Courts / Dublin / Report
Taxi driver drove to garda station during robbery
Summary
Paul Cullen, 38, of Cashel Road, Crumlin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for robbery. He pleaded guilty to robbing a taxi driver at an unknown location on October 31, 2015. The court heard that Cullen threatened the victim, who noticed blood on Cullen's hand and a weapon in his waistband, before taking €25 in cash. The driver drove to Sundrive Road Garda Station, where Cullen was apprehended. A DNA match was later found on a receipt book in the vehicle. Cullen, who has previous convictions for robbery, attempted robbery, and assault, stated his drug addiction and debt motivated the offence. He expressed remorse and co-operated with the investigation. Judge Melanie Greally noted Cullen's history demonstrated a capacity for violence when under the influence of drugs. However, she acknowledged he had addressed his addiction in prison and desired residential treatment. Judge Greally imposed a four-year sentence, suspending the final 18 months on the condition that Cullen attends residential drug treatment upon release and remains there until the program is complete.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Taxi driver drove to garda station during robbery. Charges or matters: robbery at an unknown location on October 31, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 31, 2015 Incident
- 2017-03-16 Publication
Why: Cullen said his drug addiction and an associated debt were the reason for this offence. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery at an unknown location on October 31, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally noted she had recently sentenced Cullen in relation to other offences and his history of convictions demonstrated he had "quite a capacity for violence when under the influence of drugs." She noted he had addressed his addiction in prison and had a strong desire to attend a residential treatment program. Judge Greally imposed a four year sentence and suspended the final 18 months on condition that Cullen attend for residential drug treatment on his release and remain there until the program is complete.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- up at Sundrive Road Garda Station
- Sundrive Road
- Cashel Road
- Crumlin
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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