Woman who fled ‘war zone’ robbed by recidivist offender in Limerick
A LIMERICK city man who robbed a Ukrainian woman two days after she came to Limerick after fleeing a “war zone” has been jailed.
Judge Dermot Sheehan said the victim was a particularly vulnerable young person who came to a place of sanctuary. Limerick Circuit Criminal Court heard she was “scared, terrified and completely in shock” after the robbery.
“She came to a foreign country with limited possessions and had those possessions taken from her. That sanctuary is now broken,” said the judge.
Robert (Bobby) Moran, aged 34, of Johnsgate village, Limerick city, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery in the city centre on July 7, 2023.
Sentencing was previously adjourned to allow the preparation of a report from the governor of Limerick Prison.
Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Peter Connolly at the original hearing.
Mr O’Sullivan said the injured party went into a laneway off Little Glentworth Street to either make or take a phone call.
“She placed her backpack on the ground beside her. Robert Moran, who was on a bicycle, grabbed the backpack as he passed. She tried to grab it but he would not let go.
“She was knocked to the ground, scraping her knuckles and knees. She was scared, terrified and completely in shock.”
The court heard Mr Moran fell from his bike and escaped on foot. The victim’s backpack contained her earpods, pink purse, Ukrainian passport, documents, lipstick and €100 in cash and coins.
Mr O’Sullivan said there were two gardai in the vicinity dealing with a road traffic collision who heard the victim screaming, came to her assistance and ran in the same direction as Mr Moran.
Gardai found the backpack and a hoodie in bushes in James Street.
Mr Moran was seen on CCTV, which was harvested, not wearing his hoodie and he was arrested on July 9.
Mr O’Sullivan said Mr Moran told gardai he had taken crack cocaine and tablets and took the money (from the victim) for the purpose of buying drugs.
He said the victim lived in the north of Ukraine near a nuclear power station and was very frightened by the ongoing situation.
She told gardai she lived in a “war zone” adding: “I thought I would feel safer here but I don’t feel safe now.”
Jack Nicholas, defence barrister, said it was obviously a very distressing episode. He said Mr Moran made full and frank admissions including telling gardai, “It was me I did it”.
Mr Moran went on to say: “Jail is the best place for me. I’m sorry. It’s worse she is from Ukraine. I seen it on the TV. If I can pay her back in any way...”
Mr Nicholas put it to the detective that the victim got all of her items back apart from the cash which was used to buy drugs.
Detective Garda Connolly agreed.
Mr Nicholas said there have been a number of tragedies in Mr Moran’s family including the death of his nephew Wassiou Ayawe Moran who died in an incident involving a jet ski in Killaloe.
“My client has instructed me to apologise. He has an all encompassing drug addiction. He is remanded in custody on this,” said Mr Nicholas.
Judge Sheehan adjourned sentencing for a governor’s report to be prepared. On Monday, November 27, Mr Nicholas said the report was “quite terse but positive”.
Mr Nicholas said Mr Moran has reduced his methadone in his resolve to overcome his addictions.
“He has put on weight, attends the gym, school and cookery classes,” said Mr Nicholas.
Judge Sheehan said Mr Moran is a longstanding recidivist with 204 previous convictions.
The judge handed down a two and half year jail sentence with the final six months suspended for robbery. Twelve months of a separate two-year suspended sentence, imposed in March for affray, was activated by the judge.
It is to be served consecutively.