11-07-2025
Woman (36) who took part in robbery of cyclist avoids prison
Amanda Boylan was handed a fully suspended two-year sentence, while three further theft charges were taken into consideration.
The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court.
While two co-accused received custodial sentences, a judge has said that the circumstances were different in the case of a 36-year-old woman who pleaded guilty to robbing a man as he cycled home from work.
Amanda Boylan was handed a fully suspended two-year sentence, while three further theft charges were taken into consideration.
The defendant, originally from Dublin, had been living in emergency B&B accommodation in Dundalk and has accepted the offer of a local authority house in Beechmount Drive, Cox's Demesne.
Judge Dara Hayes said that her life appeared to have stabilised. She had taken steps to rehabilitate.
On June 1, 2024, the victim was on his way home from work. As he cycled past two men and two women, one of the males pulled him off the bike.
Amanda Boylan and the other female went through his bag and stole a bank card and a small amount of money. They made three purchases with the card.
The case was heard in Dundalk Circuit Court.
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The defendant was intoxicated having spent the day drinking and taking drugs.
She had nine previous convictions including three for theft.
A probation report noted that she displayed remorse. She was assessed at high risk of reoffending.
The mother of four boys was born in Co. Dublin. She had a traumatic childhood and lived independently since the age of 16 and later moved to Dundalk.
Ms Boylan lost her mother and partner which led to increased substance abuse.
She had been in a better place until relapsing when this offending occurred.
The defendant co-operated with the Probation Service and engaged with services as directed. She stopped drinking and was on a reduced methadone programme and taking steps to deal with her issues.
Judge Hayes said that Amanda Boylan acted as part of a group. A greater role was played by a male co-accused. She had relevant previous convictions and had not come to attention since.
An order was made as outlined. Conditions of the sentence, suspended for two years, include 12 months Probation Service supervision.
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