Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman to be sentenced for role in taxi hijack

Summary

Nikkita Brogan, a 24-year-old woman from Letterkenny, Co Donegal, appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court regarding her role in a taxi hijacking. She pleaded guilty to the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Rutland Grove, Crumlin, on May 6, 2019. Prosecution evidence, including dashcam footage, alleged that Brogan, seated in the back, released the driver's seatbelt to allow two men to drag the 60-year-old driver from the vehicle and assisted in reattaching the gearstick knob. The men, who have already been sentenced for robbery and assault, allegedly choked and punched the driver. Brogan admitted to unclicking the seatbelt but denied threatening the victim. Her defense counsel, Paul O'Carroll SC, noted that the case had been delayed by a procedural matter referred to the Court of Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions to clarify the service of books of evidence. He also highlighted Brogan's 76 previous convictions, primarily for shoplifting, and her current three-month term for theft. Judge Melanie Greally observed that past leniency had not improved Brogan's conduct. The matter was adjourned until November 12 to allow a probation report to be prepared, with the balance of the plea in mitigation to be heard on that date.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman to be sentenced for role in taxi hijack. Charges or matters: unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Rutland Grove, Crumlin, on May 6, 2019. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• May 6, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 12th Adjournment
• 2021-07-16 Publication

Why: Mr Carroll said Brogan had indicated at all times that she would plead guilty but the case had been delayed when it was stated to the Court of Appeal by the Director of Public Prosecutions in order to have a procedural matter related to the service of books of evidence clarified. Prosecution account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report