logo
Mum-of-four who ‘lived in fear' after being pressured by gangs to hold drugs in home now a ‘born again Christian'

Mum-of-four who ‘lived in fear' after being pressured by gangs to hold drugs in home now a ‘born again Christian'

Lisa Lyons, of Mac Uilliam Grove, Tallaght, Dublin 24, appeared before Judge Michael Connellan at Tallaght District Court on Friday, May 2, in relation to a search carried out at her home by Garda Nicky Cleere on November 15, 2021.
During the search, gardaí discovered a handbag hidden inside a larger bag. The court heard that inside were nine individual bags of cannabis weighing 29g, along with €508 in cash.
The 36-year-old pleaded guilty to the possession of cannabis for sale or supply, contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 and unlawful possession under Section 3 of the same Act.
The court heard Lyons has six previous convictions, all road traffic offences, but has no history of drug offending.
She was represented by Ethan Foley BL, who said his client had been placed under significant pressure by certain groups to hold the drugs and had been living in fear. 'There's no sign of any wealth in her home,' he told the court, adding that Lyons had no previous involvement in drugs and had cooperated fully with gardaí.
'Is it fair to say this is a once-off?' Judge Connellan asked. Mr Foley agreed, citing Lyons' relatively clean record, difficult personal circumstances and the fact that she had been living in fear at the time.
The court was told Lyons is a full-time mother and that one of her children has special needs, while she also volunteers with the DSPCA.
She told Judge Connellan that she had been struggling with anxiety at the time of the offence, but that she is now doing much better. 'I'm a born-again Christian,' she said.
Mr Foley asked the court to be as lenient as possible, before Judge Connellan imposed a fine of €600 with seven months to pay.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Victim of alleged Dublin mugger got tetanus shot after accomplice 'dug' her fingernails into his arms
Victim of alleged Dublin mugger got tetanus shot after accomplice 'dug' her fingernails into his arms

The Journal

time5 hours ago

  • The Journal

Victim of alleged Dublin mugger got tetanus shot after accomplice 'dug' her fingernails into his arms

A MAN HAS been accused of punching a reveller in the back of the head before an accomplice 'dug' her fingernails into his arms, causing an infection, during a street mugging in Dublin. Robert Maguire, 35, was charged with robbery on Sycamore Street on 31 May last and refused bail by Judge Máire Conneely at Dublin District Court today. Garda Shane McConkey stated that at around 3.15am, the injured party was on his way home after socialising in the city centre. He turned onto Sycamore Street, in Dublin 2, when Maguire and a woman allegedly pursued him. The accused, who resided at a hostel on Merchant's Quay, Dublin 8, reportedly punched him in the back of the head, causing him to become disoriented. The pair then wrestled him into a doorway before another male became involved, and they threw him to the ground. The complainant dropped his iPhone 15. The second male robber picked it up as the female accomplice allegedly 'dug her nails into his forearm and attempted to pull his watch off of his wrist'. The garda who objected to bail stated that this caused the man extreme pain. 'He attempted to fight back but was overwhelmed when the third male returned and helped pin him to the ground.' It was alleged that the three suspects then rooted through his pockets. Advertisement The man shouted for help, and the trio fled when several members of the public approached. The court heard there was an unsuccessful bid to use his bank card, which had been in his phone case, in a shop at O'Connell Street. It was claimed the man suffered bruising to both his elbows, scrapes to his right forearm, and deep nail marks on his wrist and left bicep. He went to a doctor the following day and needed a tetanus shot due to the deep nail marks on his arms becoming infected. Judge Conneely was informed that the man had to take antibiotics for several days. He also missed work due to his injuries and psychological effects. CCTV footage was obtained. A decision awaits on whether the accused will be tried in the District Court or the Circuit Court, which has wider sentencing powers. Defence counsel Sam Friel argued that his client, who has yet to plead, was entitled to the presumption of innocence and could face a lengthy period of pre-trial detention. Garda McConkey agreed that the identification evidence did not come from the complainant but was based on the belief of gardaí that the accused was the person in the CCTV footage. However, he asserted that a jacket had been seized from the accused's hostel room, which matched the video evidence. Legal aid was granted. Earlier this month, a 34-year-old woman who allegedly dug her fingernails into the man's arms was refused bail after she too was charged with robbery.

Gardai launch investigation after skeletal human remains found at building site
Gardai launch investigation after skeletal human remains found at building site

Irish Daily Mirror

time12 hours ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Gardai launch investigation after skeletal human remains found at building site

Gardai are investigating after human remains were found at a building site in west Dublin. Sources have told The Mirror that the find was made at a building site in west Dublin earlier this morning. It is understood two sets of skeletal remains were uncovered at the site close to Clondalkin Fonthill train station. The area has now been sealed off and gardai are at the scene. Sources said officers believe the remains are historical. They said they believed the area was an ancient Christian burial ground. Sources stressed officers do not believe the find is related to any missing person's investigation. Gardai confirmed the find in a statement to the Mirror. A spokesman said: 'Gardaí are investigating all the circumstances following the discovery of skeletal remains at a building site at Seven Mills, Dublin 22, this morning, Wednesday 23rd July 2025. "The Coroner's Office will be notified and investigations are ongoing." Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.

Man and woman jailed after dog found dead in yard with plastic in stomach
Man and woman jailed after dog found dead in yard with plastic in stomach

Irish Daily Mirror

time12 hours ago

  • Irish Daily Mirror

Man and woman jailed after dog found dead in yard with plastic in stomach

A man and a woman have pleaded guilty to number of animal neglect charges at Navan District Court. On July 18, 2025, Kevin Horace and Kayla Rafferty with an address at 20 Oaklawns, Clogherboy Park, Navan, Co Meath pleaded guilty to six offences each under sections 11, 12 and 13 of the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The charges related to two emaciated dogs, one of which died, due to its neglect. The court heard evidence that ISPCA Inspector James McCormack called to the defendants' address on February 26, 2024, in response to a report received. He saw two dogs in the back garden, both of which were in poor condition and one of which was already deceased and lying by the back door. There was no food, water or shelter available, and there was a black discharge from the dead dog's rear. The Inspector spoke to Horace and Rafferty under caution, and they admitted joint ownership of the dead dog, a long-haired Terrier that had been named Bruno. Ms Rafferty claimed ownership of the other dog, a Collie pup called Sheba. They conceded that the dogs had not been checked since the previous day, although it was lunchtime when the Inspector called, and they were not aware that Bruno had died. There was dog food and a bowl of water inside the house, but the dogs did not have access to them. The two dogs were removed for veterinary assessment, and both were found to be extremely underweight with body condition scores of just one out of nine. Their bones were prominent, and the stomach of the deceased dog was found to be empty other than for sharp pieces of plastic and dark black digestive juices. Their conditions were attributed to starvation. 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 The court was furnished with photographs taken by Inspector McCormack and heard that there was clear evidence that the two canines had been neglected, in total disregard as to their health and welfare, and exposed to unnecessary suffering over a prolonged period of time. It was also revealed that the two accused were offered the opportunity to take part in a formal interview but refused, stating that they were "too busy". Ms. Justice Eirinn McKiernan decided that the only appropriate sentence for the offences was a custodial sentence and sentenced both defendants to imprisonment for a term of two months on one offence with all other charges taken into consideration. She refused requests from Ms Rafferty's defence solicitor to suspend her sentence, even temporarily. Judge McKiernan also made two disqualification orders banning both Mr. Horace and Ms. Rafferty from owning, having any interest in, keeping, dealing in or having charge or control, directly or indirectly, of an animal, for life. Sheba the collie cross. (Image: Irish Mirror) Reflecting on the case, Inspector McCormack commented: "It was shocking to find Bruno dead in the yard, lying against the back door. His only hope was the occupants of the house, and they never came. Instead, he died in the yard from starvation, with only plastic in his stomach. He was failed utterly - a loyal companion left in the yard like unwanted trash'. He added: 'Sheba the pup was lucky that the call was made. Although very underweight, she got out in time, recovered fully, and now lives in a loving home. Sheba got a chance that her companion did not. I would encourage anyone to report any incidents of cruelty. We are there to help, sometimes the only voice they have." The ISPCA urges the public to continue reporting any suspicions of animal cruelty or neglect to its National Animal Cruelty Helpline by calling 0818 515 515, email helpline@ or report online here: If you can, please support the ISPCA by making a life-saving donation today to help rescue more animals from appalling situations just like this one: Get all the big crime and court stories direct to your phone on our new WhatsApp service. Sign up here.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store