Courts / Dublin / Report
Thief jailed for 'mean' threat to shoot taxi driver during Christmas Eve hold-up
Summary
A thief who threatened to shoot a taxi driver during a Christmas Eve hold-up has been jailed for an offence described as having a 'particular meanness' to it. David Delaney (26) pleaded guilty to theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. He had 13 previous convictions and was on bail at the time of the incident. The taxi driver was targeted in the early hours of December 24, 2023, when Delaney demanded €90 or threatened to shoot him. Delaney also took the taxi driver's dash cam. His defense highlighted his difficult background and current efforts in custody. The judge noted the impact on the taxi driver, who suffered anxiety and stress, and imposed a two-year sentence with six months suspended. Delaney's sentence will be consecutive to his current two-year term for robbery.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Thief jailed for 'mean' threat to shoot taxi driver during Christmas Eve hold-up. Charges or matters: theft arising from the incident in the early hours of December 24, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 24, 2023 Incident
- Christmas Eve Incident
- 2026-06-19 Publication
Why: Patrick McCarthy BL, defending, said his client had witnessed a traumatic event as a child and self-medicated with substances in relation to flashbacks because of what he had seen. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: theft arising from the incident in the early hours of December 24, 2023 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Christmas Eve has been jailed for an offence that a judge said had a "particular meanness" to it.
Defendant
Charges: theft arising from the incident in the early hours of December 24, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He has 13 previous convictions and is currently serving two years' imprisonment for robbery.
Places mentioned
Topics
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