Courts / Dublin / Report
"Distraction" posed for photographs as accomplices robbed US tourists
Summary
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.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Distraction" posed for photographs as accomplices robbed US tourists. Charges or matters: robbery of American tourist Ryan Dillon at Swords Town Park on May 2, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2, 2015 Adjournment
- 2016-10-27 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery of American tourist Ryan Dillon at Swords Town Park on May 2, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said Clarke, who had suffered "varying degrees" of drug addiction during his life, had been coming before the courts for a significant number of years and served a cycle of moderately severe prison sentences in the past but had been released each time without any structures in place.; Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to allow a probation report be prepared.
Places mentioned
- Dubln Circuit Criminal Court
- Swords Town Park
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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