Courts / Dublin / Report

Judge praises "great resilience" of woman (84) who surprised burglar

Date
2018-12-07
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing on 7 December 2018, Judge Melanie Greally praised an 84‑year‑old woman for her "great resilience" after a burglary at her home in Temple Cottages, Broadstone, Dublin 7, two years earlier. The woman, who had lived in the house since 1958 and lived alone since her husband's death, was shocked when burglar Wayne Murphy, a 43‑year‑old from North Frederick Street, entered through an open kitchen window. She screamed, tried to grab him, but he fled with her wallet and €125. Neighbours helped, and Murphy was arrested. The judge noted the victim's stoic attitude, her increased security measures, and her refusal to let the event affect her life. Murphy pleaded guilty to trespass and theft, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended, and is due for release next year.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Judge praises "great resilience" of woman (84) who surprised burglar. Charges or matters: trespass and theft at Temple Cottages, Broadstone, Dublin 7 on July 10, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Why: Mr Cooney said Murphy burgled to fund his addiction but was now drug-free and on methadone. CNI source report

Case subjects

Unnamed 84-year-old

Convicted Person

Charges: trespass and theft at Temple Cottages, Broadstone, Dublin 7 on July 10, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The 43-year-old, of North Frederick Street, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four years in prison with the final 12 months suspended. He's currently serving a four-year sentence and is due for release this time next year, whereupon this latest sentence will be imposed.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Burglary Stage Sentence Theft

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request