Courts / Waterford / Report

Suspended sentence for man who took part in violent robbery of farmer on visit to capital

Date
2015-05-20

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Waterford

Summary

Philip Connolly, 39, pleaded guilty to the violent robbery of 67‑year‑old farmer David Feeney on Railway Street, Dublin, on 14 May 2013. Judge Mary Ellen Ring, after reviewing evidence including a photograph of Feeney's injuries, imposed a suspended sentence of two and a half years, with 18 months suspended on condition Connolly keeps the peace. Connolly is currently in a rehabilitation programme working on a farm, while Feeney, who can no longer work his land, has physically recovered but suffers ongoing consequences. Connolly's co‑accused, Leigh O'Connell, 28, had 100 previous convictions and was sentenced to four years, with the final two and a half years suspended on condition he continues addressing his drug problems. The robbery involved a head‑lock, assault, and theft of money, a phone and a driver's licence, and was captured on CCTV. The case was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for man who took part in violent robbery of farmer on visit to capital. Charges or matters: robbery of Mr Feeney on Railway Street in Dublin city centre on May 14, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 14, 2013 Incident
2015-05-20 Publication

Why: He said he was distressed at the time because he was not allowed access to his children. CNI source report

Case subjects

Leigh O'Connell

Convicted Person

Charges: robbery of Mr Feeney on Railway Street in Dublin city centre on May 14, 2013 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: O'Connell, who has 100 previous convictions including 16 for robbery and assault, was previously sentenced to four years with the final two and a half years suspended on condition he continues addressing his drug problems. Dealing with Connolly today Judge Ring suspended a two and a half year prison sentence for 18 months on condition he keeps the peace for that period.