Tralee Circuit Court has heard an American pensioner heard her arm snap during a Killarney robbery.
24-year-old Tomas Starodubcevas of Tudor Lodge, Woodlawn Road, Killarney, appeared before Judge Ronan Munro in relation to one charge.
81-year-old Andrea Bartlett was visiting Killarney as a tourist with her husband for their 54th wedding anniversary, in April last year, when the incident occurred on the Port Road.
Mr Starodubcevas, who is a Lithuanian national, is charged with robbing €325 from Ms Bartlett.
Andrea Bartlett delivered her victim impact statement to Tralee Circuit Court via video-link from her home in South Carolina.
The 81-year-old described being “viciously attacked” by Mr Starodubcevas on the evening of April 22nd 2024.
She outlined that he threw her to the ground and heard her arm break, “snapping like a tree branch” before she hit the ground.
Ms Bartlett said she fell out onto the Port Road and was lucky not to be hit by a car; adding she sustained a large bump to the left side of her head from the attack.
She told the court her ancestors immigrated from Kerry centuries ago and her trip and experience of visiting their hometowns was ruined by the incident.
Ms Bartlett said it left her with excruciating pain and took over a year to recover from her injuries, she added she had to walk with a cane for three months.
She outlined she still has balance issues to this day, she’s left with a big bump on her arm, and the incident had a financial impact of over €12,200 on her.
The 81-year-old added she used to think Ireland was safe, however this anomaly showed there are criminals and bad actors who intend to do harm in every country.
Barrister for the defendant, Katie O’Connell, offered a sincere apology on her client’s behalf, adding he worked in hospitality but this was far from hospitality.
She said he was taking drugs at the time and owed money to people; and that he is deeply remorseful and affected by his actions.
Judge Munro granted an application for a probation report and adjourned the case until July 8th for sentencing.
