Courts / Dublin / Report
Off-duty trainee garda overpowered shop raider who pointed imitation gun at him
Summary
Patrick Brazil, 42, was heard in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for a series of shop robberies between August 2014 and January 2016, most while on bail. He pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery, one count of trespassing, criminal damage and possession of a knife. On 29 January 2015 he entered a shop on Oxmantown Road, held an imitation Smith & Wesson gun to a shop assistant's head, and demanded the till be emptied. An off‑duty trainee Garda, Claire Rafferty, intervened, was briefly threatened with the gun, but returned to the shop to protect the assistant. A struggle followed; Brazil was overpowered, the gun knocked to the floor, and he was arrested. Gardaí arrived shortly after. Brazil's defence highlighted his severe alcohol and drug addiction at the time, noting he has since abstained and is seeking treatment.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Off-duty trainee garda overpowered shop raider who pointed imitation gun at him. Charges or matters: three counts of robbery, one count of trespassing and causing criminal damage and possession of a knife. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 2014 Incident
- January 2016 Incident
- January 29 Incident
- July 8, 2015 Other
- January 12 Adjournment
- 2016-10-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: three counts of robbery, one count of trespassing and causing criminal damage and possession of a knife (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally granted the adjournment but noted the offences involving the use of imitation firearms were "particularly serious". "I can't see myself imposing a non-custodial sentence at any point on those matters," she said.; Mr Byrne asked that the matter be adjourned to see if such a place might become available early next year.
Places mentioned
- Drumalee Drive
- Oxmantown Road
- Nutgrove Enterprise Park
- Talbot Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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