Violent robbers could face jail for curfew breach

Three inner city men who got suspended sentences from Judge Tony Hunt for a violent robbery have been brought back before him at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for breaching their 9pm curfew conditions.

Ross Dunne (aged 19), and Patrick Carter (aged 18), of Coombe Court, and Andrew Tobin (aged 22), of Audeon’s House, Cook Street left their victim with multiple injuries by beating him as he lay motionless on the ground before they looted his pockets.

They pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Brian O’Connor on May 27, 2006 on Thomas Street.

Dunne was originally given a three-year suspended sentence and his accomplices four year suspended terms and ordered as a probation condition that they each maintain a 9pm curfew.

Judge Hunt activated Dunne’s sentence after hearing he broke the curfew condition three times. He suspended the final 18 months and said he hoped prison would "mature" Dunne. He also ordered he stay under probation supervision on his release

Judge Hunt gave Tobin a further chance and "strongly urged" him to find employment as he had originally promised to do when he told him he would not impose the four year prison term if he got himself a job.

Carter’s case was adjourned to a later date as a probation report was not ready.

Sergeant Mark Kelly told prosecuting counsel, Ms Una Ni Raifeartaigh BL, that Mr O’Connor was walking home from a night out with friends when the trio robbed him of €250 after beating him unconscious and leaving him lying on the road in Thomas Street.

He suffered a broken nose and jaw, three broken teeth and the temporary loss of sight from one of his eyes.

Sgt Kelly said the Mr O’Connor had since made a full recovery physically but has had difficulties coming to terms with the attack.

All three told gardaí that Mr O’Connor had started "a fight", had first "swiped at them" or had "went for them" but witnesses to the attack described him being kicked twice in the chest and punched twice in the head as he lay motionless on the ground.