Emergency service officials hit out after it emerged that the drowning and the recovery of the man's remains had been recorded by some onlookers. Elizabeth Hyde (76) said she was "disgusted" as she questioned why someone would stand by and film Luke's tragic death rather than do something to save him. Luke Hyde died in the tragedy Today's News in 90 Seconds - Friday May 2 Speaking to Neil Prendeville on Cork's Red FM on Friday, she said: 'It was like a circus. Them watching my son drown instead of trying to help him." 'I don't think I can get through this,' she added. 'This is my second son [to die] in five years. The first boy Brian died suddenly. He was Luke's older brother. He died in his sleep. My Luke — my baby. He was the youngest. 'I heard you talking this morning about what the people were doing there watching my son drown instead of trying to help him. I don't know if these people know the heartache and the suffering we in his family are going through. 'I don't know how I am going to get through it the second time. I am disgusted. I don't think there is even a word to describe it. It will never leave me. And my son being brought up. I will never ever forget it. 'I want people to know that I am his mother and my baby was nearly 34 years old. My whole body is trembling. I couldn't go to bed last night.' Elizabeth described Luke as the most 'pleasant young fella' who ever lived. She said he fought an alcohol problem but was doing well and had started a job in a supermarket on the Douglas Road in Cork last week. 'I was always extremely worried about him. I would be phoning him saying 'where are you Luke?' If they live to be a hundred and you are 200 they are your child. 'I was sitting downstairs watching the television last Wednesday night and I heard the helicopter going up and down the river. I thought God help us who are they looking for? I thought 'I hope they find the person.' Little did I know that it was my own son.' Ms Hyde said she rang her son's phone on the day of the tragedy and when a garda answered, she ran down Shandon Street to the scene of the incident. "When I got down, they were putting him into the ambulance and I saw the crowds, I didn't know what was going on." She said another son who was there tried to shield her from the scene but was adamant she wanted to hold her son one last time saying: "I need to hold my boy, I need to see him." Ms Hyde said: "I don't know what his last thought or words were. I was thinking, 'did he call my name?'" She said she hoped those who filmed the tragedy were listening to a "broken-hearted mother". Luke would have turned 34 next month. Funeral arrangement will be finalised in the coming days.
