Man convicted of robbing American student’s purse

By Eimear Dodd

A man robbed a purse containing €200 of cash from an American studying in Dublin, a court has heard.

James Hawkins (24) of Ellis Quay Hostel, Ellis Quay, Dublin 7 pleaded guilty to one count of robbery on February 21, 2023 at College Green, Dublin 1.

Garda Robert Kennedy told Jane Murphy BL, prosecuting, on Tuesday that the injured party was an American studying at Trinity College who had gone to an ATM on College Green around 6.30pm.

The woman, who is in her early 30s, withdrew €200 and put in her purse, which she placed in her pocket.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard the victim next remembered being on the ground with a man standing over her, and his hand in her pocket.

Hawkins pulled at the victim’s pocket, ripped it and got her wallet. The woman didn’t resist as she was scared he might hurt her.

Hawkins then ran off and was followed towards Grafton Street by some members of the public.

The victim was left in a state of distress, with cuts to her knees and her tights torn. Along with the €200 cash, her wallet contained her Trinity College identification card, her American identification card, debit and credit cards and another small amount of cash.

Members of the public assisted her until gardai arrived. She didn’t require treatment at hospital.

Gda Kennedy told the court that CCTV was obtained from Grafton Street, showing the direction in which Hawkins ran after the robbery.

He was identified from the footage and arrested. Hawkins made full admissions when interviewed and identified himself on CCTV. He said that while he was taking tablets at the time, he did recall taking the purse.

He apologised and said it shouldn’t have happened.

The court heard no victim impact statement was available as gardai have been unable to contact the victim recently. It is believed she has returned to the United States.

Hawkins has 76 previous convictions, all District Court matters, including for theft and burglary. He has been on remand in recent months, having served a sentence on an unrelated matter.

Gda Kennedy agreed with defence counsel that Hawkins was homeless at the time of the offence and is known to have addiction issues.

It was further accepted that he co-operated with gardai and entered an early guilty plea.

The court was told Hawkins is originally from Tipperary and his parents are deceased. He has addiction issues to heroin and crack cocaine, but is now clean.

Counsel said his client wished to apologise to the court, gardai and the victim, handing in a letter of apology.

He said this is Hawkins’s first conviction for robbery, and his first for violent offending. Hawkins accepts he is facing a custodial sentence, but counsel asked the court for as much leniency as possible and to consider partly suspending any sentence imposed.

Hawkins lost contact with his siblings due to his drugs use but has reconnected with them while in custody. He has an offer of accommodation with one of them and wishes to move back to Tipperary, re-engage with sport and work with a drugs counsellor.

His client also has an offer of work from another family member in the United Kingdom upon his release.

Judge Orla Crowe noted a governor’s report stated Hawkins has had three disciplinary matters while in custody.

Adjourning the case to November 21, the judge directed urine analysis, saying the court would require evidence to support the assertion that Hawkins is drug-free. She also ordered an updated governor’s report “in the hope it makes for better reading” and to give Hawkins a chance to “put his best foot forward.”