Órla O'Donnell

Legal Affairs Correspondent

'Grace' is the pseudonym of a woman now in her 40s who has been in the care of the State all her life (Stock image)

Minister to meet 'Grace' solicitor on report concerns

Minister for Children Equality and Disability Norma Foley is to meet the solicitor who represents the interests of 'Grace', the woman at the centre of the Farrelly Commission of Investigation report.

Ireland • 29 Apr

The trial of Richard Satchwell is expected to last five weeks (File image)

Court told Satchwell changed story when wife's body found

The trial of 58-year-old Richard Satchwell for the murder of his wife in Cork eight years ago, has heard that he claimed she died after attacking him with a chisel, and that he buried her in a grave under the stairs in their sitting room.

Courts • 29 Apr

Jury sworn in for Richard Satchwell trial

A jury has been sworn in for the trial of Richard Satchwell, who is accused of murdering his wife Tina eight years ago.

Courts • 28 Apr

The payment is a full and final settlement of Denis O'Brien's costs application

O'Brien receives €5.8m from State agency for legal costs

Businessman Denis O'Brien has received €5.8 million from the State Claims Agency for his legal costs in relation to the Moriarty Tribunal dating back as far as 2001, it has been confirmed.

Ireland • 24 Apr

Hazel Behan's case alleges inaction on the part of the Portuguese authorities

Rape survivor Hazel Behan takes case to European Court

A rape survivor is taking a case to the European Court of Human Rights over what she alleges is the failure of the Portuguese authorities to properly investigate the assault on her in 2004.

Courts • 16 Apr

Fr Paul Murphy was stabbed as he waited to enter Renmore Barracks on 15 August 2024

Army chaplain forgives teenager who stabbed him

A 17-year-old boy who stabbed an Army chaplain outside an Army barracks last year apologised to him in court, as the priest told him he forgave him.

Courts • 19 Apr

'Kate' (L) in conversation with RTÉ's Legal Affairs Correspondent Órla O'Donnell (R)

Giving evidence in rape case has 'protected' other women

A woman who was raped by three men she met in a nightclub has said she feels she has protected other women by giving evidence against the men.

Ireland • 09 Apr

Ciara Mangan speaking outside court in July 2023

Man's appeal against rape sentence 'hung over' victim

A woman who was raped by a work colleague almost 12 years ago has criticised the length of time it has taken his appeal against the severity of his sentence to be heard.

Courts • 08 Apr

Harry Cassidy had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud (File image)

Former Custom House Capital CEO loses sentence appeal

The former Chief Executive Officer of collapsed investment firm, Custom House Capital, has lost his appeal against his sentence of six years and ten months for conspiracy to defraud.

Courts • 07 Apr

Daniel Blanaru was found guilty of murdering 26-year-old Larisa Serban in August 2022

'I killed her', man guilty of woman's murder told gardaí

A 37-year-old man has been found guilty of the murder of his partner in Co Meath almost three years ago.

Courts • 01 Apr