Courts / Dublin / Report

Post officer raider threatened to "chop off" customer's head

Date
2017-07-11

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Lusk

County
Dublin

Summary

George Simpson, 30, was sentenced later in July after a post office raid in Rush on 28 November 2016. He attempted robbery, possessed an imitation firearm, produced a weapon, threatened to kill or cause serious harm, and caused criminal damage. Simpson entered the post office armed with an air pistol and a hatchet, threatened a female staff member that he would chop off a customer's head if she did not hand over cash, and smashed a glass panel in front of the tills. He shouted "fuck this" and fled. Garda Ross Rowan reported that the staff member hid in the back office, pressed the panic alarm, and did not return until a customer informed gardaí that Simpson had left. Simpson was remanded in custody pending sentencing on 21 July and chose to go to prison. He apologized to staff and customers, admitted the threat, and acknowledged that he would face further punishment. George Simpson pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Post officer raider threatened to "chop off" customer's head. Charges or matters: attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to rob, production of a weapon, threat to kill or cause serious harm and criminal damage at Rush Post Office, Main Street, Rush, Co Dublin on November 28, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

November 28, 2016 Adjournment
July 21 Adjournment
2017-07-11 Publication

Why: Counsel said the "nature of the crime was such a huge shock to his wife" because although Simpson has 15 previous convictions, they are for more minor offences that have been dealt with in the District Court. CNI source report

Case subjects

George Simpson

Defendant

Charges: attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to rob, production of a weapon, threat to kill or cause serious harm and criminal damage at Rush Post Office, Main Street, Rush, Co Dublin on November 28, 2016 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Simpson had been living in his car before he was remanded in custody today pending sentence. She gave Simpson the option of being remanded in custody pending his sentence on July 21, next.; Simpson had been living in his car before he was remanded in custody today pending sentence.