A Tralee man has been sentenced to three years in prison for robbing a teenager and assaulting a man on the same night.
25-year-old Daniel Ianko, of Lee Drive, Tralee, pleaded guilty to counts of robbery, assault with intent to cause harm, and possession of a knife.
All three charges arise from two incidents on the same night two years ago.
On 14th August 2024, Mr Ianko had spent time in a casino, in The Greyhound Bar, and then a takeaway on Pembroke Street, before coming across a young man on Maine Street, who had just turned 18 that week.
Mr Ianko pulled a knife on the young man, who tried to flee but fell over, before Mr Ianko threatened him with the knife unless he handed over his bag.
The 18-year-old gave Mr Ianko his bag, which contained an iPhone, charger, vape, and €70 cash.
Judge Alec Gabbett said the robbing of the teenager was a very frightening incident for a young man waiting to be collected by his father.
Mr Ianko then moved on to Ashe Street, where he met a 19-year-old man and assaulted him; the man sustained wounds to his face.
Mr Ianko was arrested a short time later for being intoxicated in public, and it was only later gardaí realised he was who assaulted the 19-year-old.
Judge Gabbett noted Mr Ianko has 50 previous convictions, but his guilty plea has a certain value.
He said Mr Ianko is apologetic and remorseful, and noted there is a background of addiction and mental health difficulties.
Judge Gabbett said Mr Ianko was found to be at a very high risk of generic reoffending, and he said this court treats knife crime very seriously.
He sentenced him to three years in prison, and backdated the sentence to October 2025.
