A 19 year old man has been jailed for 18 months after trying to rob an umbrella from a woman on the Luas.
The young man would not let go of the umbrella, resulting in the tram door closing on the woman’s arm.
Jeffrey Crowley from Blackhall Parade, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at St James’s Hospital Luas stop, April 7 2014.
Crowley, has 37 previous convictions including theft, robbery and criminal damage.
Ciara Dunne, was standing near the door of the Luas when it stopped at St James’s Hospital. As the doors closed, Crowley who was on the platform grabbed her umbrella and would not let go.
Ms Dunne had her arm fractured when the Luas door closed on it.
After inspection of CCTV footage, Crowley was identified by Garda Barry Hayes. Crowley was arrested and admitted to the incident saying that he was on drugs at the time.
In a victim impact statement Ms Dunne said she still suffers with pains in her arm and is now a lot more wary of public transport and feels vulnerable to attack.
Judge Terrance O’Sullivan said that the attack was a frightening experience for the victim. He imposed a 2 and a half year sentence with the final 12 months suspended.