Courts / Dublin / Report

Robber who invasively searched young woman for drugs jailed for three years

Date
2024-06-24

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Shem Maher, 26, was sentenced to three years in prison for a violent robbery at Usher Street, Dublin 8, on 27 October 2021. He attacked a young woman, knocking her to the ground, punching and kicking her, ripping her bra and grabbing her breasts while shouting "Where's my drugs?" Forensic DNA evidence linked him to the bra. Maher denied the offences but pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery. He had seven prior convictions and had been in custody since March. The court noted the victim's fear of rape and her attempt to flee, as well as the presence of a second injured party who was also frightened. Judge Jonathan Dunphy imposed a headline sentence of six years, reduced to four years concurrent sentences, suspended the final year, and credited Maher for time served. The case involved a robbery with invasive search and physical assault, with no evidence that either victim had drugs.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Robber who invasively searched young woman for drugs jailed for three years. Charges or matters: two counts of robbery at Usher Street, Dublin 8 on October 27, 2021. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

October 27, 2021 Other
2024-06-24 Publication

Case subjects

Shem Maher

Defendant

Charges: two counts of robbery at Usher Street, Dublin 8 on October 27, 2021 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Jonathan Dunphy said there had clearly been a misunderstanding on Maher's part that one of the injured parties had taken his stash of drugs. Judge Dunphy set a headline sentence of six years and taking into account the mitigating factors, such as his guilty plea and remorse, imposed concurrent sentences totalling four years.