Latest news with #JohnO'Leary
Sunday World
3 days ago
- Sunday World
Man jailed after claiming five-year-old girl made call that breached safety order
The woman told Tallaght District Court she was getting the children ready for school when her phone rang on July 2, 2024 A repeat offender who breached a safety order by calling his former partner and tried to blame a five-year-old girl for dialling the number has been jailed for three months. The man, who is in his 30s, had pleaded not guilty under Section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 after the court heard the woman was put in fear by the phone call, which came while she was at home with their children. The woman told Tallaght District Court she was getting the children ready for school when her phone rang on July 2, 2024. 'I was afraid. I just left the house with the kids,' she said. 'Usually when he rings, something bad happens. I felt it was unsafe to stay.' She said she didn't answer the call, but that it was enough to put her in fear. Under cross-examination from defence solicitor John O'Leary, she accepted she didn't know what the caller had intended to say, as she hadn't picked up. Garda Shane McCabe told the court that the complainant attended the Garda station on the evening of July 2 to report a possible breach of a safety order. He said she appeared agitated when giving her statement. Garda McCabe also told the court that the accused had six previous convictions, including assault, driving without insurance, and three prior breaches of safety and protection orders. The accused told the court he had been in a car when the call was made. He said he had given the phone to a child in the car and claimed she must have dialled the number. He told the court he had previously deleted the complainant's number but was using a new phone and had inserted a SIM card that still contained the number. He said he hadn't realised it was saved and only discovered the call had been made after checking the dialled numbers on the phone when the child returned it to him. Prosecuting solicitor Tom Conlon, for the DPP, suggested the explanation was too convenient. 'So it just so happened that a five-year-old took your phone and made a call - coincidentally - to the very person you're barred from contacting under a court order?' he asked. Mr Conlon also asked whether the accused had given that explanation to Gardaí at the time. 'I think I did, yeah,' the man replied. Mr O'Leary, in mitigation, said his client had been in an on-and-off relationship with the complainant for many years and 'loves her to bits". Counsel said the man was getting on well in custody, working in the prison kitchen, and wanted to put the matter behind him. Judge Shalom Binchy said there was nothing in the defence's mitigation to suggest the accused was addressing his issues with violence towards women. 'It's clear from his previous convictions that there's a difficulty in relation to violence and his attitude towards women,' she said. 'And not only that - he's now blaming a five-year-old girl for this breach.' She noted that the case had been contested and that the accused had three prior breaches of protection orders. She sentenced him to six months in prison, with the final three months suspended for 18 months. The man must enter a bond of €300 and attend the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence) programme within three months of his release. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme Tallaght district court. Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 16th
Sunday World
7 days ago
- Sunday World
Repeat offender jailed after claiming girl (5) made call that breached safety order
The man, who is in his 30s, had pleaded not guilty under Section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018. A repeat offender who breached a safety order by calling his former partner and tried to blame a five-year-old girl for dialling the number has been jailed for three months. The man, who is in his 30s, had pleaded not guilty under Section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 after the court heard the woman was put in fear by the phone call, which came while she was at home with their children. The woman told Tallaght District Court she was getting the children ready for school when her phone rang on July 2, 2024. 'I was afraid. I just left the house with the kids,' she said. 'Usually when he rings, something bad happens. I felt it was unsafe to stay.' She said she didn't answer the call, but that it was enough to put her in fear. Under cross-examination from defence solicitor John O'Leary, she accepted she didn't know what the caller had intended to say, as she hadn't picked up. Tallaght district court. News in 90 Seconds - Saturday July 12 Garda Shane McCabe told the court that the complainant attended the Garda station on the evening of July 2 to report a possible breach of a safety order. He said she appeared agitated when giving her statement. Garda McCabe also told the court that the accused had six previous convictions, including assault, driving without insurance, and three prior breaches of safety and protection orders. The accused told the court he had been in a car when the call was made. He said he had given the phone to a child in the car and claimed she must have dialled the number. He told the court he had previously deleted the complainant's number but was using a new phone and had inserted a SIM card that still contained the number He said he hadn't realised it was saved and only discovered the call had been made after checking the dialled numbers on the phone when the child returned it to him. Prosecuting solicitor Tom Conlon, for the DPP, suggested the explanation was too convenient. 'So it just so happened that a five-year-old took your phone and made a call - coincidentally - to the very person you're barred from contacting under a court order?' he asked. Mr Conlon also asked whether the accused had given that explanation to Gardaí at the time. 'I think I did, yeah,' the man replied. Mr O'Leary, in mitigation, said his client had been in an on-and-off relationship with the complainant for many years and 'loves her to bits". Counsel said the man was getting on well in custody, working in the prison kitchen, and wanted to put the matter behind him. Judge Shalom Binchy said there was nothing in the defence's mitigation to suggest the accused was addressing his issues with violence towards women. 'It's clear from his previous convictions that there's a difficulty in relation to violence and his attitude towards women,' she said. 'And not only that - he's now blaming a five-year-old girl for this breach.' She noted that the case had been contested and that the accused had three prior breaches of protection orders. She sentenced him to six months in prison, with the final three months suspended for 18 months. The man must enter a bond of €300 and attend the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence) programme within three months of his release. Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme
Irish Independent
12-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Man jailed after claiming five-year-old girl made call that breached safety order
Today at 12:00 A repeat offender who breached a safety order by calling his former partner and tried to blame a five-year-old girl for dialling the number has been jailed for three months. The man, who is in his 30s, had pleaded not guilty under Section 33(1) of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 after the court heard the woman was put in fear by the phone call, which came while she was at home with their children. The woman told Tallaght District Court she was getting the children ready for school when her phone rang on July 2, 2024. 'I was afraid. I just left the house with the kids,' she said. 'Usually when he rings, something bad happens. I felt it was unsafe to stay.' She said she didn't answer the call, but that it was enough to put her in fear. Under cross-examination from defence solicitor John O'Leary, she accepted she didn't know what the caller had intended to say, as she hadn't picked up. Garda Shane McCabe told the court that the complainant attended the Garda station on the evening of July 2 to report a possible breach of a safety order. He said she appeared agitated when giving her statement. Garda McCabe also told the court that the accused had six previous convictions, including assault, driving without insurance, and three prior breaches of safety and protection orders. The accused told the court he had been in a car when the call was made. He said he had given the phone to a child in the car and claimed she must have dialled the number. He told the court he had previously deleted the complainant's number but was using a new phone and had inserted a SIM card that still contained the number. He said he hadn't realised it was saved and only discovered the call had been made after checking the dialled numbers on the phone when the child returned it to him. Prosecuting solicitor Tom Conlon, for the DPP, suggested the explanation was too convenient. 'So it just so happened that a five-year-old took your phone and made a call - coincidentally - to the very person you're barred from contacting under a court order?' he asked. Mr Conlon also asked whether the accused had given that explanation to Gardaí at the time. 'I think I did, yeah,' the man replied. Mr O'Leary, in mitigation, said his client had been in an on-and-off relationship with the complainant for many years and 'loves her to bits". Counsel said the man was getting on well in custody, working in the prison kitchen, and wanted to put the matter behind him. Judge Shalom Binchy said there was nothing in the defence's mitigation to suggest the accused was addressing his issues with violence towards women. 'It's clear from his previous convictions that there's a difficulty in relation to violence and his attitude towards women,' she said. 'And not only that - he's now blaming a five-year-old girl for this breach.' She noted that the case had been contested and that the accused had three prior breaches of protection orders. She sentenced him to six months in prison, with the final three months suspended for 18 months. The man must enter a bond of €300 and attend the MOVE (Men Overcoming Violence) programme within three months of his release.
Malaysian Reserve
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
AFFIRM FILMS DEBUTS OFFICIAL TRAILER AND POSTER ART FOR NEW FILM SOUL ON FIRE
BASED ON THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY Starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, Stephanie Szostak, Masey McLain, with DeVon Franklin, and William H. Macy Exclusively In Theaters Nationwide October 10, 2025 CULVER CITY, Calif., June 26, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Pictures Entertainment's AFFIRM Films has released the official trailer and key art for its upcoming feature Soul On Fire, based on the powerful, true story of bestselling author and speaker John O'Leary — a boy who survived the unthinkable and became a man who chose to live with purpose. Soul On Fire will be exclusively in theaters nationwide starting October 10, 2025. Watch the official trailer here. Starring Joel Courtney (Jesus Revolution, Super 8), John Corbett (My Big Fat Greek Wedding , All Saints, 'Sex and the City'), Stephanie Szostak ('A Million Little Things'), Masey McLain ('The Baxters'), with DeVon Franklin (Jesus Revolution, Woodlawn), and William H. Macy (Fargo, Marmaduke), Soul On fire brings to life the remarkable journey of John O'Leary. Beginning with his miraculous recovery from a near death accident when he was 9 years old. Given no chance of survival, John endures an unbelievable road to recovery with the support of his family, faith, community and the kindness of his all-time idol, Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck. Grateful for his miracle and shaped by life's struggles, John's mission to better the world inspires millions to do the extraordinary. 'Watching my life unfold on screen has been humbling, emotional, and honestly surreal,' said John O'Leary. 'Soul On Fire isn't just about me — it's about all of us. It's a reminder of what's possible when we say yes to life, even after the fire.' Directed by Sean McNamara (Soul Surfer, Reagan), written by Gregory Poirier and based on O'Leary's bestselling memoir, 'On Fire', this film is an emotional and faith-filled portrait of resilience as O'Leary not only battles to survive but ultimately discovers what it means to truly live. From frontline workers to family members, and the support of the wider community, this film is a celebration of heroes. O'Leary has inspired millions worldwide through his bestselling books, popular podcast, and powerful live events. Soul On Fire captures the heart of his journey — a story that's both deeply personal and universally moving, celebrating faith, family, and the decision to choose hope even in life's darkest moments. 'John O'Leary's life is not just inspiring — it's transformative,' said director Sean McNamara. 'As a filmmaker, I was drawn to the raw truth and unshakable hope in his journey. Soul On Fire is about turning tragedy into purpose and discovering what's possible when love shows up in the hardest moments.' Soul On Fire is produced by J. Todd Harris, Margaret French Isaac, David Brookwell and Sean McNamara. Executive producers include Linda B. Huntington, John O'Leary, Terry Schnuck, Michael W. Riney, Quirsis V. Riney, and Gregory Poirier — a team committed to honoring the authenticity of John's story while delivering a film that uplifts, challenges and ultimately inspires. For more information visit About AFFIRM FilmsAFFIRM Films, launched in 2007, is an industry leader in faith-based/inspirational films with worldwide box office of over $720 million including such hits as SOUL SURFER, WAR ROOM, RISEN, FIREPROOF, THE STAR, COURAGEOUS, PAUL: APOSTLE OF CHRIST, OVERCOMER, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL, SHOW ME THE FATHER and HEAVEN IS FOR REAL, MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN, and A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD in partnership with TriStar Pictures and BIG GEORGE FOREMAN in partnership with Columbia Pictures. AFFIRM Films released a unique and epic Christmas musical, JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM in December 2023. In 2024 AFFIRM Film released the much-anticipated, powerful and faith-filled Kendrick Brothers' film, THE FORGE. SOUL ON FIRE is AFFIRM Films' newest film and is based on the book On Fire written by John O'Leary about his inspirational journey that would inspire millions – exclusively in theaters this fall. AFFIRM produces, acquires, and markets content that inspires, uplifts, and entertains audiences around the world focusing on family and faith through its three divisions, AFFIRM Films, AFFIRM Television, and AFFIRM Originals. Sony Pictures Entertainment is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. Register to get all the latest news from AFFIRM Films at and follow AFFIRM Films on social media at @AFFIRMFilms.
Sunday World
31-05-2025
- Sunday World
Romanian national charged with smuggling two men at Rosslare Europort remanded in custody
Roberto Nickitean appeared before Judge John O'Leary at a special sitting of Wexford District Court this evening A 23-year-old Romanian man has been remanded in custody charged with smuggling two men through Rosslare Europort. Roberto Nickitean, described as a Romanian national, appeared before Judge John O'Leary at a special sitting of Wexford District Court this evening. The accused dressed in a dark jumper and trousers sat in the body of the court as the charge was brought before the court. Det. Garda Stephen Burke of Wexford Garda Station said that on May 31, 2025, at Wexford Garda Station he charged the accused with on May 30 at Rosslare Europort he did intentionally assist entry into, transit across or presence in the State such as entry into the State, was in breach of Section 5 of the Immigration Act 2004, contrary to Section 6(1) of the Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Act 2021. Rosslare Europort News in 90 Seconds - May 31st Det. Burke told the court that the accused made no reply when the charge was put to him. Defence Counsel, Ross Pratt-O'Brien, B.L. (instructed by Maria Murphy, Solicitor) said there would be no application for bail this evening. He said an application for bail would be made on Tuesday next. Judge O'Leary said he would remand the accused in custody to appear before Wexford District Court on Tuesday next at 10.30a.m. when a bail application can be heard. Mr. Pratt-O'Brien applied for free legal aid which was granted. Also granted was an application for an interpreter. The truck driver was arrested by gardai in Wexford after gardai and customs officials found two men hiding in a truck at Rosslare Europort on Friday morning. Gardai launched an investigation after the discovery of the men concealed in the truck at 8am on Friday morning at the port. Gardai along with Customs and Revenue located the two males during an immigration check after which they were assessed by medical personnel. It is understood the two males are currently in the Provision Centre in City West, Dublin, where they are being assessed.
