Courts / Dublin / Report

Cyclist's photos busted convertible robber

Summary

A robbery of a handbag from a woman's convertible car on a summer day was identified by a cyclist who captured photographs of the suspect, Mark Dwyer, 42, using his camera's zoom. Dwyer, who had 112 prior convictions and had just been released from prison, pleaded guilty to the robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan noted Dwyer had spotted an opportunity when the car's roof was down and that a "good Samaritan" had witnessed the crime. The judge imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year prison sentence, taking into account Dwyer's guilty plea but also his extensive criminal record. The woman was left shaken, and the cyclist's images helped identify Dwyer, who admitted he could not remember the incident and expressed remorse. The defence highlighted his long history of custody and efforts to address drug addiction. The court was asked to be lenient.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Cyclist's photos busted convertible robber. Charges or matters: robbery of a handbag at Herberton Bridge, Drimnagh on July 7, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 7, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-11-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report