A 23-year-old man who was charged with the robbery of a US tourist in her 80s appeared before Listowel District Court last Friday, Radio Kerry reported.
Tomas Starodubcevas who has an address at Tudor Lodge, Woodlawn Road, Killarney is facing one charge of robbery contrary to Section 14 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 in respect of the sum of €325 which was stolen from Andrea Bartlett.
The elderly woman was visiting Killarney, Co. Kerry with her husband to explore where their ancestors had emigrated from when a man approached her and stole her handbag on the evening of Monday the 22nd of April last.
In a letter written to thank the people of Killarney for their kindness in the wake of the incident she explained how she had sustained a head injury and a broken arm.
Bartlett wrote that the incident which took place after she and her husband had enjoyed “a wonderful anniversary dinner” happened “in the blink of an eye,”.
In correspondence the elderly woman sent to local councillor Marie Moloney, she wrote that, “The thief threw me down on the pavement and in the process of stealing my purse caused a head injury and broke my right arm.
“It is a very serious and painful injury and will take months to heal,” she continues.
“The reason I am writing this letter is to acknowledge the wonderful support we received from the Killarney community,” Andrea says.
“A Good Samaritan driving down Port Road used her car to stop traffic from hitting me and came to my aid.
She says that, “People from the neighbouring cottages called the police and ambulance and rendered aid while one resident “brought out blankets, pillows and hot water bottles.”
“The police were there quickly and took control of the situation.” she wrote.
“The ambulance drivers administered painkillers and took good care of me on the ride to the hospital in Tralee.
“I want to thank all of the people who helped my husband and myself on this terrible night. They were amazing.”
Having had to cut her holiday short after the incident, Bartlett paid special thanks to the owner of the cottage where the pair were staying who she says cancelled the remainder of their reservation since they would not be able to stay.
“I am hoping that if anyone has information about this assailant, you will report it to the police. It may stop him from doing it again to another person,” she added.
As Gript previously reported the incident took place in the vicinity of the Port Road in Killarney at approximately 8:40 pm.