A man who robbed a priest and a hitchhiker in separate attacks has been jailed for four years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
The court heard that Dylan Nydham stood over Father Paul Lavelle with a hatchet, while another man said: "Sorry to be so aggressive with you, father, but we need the money." A few days earlier, Father Lavelle had given Nydham £5 to buy food.
Nydham (23), of Old Bawn, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Kevin Parker of a rucksack and £90 cash in Tallaght on January 8th, 1999, and to the robbery of Father Lavelle at The Presbytery, Clondalkin, on December 30th, 1998. Paul Lee (21), Old Bawn, Tallaght, was jailed for his part in the robbery of Mr Parker.
The court heard that the two men were arrested after Lee's jacket and identity card were found at the scene. Garda Celine McNamee told prosecution counsel, Ms Orla Crowe, that on December 30th Father Lavelle opened the door to Nydham, who attacked him along with another man. The priest's glasses were thrown into the air and he was ordered to lie on the floor.
Nydham's defence counsel, Mr Maurice Coffey, said his client had a difficult family background and had a drink problem. He said the robberies were amateurish, and Nydham had since written a letter of apology to the court.
Lee's defence counsel, Mr John Quirke, said his client played a minor role and was influenced by Nydham. Judge Dominic Lynch said he took into account the difficult social backgrounds of both accused men, as well as their guilty pleas. He recommended that Nydham receive psychiatric counselling and alcohol dependency treatment while in prison.