Courts / Dublin / Report

Robber in "manic episode" when he took €2.5k from elderly victim

Date
2019-01-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Alan Behan, 27, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing 87‑year‑old Robert Lynch of €2,500 on 26 August 2016 outside a Bank of Ireland branch in Walkinstown. Lynch had withdrawn the money from an ATM, and Behan seized it as Lynch tried to protect his cash, causing Lynch to fall and suffer a small arm cut. Behan was identified on CCTV and arrested months later. He has 17 prior convictions. The judge, Karen O'Connor, sentenced him to four years' imprisonment, fully suspended. Behan, suffering from bipolar disorder and a manic episode, had not taken his medication and was under the influence of cannabis and other drugs at the time. He apologized to Lynch, who accepted his apology, and agreed to pay €600 in compensation. The court noted Behan's remorse and his living situation in temporary accommodation with his partner and three children. The sentence was suspended in full.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Robber in "manic episode" when he took €2.5k from elderly victim. Charges or matters: one count of robbing cash from then 87-year-old Robert Lynch outside a Bank of Ireland branch in Walkinstown, Dublin, on August 26, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

August 26, 2016 Incident
2019-01-15 Publication

Case subjects

Alan Behan

Convicted Person

Charges: one count of robbing cash from then 87-year-old Robert Lynch outside a Bank of Ireland branch in Walkinstown, Dublin, on August 26, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor sentenced Behan to four years imprisonment for the offence, but suspended the entirety of the sentence.