Courts / Dublin / Report

Elderly man moved to nursing home after attack by knife-wielding burglar

Summary

Sean O'Leary, 40, was jailed for three and a half years for aggravated burglary after he burst into a 75‑year‑old man's Dublin home wearing a balaclava and wielding a knife. He forced the elderly victim to open his mouth, rummaged through his pockets and stole €900 in cash. The victim did not see the knife during the incident, but Gardaí later matched O'Leary's DNA to a blade left on the kitchen table. O'Leary pleaded guilty at Moatview Court on 31 March 2016 and had 28 previous convictions. The court heard the victim was knocked to the ground, suffered an economic loss, and had to move to a nursing home due to increased anxiety. O'Leary expressed remorse, saying he hoped the man could forgive him. The judge noted the crime's impact on the victim and imposed the sentence with credit for time already spent in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Elderly man moved to nursing home after attack by knife-wielding burglar. Charges or matters: aggravated burglary at Moatview Court, Priorswood on March 31, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• March 31, 2016 Incident
• 2018-01-31 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report