Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for criminal who attacked visually impaired man and robbed his groceries

Date
2016-03-03

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In March 2015, Robert McHugh, aged 25, robbed Martin O'Brien, a 63‑year‑old visually impaired man, at a Luas stop in Dublin. McHugh punched O'Brien, head‑butted him, and stole his groceries and cane. Garda Kieran O'Rourke noted that O'Brien was waiting with his partner when McHugh approached, and that Luas security and bystanders called the police, who apprehended McHugh shortly after the incident. McHugh, who had 139 prior convictions, pleaded guilty to robbery. He claimed he had no recollection of the event, citing alcohol consumption, and had a knife in his tracksuit that was not used. The court, acknowledging McHugh's history of alcohol abuse and schizophrenia, sentenced him to four years' imprisonment, with the last 18 months suspended, subject to strict conditions. The sentence reflects the violent nature of the offence and the need for McHugh's rehabilitation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for criminal who attacked visually impaired man and robbed his groceries. Charges or matters: robbery of Martin O'Brien at the Luas Stop, at Busaras on Store Street on March 30, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

March 30, 2015 Incident
2016-03-03 Publication

Case subjects

Robert McHugh

Defendant

Charges: robbery of Martin O'Brien at the Luas Stop, at Busaras on Store Street on March 30, 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge accepted that McHugh was in dire need of help but she said she couldn't ignore the very violent and serious nature of the offence before she sentenced him to four years with the 18 months suspended on strict conditions.