A man had to strip to his underwear and even remove his shoes to prove he had no cash on him, when robbed by three youths as he walked home after attending the Galway Races last year.
The 32-year-old victim told Galway Circuit Criminal Court yesterday that he was frightened and in shock when the three confronted him at 5am on August 4th last year and demanded money and his phone from him.
Shane Mannion (20), Togherbeg, Tuam, who works in a local engineering business, pleaded guilty yesterday to robbing the victim of his mobile phone, worth €180, at Roscam, Galway, as did Gary Taylor (26), unemployed, Ballinakilla, Togher, Tuam.
A juvenile who was initially charged with the robbery is to be dealt with under the juvenile liaison scheme.
Garda Cathal Rodgers said the victim had been at the races earlier that day and could not get a taxi to take him home in the early morning. He decided to walk home; as he was about to turn into the estate where he lived he saw a car pull up and the three youths got out.
Mannion told the victim it was not his lucky day before demanding money and his phone from him. The man was in fear and he told them he had no money. He had to remove his jacket, trousers and shoes and turn out his pockets to prove that he had no cash on him while all three stood in front of him. Mannion then took his phone and punched the victim into the mouth, telling him to "eff off home". The three drove off in Taylor's car. The victim flagged a taxi and asked the driver to contact the Garda.
Conor Fahy, prosecuting, said that the victim's Pass card was also taken before they drove off. Moments later as he was picking up his clothes, the car returned and Mannion got out, demanding his pin number. The victim gave him a wrong pin and Mannion left the scene again.
Mannion, the court was told, was the main culprit. He had been drinking since 11am the previous day but had not taken a drink since this incident. Taylor had been at home but got a call from Mannion to come and collect him. He got involved in the robbery as he was driving Mannion home with their juvenile friend.
Francis Comerford, for Mannion, said his client had €10,000 in court to offer to the victim as a token of remorse.
His father John Mannion said he and his family were utterly ashamed and horrified to think their son would do this and he apologised to the victim for his son's behaviour.
Judge Raymond Groarke sentenced Mannion to 18 months in prison but suspended the final 12 months after hearing Mannion had given up drink and was genuinely remorseful, on condition he keep the peace and abstain from alcohol for two years on his release. Judge Groarke remanded Taylor in custody until December 13th for sentence.