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Man jailed for string of robberies and vicious attacks

Summary

Thomas Roberts, 23, of Carrow Road, Drimnagh, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a series of violent offences committed between November 2012 and April 2013. Roberts pleaded guilty to two counts of assault causing harm, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery, and one count of possessing cannabis. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a total of six years in consecutive sentences. She suspended the final three years on strict conditions and backdated the sentence to February, when Roberts entered custody on these bills. The court heard that Roberts, who was 19 at the time of the offences, was involved in attacks on two Italian men, Francisco Brescia and Andrea Pelle, as well as the robbery of a woman. Prosecution evidence detailed that Roberts smashed a glass bottle over Mr. Brescia's head during an attack on O'Connell Street, while he placed Mr. Pelle in a headlock on Westmoreland Street. Victim impact statements highlighted the lasting trauma, with one victim stating he no longer felt safe in Ireland and another leaving the country. Defence counsel Fiona Murphy, BL, noted Roberts' remorse, his history of homelessness, and his dysfunctional childhood. The court also noted Roberts had 20 previous convictions and was on bail during some of the offences. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the custodial sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man jailed for string of robberies and vicious attacks. Charges or matters: two counts of assault causing harm, two counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of possessing cannabis on various dates between November 2012 and April 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 2012 Incident
• April 2013 Incident
• November 24, 2012 Incident
• 2017-04-06 Publication

Why: The court heard there was a delay bringing the matter to court because Roberts moved to England for a number of months and failed to turn up to court on other occasions. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report