Friday 30 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. 14320Public order offences · Co. Kilkenny · 20 Sep 2024

Man given Probation Act conditional discharge over Kilkenny night-out incident

On the night of 20 into 21 September 2024, Ben Costello and his then girlfriend, Amber Kirby, had a relationship-ending argument that began on Castle Road and continued on Ormond Road in Kilkenny. Gardaí reviewed CCTV that showed Mr Costello trip or push Ms Kirby, and the couple were later arrested on Castle Road. Mr Costello pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and failing to comply with garda directions, while a charge of assaulting Ms Kirby, which he denied, was dismissed after a full hearing at Kilkenny District Court. The judge said he had pushed her quite forcefully but gave him a conditional discharge under the Probation Act and ordered no contact with or about Ms Kirby on social media, a result reported on 7 March 2025.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced6 Mar
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A night out ended in a relationship-ending argument between Ben Costello and his then girlfriend, Amber Kirby.
Where
  • The couple argued on Castle Road and were later arrested there.
  • The incident happened as the couple walked down Ormond Road, near Patrick Street.
When
The charges arose from the night of 20 into 21 September 2024.
Cause
The court heard the night was drink and cocaine fuelled.
Investigation
Gardaí reviewed CCTV of Ormond Road that showed Mr Costello trip or push Ms Kirby, and the judge said he had pushed her quite forcefully.
Charges
  • Mr Costello was charged with assaulting his then girlfriend, Ms Kirby, and denied the charge.
  • Mr Costello pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and failing to comply with the directions of a garda.
In court
  • The assault charge was dismissed after a full hearing because the judge did not find it proven.
  • The case was heard at Kilkenny District Court and reported on 7 March 2025.
Sentence
  • The judge gave Mr Costello a conditional discharge under the Probation Act.
  • Mr Costello was ordered to have no contact with or about Ms Kirby on social media.
10 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe couple were arguing on Castle Road and were later arrested there. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whereThe incident happened as the couple were walking down Ormond Road. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • whenThe charges arose from the night of 20 into 21 September 2024. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • investigationGardaí reviewed CCTV footage of Ormond Road that showed Mr Costello trip or push Ms Kirby. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeMr Costello pleaded guilty to being drunk in public and failing to comply with the directions of a garda. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • chargeMr Costello had denied a charge of assaulting his then girlfriend. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe judge did not find the assault charge against Mr Costello proven and dismissed it. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • courtThe judge said Mr Costello had pushed Ms Kirby quite forcefully. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceThe judge gave Mr Costello a conditional discharge under the Probation Act. (kilkennypeople.ie)
  • sentenceMr Costello was ordered to have no contact with or about Ms Kirby on social media. (kilkennypeople.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 6 Mar2025
    Sentencedkilkennypeople.ie, first report
    Kilkenny night out was ‘drink and cocaine fuelled’ court hears

    Court report of the district court hearing. Records the guilty pleas to public order charges, the dismissal of the assault charge, and the sentence and social media no-contact order.

    convicted, Ben Costello, named, irish (judged from name)Ben Costellovictim, Amber Kirby, 19, irish (judged from name)Amber Kirby