Courts / Dublin / Report
Court upholds 7-year sentence for addict who robbed post office with toy gun
Summary
Jonathon Duffy, aged 33, was convicted of robbing the Blackrock Post Office on 16 April 2013 with a €2 toy gun, possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, unlawfully seizing a vehicle and attempting to seize another. He was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment by Judge Mary Ellen Ring on 26 May 2014. Duffy appealed the sentence, but Mr Justice George Birmingham dismissed the appeal on 25 October 2016, stating that Duffy had entered the post office, threatened a woman with the toy gun, stole about €3,000 in €20 notes, and then attempted to stop cars while fleeing. Gardaí pursued him, and he was eventually apprehended after a woman's vehicle was seized. Duffy had 35 prior convictions, including 10 for robbery, and had been temporarily released from prison 11 days before the offence. The court found no error in principle and upheld the seven‑year term. Jonathon Duffy pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court upholds 7-year sentence for addict who robbed post office with toy gun. Charges or matters: robbing Blackrock Post Office, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, the unlawful seizure of a vehicle and attempted unlawful seizure of another vehicle on April 16, 2013. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- April 16, 2013 Incident
- May 26, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2014 Other
- 2016-10-25 Publication
Why: He came to the passenger door of her vehicle, got in and told her to drive but because of traffic, made little progress. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: robbing Blackrock Post Office, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, the unlawful seizure of a vehicle and attempted unlawful seizure of another vehicle on April 16, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to seven years imprisonment by Judge Mary Ellen Ring on May 26, 2014. Mr McQuade submitted that by the following May, when Duffy came to be sentenced, the Circuit Court judge lost sight of the fact that Duffy's desire to reform was still live.
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