Courts / Dublin / Report

Smash and grab robber broke victim's finger

Summary

In a 2018 robbery at Dolphin's Barn, 41‑year‑old Mark Dwyer broke a woman's finger while smashing the window of her car and seized her handbag containing €920. Dwyer pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and was sentenced to three years in prison, with the final 18 months suspended. The judge noted the victim, Christine Pollard, suffered both physical injury and emotional distress, and that the robbery occurred in full public view. Dwyer's prior convictions included assaults, drug misuse, burglaries and possession of a weapon. He had previously served a three‑year sentence in 2013 for firearm possession. The suspended portion of the sentence was conditioned on his engagement with the Probation Service for two years. The case highlighted the victim's ongoing treatment for a broken ring finger and her feelings of vulnerability after the incident. The stolen goods, valued at €990, were not recovered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Smash and grab robber broke victim's finger. Charges or matters: one count of robbing Ms Pollard at Dolphin's Barn on October 1 last year. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 1 Incident
• 2018-07-30 Publication

Why: She said he was easily recognised and while she accepted he had pleaded guilty, she said a jury would have most likely convicted him because of the strength of the evidence against him. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report