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Robber who claimed putting knife to victim's throat was 'just a joke' fails in appeal
Summary
Patrick Maughan, 23, of Poddle Close, Kimmage, Dublin 6, pleaded guilty to robbery and the production of a 15‑inch breadknife. In January 2021 he was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to five years' imprisonment, with two years suspended, for the robbery that took place on 13 February 2018. Judge Melanie Greally described the incident as "very serious" and noted that Maughan had claimed it was "just a joke" and that he was "off his head". The court heard that Maughan's family had been "disgusted" by his actions and had removed him from the house. Maughan had no prior convictions at the time of the robbery, but had been convicted of producing an article, criminal damage and breach of a safety order during the case. In the Court of Appeal, Maughan's lawyer, Luigi Rea BL, argued that the sentence was too severe, citing Maughan's lack of readiness and the fact that the knife was "produced more than used".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber who claimed putting knife to victim's throat was 'just a joke' fails in appeal. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- January 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 13, 2018 Incident
- 2022-10-11 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today at the Court of Appeal, Luigi Rea BL, for the applicant, appealed the severity of Maughan's sentence of five years with the final two years suspended. He suggested that the sentence should be one of five years' imprisonment with three years suspended. "The unfortunate delivery man was terrified and traumatised," said Mr Justice Edwards who said Maughan was "off his head" on the night.; Mr Rea said that at the time the court heard the matter, which was repeatedly adjourned so Maughan could "steady himself", Maughan's wife was expecting twins.
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