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"Menace to society" sentenced to five years for robbing taxi drivers
Summary
Michael Whelan, 33, of Lucan, was sentenced to five years in prison for robbing three taxi drivers in July 2013. He admitted carrying out robberies on July 2, 4 and 7 at Croftwood Gardens and Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot. During the incidents he threatened victims with a syringe, used a knife, punched one driver breaking his two front teeth, and stole phones, CDs, a SatNav and cash. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, described Whelan as a "menace to society" and noted the vulnerability of taxi drivers. The judge suspended the final 18 months of the sentence, ordered 18 months of probation on release, and allowed credit for time already spent in custody. Whelan has 29 prior convictions, including robberies, and has a history of mental health issues and a childhood in State care. Michael Whelan pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Menace to society" sentenced to five years for robbing taxi drivers. Charges or matters: a robbery on July 4 on Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 4 Incident
- July 2, 2013 Other
- July 7, 2013 Incident
- 2015-02-12 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: a robbery on July 4 on Blackditch Road, Ballyfermot (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan suspended the final 18 months of the sentence and ordered Whelan to engage with probation for 18 months on release. Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Judge Martin Nolan said Whelan's modus operandi was to hire a taxi, lure them to a place where he felt comfortable and then rob them. "He's a menace to society," said the judge, noting that Whelan had produced syringes and a knife during the course of the robberies.
Places mentioned
- Liffey Avenue
- Liffey Valley Park
- Lucan
- Croftwood Gardens
- Temple Bar
- Blackditch Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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