Courts / Dublin / Report

Victim followed after 'vicous' muggers spotted Rolex

Date
2020-03-24
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin City
County
Dublin

Summary

Two men, Nathan Benson (22) and Harry Walsh (19), were sentenced to four years each in prison for a violent robbery that took place on Wellington Quay on 22 October 2017. The robbery involved the victim's Rolex watch, valued at €7,500, which the men seized after spotting the watch in a Dublin nightclub. During the assault, the victim was kicked, punched and left with physical injuries and lasting psychological impact. Judge Melanie Greally described the robbery as "extremely violent and vicious" and noted the defendants' histories of violent offending and drug addiction. Benson's case was influenced by his upbringing and mental health struggles, while Walsh's record included numerous prior convictions for extreme violence. Both men pleaded guilty and were given sentences with the final 12 months suspended. The court also considered their behaviour in custody and potential for rehabilitation. The sentencing highlighted the seriousness of the offence and the defendants' personal circumstances.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Victim followed after 'vicous' muggers spotted Rolex. Charges or matters: an affray on High Street, Tallaght on January 6, 2019, during which a man was kicked and punched, knocked to the ground and rendered unconscious. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Unnamed man

Defendant

Charges: an affray on High Street, Tallaght on January 6, 2019, during which a man was kicked and punched, knocked to the ground and rendered unconscious (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: By Declan Brennan and Sonya McLean Two men have been jailed for four years each for the violent street robbery of a victim who they had followed after spotting his Rolex watch. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced both Benson and Walsh to five years in prison with the final 12 months suspended.

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Address Area
  • High Street

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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