Teenager in bag theft to buy drugs

A TEENAGER who took part in a handbag snatch because he was "dying sick" for drugs has been jailed for three years by Judge Cyril…

A TEENAGER who took part in a handbag snatch because he was "dying sick" for drugs has been jailed for three years by Judge Cyril Kelly at Dublin, Circuit Criminal Court.

Wesley Boyle (18), of Sean O'Casey Avenue, Dublin, admitted stealing the handbag from a middle-aged woman at Hollybank Road, Drumcondra, on November 7th, 1995. Arrested following confidential information, Boyle told gardai he had been "dying sick and had no money for gear".

He stole a car with a friend and drove to Drumcondra, where they spotted the woman. The bag contained £50 and they used it to buy drugs.

Garda Peter Woods said the woman was knocked down during the theft and was detained overnight in hospital.