Courts / Dublin / Report

Family-run shop closed after 30 years after robbery and threats, court hears

Summary

Thomas Stokes, 23, of Clondalkin, Dublin, was sentenced to six years in prison at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to six sample charges, including robbery and possession of an imitation firearm, committed between July 15 and July 25, 2016. Judge Melanie Greally suspended the final 18 months of the sentence on strict conditions. Prosecution evidence detailed a ten-day crime spree during which Stokes allegedly robbed a total of €1,157 and a mobile phone, threatening victims with a toy gun and a steel bollard. He admitted to gardaí that he committed the offences to pay a €2,200 drug debt after his family's trailer was threatened. The final victim, a 66-year-old shop owner, closed his family-run business days later due to fear of further attacks. Stokes was identified via CCTV footage showing a distinct tattoo. Judge Greally noted the escalating seriousness of the crimes and the lingering menace felt by the victim, while accepting that the offences were motivated by Stokes's drug addiction and family pressures. She acknowledged his genuine remorse and that the actions were out of character for a man from a law-abiding family. Stokes has also been sentenced in the District Court for an earlier theft that preceded the robberies. No injuries were reported during the incidents.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Family-run shop closed after 30 years after robbery and threats, court hears. Charges or matters: six sample charges including robbery and possession of an imitation firearm at locations in Clondalkin between July 15 and July 25, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 15 Incident
• July 25, 2016 Incident
• July 26 Incident
• 2017-02-20 Publication

Why: The victim closed down the shop, which had been in his family for over 30 years, days after the robbery because he didn't want to put his staff, including his 82-year-old sister, at risk of a potential further raid. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report