Courts / Dublin / Report
Passengers failed to intervene when drug addict couple attacked woman on LUAS, court hears
Summary
In a Luas incident on 14 August 2012, 37‑year‑old David Larkin and 42‑year‑old Suzanne McGowan attacked and robbed Izabela Portyka. Larkin punched Portyka repeatedly, spat at her, and stole her handbag while McGowan shouted abuse. Passengers did not intervene. Larkin and McGowan pleaded guilty to robbery. Larkin, with 30 prior convictions, received a four‑year sentence with the final two years suspended. McGowan, with 24 prior convictions, was remanded on bail pending a probation and welfare services report. The court noted the offence was "out of character" for McGowan, a mother of two. Portyka suffered neck and head injuries, later treated for migraines and psychological issues. The case was heard in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Passengers failed to intervene when drug addict couple attacked woman on LUAS, court hears. Charges or matters: robbing Izabela Portyka of her purse and contents on August 14, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 14, 2012 Adjournment
- 2015-07-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbing Izabela Portyka of her purse and contents on August 14, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge imposed a four year sentence with the final two years suspended on Larkin for his role.; Judge Patricia Ryan remanded McGowan on bail pending a probation and welfare services report, accepting that the offence was "out of character" for the mother-of-two.
Defendant
Charges: robbing Izabela Portyka of her purse and contents on August 14, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan remanded McGowan on bail pending a probation and welfare services report, accepting that the offence was "out of character" for the mother-of-two.
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