Courts / Dublin / Report
Criminal who threatened to shoot taxi driver in leg before seizing his cab is jailed
Summary
Dylan Smith, 23, of Crumlin, pleaded guilty to producing an imitation firearm, unlawful seizure of a vehicle, and arson. On 26 March 2014, he threatened a taxi driver, John Lang, with a fake gun, forced him out of the vehicle, and drove off. Smith then set fire to Bernard Curtis Apartments in Bluebell. Garda Gary Keelan and others apprehended him near Jamestown Industrial Estate. Smith, with 69 prior convictions, was already serving sentences for robbery, false imprisonment and unlawful seizure of a vehicle. At sentencing, Judge Gerard Hogan imposed a four‑year jail term, with the final two years suspended, meaning Smith will serve an effective one‑year term. He is scheduled for release in 2020. The court noted his violent background, substance issues, and that he had become a father on the day of the incident. The case was prosecuted by Gareth Baker BL and defended by Pieter Le Vert BL.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal who threatened to shoot taxi driver in leg before seizing his cab is jailed. Charges or matters: producing an imitation firearm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Goldenbridge Walk, Inchicore, and arson at Bernard Curtis Apartments, Bluebell, on March 26, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 26, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-04-23 Publication
Why: Sentencing Smith to six years with the final two years suspended, Judge Hogan explained that he was structuring the sentence so that only one more year would be added to Smith's prison term. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: producing an imitation firearm and unlawful seizure of a vehicle at Goldenbridge Walk, Inchicore, and arson at Bernard Curtis Apartments, Bluebell, on March 26, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Sentencing Smith to six years with the final two years suspended, Judge Hogan explained that he was structuring the sentence so that only one more year would be added to Smith's prison term.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Jamestown Industrial Estate
- Smith's prison
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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