Courts / Dublin / Report
"Excellent investigative work" foiled pub robbery
Summary
James Preston, 36, was caught attempting to rob the Seabank House pub in East Wall, Dublin, after a Garda surveillance operation. He approached the manager armed with a wheel brace and a Stanley knife while the manager was carrying the pub's takings. Garda officers intervened, ordering him to drop his weapons, and he was arrested. Preston had previously pleaded guilty to attempted robbery in 2014 and to dangerous driving and unlawful use of a car in 2015. He was sentenced by Judge John Aylmer to three years, with the final 18 months suspended, citing his efforts to reform while in prison. The judge noted that the robbery could have been completed without Garda intervention and that Preston's 2015 driving endangered adults and children. The case highlighted the role of Garda surveillance in preventing the robbery.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: "Excellent investigative work" foiled pub robbery. Charges or matters: attempted robbery in East Wall on October 28, 2014; dangerous driving and unlawful use of a car in Finglas on May 9, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 28, 2014 Incident
- May 9, 2015 Incident
- May 2015 Other
- 2017-02-15 Publication
Why: The victim said he now took different routes to work because he was afraid of being followed. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted robbery in East Wall on October 28, 2014; dangerous driving and unlawful use of a car in Finglas on May 9, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge John Aylmer imposed a three year sentence for the offences and suspended the final 18 months after noting Preston's "extraordinary efforts" to reform himself while in prison.
Places mentioned
- Seabank House
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Edenmore Gardens
- Dublin
Topics
Road Traffic Stage Sentence Theft
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request