Courts / Dublin / Report

'It's not me, it's the drugs': brother of murdered man handed himself in for string of robberies

Date
2023-07-12

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Amir Essalhi, 39, with 69 prior convictions, turned himself in after a three‑day spree of robberies in Dublin, claiming he had relapsed on crack cocaine. He admitted to stealing nearly €1,000 from a tanning shop, an off‑licence and a grocery store, and to an attempted robbery of a pharmacy. Essalhi apologized to Gardaí and to the victims, stating, "it's not me, it's the drugs." He was sentenced by Judge Orla Crowe, who noted the unusual nature of his voluntary surrender. The sentence, back‑dated to May 19, 2022, reflects his cooperation and current participation in prison training and addiction counselling. Essalhi's brother, Adil Essahli, was murdered in 2011, a fact mentioned in the court hearing. The court also noted Essalhi's ongoing work and rehabilitation efforts in custody. Amir Essalhi pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'It's not me, it's the drugs': brother of murdered man handed himself in for string of robberies. Charges or matters: three robberies and one attempted robbery between May 16 and 19, 2022. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

January 6 Incident
May 21, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
May 19 Other
May 16 Other
2023-07-12 Publication

Case subjects

Amir Essalhi

Accused

Charges: three robberies and one attempted robbery between May 16 and 19, 2022 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Crowe backdated the sentence to May 19 last year, noting that Essalhi was doing very well in custody where he is being trained as listening volunteer for the Samaritans.