Courts / Dublin / Report
McDonald's robber jumped in to river in false belief he could evade garda helicopter
Summary
James Barry, aged 33, robbed a McDonald's on Lower Rathmines Road on 2 February, demanding €330 from the till while threatening a woman with a 10‑cm knife. The victim, who was working at the time, initially resisted but eventually complied. Barry fled the scene, first into a taxi, then into the Dodder River after the taxi driver was contacted by Gardaí. He claimed he believed the water would mask his body temperature from a pursuing helicopter, though no aerial pursuit was underway. Barry also pleaded guilty to a 2015 robbery of €460 from a chemist. He has five prior convictions, including attempted robbery and possession of articles, and has a history of drug addiction and a troubled childhood. The court adjourned sentencing to 5 July, noting the victim was left traumatised but no impact statement was given.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: McDonald's robber jumped in to river in false belief he could evade garda helicopter. Charges or matters: robbing McDonald's restaurant on Lower Rathmines Rd on February 2 this year; robbing €460 cash from a chemist in Camden St on March 5, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 2 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 5, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 5 Adjournment
- 2017-06-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbing McDonald's restaurant on Lower Rathmines Rd on February 2 this year; robbing €460 cash from a chemist in Camden St on March 5, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally adjourned the case for sentencing on July 5.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Taxi Trouble Theft
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