Courts / Dublin / Report
Car hijacker repeatedly punched pregnant woman in face
Summary
Stephen Comey, 29, was sentenced to a three‑and‑a‑half‑year prison term for hijacking a car and repeatedly punching a heavily pregnant woman in the passenger seat while driving through Dublin's city centre. He had 70 prior convictions and had been released from prison six weeks earlier. The court heard he had a "tragic background" and had been working on rehabilitation while in custody. Judge Patricia Ryan back‑dated the sentence to May 2014, the date Comey entered custody, and suspended the remaining term from today's date. The offence involved unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm and possession of a syringe. The victim, a seven‑and‑a‑half‑month‑pregnant woman, was unable to escape the moving vehicle and was repeatedly punched by Comey. The case was adjourned several times to allow Comey to continue his rehabilitation work. The court noted his efforts to become drug‑free and the support of his family. Stephen Comey pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Car hijacker repeatedly punched pregnant woman in face. Charges or matters: unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm and possession of a syringe in the north inner city on May 12, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 12, 2014 Adjournment
- May 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-10 Publication
Why: She felt unable to jump out because of her pregnancy. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: unlawful seizure of a car, assault causing harm and possession of a syringe in the north inner city on May 12, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan imposed a three and a half year sentence. She backdated the sentence to May 2014 when Comey went into custody and suspended the balance of the sentence from today's date.; Today Anne Marie Lawlor BL, defending, said the case had been adjourned on several occasions with Comey in custody to allow him continue work on his rehabilitation.
Places mentioned
- Pearse House
- Pearse Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Gardiner Lane
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Violent Crime
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