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Jail for addict who held knife to shop worker's throat
Summary
James Farrell, 35, of Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbing a Spar shop in Chapelizod on 24 March 2017, to unlawful possession of a knife during that robbery, and to the unauthorised taking of a car. He had 67 prior convictions, including robbery and burglary. Farrell brandished a silver steak knife, held it to a shop assistant's throat, demanded the till be opened, and received €175 before leaving. Gardaí identified him from CCTV, and the car he used was later found abandoned and previously stolen. He was arrested that same day. Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced Farrell to three years' imprisonment, suspending the final two years on condition of attending probation appointments, completing a drug programme, and refraining from illicit drugs. The sentence was back‑dated to 27 March of the previous year.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for addict who held knife to shop worker's throat. Charges or matters: robbing the Spar Shop at St Martins Row, Chapelizod, Dublin 20 on March 24, 2017; unlawful possession of a knife during the robbery and the unauthorised taking of a car. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 24, 2017 Incident
- March 27 Other
- 2018-03-16 Publication
Why: Keith Spencer BL, defending, said it was clear his client had committed this "unsophisticated and impulsive" offence while he was under the influence of tablets in order to get money to fuel his drug habit. Defence account reported by CNI
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbing the Spar Shop at St Martins Row, Chapelizod, Dublin 20 on March 24, 2017; unlawful possession of a knife during the robbery and the unauthorised taking of a car (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patrick Quinn imposed a three-year sentence on Farrell, saying this was a "terrifying ordeal" for staff and Farrell had shown a lack of respect for the law. Judge Quinn sentenced him to five years in prison, suspending the final two years on condition he attend appointments with probation services upon release, complete a drug programme and refrain from taking illicit drugs.
Places mentioned
- Ballyfermot Road
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Lynches Lane
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft
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