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Robber posing as garda quoted sections of law
Summary
Gary Kearney, 25, a serial offender with 160 prior convictions, was found guilty of robbery, false imprisonment and theft after he and an accomplice posed as undercover Gardaí, quoting sections of law, and handcuffed a man on Millennium Bridge in Dublin. The victim feared being pushed into the Liffey while handcuffed. Kearney's history includes assault, animal cruelty, robbery, theft, burglary, criminal damage and public order offences. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Melanie Greally, after hearing evidence, noted Kearney's "appalling record of offending" and his need to address addiction issues. She suspended a four‑year sentence on strict conditions, including attendance at AA meetings, and ordered two years of probation supervision. The accomplice fled and was not charged. The victim accepted Kearney's apology and expressed no desire to see him in custody.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber posing as garda quoted sections of law. Charges or matters: robbery, false imprisonment and theft in Dublin city centre on September 11, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 11, 2016 Adjournment
- 2017-05-26 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery, false imprisonment and theft in Dublin city centre on September 11, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She imposed a four year sentence which she suspended on strict conditions including attendance at AA meetings. At the original sentence hearing Mr Rea had told Judge Greally that drink and tablets had been a feature of Kearney's life and there was a place available for him in a 12 week residential treatment program.; She had adjourned sentencing to allow Kearney attend for residential treatment at Cuan Mhuire.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- taken to Pearse Street Garda Station
- Pearse Street
- phone back at the garda station
Topics
Burglary Public Order Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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