Courts / Dublin / Report
Would be robber got idea after taking "a load of pills"
Summary
Jason Spooner, 45, was arrested after attempting to rob cigarettes from a Centra store in Finglas on 25 February 2017. He waited outside the shop, entered when a pregnant staff member opened the doors at 7.30 am, locked the doors behind him, and used a metal bar to try to open the safe. The staff member fled to a back office and locked herself in; Spooner followed and attempted to force the office door open. He was stopped by Garda Sergeant Conor Scully, who tackled him and removed the bar. Spooner admitted he had been awake all night after taking a load of pills and wanted to "go grab a smoke and leg it." He pleaded guilty to attempted robbery of cigarettes worth €300 and possession of a crowbar. He has 16 prior convictions, including traffic, theft and public‑order offences. The pregnant victim, five months along, expressed concern for her baby and difficulty sleeping after the incident.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Would be robber got idea after taking "a load of pills". Charges or matters: attempted robbery of cigarettes to the value of €300 and having a crowbar to incapacitate or intimidate staff during an attempted robbery at Centra, Hamptonwood, Finglas on February 25, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- February 25, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 30 Adjournment
- 2019-04-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted robbery of cigarettes to the value of €300 and having a crowbar to incapacitate or intimidate staff during an attempted robbery at Centra, Hamptonwood, Finglas on February 25, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the case to May 30 next after she revoked Spooner's bail and remanded him in custody pending sentence.; Counsel asked that the case be adjourned to allow for the preparation of a probation report.
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