Dad-of-three took part in ‘very nasty’ robbery outside church gets three years
By Brion Hoban
A father-of-three who took part in a “very nasty” robbery outside a church has been jailed for four years.
James Fagan (27) of Cushlawn Park, Killinardan, Tallaght pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Merchants Quay, Dublin , on July 14, 2017.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
The court heard that on the date in question, Fagan was one of three people congregating on the steps of a Franciscan church on Merchants Quay when the injured party passed by with his partner.
The victim was struck first with a pen and then with a beer can which hit his head. The man was then held in place while Fagan struck him in the face.
The victim sustained a hairline fracture to his nose and bruising to his eye socket. The court heard that his mobile phone was retrieved through the efforts of the man’s partner.
Judge Melanie Greally said Fagan came before the court with a large number of previous convictions for drugs offences. She said it was clear his addiction to drugs has played a very influential role in his past.
Judge Greally said Fagan’s partner is a supportive and positive influence on him who does not condone his drug habit. She said he has three children and is anxious to resume an active role with them.
She described the robbery as “a very nasty offence”. She said there have been matters for concern regarding Fagan’s behaviour in custody.
Judge Greally said she took into account his plea of guilty, his struggles with addiction, his family circumstances, mental health difficulties he had experienced and the contents of a letter written by Fagan which expressed his remorse and regret for his actions.
She sentenced Fagan to five-and-a-half years imprisonment, but suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on strict conditions including that he follow all directions of the Probation Service for 12 months post release.
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