Courts / Dublin / Report

Retired doctor (72) dragged by car thief

Date
2021-06-30

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Doyle, 35, was remanded in prison pending sentence after a violent incident involving a 72‑year‑old retired GP. While the woman was unlocking her car and removing a cone, Doyle, who had been hiding behind the vehicle, reached into the front seat to seize the keys. The victim wrestled with him and, fearing she might be run over, ran to get help. Doyle drove a short distance before stopping, getting out and attempting to take the woman's handbag. CCTV footage showed him dragging her along the ground near the car while she held onto the bag. He then tried to drive away, but the woman released the bag and escaped. The incident left her with minor bruising; she did not file a victim impact statement. Doyle pleaded guilty to seizing a vehicle by force or threat and robbery of a handbag and its contents. The case was adjourned to November 3, with Doyle remaining in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Retired doctor (72) dragged by car thief. Charges or matters: seizing a vehicle by force or threat and robbery of a handbag and its contents in Dublin 2, on October 11, 2020. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

October 11, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
November 3 Adjournment
2021-06-30 Publication

Why: Detective Garda Cian Fleming told Siobhán Ní Chúlacháin BL, prosecuting, that the victim, a retired GP, let go of the bag because she was terrified she was going to be run over. CNI source report