Courts / Dublin / Report
7.5-year sentence for crack addict over violent robbery of taxi driver
Summary
In March 2019, Gerard Cully, a 32‑year‑old crack cocaine addict, was sentenced to seven and a half years' imprisonment for a series of violent robberies. He robbed a taxi driver on Railway Street, demanding €30 and the driver's car keys while threatening him with a pointed weapon and an accomplice strangling the victim with a rope. Cully also attempted to rob a convenience store and successfully robbed two other shops in Dublin's city centre, taking a total of €415. He was armed with a knife and a hammer during these offences. Judge Melanie Greally described the crimes as a "spree of severe offences committed at a very high level" to obtain money for his addiction. Cully pleaded guilty, expressed remorse, and had previously sought help for his addiction. The judge imposed concurrent sentences, suspended the final 18 months on strict conditions, and considered his psychological report and prior attempts at treatment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 7.5-year sentence for crack addict over violent robbery of taxi driver. Charges or matters: robbery of the taxi driver on Railway Street, Dublin, attempted robbery and possession of a knife at Spar on O'Connell Street Upper, robbery of Londis on O'Connell Street Upper and robbery of Fresh on Mayor Street, Dublin on dates between September 4 and September 29, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 4 Incident
- September 29, 2018 Incident
- 2019-03-27 Publication
Why: Judge Melanie Greally said Cully's crimes were a "spree of severe offences committed at a very high level" in order to get money to feed his crack cocaine addiction. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: robbery of the taxi driver on Railway Street, Dublin, attempted robbery and possession of a knife at Spar on O'Connell Street Upper, robbery of Londis on O'Connell Street Upper and robbery of Fresh on Mayor Street, Dublin on dates between September 4 and September 29, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She sentenced Cully to concurrent sentences of seven and half years and suspended the final 18 months of the term on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Railway Street
- O'Connell Street
- Mayor Street
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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