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"It's not me, it's the addict in me": burglar who kicked and robbed 12-year-old of his savings

Summary

Justin Murray, aged 38, was jailed for a 2014 burglary in Clontarf where he forced his way into a 12‑year‑old boy's home, forced the child to help gather valuables, and kicked him when the boy tried to call for help. Murray, who has long struggled with drug addiction, claimed "It's not me, it's the addict in me." He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the seriousness of the offence and Murray's 23 prior burglary convictions, imposed a three‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, citing the terror inflicted on the boy. Murray admitted he had likely broken in but denied striking the child, and he was not invited into the house. The boy later identified him on CCTV and was rescued by neighbours and Gardaí. The case highlighted the impact of drug‑related crime on vulnerable children.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "It's not me, it's the addict in me": burglar who kicked and robbed 12-year-old of his savings. Charges or matters: robbery in Clontarf on May 26, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 26, 2014 Incident
• 2016-12-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report