Courts / Dublin / Report

Addict robbed dry cleaners he had earlier used to get alterations

Date
2016-12-06

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

In a robbery on 2 November 2015, John Joyce, aged 25, used an Airsoft pistol to threaten a staff member at a dry‑cleaning shop he had previously visited for alterations. He forced the employee to hand over €436 in cash. Joyce was later apprehended at a halting site where a car containing an Airsoft handgun was found. He pleaded guilty to this robbery, as well as to a robbery on 21 August 2014 and to damaging cars with a screwdriver in mid‑2014. The judge imposed a six‑year sentence, suspending the last 18 months. Joyce has 66 prior convictions, including robbery, burglary and handling stolen property. The victim reported nightmares and a change of workplace following the incident. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Addict robbed dry cleaners he had earlier used to get alterations. Charges or matters: robbery of Margens Drozdziak at PressXxpress, Clonsilla on 2 November 2015; robbery of Darragh Power at Snugborough Road, on August 21, 2014; damaging cars with a screwdriver at Clonsilla Road, Blanchardstown on various dates in mid-2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

2 November 2015 Incident
August 21, 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
2016-12-06 Publication

Why: The Polish victim told gardai that Joyce was unable to run away because of a limp in his leg. CNI source report

Case subjects

John Joyce

Defendant

Charges: robbery of Margens Drozdziak at PressXxpress, Clonsilla on 2 November 2015; robbery of Darragh Power at Snugborough Road, on August 21, 2014; damaging cars with a screwdriver at Clonsilla Road, Blanchardstown on various dates in mid-2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Terence O'Sullivan imposed a total sentence of six years but suspended the last 18 months.