Member of Macari takeaway family robbed and assaulted American tourist, court told

Sunday World

3 days ago

Stefano Gianluca Macari (24) had the victim's wallet and bank cards on his person when he was searched by gardaí.
A young member of the Macari takeaway family robbed and assaulted an American tourist, kicking him to the head as he lay on the ground, a court has heard.
Stefano Gianluca Macari (24) was caught by gardaí with his two co-accused smoking crack cocaine a short distance from where they left the tourist lying injured on the road, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today
Macari had the victim's wallet and bank cards on his person when he was searched by gardaí. He made no admissions when interviewed and was due to stand trial on the matter last February, but he failed to appear.
He has been in custody since he was arrested in June and he entered guilty pleas shortly after, Jane McGowan BL, prosecuting, told the court.
Macari, of the Spire Hostel, Marlboro Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbery and assault causing harm to the man – an American doctor in his 40s – on April 27, 2023. His two co-accused, a man and a woman, entered earlier guilty pleas and were jailed for four and five years respectively.
Macari has 27 previous convictions, including burglary, handling stolen property, theft and assault.
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Detective Garda Mark Reilly told the court that the tourist was in Temple Bar on the night in question and was trying to find his hotel when he was joined by Macari's male accomplice, who offered to help him home.
While the pair were walking through Dublin, they were joined by Macari and the woman. They then set upon the man, assaulting him and causing him to fall to the ground. While there, Macari kicked him 'a number of times in the head', prosecuting counsel said.
The trio rifled through the man's pockets and stole cash and his wallet before fleeing the scene. They were arrested a short time later in a nearby petrol station.
The tourist was treated by paramedics at the scene for his injuries, which included lacerations and bruising to the face. He declined to go to hospital and treated his injuries himself with temporary stitches, the court heard. A victim impact statement was handed into court but not read aloud.
Judge Martina Baxter watched a short clip of CCTV footage of the incident from the bench and noted that before leaving the scene, Macari aimed a 'gratuitous strong kick' to the victim's upper body. She noted the victim was left lying on a public road, where traffic could have come by.
Derek Cooney BL, defending, said it was a 'nasty, nasty crime' and that his client wanted to offer an unreserved apology for his actions that night.
He said Macari is a member of the Macari takeaway family and has had 'significant difficulties throughout his life'. He has struggled with drug addiction and has been by ostracised by his family in recent years, the court heard.
He has had periods of homelessness and living in hostels. His brother died of a heroin overdose some years ago and this caused Macari's life to spiral out of control, defence counsel said.
'He has had opportunities, coming from a very well-respected family and educational opportunities, but drugs got the better of him,' Mr Cooney said. He said Macari's father is supportive of him and an offer has been made for him to work in the family business upon his release.
Judge Baxter said she would finalise the matter in November. She ordered a probation report, governer's report and urine analysis for that date.