Courts / Dublin / Report

Detention for drunken teen who attacked two gardai after robbing tourists

Date
2016-11-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A 19‑year‑old named Dylan Thomas was sentenced to three years' detention for robbing a group of American tourists in a north Dublin park and for assaulting two gardai. CCTV footage showed Thomas, part of a large group of youths, robbed the tourists of a camera bag and attacked them when they tried to recover it. He later punched and kicked a garda who directed him to leave the area and again assaulted another garda who attempted to search him at the garda station. Thomas pleaded guilty to assaulting Garda Stephen Harte and Garda Keith Delaney, and to the robbery. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a four‑year detention sentence, suspending the final year on strict conditions, including cooperation with the Probation Service, attendance at psychiatric and educational services, and addressing drug, alcohol and anger‑control issues. The court noted Thomas's prospects for rehabilitation and his willingness to engage in positive pursuits.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Detention for drunken teen who attacked two gardai after robbing tourists. Charges or matters: assaulting Garda Stephen Harte causing him harm and assaulting Garda Keith Delaney on May 2, 2015; robbery at Swords Town Park on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 2, 2015 Incident
2016-11-24 Publication

Case subjects

Dylan Thomas

Defendant

Charges: assaulting Garda Stephen Harte causing him harm and assaulting Garda Keith Delaney on May 2, 2015; robbery at Swords Town Park on the same date (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Greally imposed four years detention and suspended the final year on strict conditions including that he co-operates with The Probation Service in addressing his drug, alcohol and anger control issues and attend psychiatric and educational services as directed.