Courts / Dublin / Report
Storm Emma looter "brought shame on" family of lawyers and doctors
Summary
During Storm Emma, Mohammed Smew (26) entered the Centra supermarket in Tallaght, Dublin, with a sledgehammer and participated in a looting that caused significant damage to the shop and the local community. He pleaded guilty to burglary and possession of a sledgehammer at Kiltalawn on 2 March 2018. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced him to a headline term of four and a half years, reduced to three years with the final 18 months suspended, citing his guilty plea, lack of serious prior convictions, educational background, remorse, and commitment to reform. The judge noted his family's respectable professional background and that the incident was an aberration. Smew had already spent seven months in custody and was credited for this time. The court also heard letters and testimonials from family, friends, and Griffith College supporting his case. The incident involved a large group, a con saw cutting a hole in the shop's steel shutter, and a Garda's attempt to apprehend the suspect.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Storm Emma looter "brought shame on" family of lawyers and doctors. Charges or matters: burglary and the production of a sledgehammer at Kiltalawn on March 2, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 2, 2018 Incident
- 2019-05-31 Publication
Why: Det Gda Jennings called out "armed gardaí" but was unable to draw his firearm because it got caught in his waterproof leggings. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary and the production of a sledgehammer at Kiltalawn on March 2, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Melanie Greally said Smew had exploited a dramatic weather event and engaged in behaviour which was "absolutely unacceptable". Judge Greally set a headline sentence of four and a half years' imprisonment, but reduced this to a three-year sentence with the final 18 months suspended.
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