Raider jailed over ‘cowardly’ attack on elderly neighbour

A MAN who attacked his 73-year old next-door neighbour during a burglary while on bail for a series of failed robberies has been sentenced to seven and a half years.

Alan Downey, 40, carried out the ‘shameful, horrible, cowardly offence’ along with another man.

Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard Downey, of Colepark Road, Ballyfermot, west Dublin, was on bail for three attempted robberies at the time of the offence.

He pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary on his own road on November 20, 2020, and other attempted burglaries.

He has 40 previous convictions, including assault causing harm, theft and possession of knives.

Judge Melanie Greally imposed consecutive sentences totalling seven and a half years. She suspended the final 22 months of the sentence on strict conditions.

Garda Erica Delaney told Siobhán Ní Chualacháin BL, prosecuting, that on the night in question, the victim was asleep in his home, where he lived alone and had lived for his entire life.

Dean Kelly SC, defending, said his client wished to apologise to the court and to his victims.