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Convicted rapist caught after answering video call on phone he'd just stolen

Date
2026-07-21
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Patrick Maughan, a 27-year-old with a history of violent crimes including rape and sexual assault, was sentenced to an additional two years in custody for stealing a mobile phone during a robbery in Terenure. The victim, a 64-year-old care assistant, was attacked by Maughan and his accomplice, who later fled the scene. The phone was later recovered from Maughan, who was found in a critical condition at the police station. The court considered the severity of the attack, the impact on the victim, and Maughan's extensive criminal record. The judge noted that the sentence would run consecutive to Maughan's existing 13-year sentence. The victim described the lasting physical and emotional effects of the assault, including ongoing pain and a diminished sense of security. Patrick Maughan pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Convicted rapist caught after answering video call on phone he'd just stolen. Charges or matters: theft of a mobile phone during a violent robbery on Harolds Cross Road, Terenure on September 15, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Patrick Maughan

Defendant

Charges: theft of a mobile phone during a violent robbery on Harolds Cross Road, Terenure on September 15, 2023 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Having considered the mitigation, Judge Sheahan imposed a four-year sentence. After the two-year consecutive sentence was imposed, Mr Spencer submitted to the court that it was disproportionate to make the sentence consecutive to the 13-year sentence his client is currently serving.

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Incident
  • Harolds Cross Road

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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