Limerick woman jailed over ‘shameful and disgusting’ carjacking of vehicle driven by pensioner

A LIMERICK woman has been jailed for the “shameful and disgusting" carjacking of a vehicle being driven by an elderly man.

Judge Colin Daly, presiding, said it was an extremely violent and harrowing incident for the victim who was almost 78-years-old at the time.

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Mandy Milstein, aged 36, of Castle Park, Moyross, Limerick pleaded guilty to robbery and the unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force on March 9, 2025.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence on an earlier date in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court. Ms Milstein was represented by Erin O’Hagan BL.

Judge Daly, in delivering his sentence, gave a summary of the case.

He said the victim was driving his jeep on St Alphonsus Street, Limerick city at 9.45pm on March 9, 2025.

“He pulled in to allow oncoming vehicles to pass. A woman got into the front passenger seat, attacked him and put him in a headlock. A man got into the back of the vehicle and also attacked the victim. Ms Milstein went through his pockets and took his phone from his shirt pocket,” said Judge Daly.

The man managed to get away from Ms Milstein and her accomplice by getting out of the vehicle.

“They followed him, knocked him to the ground and continued to assault him. Ms Milstein stole his wallet and keys and they drove off in the vehicle,” said Judge Daly.

Gardai were called and the jeep was located 90 minutes later. CCTV was harvested and three independent witnesses were spoken to by investigating officers.

Judge Daly said Ms Milstein was arrested by gardai on the following day (March 10) near where the jeep was located. The accused woman made no admissions to gardai when she was interviewed.

Judge Daly said it was an extremely violent and harrowing incident for the victim who was aged almost 78 at the time.

“He suffered some tough soft tissue injuries and what appears to be serious and lasting psychological trauma. This was a terrible robbery of a vulnerable elderly man that involved a significant level of physical violence.

“She and her accomplice attacked the victim while he was in a jeep. When he escaped, they continued their attack, knocking him to the ground, hitting and punching him while he was on the ground and searching through his pockets for the keys to his jeep,” said Judge Daly.

The judge said Ms Milstein’s previous convictions which include two robberies, two burglaries and 23 thefts were further aggravating factors.

“The accused said she has very little memory of this very shameful and disgusting incident due to the level of her intoxication on drugs at the time. However, this is not the case for the victim for whom the memory of this will live with him for a long time,” said Judge Daly.

The judge, in mitigation, took into account Ms Milstein’s plea of guilty and that she is making good strides in prison where she has been on remand since March. She is attending education services, has enhanced status and there is a positive governor’s report.

Judge Daly also took into account her remorse.

“She says she has very little recollection of the evening. She says it was an eye opening experience for her regarding her addiction. 

“She comes before the court as a chronic addict and had mental health difficulties from time to time,” said Judge Daly.

He imposed five-year jail sentences with the final year suspended on each of the charges of robbery and unlawful seizure of a vehicle by force. 

Judge Daly gave credit for time served following an application by Ms Milstein’s barrister Ms O’Hagan. 

Ms Milstein was also put off the road for seven years.