Courts / Dublin / Report
Storm Emma looter who "brought shame on community" is jailed
Summary
John Doyle, 38, of Tallaght, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for trespassing at a Centra store in Kiltalown on March 2, 2018, with the intention of committing theft. Doyle pleaded guilty to the charge. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a two-year prison sentence, suspending the final 12 months. The judge stated that acting as Doyle did during the national emergency of Storm Emma justified a custodial sentence, describing the incident as serious anti-social behaviour that brought shame on his community. She considered Doyle's remorse, rehabilitation efforts, and positive references. Doyle, who has 111 previous convictions, was found with cigarettes after throwing trolleys to obstruct gardai. Co-accused David Berney, 37, previously received an 18-month suspended sentence for his role in the incident. The court noted that while Doyle was not present when the shop shutters were cut, he entered after being beckoned by others. The matter was previously adjourned in March to allow for a Probation Service report, during which time Doyle was remanded on continuing bail.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Storm Emma looter who "brought shame on community" is jailed. Charges or matters: trespassing at Centra, Kiltalown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018 with the intention of committing theft. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 2, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-07-17 Publication
Case subjects
Co Accused
Outcome: After hearing evidence last March, Judge Greally had adjourned sentencing and remanded Doyle on continuing bail pending the preparation of a report from the Probation Service.
Defendant
Charges: trespassing at Centra, Kiltalown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018 with the intention of committing theft (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Melanie Greally said to act as Doyle did "during a national emergency" was something that justified a prison sentence and added that "under no circumstances could I consider a non-custodial sentence". "It was undoubtedly a very serious incident of anti-social and destructive behaviour, which brought shame on his community and his family," the judge said. Judge Greally said she was taking into account Doyle's expression of remorse, his efforts to rehabilitate and a large number of testimonials and references handed in on his behalf before she suspended the final 12 months of a two year sentence.; After hearing evidence last March, Judge Greally had adjourned sentencing and remanded Doyle on continuing bail pending the preparation of a report from the Probation Service.
Convicted Person
Charges: trespassing at Centra, Kiltalown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018 with the intention of committing theft (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Storm Emma last year has been sentenced to two years in prison with the final year suspended.; After hearing evidence last March, Judge Greally had adjourned sentencing and remanded Doyle on continuing bail pending the preparation of a report from the Probation Service.
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