Former gymnast jailed for her part in 'cowardly assault' on man sleeping rough in Cork

A former gymnast who represented Ireland in European championships participated enthusiastically with her male accomplice in punching and kicking a man sleeping in a doorway to rob him of all he possessed – a small rucksack and a laptop computer.

Judge Helen Boyle imposed a jail term of three years with the last year suspended on Kelsie Flynn, 25, of no fixed address, at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on that charge.

The judge described the robbery of the sleeping man as cowardly.

Ms Flynn previously admitted the charge of robbery of a €1,000 laptop and a €50 backpack from a man at Lower Oliver Plunkett St, Cork, on April 24, 2024.

Garda Kevin Roche said the victim did nothing to attract the attention of anyone as he slept in the doorway set well back from the footpath on Lower Oliver Plunkett Street in Cork.

However, the defenceless man was set upon by the two assailants who punched and kicked him in the face and body and robbed him of his belongings.

Judge Boyle noted that the backpack and the laptop were recovered because the public intervened.

Alan O’Dwyer defence barrister said the young woman was taken advantage of by older people.

“She pleaded guilty at an early stage and saved the injured party having to come to court to give evidence. 

“She is steadfast in her desire to get her life back on a better footing. 

“By her own description she said, ‘My life has been crazy and chaotic in the last few years – a life I never wanted to live.’ “She represented Ireland in gymnastics in Poland. But (in recent years) she was feeding a habit from day to day without a care in a mind for anyone let alone herself. 

“When she was shown CCTV she was disgusted at what she saw.

“She is doing exceptionally well. She is a trustee in the prison – positions that are reserved for people who are trusted. She is deeply apologetic for her actions on the night,” Mr O’Dwyer said.

Judge Boyle said: “This was a cowardly assault – two against one. I accept you were a vulnerable person but the injured party could not have been more vulnerable sleeping rough with nothing but his sleeping bag and his laptop.

“Punches and kicks were rained down on top of him and you were as enthusiastic as your co-accused in this.

“You entered an early plea of guilty. I accept you suffered from addiction and were in the throes of addiction at the time. You had a difficult upbringing.

“You represented Ireland in Poland in European gymnastics in 2010 but unfortunately you lost your way. 

“You want to get your life back on track. You are on an enhanced regime in prison and staff speak highly of you.” 

The judge imposed a total sentence of three years with the last year suspended.

Her accomplice was jailed last year for his part in the crime.