Courts / Dublin / Report

Robber used 'ferocious' Pit bull to attack morning time commuter

Summary

Colm Bergin, aged 26 and a qualified dog trainer, was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for two robberies in Artane on 17 November 2023. In the first incident, he approached a commuter around 8:30 am, demanded his mobile phone and threatened to have his Pit‑bull bite him, then stole €25 and left on a bicycle with the dog on a lead. In the second, he confronted another commuter at a bus stop, demanded all his belongings, and when the man refused, set his dog on him. The dog bit the victim's leg twice or three times, causing bleeding. Bergin also stole the victim's backpack, which contained a laptop and wallet, and used the victim's card to make purchases. The victim suffered lasting physical and psychological harm, reporting difficulty walking for six months, back pain, anxiety and nightmares.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Robber used 'ferocious' Pit bull to attack morning time commuter. Charges or matters: two counts of robbery at addresses in Artane on November 17, 2023 and one count of failing to keep his dog under control. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• November 17, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2025-03-07 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report