Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail term increased for youth who robbed Liberian man in "atrocious" attack
Summary
A 17‑year‑old youth was convicted of robbing Joseph Benson, a Liberian man who had spent 22 days at sea to reach Ireland, on 17 April 2015 in Tallaght. The original sentence of two years and six months, with nine months suspended pending placement at Cuan Mhuire rehabilitation centre, was increased by the Court of Appeal to seven years, with three and a half years suspended. The appeal was brought by the Director of Public Prosecutions after the teenager failed to take up the rehabilitation place. The Court of Appeal, citing the "particularly atrocious" nature of the assault, deemed a longer headline sentence necessary. The new sentence includes 18 months of post‑release supervision and a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The victim, who suffered head and neck pain, had no recollection of the incident. The teenager had 15 prior convictions, including theft and violent behaviour. The unnamed man pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail term increased for youth who robbed Liberian man in "atrocious" attack. Charges or matters: robbery of Joseph Benson at City West Luas, Tallaght, on April 17, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 17, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-03-28 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: robbery of Joseph Benson at City West Luas, Tallaght, on April 17, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment with the balance to be suspended after nine months on condition he take a place at Cuan Mhuire rehabilitation centre. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully sought a review of the teenager's sentence today and he was accordingly re-sentenced to seven years imprisonment with the final three-and-a-half years suspended.; Mr Justice Hedigan said it was clear the sentencing judge gave very careful consideration to the matter and she adjourned the case to allow her receive reports which seemed to impress her.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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