Courts / Dublin / Report
Homeless man with mental health issues gets suspended sentence for hijacking adoptive mother's car
Summary
Richard Devane, a 42‑year‑old homeless man with mental health and drug problems, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to unlawfully seizing his adoptive mother Hester Devane's car at Heuston Station on 29 June 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring, after hearing evidence earlier in the year, imposed a three‑year suspended prison sentence, conditioned on Devane remaining at Priorswood House treatment centre, engaging fully with staff, staying on medication, and not taking illegal drugs. He must also stay under Probation Service supervision for 12 months and continue his mental health treatment. A Protection of Person's Order barred Devane from any direct or indirect contact with his parents and brother for five years, with breach leading to separate prosecution. The judge noted Devane's cooperation with Priorswood and the Probation Service and his participation in an employment programme, hoping for future independent living.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Homeless man with mental health issues gets suspended sentence for hijacking adoptive mother's car. Charges or matters: the unlawful seizure of Mrs Hester Devane's vehicle at Heuston Station on June 29, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 29, 2013 Adjournment
- July 1, 2013 Incident
- July 2013 Incident
- 2014-12-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful seizure of Mrs Hester Devane's vehicle at Heuston Station on June 29, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She sentenced Devane to three years in prison which she suspended in full on condition that he continue to live at Priorswood House, engage with it's service, remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for 12 months and engage fully with his mental health treatment.; Judge Mary Ellen Ring adjourned sentencing after hearing evidence earlier in the year but ordered Devane to live at Priorswood House treatment centre and engage fully with staff there.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Priorswood House
- Central Mental Hospital
Topics
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