Saturday 31 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. 20750Drink-sailing offences under the Maritime Safety Act · Co. Dublin · 1 Jun 2017

Sailor cleared on appeal over erratic sailing in Dublin Port

On the morning of 1 June 2017, a pleasure boat was sailing erratically in Dublin Port's shipping lane. Brian Stacey, 50, and Ronan Stephens, 46, both of Crumlin, Dublin, were charged under the Maritime Safety Act with offences including careless sailing and operating a vessel while intoxicated, and they denied the charges. After a six-day District Court hearing in January 2020, both men were given three-month jail sentences with the final month suspended, fined €1,000 and ordered to complete alcohol awareness courses, and the boat was later destroyed. On 12 June 2023 the Circuit Court heard that the State consented to Brian Stacey's appeal being allowed, while Ronan Stephens' appeal was adjourned to a later date.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Acquitted12 Jun
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
A pleasure boat was sailing erratically in Dublin Port's shipping lane.
Where
The incident took place in Dublin Port's shipping lane, Dublin.
When
The incident took place on the morning of 1 June 2017.
Other details
  • The two men were Brian Stacey, 50, and Ronan Stephens, 46, both of Crumlin, Dublin.
  • The pleasure boat was seized and later destroyed.
  • The court heard that Brian Stacey said it was his God-given right to sail on the Liffey.
Charges
The two men were charged under the Maritime Safety Act with careless sailing, operating a vessel while intoxicated, and threatening and abusive behaviour, and they denied these charges.
In court
  • The men were tried over six days at Dublin District Court.
  • The men were released after lodging an appeal to the Circuit Court, which was delayed by Covid-19.
  • On 12 June 2023 the State consented to Brian Stacey's appeal being allowed, and Ronan Stephens' appeal was adjourned to a later date.
Sentence
In January 2020 each man was given a three-month jail sentence with the final month suspended, a €1,000 fine and an order to complete alcohol awareness courses.
Investigation
One of the gardaí who gave evidence against the men is serving a prison sentence for coercive control.
9 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe pleasure boat was sailing in Dublin Port's shipping lane. (rte.ie)
  • whenThe incident took place on the morning of 1 June 2017. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe two men faced charges under the Maritime Safety Act. (rte.ie)
  • chargeThe men denied careless sailing, operating a vessel while intoxicated, and threatening and abusive behaviour. (rte.ie)
  • courtThe State consented to Brian Stacey's appeal being allowed at the Circuit Court. (rte.ie)
  • courtRonan Stephens' appeal has been adjourned until a later date. (rte.ie)
  • sentenceIn January 2020 the men were given three-month jail sentences, with the final month suspended, and fined €1,000. (rte.ie)
  • otherThe pleasure boat was seized and later destroyed. (rte.ie)
  • otherBrian Stacey said it was his God-given right to sail on the Liffey. (rte.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 12 Jun2023
    Acquittedrte.ie, first report
    Sailor cleared on appeal of being drunk in Dublin Port

    Reports the Circuit Court outcome of the appeal: Brian Stacey's appeal was allowed with the State's consent, and Ronan Stephens' appeal was adjourned. Both men had been jailed (partly suspended) and fined in January 2020 after a District Court trial.

    convicted, Brian Stacey, 50, male, named, irish (judged from name)Brian Staceyconvicted, Ronan Stephens, 46, male, named, irish (judged from name)Ronan Stephens