Courts / Dublin / Report
Victim spat on and punched by Luas robbers
Summary
In a Luas robbery on 14 August 2012, 42‑year‑old Suzanne McGowan and 37‑year‑old David Larkin robbed Izabela Portyka, taking her handbag. McGowan spat at Portyka and Larkin punched her several times before the pair fled. The incident involved verbal abuse, a threat to grab the bag, and Larkin's assault, including a punch to the head and pushing Portyka's head into a steel column. Portyka suffered neck and head injuries, later treated in hospital, and now experiences migraines and psychological issues. Both defendants pleaded guilty. Larkin, with 30 prior convictions, received a four‑year sentence with the final two years suspended. McGowan, with 24 prior convictions, was given a two‑year suspended sentence, suspended in full for three years. The court noted the offence was "out of character" for McGowan, a mother of two, and that she had not appeared for a prior probation report, leading to a bench warrant and remand until sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Victim spat on and punched by Luas robbers. Charges or matters: robbing Izabela Portyka of her purse and contents on August 14, 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 14, 2012 Incident
- 2016-07-08 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbing Izabela Portyka of her purse and contents on August 14, 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan last year imposed a four year sentence with the final two years suspended on Larkin for his role. She imposed a two year sentence on McGowan which she suspended in full for three years.; She had adjourned McGowan's case until last January pending a probation and welfare services report but she failed to appear and a bench warrant was issued.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request