Drug addicts subjected teen to machete ordeal, court hears

Two Artane drug addicts who subjected a teenager to a terrifying ordeal because they mistakenly believed there might be drugs in his house have been given four-year sentences at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Gerard Keogh (aged 28) and Brian Treacy (aged 29) wore balaclavas and wielded weapons as they broke into the 18-year-old's family home and tried to force their lone victim into the family car they were stealing.

Keogh, of Montrose Grove, and Treacy, of Ardmore Drive, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary at Ardmore Drive on August 30, 2006.

Judge Katherine Delahunt said the offence had been well planned and the young victim had suffered a terrifying experience which had left him suffering ongoing trauma.

Judge Delahunt said both men were "equally culpable" but she was satisfied that they were remorseful and had assisted gardaí. She imposed a four-year sentence and suspended the final year on strict conditions.

Detective Garda Shane Woods told Mr Paul Carroll BL, prosecuting, that Keogh, armed with a machete, and Treacy, armed with a knife, went to the house in the mistaken belief that there was drugs on the premises.

Det Gda Woods said Keogh punched their lone victim in the eye while Treacy continually jabbed at the man with his knife causing him minor injuries. The pair then took a number of family possessions and bundled the young man into the back of his family car.

While they debated putting their victim in the boot the young man managed to escape from the car and was pursued by Keogh but managed to get refuge in a neighbour's house.

Det Gda Woods said the pair fled the scene in the car but were arrested later that day in Rathfarham.

He said both Keogh, who had nine previous convictions, and Treacy, had 12 previous convictions, made full admissions and co-operated with gardaí.

Defence counsel for the men said they were both addicts who were under the influence of drugs at the time but had exhibited remorse for the offence.