Courts / Dublin / Report
Jail for teen who attacked and robbed deaf mute couple
Summary
Evan Smith, 18, was sentenced to two years in prison for robbing and assaulting a deaf and mute couple, Michael and Helen Rush, in Clondalkin on 10 November 2014. Smith followed the couple from a chipper into a laneway, knocked Helen to the ground and stole her handbag, while also cutting Michael above his eye. He pleaded guilty to robbery and assault at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Smith has six prior convictions, including robbery and burglary. The judge, Melanie Greally, described the offence as serious and nasty, noted the couple's injuries and their subsequent fear of going out at night, and highlighted Smith's previous prison time and his efforts to address addiction. The final 12 months of the sentence were suspended on strict conditions, and Smith will remain under Probation Service supervision for a year. The prosecution and defence both acknowledged Smith's lack of awareness of the couple's disabilities and his admission of shame for the attack.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for teen who attacked and robbed deaf mute couple. Charges or matters: robbery and assaulting Michael Rush causing him harm in Clondalkin on November 10, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 10, 2014 Incident
- 2016-04-13 Publication
Why: "He became involved in criminality to fund his addiction," Ms McNickle said. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery and assaulting Michael Rush causing him harm in Clondalkin on November 10, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She noted that he was doing well since his remand in prison and had addressed his addiction before she suspended the final 12 months of the sentence on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Lealand Avenue
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- later handed into the garda station
Topics
Burglary Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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