Cork man lured teenager to isolated area and violently attacked him over drug debt
Teenager lost two front teeth in the attack, court told. Picture: Larry Cummins
A teenager was lured to an isolated area on the outskirts of Midleton and beaten by two attackers — one of whom produced a claw-hammer with the threat, “I have a good mind to use it on you.”
Tarran Troy, who is in his early twenties, was jailed for three and a half years for his part in this violent attack which related to demands for payment of a drugs debt.
Detective Garda Cormac O’Bric gave evidence in the case where Tarran Troy, of Lauriston Park, Midleton, Co Cork, pleaded guilty to counts of assault causing harm, demanding money with menaces and producing a claw-hammer. “It is a drugs intimidation case,” the detective said.
On April 28, Tarran Troy and an accomplice called to the home of the 17-year-old. The following day, Tarran Troy went to the school of the injured party. The principal became so concerned he called Detective Garda Dave O’Shea to express his concerns about the accused turning up at the school.
Det Garda O’Bric said following both of these calls, the teenager was lured to an isolated area in the UDC grounds outside Midleton town and brought to a secluded wooded place.
“He was struck in the mouth with a closed fist and knocked to the ground. He tried to stand up. He was struck by the co-accused. They began kicking him on the ground.
“Tarran Troy produced a hammer and said, ‘I have a good mind to use it on you’.
“There was a demand for €2,000 which they said was owed for drugs. He was instructed to ring his father. The family would not have had money. The father was spoken to by Mr Troy who asked for €2,500 so his son would be released.”
The detective said the defendant and his accomplice came back into Midleton with the teenager. As they passed the Garda station, the defendant recognised the car belonging to the teenager’s father parked outside. At that point they let the 17-year-old go.
The teenager lost two front teeth and there was damage to the bone in his gum also. He cannot afford to pay for the dental work in Ireland that would be required to repair the damage. There was no victim impact statement from the teenager.
One of Tarran Troy’s previous convictions is for drug-dealing.
Defence barrister Alan O’Dwyer said: “Mr Troy has written a letter. He outlines his disgust and regret for his actions. I would ask you to take into consideration his remorse for his actions on the day in question.”
Judge Dermot Sheehan noted the accused and his accomplice both kicked the teenager when he was on the ground.
The judge referred to the defence plea in mitigation where his background circumstances included the sudden death of his father when the defendant was aged six.
“He is doing well since he went into custody and is attending school in prison. He wants to stay clean of drugs when he gets out of custody,” Judge Sheehan said as he imposed a four-year sentence with the last six months suspended.
