Courts / Dublin / Report
Robber jumped into Dodder "under delusion" of escaping garda helicopter
Summary
James Barry, aged 34, robbed a McDonald's on Lower Rathmines Road on 2 February 2016, holding a knife to a female cashier's stomach in front of customers and children and taking €330 in cash. He also pleaded guilty to robbing €460 from a chemist on 5 March 2015. Barry was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison on 5 July 2017, with consecutive sentences because the McDonald's robbery occurred while he was on bail. During the arrest, Barry jumped into the Dodder River, believing the water would conceal his body temperature from a pursuing garda helicopter, although no air pursuit was taking place. The Court of Appeal upheld his sentence, noting the seriousness of the offences and his previous convictions for attempted robbery and possession of a syringe. Barry admitted remorse and described his actions as a "cry for help.".
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber jumped into Dodder "under delusion" of escaping garda helicopter. Charges or matters: robbing the outlet on February 2, 2016; robbing €460 cash from a chemist in Camden St on March 5, 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- February 2, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 5, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 5, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-10-09 Publication
Why: He was jailed for four-and-a-half years by Judge Melanie Greally on July 5, 2017 involving consecutive sentences because the McDonald's robbery was committed while on bail. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbing the outlet on February 2, 2016; robbing €460 cash from a chemist in Camden St on March 5, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He was jailed for four-and-a-half years by Judge Melanie Greally on July 5, 2017 involving consecutive sentences because the McDonald's robbery was committed while on bail.
Places mentioned
- Lower Rathmines Road
- Dodder Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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