Courts / Dublin / Report
Dublin riots looter was 'follower, not leader', court hears
Summary
A 20-year-old man from Balbriggan, Co Dublin, who was involved in looting during the Dublin riots, was described as a 'follower, not a leader' in court. Faraj Odukoya pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary related to the theft of items from three shops on Mary Street and O'Connell Street. Detective Garda Aoife Farrelly explained that Odukoya was not involved in the initial breach of the stores but entered after the initial break-in and stole items, including Nike runners. The total losses to the affected shops were significant, with Footlocker O'Connell Street losing over €435,200, Mary Street Footlocker losing approximately €323,000, and Lifestyle Sports losing €313,990. Odukoya was identified through CCTV footage during the investigation in 2025, and no evidential value was obtained from his interview. The court heard that Odukoya entered an early guilty plea, and his actions were motivated by opportunism. He is currently in custody and will be sentenced next month for a separate matter. The judge noted that the court will consider the principles of totality and proportionality when determining his sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dublin riots looter was 'follower, not leader', court hears. Charges or matters: two counts of burglary on November 23, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 23, 2023 Incident
- 2026-06-19 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of burglary on November 23, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The court was told that Odukoya is in custody and due to be sentenced next month in relation to a separate matter.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Hamlet Lane
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
- Mary Street
- O'Connell Street
- Footlocker O'Connell Street
Topics
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