Courts / Roscommon / Report
Robbery of 90-year-old pensioner led to angry demonstration, appeal court hears
Summary
A man convicted of robbing a 90-year-old pensioner in Castlerea, Co Roscommon has had his prison sentence upheld by the Court of Appeal. Mark Sweeney, aged 33, of Cloonkeen, Castlerea, pleaded guilty at Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at The Demesne on 24 August 2015. He received eight years imprisonment with the final two-and-a-half years suspended by Judge Keenan Johnson in June 2016. The Court of Appeal dismissed Sweeney's appeal against sentence today, with the three-judge court finding the sentence appropriate and proportionate. Mr Justice John Edwards outlined that the victim, then aged 90, was approached in the town park where Sweeney demanded money, then assaulted him with an umbrella after seizing it, stealing €450. The victim sustained a fractured lumbar vertebra and ongoing pain. The incident prompted an angry public demonstration in Castlerea. Sweeney admitted the offence immediately. The court noted he has mental health difficulties and a prior manslaughter conviction.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robbery of 90-year-old pensioner led to angry demonstration, appeal court hears. Charges or matters: robbery at The Demesne, Castlerea on August 24, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 24, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-02-21 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: robbery at The Demesne, Castlerea on August 24, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment with the final two-and-a-half suspended by Judge Keenan Johnson on June 2, 2016. Mr Justice Edwards, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Hedigan, said the ultimate sentence imposed was appropriate and proportionate.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Roscommon
- Roscommon Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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