Thursday 29 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. 0352Aggravated burglary · Co. Dublin · 28 Aug 2026

Former babysitter Sara Campbell remanded over armed burglary in Coolock, Dublin

Sara Campbell (40), a former babysitter for a Dublin family, is accused of aggravated burglary at the family's home on the city's north side on Friday 28 August 2026, at about 11.30am. It is alleged that a man was present with her, that a handgun and a kitchen knife were used, and that the husband was struck in the head, while €1,000 in cash was taken from the witness's brother and a car was taken. On 1 September 2026 bail was refused at Dublin District Court over concerns about witness interference, and she has yet to enter a plea. She was remanded in custody to appear again the following week, appearing unrepresented because of a solicitors' industrial action over legal aid reforms.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court1 Sep
    2 reports
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
  • A former babysitter for the family is accused of carrying out an armed burglary at their home, allegedly returning to commit it.
  • It is alleged that a man present with the accused punched the husband and struck him twice in the head with a handgun, causing blunt force head injuries.
Where
The burglary took place at a residential address on the city's north side.
When
The incident happened at about 11.30am on Friday 28 August 2026.
Weapon
It is alleged that a handgun and a kitchen knife were used, with the accused grabbing the knife and swinging it around; sources differ on whether the accused or the man used the handgun.
Other details
  • It is alleged that a threat to kill was made during the incident.
  • It is alleged that €1,000 in cash was taken from the witness's brother, and the witness maintained that his car was also taken.
  • It is alleged that the raiders agreed to leave the car at a specific location on condition that the occupants did not call gardaí for 20 minutes.
  • It is alleged that the accused had a longstanding grievance with the family and sent a text message demanding €10,000 some months earlier.
  • The victims are a couple, and both have health problems.
Charges
Sara Campbell (40) is charged with aggravated burglary at a residential address on the city's north side.
Investigation
A garda objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge, the use of a firearm, and concerns over potential witness interference.
In court
Bail was refused at Dublin District Court on 1 September 2026, and Campbell has yet to enter a plea.
Sentence
No sentence has been imposed; Campbell was remanded in custody to appear again the following week, appearing unrepresented due to a solicitors' industrial action over legal aid reforms.
29 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatA former babysitter allegedly returned to carry out a violent burglary at the family home, brandishing a gun and a knife. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatAn alleged assault left a male occupant with blunt force head injuries. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatCash of €1,000 was allegedly taken from the witness’s brother. (thejournal.ie)
  • whatThe witness maintained that her brother’s car was taken. (thejournal.ie)
  • whereThe burglary was at a residential address on the city’s north side. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe incident unfolded at around 11.30am on a Friday. (thejournal.ie)
  • whenThe incident occurred at about 11.30am on a Friday. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponThe accused allegedly used a handgun, striking the husband twice in the head. (thejournal.ie)
  • weaponThe accused allegedly grabbed a kitchen knife and swung it around. (thejournal.ie)
  • weaponThe man struck the husband twice in the head with a handgun. (irishtimes.com)
  • weaponThe accused grabbed a kitchen knife and swung it around. (irishtimes.com)
  • investigationA garda objected to bail, citing concerns over potential witness interference. (thejournal.ie)
  • chargeSara Campbell is accused of aggravated burglary at a residential address on the city’s north side. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtBail was denied at Dublin District Court. (thejournal.ie, irishtimes.com)
  • courtSara Campbell has yet to enter a plea. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtSara Campbell was remanded in custody to appear again the following week. (thejournal.ie)
  • courtCampbell appeared unrepresented due to the solicitors' industrial action over legal aid reforms. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtCampbell has yet to enter a plea and was remanded in custody to appear again next week. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA threat to kill was allegedly made during the incident. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherThe accused allegedly demanded €10,000 in a text message sent months earlier. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherSara Campbell had a longstanding grievance with the family. (thejournal.ie)
  • otherSara Campbell was a former babysitter for the victim family. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherA man was present with the accused during the burglary. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe man punched the husband. (irishtimes.com)
  • other€1,000 in cash was taken from the brother. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe raiders agreed to leave the car at a specific location on condition the occupants did not call gardaí for 20 minutes. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherCampbell had demanded €10,000 in a text message sent some months prior. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe victims are a couple who both have health problems. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherThe male occupant sustained blunt force head injuries. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 1 Sep2026
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Dublin family’s former babysitter accused of armed burglary at their home

    First court appearance; bail denied due to witness interference concerns; remanded in custody to appear again next week; unrepresented due to solicitors' strike.

    accused, Sara Campbell, 40, female, named, irish (judged from name)Sara Campbellsuspect, malevictim, femalevictim, malevictim, male
  2. 1 Sep2026
    In courtthejournal.ie, first report
    Dublin family's former babysitter charged over alleged burglary with gun at their home

    Reports the charge against Sara Campbell, the refusal of bail at Dublin District Court, the alleged facts given in evidence, and that she has not yet entered a plea. No existing case matched.

    accused, Sara Campbell, 40, female, named, irish (judged from name)Sara Campbellvictim, malesuspect, male