Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who escaped war-torn Liberia knocked onto Luas tracks by teen in violent robbery

Summary

Lewis Smith, 19, pleaded guilty to the robbery of Joseph Benson at City West Luas on 17 April 2015. Smith, who has 12 prior convictions, and a friend attacked Benson, shouting "get him" and kicking him. Smith tripped Benson onto the tracks, where his accomplice continued to kick him in the head. The victim's phone was taken. CCTV footage was shown in court. Smith's co‑accused, a cousin of the defendant, was defended by counsel who noted a similar attack in 2014 that killed a man. Benson, who fled Liberia 17 years earlier, suffered serious injuries and was hospitalized for three days. Judge Sarah Berkeley remanded Smith in custody until 4 April for sentencing. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who escaped war-torn Liberia knocked onto Luas tracks by teen in violent robbery. Charges or matters: robbery of Joseph Benson at City West Luas, also in Tallaght on April 17, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• April 17, 2015 Incident
• April 4 Adjournment
• New Year's Day Incident
• 2016-02-03 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report