Wednesday 28 October 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 3450Defamation · Co. Dublin · 27 Mar 2026

Court of Appeal dismisses Gemma O'Doherty's bid to strike out defamation case

The Court of Appeal dismissed journalist Gemma O'Doherty's appeal against the High Court's refusal to strike out defamation proceedings brought by councillor Jimmy Guerin, who alleges her 2019 social media posts conveyed he was a convicted paedophile. The court also issued guidance that litigants should inform opponents and the court when using AI to prepare legal papers.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Mar
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
5 statements extracted from the articles
  • courtJudge Caroline Costello wrote the judgment for the three-judge court (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe court stated litigants may use AI responsibly to assist with research and should independently verify the accuracy of their submissions (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe High Court refused O'Doherty's strikeout application and ordered a retrial which has not yet occurred (irishtimes.com)
  • courtO'Doherty has also brought a counterclaim for alleged defamation (irishtimes.com)
  • otherJimmy Guerin is a councillor and brother of murdered journalist Veronica Guerin (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Mar2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Court dismisses Gemma O’Doherty’s bid for strikeout of defamation case

    Reports the Court of Appeal's dismissal of all eight grounds of appeal and its guidance on AI use in legal submissions.

    accused, Gemma O'Doherty, female, named, irish (judged from name)Gemma O'Dohertyvictim, Jimmy Guerin, male, irish (judged from name)Jimmy Guerin