Courts / Dublin / Report

Addict who hijacked woman's car with child on back seat given "chance" to engage in drug rehabilitation

Date
2015-03-27

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Mountjoy

County
Dublin

Summary

Christopher Coakley, a 23‑year‑old heroin addict, pleaded guilty to unlawfully seizing a woman's car with her child in the back seat on 5 August 2012. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment by Judge Desmond Hogan on 25 February 2013. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing that the judge had not fully considered Coakley's 92 prior convictions and his previously suspended five‑year sentence. The Court of Appeal heard that Coakley had been a heroin addict since age 13 and had spent most of his life in custody since age 14. His mother said he had become drug‑free in September 2012. The court adjourned sentencing to 20 July, remanding him in custody with the condition that he attend the Coolmine Alcohol and Drugs Service Community. If he left Coolmine, the court warned that authorities would be notified and a stricter view would be taken. The court offered him a chance to engage in drug rehabilitation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Addict who hijacked woman's car with child on back seat given "chance" to engage in drug rehabilitation. Charges or matters: the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Mountjoy Square on August 5, 2012. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

August 5, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
February 25 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
August 2012 Incident
July 20 Adjournment
2015-03-27 Publication

Case subjects

Christopher Coakley

Appellant

Charges: the unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Mountjoy Square on August 5, 2012 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He was sentenced to three years imprisonment by Judge Desmond Hogan at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on February 25 2013. Two months earlier, Ms Baxter said, Coakley had benefited from an entirely suspended five-year sentence and that wasn't sufficiently taken into account by the sentencing judge for the present offence.; On foot of "helpful" suggestions by Mr Staines the court adjourned sentencing until July on condition that he would go from prison to Coolmine Alcohol and Drugs Service Community.