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First time offender "forced" to rob McDonald's
Summary
Glen Carolan, 21, pleaded guilty to robbing a McDonald's in Santry on 1 May 2018, claiming he was forced to do it or be killed. He admitted using a knife to threaten staff and taking €513, along with his clothes and the knife, to the people who instructed him. Carolan said he had accumulated debt from drug addiction and gambling and was told his family home would be "smashed up" if he did not pay. He apologized to the staff and to Gardaí, describing the situation as a "do or die" one. The case was heard at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where Judge Melanie Greally noted his lack of prior convictions and the high level of threat used. She remanded him on continuing bail until 8 May to allow time for engagement with the Probation Service and to attend all appointments.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: First time offender "forced" to rob McDonald's. Charges or matters: robbery of €513 from McDonalds at Gullivers Retail Park, Santry on May 1, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 8 Adjournment
- 2019-02-05 Publication
Why: A first time offender who robbed a McDonald's restaurant because he claimed he was "forced to do it or be killed" will be sentenced next May. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery of €513 from McDonalds at Gullivers Retail Park, Santry on May 1, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said unless he could demonstrate that all of the reasons why he committed this offence were being addressed by him, "the court will have very few alternatives other than a prison sentence".; Judge Greally remanded Carolan on continuing bail until May 8, next to allow him time to engage with the Probation Service.
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