Courts / Dublin / Report
"I will slash your face to bits": serial robber who targeted taxi drivers is jailed
Summary
Thomas Joyce, 37, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison, with the final year suspended, for robbing two taxi drivers in Finglas on 7 and 8 November 2016. He had previously been convicted of five robberies and three attempted robberies against taxi drivers, bringing his total convictions to 32. Joyce told the first driver he would "cut him" and the second that he had "blades" and would "slash his face to bits." He fled after taking phones and cash. The court noted the crimes were linked to drug use, but that Joyce was now in rehabilitation, having attended a residential treatment course from March to August 2016. He pleaded guilty, showed remorse, and cooperated, factors that were considered in the sentencing. The judge highlighted the terror inflicted on the victims and the high risk of re‑offending identified in Joyce's probation report. The sentence reflects the seriousness of the offences while acknowledging his efforts at rehabilitation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "I will slash your face to bits": serial robber who targeted taxi drivers is jailed. Charges or matters: robbery of two taxi drivers in Finglas on November 7 and 8, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 7 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2016 Other
- August 2016 Other
- November 9, 2016 Incident
- 2017-10-23 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery of two taxi drivers in Finglas on November 7 and 8, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Griffin imposed a five-and-a-half year sentence and suspended the final year.
Places mentioned
- Dunsink Lane
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Ratoath Road
- Dunsink Lane
- Exchange House
Topics
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