Victim and garda chased phone snatcher

Anthony Fagan said he could pay compensation, given time

Andrew Phelan

A mobile phone snatcher was caught after the victim and a passing garda who saw the theft chased him.

Father-to-be Anthony Fagan (21) was unemployed and having "difficulties with alcohol" at the time, a court heard.

Judge Bryan Smyth said he could avoid an eight-month jail sentence if he is found suitable for 160 hours of community service.

Fagan, of Rutland Street Lower, pleaded guilty to stealing a Samsung mobile phone worth €400 from a man on Gardiner Street last October 12.

Gda Eugene Smith told Dublin District Court that he was on patrol at 12.35am when he saw the accused snatch something from the victim's hand.

The man chased the accused and the garda followed in his patrol car. Fagan was stopped at Sean McDermott Street.

He said he was prepared to offer the injured party €200 in compensation if given time, his barrister said.

Convictions

Fagan had 37 previous convictions for offences including robbery and assault.

He was out of work and now expecting to be a father for the first time.

Judge Smyth said the court was considering a "custodial option", but adjourned the case for the production of a community service suitability report.