Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for Angolan refugee who grabbed woman walking alone at night
Summary
Chico Makamda, an Angolan refugee aged 32, was sentenced by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three years in jail, with the final year suspended, for false imprisonment of Melita Cahill on 7 August 2013. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Blessington Street when Makamda grabbed Cahill's right wrist, shouted "you drank too much bitch," and attempted to drag her into a laneway. Cahill fought back, punched and kicked him, and escaped after a male passerby intervened. Makamda was arrested shortly thereafter at a nearby bus stop. Cahill's victim impact statement noted that the event left her with lasting anxiety and panic attacks, preventing her from walking alone at night. The judge acknowledged Makamda's limited English and hardship as a foreign national in custody. The sentence was delayed due to a prior conviction in Tralee District Court for indecent exposure, for which Makamda was fined €50. Chico Makamda pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for Angolan refugee who grabbed woman walking alone at night. Charges or matters: false imprisonment of Ms Cahill on August 7, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- August 7, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-05-19 Publication
Why: She said "by the grace of God" she is left handed because he grabbed her right hand and she was able to fight him off and get away. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: false imprisonment of Ms Cahill on August 7, 2013 (Proven)
Plea: Guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; Makamda was fined €50 for the incident. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced Makamda to three years with one year suspended and noted that he experienced hardship in custody as a foreign national with limited English.
Places mentioned
- Blessington Street
Topics
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