Jailed for knifepoint attempted robbery of e-scooter

By David O’Sullivan

A man who attempted to rob an e-scooter from a woman at knifepoint in Dublin City Centre has been given a five year jail term.

Christopher Coakley (32), of no fixed abode, appeared before Ms Justice Patricia Ryan in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court last Friday.

He pleaded guilty to the attempted robbery of an e-scooter valued at €500 at knifepoint on O’Connell Street, Dublin 1 on February 4, 2021.

The court heard Coakley held a knife to the throat of the injured party and demanded that she hand over her e-scooter.

He was shoved to the ground, lost the knife and fled the scene.

He was subsequently arrested and detained by gardai.

He is currently serving an eight year sentence for assault causing serious harm.

His release date for this charge is May 2030. Coakley also has a conviction for another robbery which occurred on the same day, also on O’Connell Street.

He was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment for this offence.

Garrett McCormack BL, defending, said that Coakley describes his behaviour as “disgusting and dirty” and that he wanted to express his apologies to the victim of the crime.

He said he struggles with drink and drug issues.

Sentencing Coakley, Judge Ryan noted he committed the crime because he needed drugs.

“If he doesn’t get those drugs, he’ll be back before these courts again and again and again,” she said.

Judge Ryan said Coakley can “get drug rehabilitation and stop it or face the rest of his life in and out of prison”.

“That’s his call.”

Judge Ryan said the aggravating factors included the fact the offence was part of a “spree” and the adverse psychological effects the robbery had on the injured party which “continue to be endured.”

The mitigating factors were that Coakley pleaded guilty.

“The realization of what he has done to somebody seems to have impacted upon Mr Coakley,” the judge said.

She handed down a five year sentence, which she backdated to when he first went into custody in March last year.