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"Heavily intoxicated" robber was in process of burning cash when gardai swooped

Summary

In July 2016, Derek Cooling, 29, and another man robbed a More For Less shop in Bawnogue Shopping Centre, Dublin 22, using an air gun. They threatened a female employee, forced her to open the till, and then entered a rear office where the shop manager was watching on CCTV. The manager was struck on the head with the air gun and ordered to empty the safe into a bag. Both employees feared for their lives. Garda Barry O'Shea followed a blood trail left by one of the raiders, discovered smoke from a nearby house's chimney, and entered the house to find Cooling and the other man burning clothing and money. Cooling pleaded guilty to robbery at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. The case was adjourned until October, with a psychiatric report ordered by Judge Patricia Ryan. The cashier could not return to work and suffered ongoing fear and medication use, while the manager experienced paranoia and anxiety after the incident.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Heavily intoxicated" robber was in process of burning cash when gardai swooped. Charges or matters: robbery of the shop in Bawnogue Shopping Centre, Dublin 22 on July 18, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 18, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2017-06-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report