A DUBLIN youth has been given a suspended sentence for mugging a 14-year-old schoolboy and was urged by a judge yesterday to use golf champion Rory McIlroy as an inspiration in life.
David Saunders (19) of Fassaugh Avenue, Cabra, had been found guilty earlier at the Children’s Court of robbery of a phone and MP3 player from the boy, now 16, on March 2nd last year at Confey Road, Leixlip, Co Kildare.
Judge Ann Ryan imposed a 10-month sentence which was suspended on condition that he keep the peace for a year. As he was released, the judge told him to get newspapers to read up on Rory McIlroy’s US Open win and to use him as an inspiration.
Earlier, the victim told the court that Saunders and an accomplice had approached him, and that Saunders had told his accomplice “ask him nicely”.
A 16-year-old co-accused, who is to be sentenced next month, repeatedly demanded the phone from the boy. The schoolboy said he was “scared” and feared both robbers, who were aggressive and speaking loudly, may have had a weapon. “I said take whatever you want out of my pockets,” the victim told the court.
Judge Ryan heard that Saunders had 30 previous criminal convictions and had served a custodial sentence. His prior offences included motor theft, endangering traffic by throwing an object, and criminal damage.
He had been abusing sleeping tablets and said he felt sorry for the victim and had returned his wallet after it was taken by his co-accused.