Courts / Dublin / Report
Professional, spandex-wearing gang avoid extra jail time over foiled €2m robbery
Summary
In 2016, Stefan Saunders (41), Francis Murphy (39) and Damien Noonan (32) conspired to rob a cash‑in‑transit van in Co. Meath, planning the heist over more than two months. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy, possession of a semi‑automatic pistol and possession of a stolen BMW used as a getaway vehicle. Each received a 10‑year sentence, with 2½ years suspended, imposed by Judge Michael O'Shea in 2018. The Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing the sentences were unduly lenient, citing the robbery's scale, the firearm's readiness and the gang's professional conduct. The Court of Appeal, led by Justice George Birmingham, rejected the appeal, holding the sentences were at the outer limits of the judge's discretion and therefore appropriate. No further action was taken.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Professional, spandex-wearing gang avoid extra jail time over foiled €2m robbery. Charges or matters: conspiring to commit robbery on dates between August 26 and October 7, 2016; carrying a semi-automatic pistol at Yeats Centre, Navan Road, Dunboyne on or about October 7, 2016 with intent to commit robbery; possession of a stolen BMW, the would-be getaway vehicle, on the same date. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 26 Incident
- October 7, 2016 Incident
- June 12, 2018 Incident
- 2019-04-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: conspiring to commit robbery on dates between August 26 and October 7, 2016; carrying a semi-automatic pistol at Yeats Centre, Navan Road, Dunboyne on or about October 7, 2016 with intent to commit robbery; possession of a stolen BMW, the would-be getaway vehicle, on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Convicted Person
Charges: conspiring to commit robbery on dates between August 26 and October 7, 2016; carrying a semi-automatic pistol at Yeats Centre, Navan Road, Dunboyne on or about October 7, 2016 with intent to commit robbery; possession of a stolen BMW, the would-be getaway vehicle, on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Appellant
Charges: conspiring to commit robbery on dates between August 26 and October 7, 2016; carrying a semi-automatic pistol at Yeats Centre, Navan Road, Dunboyne on or about October 7, 2016 with intent to commit robbery; possession of a stolen BMW, the would-be getaway vehicle, on the same date (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Hazelbury Park
- Blanchardstown
- Drogheda
- Drogheda Road
- Duleek
- Louth
- Dublin
- Appeal's view
- Navan Road
- Main Street
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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