Two women robbed and assaulted as they waited for taxi after night out in Limerick

TWO young women were attacked and robbed by a man while they sat on a windowsill, waiting for a taxi in Limerick city centre after a night out.

One of the women had blood dripping down her neck after she was pushed and hit her head on a steel bollard during the attack.

Judge Tom O’Donnell said it was a nasty incident and it was abundantly clear it has had “a knock-on effect psychologically on two young ladies out enjoying themselves”.

David Hughes, aged 37, of Sarsfield Gardens, Moyross pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and assault causing harm at 2.20am on October 13, 2023 at Todd's Bow, Limerick city.

Prosecuting barrister Lily Buckley, instructed by State solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the evidence with the assistance of Detective Garda Ryan Harkin.

Ms Buckley said the two women were sitting on a windowsill waiting for a taxi when they were approached by the accused who was begging.

“They politely refused - saying they had no change. He came back 30 minutes later while they waited for a taxi,” said Ms Buckley.

The court heard Hughes tried to grab one of the women’s handbag but she held on to it. During the attack he “pushed” one of the women who fell and hit her head against a steel bollard. She sustained a cut to the back of her head.

During the incident, one of the women’s phones fell on the ground. It was picked up by Hughes who ran off in the direction of Cruises Street. The phone contained her bank card and driver’s learner permit.  

Hughes was arrested by gardai on the following day and gave a “no comment interview”.

Det Garda Harkin said Hughes has 86 previous convictions including 19 thefts, 10 burglaries, seven for begging, seven for drugs offences, a robbery and possession of knives.

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Both women gave victim impact statements which were read out by Ms Buckley in Limerick Circuit Criminal Court.

The first victim said she was “so frightened” and felt helpless after her friend suffered a head injury. She said she has not been able to enjoy nights out and even being in the city during the day she feels “uneasy”.

“I want to be able to be in town at any time and not feel uneasy. He had no regard for the pain he inflicted on anyone,” she said.

The second victim said she had blood dripping down her neck after her head hit the bollard.

“It was very stressful. I can’t enjoy nights out. I had nightmares for weeks. My parents collect me when I go out,” she said.

Barrister Yvonne Quinn, who represented Hughes, said her client wishes to apologise to both injured parties.

“His conduct was appalling and shameful. He is remorseful. At the time of the offences he was deep in the throes of addiction. I am in no way minimising his appalling behaviour. He acknowledges what he did and is truly sorry,” said Ms Quinn.

The barrister said Hughes managed to stay out of trouble for the most part between 2013 and 2020 and is currently doing well in Limerick Prison and has linked in with counsellors. Ms Quinn said it was very serious and truly appalling but asked Judge O’Donnell to give Hughes some light at the end of the tunnel.

Judge O’Donnell said the element of pre-meditation was “disturbing”.

“He engaged in conversation, went away, came back, robbed one and assaulted another violently,” said Judge O’Donnell.

He said these types of offences are occuring far too frequently in the city and there must be a strong message that “this conduct is unacceptable”.

Judge O’Donnell imposed a four prison sentence for robbery, backdated to October 14, 2023 when Hughes first went into custody. He handed down concurrent sentences of four years and two years for attempted robbery and assault.