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Sex worker robber severely beaten and bundled into car, court hears

Summary

Lee Coleman, 38, of Tyrellstown, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery committed on August 23, 2020. The court heard that Coleman, who had arranged a meeting with a sex worker, demanded the return of €70 and took her phone, placing her in fear. He subsequently returned to the property, where he smashed windows and kicked the door. Coleman was later found severely beaten and bundled into a car, an incident initially reported as a possible abduction. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the frightening nature of the robbery but noted Coleman has not come to Garda attention since 2018 and appears to be getting his life back on track. She set a headline sentence of three years before imposing a two-year sentence. This term was suspended in full on the condition that Coleman keep the peace and be of good behaviour for three years. The judge described this as a final chance, holding the suspended sentence over him as a penalty. Coleman has 15 previous convictions, including for assault and theft. Defence counsel highlighted his subsequent sobriety and business setup, while the prosecution noted the victim's phone and money were never recovered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Sex worker robber severely beaten and bundled into car, court hears. Charges or matters: robbery on August 23, 2020 at an address in Tyrellstown. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• August 23, 2020 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2026-05-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report