Woman jailed for robbing elderly man during late-night incident in Limerick city centre
During the incident, the victim struck Lily Doyle on the head with his walking stick in an attempt to get away from her.
A MOTHER-of-one has been jailed for robbing an elderly man in Limerick city late at night, last summer.
Lily Doyle, aged 35, of no fixed abode, had pleaded guilty to robbing the now 75-year-old victim, at approximately 12 midnight on July 5, 2025.
Limerick Circuit Court heard that on this date, the victim had left a hotel in the city centre and was heading in the direction of Burger King on O’Connell Street when he was approached by the accused.
Lily Doyle asked this man, who relies on a walking stick, for money and in return, he offered to buy her food. From here, Ms Doyle can be seen on CCTV linking the man’s arm before the pair begin walking.
During a sentencing hearing, prosecuting Barrister John O’Sullivan said the two were observed on CCTV holding hands while walking street to street. The footage, he added, also shows Ms Doyle assisting the victim while crossing the road.
As this was occurring, she then led the 74-year-old to a more secluded area on Sarsfield Street. Judge Colin Daly was told the victim attempted to leave but was physically blocked by Ms Doyle, who was becoming aggressive.
The pair then stopped outside a fast food premises where Ms Doyle was observed speaking with a member of the public.
Following this, the mother-of-one lunged at the elderly man and forcibly went through his pockets, taking his wallet. It was said the victim tried to push back but Ms Doyle ultimately succeeded in taking the item from him.
She initially fled the scene before returning about a minute later to return the wallet. However, €45 had been taken.
During the incident, the victim struck Ms Doyle on the head with his walking stick in an attempt to get away from her. In a statement to gardaí, he confirmed he was “very frightened” during the ordeal as he “just wanted to help” the woman. The elderly man said he “couldn’t believe” the strength of the accused.
In the days after the robbery, the now-75-year-old attended University Hospital Limerick due to headaches and dizziness. He declined the opportunity to make a victim impact statement.
Following her arrest, Lily Doyle was subjected to two garda interviews, during which she denied using force on the victim. She cooperated with gardai and identified herself on CCTV.
Limerick Circuit Court heard she has a “multiplicity” of previous convictions, including 19 for theft along with a number of drug offences, such as possession for sale/supply, among others.
Representing Ms Doyle, Barrister Amy Nix asked Judge Daly to take her client’s early plea and her history of drug addiction into account. The woman has been in custody since July 2025 and at this time, chose her now-former partner and drugs over her family.
Ms Doyle, counsel added, now has support from her family, who help care for her 15-year-old son.
Ms Nix asked the court to consider the implications of separating the mother and son, who “struggle” with being away from one another. When she first appeared in court, Ms Doyle did not take up bail even though it was granted as she wanted further support while in prison.
The 35-year-old has struggled with drug addiction for more than two decades and intends to partake in treatment upon her release.
Judge Daly was told that during her time in custody, the mother-of-one has availed of all services, including courses.
Ms Nix said her client has reflected on her actions and asked the court to be “as lenient as possible” when sentencing.
Upon hearing facts of the case, Judge Daly said Ms Doyle not only deliberately targeted the victim but “roughly and forcibly” stole his wallet.
He set a headline sentence of four years’ imprisonment but taking into account her early plea of guilty, he reduced the sentence by a third, making it two years and eight months’ imprisonment.
He said now, at 35-years-old, Lily Doyle has good familial support and was estranged from them at the time of the offence.
Taking all aspects into consideration, Judge Daly suspended the final eight months for a period of two-and-a half-years. Ms Doyle was directed to keep the peace and to engage with the Probation Service, following her release from custody..
This will be backdated to July 10, 2025, when Lily Doyle first entered custody.