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Convicted killer robbed and kicked man with cerebral palsy

Summary

Mark McCowen, aged 40, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing a man with cerebral palsy on 31 March 2014. He admitted he was heavily intoxicated, had no knowledge of the victim's disability, and had previously been convicted 66 times, including a five‑year manslaughter sentence in 1996. McCowen claimed he had stopped drinking, attends Alcoholic Anonymous, and expressed remorse. Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case to 15 February next year, ordering a probation report and a condition that he abstain from alcohol over the adjourned period, with potential custody if he is found drunk. He was arrested after Gardaí received CCTV footage; he sold the stolen phone for €100 and spent it on alcohol. The victim suffered a cut from a kick but declined to give a victim impact statement. The court noted McCowen's long‑term addiction and health issues.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Convicted killer robbed and kicked man with cerebral palsy. Charges or matters: robbery at Parnell Street of a mobile phone and headphones on March 31, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 31, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• February 15 Adjournment
• Christmas Other
• 2016-12-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report