A MAN who held a syringe to a schoolboy's face and robbed him has been jailed for five years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Judge Patrick Smith said there were no mitigating factors in the case. "A syringe can be a more terrifying weapon than a shotgun," he said.
Michael Rapple (24), Kilcross Avenue, Sandyford, was convicted earlier this week by a jury which took only 40 minutes to reach a unanimous decision.
Sgt Gerard Roche told Ms Mary Ellen Ring, prosecuting, that Rapple and his 14 year old victim both got off a bus at Kilgobbin Road on January 6th last. Rapple came up to the boy and held a syringe to his face, and said: "Have you ever been stuck by one of these things?" He forced the boy to a field and robbed him of jewellery, cash and other items.
