Courts / Dublin / Report

"Talented underage footballer" cycled around Dublin snatching phones from women

Date
2017-07-25

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Brandon Cumberton, 19, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with nine months suspended for one year, after pleading guilty to four phone thefts in Dublin. The court heard he cycled around the city, snatching phones from women while intoxicated, and later apologized to some victims. He had eight prior convictions for minor theft. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the premeditated nature of the offences and the fact all victims were women. Cumberton cooperated with Gardaí, claimed no violence was used, and was described by his defence as a "talented underage footballer" who had played for Belvedere College and Hardwick FC. The judge warned him he could either move past his offending or face significant time in custody. No phones were recovered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Talented underage footballer" cycled around Dublin snatching phones from women. Charges or matters: stealing a Samsung phone at Blessington Street on February 4, 2017 and on March 7, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

February 4, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
March 7, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
February 6, 2017 Incident
February 2, 2017 Incident
2017-07-25 Publication

Why: Brandon Cumberton (19) identified himself on CCTV and told gardai he could only vaguely recollect the four thefts because he was drunk each time. CNI source report

Case subjects

Brandon Cumberton

Defendant

Charges: stealing a Samsung phone at Blessington Street on February 4, 2017 and on March 7, 2017 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She suspended the final nine months of the sentence for one year to allow Cumberton to engage with the probation services and complete any victim awareness work directed.