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Storm Emma looter threw trollies in path of pursuing gardai

Summary

John Doyle, 38, was arrested after looting a Centra shop in Tallaght during Storm Emma. He entered the shop for only one minute and 30 seconds before Gardaí arrived, carrying three packets of cigarettes. Doyle pleaded guilty to trespassing with intent to commit theft. While Gardaí pursued him, he threw trolleys to obstruct them and was found crouched in a store room. Two other men were present, one with a sledgehammer. Doyle has 111 prior convictions, including robbery, burglary, possession of stolen property, road traffic offences and criminal damage. A co‑accused, David Berney, already received an 18‑month suspended sentence. The court adjourned sentencing to July to allow a probation report. The incident involved a mechanical saw breach of the shop's front shutter and Gardaí arriving by jeep and on foot. Doyle's defence highlighted his panic, shame and claim of being lured into the chaos. The case remains at the pleading stage.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Storm Emma looter threw trollies in path of pursuing gardai. Charges or matters: trespassing at Centra, Kiltalown, Tallaght on March 2, 2018 with the intention of committing theft. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When:

• March 2, 2018 Adjournment
• 2019-03-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Road Traffic Stage Charge Or Pretrial Theft

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Read the original CNI report