2016-10-27 · Dublin
"Distraction" posed for photographs as accomplices robbed US tourists
In 2015, Brian Clarke, 31, posed for photographs in Swords Town Park while his accomplices robbed American tourist Ryan Dillon. Clarke was identified from the photos and later pleaded guilty to robbery. During the incident, Dillon was attacked by youths who punched and kicked him; his partner was also assaulted. Dillon suffered a broken scapula and was taken to hospital. The robbery involved cash, a camera bag, wallet, camera and mobile phone. Clarke was described by Garda Mairead Murray as a "distraction" with no evidence of direct violence. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report. Clarke has 55 prior convictions and is scheduled for sentencing in January. The victim impact reports were submitted but not read in open court. The defence argued Clarke's role was limited to distraction and that the offence was "mean‑spirited.".