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. 4687Unlawful killing · Co. Dublin

Family of James Ryan calls for end to 'good character' references in court

The family of James Ryan, 69, of Balbriggan, say his partner Olesja Hertova was described as of 'good character' when she was sentenced for unlawfully killing him. They are campaigning to remove such references in cases of domestic violence, sexual offences, murder and manslaughter.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced5 Nov
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
13 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatJames Ryan was killed by his partner, Olesja Hertova, after she forcefully pushed him. (dublinlive.ie)
  • whatMr Ryan was unconscious with blood coming from his ear and was taken to hospital, where he died the following day. (dublinlive.ie)
  • whereJames Ryan was from Balbriggan, Co Dublin. (dublinlive.ie)
  • whenMr Ryan arrived home by taxi at 1.30am. (dublinlive.ie)
  • causeHertova forcefully pushed Mr Ryan to the ground, causing severe head injuries. (dublinlive.ie)
  • causeMr Ryan walked out of the front door and Hertova followed him out and pushed him, and he fell to the ground. (dublinlive.ie)
  • courtHertova pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing Mr Ryan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. (dublinlive.ie)
  • courtSections of the family's victim impact statements were redacted before being shown to the court. (dublinlive.ie)
  • sentenceHertova was jailed for two years and nine months in July. (dublinlive.ie)
  • otherGardaí had been called to the house numerous times since 2010 because of domestic violence by Hertova. (dublinlive.ie)
  • otherHertova and Mr Ryan had been in a relationship for sixteen years and have a 16-year-old daughter together. (dublinlive.ie)
  • otherThe family said the sentence is not the justice Mr Ryan deserved. (dublinlive.ie)
  • otherKaren Ryan is campaigning to remove 'good character' references from Irish court proceedings in cases of domestic violence, sexual offences, murder and manslaughter. (dublinlive.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 5 Nov2025
    Sentenceddublinlive.ie, first report
    Family of James Ryan demand law change to scrap 'good character' defence

    Adds the family's campaign for law reform, the sentence of two years and nine months imposed in July, and details of the events on the night, including the push and the death the following day.

    victim, James Ryan, 69, male, irish (judged from name)James Ryanconvicted, Olesja Hertova, 49, female, named, non-irish (judged from name)Olesja Hertova