Violent mugger (21) jailed for two years
By Declan Brennan
A violent mugger who was stopped when he ran from his victim and into a nearby crime scene for a different crime has been jailed for two years.
Nathan Benson (21) punched and head-butted Cormac Doyle before running off with his iPhone.
Garda Derek Tubridy told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that the attack took place at around midnight on July 2, 2016 when Mr Doyle was standing outside the “District 8” nightclub on Francis Street, Dublin.
The victim ran after Benson and caught up with him and grabbed him. Benson turned around and again headbutted Mr Doyle and punched him up to five times.
He ran off down Bridgefoot St. where a garda was on duty preserving a crime scene.
Benson ran under the crime scene tape and the garda stopped him and told him off.
Benson apologised and said he would leave the scene but the garda noticed he was in an agitated state and had blood on him.
While walking him towards the edge of the preserved scene the victim appeared around the corner covered in blood.
Benson was searched and three mobile phones were found on him, including the victim’s blood stained phone.
Benson became aggressive and tried to attack the garda and told him “nobody wants the gardai, you fucking little faggot”. The court heard the garda had to forcibly arrest him.
Benson of Woodfield, Scholarstown Rd., Rathfarnham, pleaded guilty to robbery on Thomas Street., Dublin 8. Keith Spencer BL, defending, told the court that Benson was aged 19 at the time of the offence.
He said his client had dabbled in drink and drugs but was now engaging with a drug treatment centre. Counsel said Benson also plays football regularly with Bluebell United football team.
Judge Elma Sheahan sentenced Benson to three years imprisonment, but suspended the final 12 months on condition that he keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 12 months post release and that he follow all directions of the Probation Service.
Judge Sheahan said the “thuggish behaviour” displayed by Benson had a continuing effect on the victim.
She said the victim moved out of the country for a time for fear that the accused knew where he lived.
