Convicted killer held up shops with knife and fork

Mark Bissett (33) pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to attempted robbery and robbery following two incidents in Ranelagh, south Dublin in October 2017. He targeted a Spar shop on October 15th, armed with a knife, and a pharmacy on October 26th, where he used a fork during the raid, obtaining €220. CCTV footage identified Bissett, who was traced to nearby hostel accommodation. The court heard no persons were physically injured. Bissett has 65 previous convictions including manslaughter, five robberies, and five assaults. He told gardaí he had no memory of the raids due to alcohol and tablet consumption. The pharmacy owner reported increased fearfulness at work, particularly after dark. Judge Elma Sheahan adjourned sentencing to November 5th pending an updated Probation Service report. Bissett remains eligible for an addiction rehabilitation programme and Community Employment scheme participation.