A DRUG addict who robbed a frail 84 year old man of his life savings was jailed for 81/2 years by Judge. Michael Moriarty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The court heard that the victim, Mr Francis Mooney, had saved up £2,000 to cover his funeral expenses. During the robbery, Mr Mooney resisted and he was punched in the jaw by Brian Hollywood.
When told that none of the money has been recovered, Judge Michael Moriarty suggested to Garda Peter Woods that he draw Mr Mooney's attention to the possibility of receiving compensation from the Criminal Injuries Tribunal.
Passing sentence, Judge Moriarty also noted that Hollywood's career in crime had escalated from "sneak thief" to "ghastly violence" against elderly and vulnerable people.
Hollywood (34), of Liberty House, Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbery at Mr Mooney's home in Dublin city centre on March 30th last. He also admitted a large number of other robberies larcenies and burglaries.
Garda Woods said Hollywood gained access to Mr Mooney's house under the pretext of retrieving a ball from the back garden. Once inside, he grabbed a wallet. Mr Mooney attempted to resist and Hollywood punched him on the jaw.
Hollywood used the same ruse on other occasions to gain access to the homes of vulnerable and elderly people.
Dt Garda Gerry Goff said that 1994 Hollywood carried out property has been recovered but Hollywood confessed in all cases.
Mr Patrick Marrinan, defending, said his client had spent most of his life in institutions. He first became addicted to drugs at the age of 14 and in more recent times had begun to abuse cocaine.
He had never gone out with the intention of using violence in his crimes, and wanted money only for drugs, counsel added.