Courts / Dublin / Report
Criminal who violently robbed US student in city centre is jailed
Summary
James Hawkins, 24, of Ellis Quay Hostel, pleaded guilty to a single robbery on 21 February 2023 at College Green, Dublin. He violently took a woman's purse after she withdrew €200 from an ATM at about 6.30 pm. The victim, an American student in her early 30s studying at Trinity College, was left with cuts to her knees and torn tights. CCTV from Grafton Street showed Hawkins running away; he was identified, arrested, and admitted the offence. Hawkins has 76 prior convictions, all District Court matters, and was homeless with heroin and crack addiction at the time. He cooperated, pleaded early, and apologized. Judge Orla Crowe imposed a three‑year custodial sentence, suspended the final six months for two years, and ordered 12 months of probation. Hawkins will be released on bond before being led away.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminal who violently robbed US student in city centre is jailed. Charges or matters: one count of robbery on February 21, 2023, at College Green in Dublin. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 21, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-11-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of robbery on February 21, 2023, at College Green in Dublin (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Hawkins accepts he is facing a custodial sentence but counsel asked the court for as much leniency as possible and to consider partly suspending any sentence imposed. Noting that the maximum sentence for robbery is life in prison, she imposed a three-year sentence.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Grafton Street
Topics
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