Courts / Dublin / Report
Gardai had to pepper spray armed youths, court hears
Summary
In a court hearing on 8 February 2017, it was reported that Garda Cathal McGeoghan had to deploy pepper spray three times against two youths during a robbery at a Spar shop. Craig Moloney, aged 21, was armed with an iron bar, while his accomplice carried a meat cleaver. The incident occurred when the pair had just stolen €358 from the cashier. McGeoghan, fearing for his safety, used pepper spray to subdue Moloney, who then attempted to assault the Garda with a bar. The accomplice, wielding the cleaver, was also pepper‑sprayed and fled before being arrested with the aid of a Garda helicopter. Moloney, previously convicted of theft and assault, will be sentenced in May 2017. The court noted his earlier convictions and the Garda's actions during the arrest. Craig Moloney pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai had to pepper spray armed youths, court hears. Charges or matters: theft and assault causing harm at Tom Kelly Flat Complex on November 25, 2011 and robbery at Spar on Clougher Road a week later on November 30, 2011. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 05, 2017 Incident
- November 25, 2011 Incident
- November 30, 2011 Incident
- 2017-02-08 Publication
Why: Defence counsel James Dwyer BL said Moloney was a talented footballer but had to quit because he suffers from epilepsy. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: theft and assault causing harm at Tom Kelly Flat Complex on November 25, 2011 and robbery at Spar on Clougher Road a week later on November 30, 2011 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced in May 05, 2017.
Places mentioned
Topics
Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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