Courts / Dublin / Report
Robber identified after recognition as former school mate
Summary
In a Tesco Express robbery in Finglas, Aaron McDermott, 24, and an accomplice threatened staff with firearms and demanded €3,000 and a vodka bottle. A shop assistant recognised McDermott as a former schoolmate, nicknamed Choppy, after his hooded jacket collar slipped. CCTV footage identified him, leading to his arrest at home. McDermott pleaded guilty to robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Pauline Codd suspended the final three years of a four‑year sentence, conditional on drug treatment and participation in a victim awareness programme. She noted his struggle following his brother's 2015 suicide and his recent release from a psychiatric ward. McDermott's letter of apology was read in court, and the judge considered his personal circumstances and guilty plea in sentencing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber identified after recognition as former school mate. Charges or matters: robbery in Finglas village, Dublin on January 4, 2015. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- January 4, 2015 Incident
- 2017-02-08 Publication
Why: He said he had taken extra medication that morning because of the grave visit. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery in Finglas village, Dublin on January 4, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request