Two brothers who dragged an elderly man from his bed and out to the street, where they kicked and beat him, have been sent to jail for a total of 19 years by Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court. Barry (18) and Anthony (21) Smith, of Mountain View Crescent, Dundalk, admitted to entering the home of Mr Bernard Traynor (79) early on July 17th last year and assaulting him causing actual bodily harm. Barry Smith also pleaded guilty to assaulting him with intent to rob, as well robbing a purse from a woman who had just taken money from an ATM machine on Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk on August 6th last year. He also admitted his role in a number of burglaries in Dundalk last February and March.
Of all the offences before the court the most serious was the assault on Mr Traynor, an old man who lived alone, Judge Patrick Smith said.
"The unfortunate Mr Traynor was punched, kicked and dragged out of his bed onto the street and suffered bruises and abrasions," he said. "He is now a lonely frightened man still living on his own and in that respect he has shown remarkable courage." Judge Smith said that less an one month after Barry Smith was sentenced for one year he was again at liberty on the streets of Dundalk. Barry Smith received three five year sentences for breaking into the house and assaulting Mr Traynor. Anthony Smith received two jail terms of two years for the assault.
Barry Smith was also jailed for terms ranging from three to four years for both the robbery and assault of the woman at the ATM machine and for the various burglaries. Judge Smith refused leave to appeal the severity of the sentences which are to run concurrently.