Courts / Dublin / Report

Man to be sentenced for city robbery spree

Date
2016-10-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Thomas Murray, 34, a father of two, will be sentenced in December for a series of robberies in Dublin between December 2015 and February 2016. He pleaded guilty to eight robberies, one attempted robbery and one threat to kill. CCTV showed him using women's bank cards for small "tap purchases" where PIN codes are not required, and cutting the straps of handbags with a knife he described as a tool. Murray had 37 prior convictions and committed several offences while on bail. He was apprehended after a bus driver "rugby tackled" him and after a car stopped him at a bus stop. He cooperated with Gardaí, admitted the offences, apologized for frightening victims and said he committed the crimes to feed his addiction and buy things for his children. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to allow for updated reports and noted the need for a regime to provide help upon release.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man to be sentenced for city robbery spree. Charges or matters: eight robberies, one attempted robbery and one threat to kill at various locations around the city on dates between December 2015 and February 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
February 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
December 20th Adjournment
Christmas Incident
2016-10-20 Publication

Case subjects

Thomas Murray

Defendant

Charges: eight robberies, one attempted robbery and one threat to kill at various locations around the city on dates between December 2015 and February 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Wrong place, wrong time." Judge Melanie Greally said the reality was Murray was facing a significant sentence but a regime would have to be put in place so that there was some sort of help for him when he was next released.; She adjourned sentencing until December 20th next to allow for updated reports.