Courts / Louth / Report
Single mum has jail term cut over robbery of local post office
Summary
Sarah Doyle, a 24‑year‑old single mother from Killaley, Togher, Drogheda, was sentenced to four years' imprisonment for her role in the robbery of Clogherhead Post Office on 3 May 2016. The robbery involved three armed men who used a sledgehammer, a firearm and a taser to break into the post office and stole about €7,000. Doyle, who had no direct participation in the robbery or in threatening staff, helped the raiders by waiting in her car and driving them to safety. She received €1,000 from the proceeds. At sentencing, the judge suspended the final two years, but on appeal the Court of Appeal increased the suspended portion to two‑and‑a‑half years, keeping the overall term at four years. Doyle was required to enter a good‑behaviour bond for the suspended period. The appeal decision was based on the judge's failure to fully consider the detrimental effect of custody on the mother‑child relationship. Sarah Doyle pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Single mum has jail term cut over robbery of local post office. Charges or matters: a charge of robbery at Clogherhead Post Office on May 3, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 3, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 12, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-12-15 Publication
Why: "With some hesitation", Mr Justice Mahon said the court felt that because of the family responsibilities, the sentencing court could have gone further. CNI source report
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: a charge of robbery at Clogherhead Post Office on May 3, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She was sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final two years suspended by Judge Michael O'Shea on May 12, 2017. She was accordingly re-sentenced to four years imprisonment with the final two-and-a-half years suspended.
Places mentioned
- Dundalk
- Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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