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Suspended sentence for youth (16) who carried out "vicious, mindless" assault
Summary
A 16‑year‑old youth, now 17, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a stolen phone after attacking a delivery man on Deerhaven Avenue, Clonee, Dublin. The victim, a pensioner, was repeatedly kicked and beaten, sustaining a broken nose, concussion and chipped teeth, and suffered ongoing headaches and fear of further attacks. The court heard the youth had no prior convictions, a good educational record, supportive family and a favourable probation report, and had pleaded guilty early. Judge Melanie Greally set a headline sentence of six years but imposed a four‑year suspended sentence, to be suspended in full if the youth keeps the peace for four years and undergoes 12 months' supervision by the probation services. The start of the sentence was deferred until 31 July 2019 in accordance with the Children Act. The case involved two other youths who fled the scene, and the victim's impact statement highlighted financial loss and ongoing trauma.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for youth (16) who carried out "vicious, mindless" assault. Charges or matters: robbery and possession of a stolen phone at Deerhaven Avenue, Clonee, Dublin on November 2 last. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2 Incident
- July 31, 2019 Other
- 2018-10-05 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery and possession of a stolen phone at Deerhaven Avenue, Clonee, Dublin on November 2 last (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A 16-year-old youth who attacked and robbed a delivery man in what a judge described as an "extremely vicious and mindless assault" is to be given a four-year suspended sentence. However, she said that the accused was afforded protection under the Children Act, which stipulates that a prison sentence must only be imposed as a matter of last resort.
Places mentioned
- Deerhaven Avenue
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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