Anthony Rossitter jailed for attempted robberies with scissors

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Anthony Rossitter was sentenced to four and a half years in prison at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on 24 April 2020, with the final 12 months suspended. Judge Melanie Greally imposed strict conditions, including that he follow all Probation Service directions for 12 months after release.

Rossitter pleaded guilty to three charges of attempted robbery. The proceedings were reported on 24 April 2020. The offences took place at three Dublin city-centre shops on 15 May 2019.

At a previous sentencing hearing, the court heard that Rossitter entered a Gala shop on Abbey Street, put a plastic bag on the counter and demanded cash. Holding large scissors, he threatened to cut a staff member. He left after being told there was no cash on hand. He then demanded cash at a Spar in Temple Bar but left empty-handed.

At a Gala shop on Dorset Street, he demanded money while showing the scissors and asked for €20 after staff said their boss had taken the cash. He left without money and was arrested shortly afterwards.

Defending barrister Kevin McCrave said Rossitter had taken tablets that morning and had a drug debt at the time. He said Rossitter was trying to address his addiction in custody and wanted to be a father to his young child. Judge Greally said his long-standing drug addiction was the primary cause of his more serious offending and that he needed support to break the cycle.