Man has attempted robbery charge adjourned

A man whose father was imprisoned for ten years for seriously assaulting his family has had an attempted robbery and assault charge adjourned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Robert White (aged 21) of St Theresa Gardens, Rialto pleaded guilty to the attempted robbery and assault of Ms Sally Achalina in Washington Street on November 11, 2005.

Sergeant Michael Hiney agreed with defence counsel, Mr Stephen McCann BL, that White's action was a 'once off incident'. He had no previous convictions and had never come to the attention of the Gardai before.

Sgt Hiney said that White's family circumstances were very difficult in that his father had being imprisoned for ten years for seriously assaulting his family.

Sgt Hiney added that while White lived in a very troubled area of Dublin he kept to himself and did not get mixed up in any trouble.

Garda Barry Comer, told prosecuting counsel, Mr Sean Gillane BL, that 26-year-old Ms Achalina was walking along Washington Street when White came up from behind and put one hand around her waist and another around her mouth. Ms Achalina bit his hand and fought him off . He ran up the road.

Gda Comer said Mr David Boland came to the assistance of Ms Achalina and telephoned the gardaí. Mr Boland then accompanied the gardaí in the patrol car and helped locate White.

Judge Tony Hunt acknowledged the civic duty of Mr Boland and asked Sgt Hiney to convey the court's appreciation to him.

Judge Hunt said that in view of White's family history he wanted to see a probationary report and suggestions of community service before sentencing him.