Courts / Dublin / Report
'People interfacing with the public have to be protected by the courts': Judge
Summary
Judge Pauline Codd, presiding over the sentencing of Michael Collins, 32, imposed an eight‑year prison term with the final year suspended on strict conditions for the knife‑point robbery of two taxi drivers in April and May 2021. Collins, who had been arrested on 13 May 2021 after a TV was found in a trolley and a stolen credit card recovered, pleaded guilty to robbery, four counts of theft, handling stolen property and criminal damage. He had 43 prior convictions, mainly for robbery and burglary. The judge highlighted the seriousness of the robberies, the aggravating factor of the knife, and the impact on the drivers, who suffered financial loss and ongoing psychological effects. Collins expressed remorse, citing family tragedies and substance abuse, and seeks assistance with reading and writing while serving his sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'People interfacing with the public have to be protected by the courts': Judge. Charges or matters: robbery of the taxi drivers at locations in the city on dates in April and May 2021; four counts of theft, handling stolen property and criminal damage. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2021 Incident
- May 13, 2021 Incident
- April 14, 2021 Other
- May 12, 2021 Other
- 2022-07-14 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery of the taxi drivers at locations in the city on dates in April and May 2021; four counts of theft, handling stolen property and criminal damage (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Codd imposed an eight-year sentence with the final year suspended on strict conditions. Collins hopes to get assistance with reading and writing while serving his sentence.
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