25-05-2025
‘I used to think Ireland was safe,' says US tourist (81) violently robbed in Kerry
Andrea Bartlett gave a lengthy victim impact statement during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas
Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B.
An American tourist, who came to Ireland on a long-planned trip to celebrate her 54th wedding anniversary, has revealed the extent of her injuries and the ordeal she suffered when she was thrown to the ground and robbed while in Kerry.
Andrea Bartlett (81) gave a lengthy victim impact statement via video link from the US this week during the sentencing hearing of Lithuanian man Tomas Starodubcevas (24) who is charged with robbery arising out of the incident at Port Road, Killarney, on April 22, 2024.
Judge Ronan Munro, sitting at Tralee Circuit Criminal Court, said he would like to commiserate with Ms Bartlett as her long-planned trip was 'ruined'.
She told the court she would like to see the defendant, and the camera was adjusted to allow this. Judge Munro said he was sitting in the dock with his hand 'hanging in shame' as he should be.
Ms Bartlett told the court she was 'viciously attacked" on Port Road.
"He threw me to the ground on my left side causing a head injury, and ripped my purse off my right arm causing my humerus [upper right arm] to break in two. I heard the arm break before I hit the ground as it made a loud cracking sound like a branch snapping off a tree. It was so loud I imagine the thief heard it too.'
She said the only question she has had in her mind since then, is 'how could one human being do this to another?'.
She told the court the trip had originally been planned to celebrate the couple's 50th wedding anniversary, but had been postponed due to Covid.
They had also hoped to look up family ancestors while in Ireland, including Sneem, Tahilla and Kenmare in Co Kerry. However, their trip had to be cut short after the ordeal.
On the night of the incident, they had just eaten dinner at a local restaurant where they had a special celebration organised by the B&B owners to mark their anniversary.
She said they were on their way home when the criminal 'brutally attacked'. Gardaí and the emergency services arrived at the scene and Ms Bartlett was transported to University Hospital Kerry. She said when she woke up the next morning, the pain was 'excruciating'.
'Every time I moved I could feel the bones scraping against each other,' she said.
Andrea Bartlett and her husband Bill celebrating their 54th wedding anniversary at Kitty O'Se's in Killarney, shortly before they were attacked on the way to their B&B.
News in 90 Seconds - May 25th 2025
She said such was the movement of the broken bones that it made her feel dizzy and nauseous, and that she also vomited periodically during the first day of her injury, which may have been a result of her head injury.
Ms Bartlett flew home to the US on April 25, three days after the incident occurred, and has endured a 'long and painful recovery' since then.
'I spent two-and-a-half months sitting on my couch day and night. I could not lie down to sleep as it caused too much pain. If I didn't move, I could manage the pain.'
Standing up, walking and travelling in a car also caused her pain. Her husband had to look after her all the time, and she also had to get home help as she could not do anything for herself.
The head injury she suffered also caused difficulties, particularly with her balance, and this remains an issue making it difficult to walk. She is still undergoing physical therapy.
Ms Bartlett said her injuries have left her with several side effects.
My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me
She said the attack meant she missed out on many things, including planning to see the towns in Kerry where her ancestors came from.
'My injuries have seriously impacted the quality of life for both my husband and me. We have not been able to visit with family and friends or socialise with them.'
She said she can no longer undertake the activities she enjoyed like playing bridge, gardening and playing bocce.
She has also suffered a significant financial loss as a result of her injuries.
Ms Bartlett said she 'used to think Ireland was a safe place'.
'I am hoping this was an anomaly but, in the future, I plan to be more observant whether I am travelling in Ireland or the US.'
Tomas Starodubcevas of Tudor Lodge, Woodlawn Road, Killarney, was charged with robbing Mrs Bartlett of €325 on April 22.
Listowel District Court, where Starodubcevas was initially charged
Barrister Katie O'Connell, representing Starodubcevas, said her client offered his most sincere apology to Ms Bartlett.
"He is truly ashamed, it has haunted him,' she said.
Ms O'Connell said the defendant had been taking drugs at the time. He owed money and was 'desperate'.
'It may be of little comfort, but it's important you know he is very sorry.'
Ms Bartlett said she was very curious to know why he had done it.
Judge Munro said one of the things he had to consider in sentencing is whether Starodubcevas would re-offend.
The court heard he is currently in jail, after he arrived to court late the previous day, so he is no longer on the streets.
He adjourned the case to July 8 for sentencing to allow a probation report to be carried out, and said Mr Starodubcevas will remain in jail while he is being assessed.
