Courts / Dublin / Report
Teen robber jailed "as a last resort" to protect society
Summary
A 17‑year‑old Dublin teenager was sentenced to three years' detention, with the final two years suspended, after a judge described the custodial sentence as a last resort to protect society. The judge said the boy "has little or no regard for other people's lives" and that he must learn the hard way if he does not change. He pleaded guilty to burglary on 10 November 2013 and to robbery of Frank Locke and Gerard Watkins on 2 February 2014, including the seizure of a Skoda Octavia and a Nissan Primera by force. The court noted that the teenager was on bail when the robberies occurred and that a probation report raised doubts about his ability to stop committing crime. Gardaí found cash, a yellow torch, a silver watch and a knuckle duster on him at his arrest. The boy's parents, who have no criminal record, were described as embarrassed and ashamed by his actions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Teen robber jailed "as a last resort" to protect society. Charges or matters: burglary on November 10, 2013; robbery of Frank Locke and Gerard Watkins on February 2, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 10, 2013 Incident
- February 2, 2014 Incident
- 2015-01-22 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary on November 10, 2013; robbery of Frank Locke and Gerard Watkins on February 2, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A Dublin teenager who burgled his neighbour and robbed two taxi drivers has been jailed as "a last resort" after a judge ruled society needed to be protected. "He has little or no regard for other people's lives. If he doesn't learn, he going to live a hard and tortured life," Judge Martin Nolan said after he sentenced the 17-year-old to three years detention with the final two years suspended. "Society cannot allow people like you to burgle and rob people.
Places mentioned
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request