Courts / Dublin / Report

Homeless addict tried to rob girl (16) and man (64) on same morning

Date
2023-02-15

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Malahide

County
Dublin

Summary

Ross Donoghue, a 31‑year‑old former resident of Northway Estate in Finglas, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted robbery in the Malahide area on 28 June 2020. He tried to rob a 16‑year‑old girl and a 64‑year‑old man on the same morning. The girl was forced to remove her earphones when Donoghue demanded her phone and threatened to stab her; she escaped after Donoghue fell. The man, Robert Ennis, was tackled by Donoghue, who kicked him several times. Ennis suffered facial bruising and mild orbital swelling. Donoghue had a long record of convictions for assault, criminal damage, attempted robbery, drug possession and obstruction, and was on bail at the time of the offence. Judge Martin Nolan, after noting Donoghue's remorse and admissions, imposed a custodial sentence of 21 months, consecutive to his current term, citing his long‑standing addictions and prior convictions as aggravating factors. The sentence was delivered on 15 February 2023.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Homeless addict tried to rob girl (16) and man (64) on same morning. Charges or matters: two counts of attempted robbery in the Malahide area, on June 28, 2020. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

June 28, 2020 Other
2023-02-15 Publication

Case subjects

Ross Donoghue

Convicted Person

Charges: two counts of attempted robbery in the Malahide area, on June 28, 2020 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said the accused had pleaded guilty, made admissions, and has shown remorse which he would consider as mitigating factors in the case.