Courts / Dublin / Report
81-year-old artist "belted" serial criminal who targets pensioners during burglary, court hears
Summary
Anthony Connors, 41, was sentenced to a cumulative 144 years in prison for a career of burglaries that mainly targeted pensioners. In a 2016 incident, he broke into the flat of 81‑year‑old artist Noel Lewis and his partner Dympna O'Halloran, 56, holding them hostage and demanding cash. Connors threatened to stab Lewis with a broom handle and to set the apartment on fire. Lewis managed to "belt" Connors with a heavy battery pack, stunning him. Connors stole €170 from the couple, a tablet containing O'Halloran's artwork, and a distinctive shirt. The victim impact reports described fear, nightmares, and loss of confidence for Lewis and disorientation and memory loss for O'Halloran. Connors was remanded in custody pending sentencing of his final burglary. The judge noted the need to protect the public and consider rehabilitation. Anthony Connors pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 81-year-old artist "belted" serial criminal who targets pensioners during burglary, court hears. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary, false imprisonment of Mr Lewis and making a threat to Ms O'Halloran that he would burn their flat on June 21, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2016 Incident
- June 21, 2016 Incident
- April 7 Adjournment
- 2017-03-15 Publication
Why: She felt that she was unable to continue with her art because of the loss of this irreplaceable work. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: aggravated burglary, false imprisonment of Mr Lewis and making a threat to Ms O'Halloran that he would burn their flat on June 21, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Anthony Connors (41) is due to be sentenced for his last burglary next month after he held an elderly couple hostage in their apartment while demanding cash from them. He has been sentenced to over 144 years in jail, though many of these prison terms would have been served concurrently.; Judge Elma Sheahan said she needed time to consider the case and remanded Connors in continuing custody until April 7, next.
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