Courts / Dublin / Report
Bandage gave away robber who stole businessman's phone
Summary
In June 2016, 22‑year‑old Lee Murray robbed a business tourist on Hanover Street East, Dublin, threatening him with a bread knife and stealing his iPhone 7. The victim reported that the robber had a bandage on his hand. Gardaí located Murray a few hours later at Misery Hill, where he admitted the crime, led them to the hidden phone and apologized. Murray pleaded guilty to one count of robbery. On 13 February 2018, the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court sentenced him to 20 months' imprisonment. Judge Martin Nolan cited mitigating circumstances, including Murray's history of heroin addiction, his recent stab‑wound injury, and his status on the waiting list for residential treatment. The judge noted that Murray's behaviour on the day left him with "no choice" and that a custodial sentence was necessary. Murray has 24 prior convictions, including theft and knife offences, and is a father of a two‑year‑old child.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Bandage gave away robber who stole businessman's phone. Charges or matters: one count of robbery. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 23, 2016 Incident
- 2018-02-13 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of robbery (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: However, Judge Nolan said Murray's behaviour on the day gave him "no choice" and he must impose a custodial sentence. "For the injured party, this was a terrifying experience," the judge said. He said Murray had taken positive steps to address his heroin issues and he urged Judge Nolan to impose a sentence that would allow him to take up his rehab place.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request