Courts / Dublin / Report
Thief stole €11k from own grandad in 'low down offence'
Summary
Robert Byrne, aged 30, was sentenced to six months in prison for stealing over €11,000 from his grandfather's bank account. Byrne carried out 35 transactions between 4 June 2015 and 4 January 2016, using his grandfather's credit card details. The thefts included online gambling and a purchase of children's toys. Byrne has 40 prior convictions, including robbery, theft and use of a false instrument. The court noted that the bank reimbursed the victim but incurred a loss of €11,535.32, and Byrne has made no attempt to repay the money. Judge Pauline Codd described the offence as "very mean and low down" and "particularly reprehensible" because it involved his own grandfather. She imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspending the final two years on strict conditions, including engagement with drug rehabilitation and the Probation Service. The defence argued that Byrne had re‑engaged with his grandfather, who did not want him imprisoned. Robert Byrne pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Thief stole €11k from own grandad in 'low down offence'. Charges or matters: thefts at locations in Dublin on dates between June 4, 2015 and January 4, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 4, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 4, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-06-15 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: thefts at locations in Dublin on dates between June 4, 2015 and January 4, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Pauline Codd said the thefts relate to a time when Byrne's grandfather was looking out for him and giving him a place to live. Judge Codd sentenced Byrne to two-and-a-half years imprisonment, but suspended the final two years of the sentence on strict conditions including that he engage with the Probation Service in respect of his drug addiction.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- 'Brilliant law academic' who stabbed elderly father to death found not guilty of murder by reason of insanity
- 'He told me he loved me, but I just kept stabbing him' - lawyer on trial accused of murdering father
- Mentally ill man who received suspended sentence for harassing barrister contacted her within days of release, court hears
- Former solicitor at prestigious firm pleads not guilty to murdering father by reason of insanity
- Sentence adjourned for broadcaster Brendan Courtney's attacker
- 'I'm going to kill you' - Carjacker held knife to elderly woman's throat
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request