Courts / Kerry / Report
Gardai opened fire on armed raiders who had pointed firearm at postmistress
Summary
In 2016, Marcus O'Rourke (39) and Brian O'Sullivan (33) robbed the Waterville Post Office in County Kerry, pointing a firearm at postmistress Lisa O'Reilly Foran and using a crowbar. They stole €4,000–€5,000, broke a glass pane, and activated a panic alarm. Two Dutch tourists witnessed the event. After the robbery, the pair fled in a Mazda, driving at high speed on the narrow Ring of Kerry road, and later reversed into a Garda car, damaging it and endangering officers. Gardaí, believing the firearm was real, opened fire during the chase. Both men had prior convictions (43 for O'Rourke, 52 for O'Sullivan) but none of comparable gravity. They were sentenced to nine years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended, and the sentence was upheld on appeal as appropriate for the seriousness of the offence. The nine‑year term was made consecutive to three‑year terms for separate drug offences. Marcus O'Rourke pleaded guilty. Brian O'Sullivan pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Gardai opened fire on armed raiders who had pointed firearm at postmistress. Charges or matters: the robbery of postmistress Lisa O'Reilly Foran at Waterville Post Office, Co Kerry, on August 3, 2016. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- August 3, 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 15, 2018 Other
- 2019-10-25 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: the robbery of postmistress Lisa O'Reilly Foran at Waterville Post Office, Co Kerry, on August 3, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Both men lost appeals against the severity of their sentences today, with the Court of Appeal holding that the sentences were warranted for an offence of such seriousness.
Convicted Person
Charges: the robbery of postmistress Lisa O'Reilly Foran at Waterville Post Office, Co Kerry, on August 3, 2016 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Both men lost appeals against the severity of their sentences today, with the Court of Appeal holding that the sentences were warranted for an offence of such seriousness.
Places mentioned
- Tralee
- Tralee Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Kerry road
- Appeal's view
Topics
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