Courts / Dublin / Report

"Regular customer" recognised during armed robbery of shop

Date
2017-10-31

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A masked man, Francis Leahy, 58, robbed a Spar shop in Ringsend on 18 February, taking €360 in cash and using a loaded gun with 10 rounds. He was immediately recognised by a shop worker as a regular customer, who initially thought Leahy was joking until the gun was pointed at him. Leahy claimed he had gambling debts and had received threatening bullet cartridges in his letter box, prompting the robbery. He was arrested shortly after, found with the gun, cash and additional ammunition, and pleaded guilty to one count of robbery and one count of firearm possession. Leahy has 21 prior convictions, including drug possession, theft, larceny and assault, and has been in custody since the offence. The case was adjourned to 28 November. The victim expressed fear for his life during the incident. The court noted the seriousness of the offence and the presence of a live firearm and ammunition.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Regular customer" recognised during armed robbery of shop. Charges or matters: one count of robbing €360 in cash and one count of possessing a firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition at Spar in Ringsend on February 18 this year. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

February 18 Incident
November 28 Adjournment
2017-10-31 Publication

Why: Francis Leahy robbed the local Spar shop because he had gambling debts and thought it would be an "easy take-and-go" job, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard today. Court evidence reported by CNI

Case subjects

Francis Leahy

Defendant

Charges: one count of robbing €360 in cash and one count of possessing a firearm with 10 rounds of ammunition at Spar in Ringsend on February 18 this year (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the matter to November 28.