By Fiona Ferguson
A man who forced an escort to refund his money in an “unspeakably stupid offence” has been ordered to pay €3,000.
Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Kevin Cronin (45) was “high on drugs” when he threatened the woman into transferring money via Revolut and told her she had to pay him “tax” to operate in the area.
Cronin of Whiteoaks, Clonskeagh, Dublin 14, pleaded guilty to robbery of the woman at a location in Dublin on February 7, 2023. He has no previous convictions.
Passing sentence, Judge Martin Nolan said there was very good mitigation in the case but it was a serious crime. He said the young woman was vulnerable, Cronin had threatened her, laid hands on her and coerced her into transferring the money.
The judge noted in mitigation that the man pleaded guilty, fully co-operated and made admissions. He has a long work history, no previous convictions and there were positive reports before the court.
He said it was unlikely the man would behave this way again in the future.
Judge Nolan said he could accept this was one fall from grace in a reasonably long life and there was no need for a custodial sentence. He said the conviction would have its own stigma and the facts surrounding it might be embarrassing for Cronin. He imposed a two year suspended sentence.
He noted the young woman had outlined in her victim impact report, which was not read aloud in court, that she had suffered some financial loss as a result of the offending.
Judge Nolan said by way of punishment of the accused man, he ordered him to gather €3,000 which was to be offered to the injured party. He said if she did not wish to accept it the money can go to a local charity.
Detective Sergent Eugene McCarthy told Marc Murphy BL, prosecuting, that Cronin and the woman arranged to meet at an apartment following contact over WhatsApp. He paid the woman €120 via Revolut and an “encounter occurred.”
Afterwards they got dressed and Cronin became aggressive, demanding his money back. He told her that he was in charge of the area and she had to pay a tax to operate in the area. She explained that she had no cash and transferred €180 from her Revolut account.
The court heard there was a slight delay in the money arriving in his account and Cronin became quite aggressive and threatened the woman. Once the money arrived he saw it and left the premises.
The woman was very upset and distressed and contacted gardai.
Cronin was identified as he had used his own phone and Revolut account. Gardai went to his home. He told them he had been using drugs and this was the cause for his behaviour. He said he had been using drugs socially but it had escalated prior to the offending.
Det Sgt McCarthy confirmed that there was no substance or reality to his suggestions in threats made to the woman that he was a gang member.
Oisín Clake BL, defending, told the court Cronin panicked when he realised he had used the Revolut account and was afraid he would be caught. He said the situation spiraled out of control and Cronin was attempting to cover his tracks. Cronin had been consuming cocaine and alcohol.
Cronin told gardai who arrived to his house that he had been going to call gardai himself. He cooperated with the investigation. He said he was a “fucking scumbag” and had been “high on drugs.”
Mr Clarke said Cronin did not shy away from the offending. He has been assessed as at low risk of reoffending. A psychological report outlined high levels of stress and isolation during Covid in his previous work. He said rather than seeking help Cronin turned to drugs and alcohol. Counsel handed in references on his client’s behalf.
Mr Clarke said it was an “unspeakably stupid offence” and “abhorrent” but submitted it was 30 to 40 minutes out of a life unblemished before and since and was caused by intoxication.