Courts / Dublin / Report
Iraqi war veteran developed drug addiction after service
Summary
Stephen Keane, a 30‑year‑old former British Army land sergeant who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a series of offences committed on 25 August 2018. He pleaded guilty to impersonating a Garda at BoyleSports, unlawfully seizing a vehicle at Firhouse Shopping Centre, and robbery at Dwan's Off‑Licence. Keane admitted that he had been suffering from PTSD and had developed a heroin and crack cocaine addiction after his service, which he said motivated his desperate actions. He was given a six‑year prison term with the final three years suspended, conditional on engaging in probation, offence‑ and victim‑focused work and drug treatment. The judge noted his remorse and the frightening impact of his conduct on victims, while acknowledging his addiction and drug debt as driving factors. Keane has 68 prior convictions in Ireland and the UK.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Iraqi war veteran developed drug addiction after service. Charges or matters: impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána at BoyleSports, Firhouse Road, on August 25, 2018; unlawfully seizing a vehicle at Firhouse Shopping Centre, Firhouse, and robbery at Dwan's Off-Licence, Woodstown Shopping Centre, Ballycullen, on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 25, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-07-30 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: impersonating a member of An Garda Síochána at BoyleSports, Firhouse Road, on August 25, 2018; unlawfully seizing a vehicle at Firhouse Shopping Centre, Firhouse, and robbery at Dwan's Off-Licence, Woodstown Shopping Centre, Ballycullen, on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally suspended the final three years on a six year prison sentence on condition that he engage with the Probation Service in offence and victim focused work and in drug treatment.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin Circuit Court
- Firhouse Road
Topics
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