Courts / Dublin / Report

Bloodstained post-it note led detective to syringe robber

Date
2020-02-20

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

During a robbery at Real Brazil on 20 September 2018, 36‑year‑old Samantha Irwin, armed with a syringe, stole €55 from a shop assistant. A bloodstained post‑it note fell from her pocket while she was being recorded on CCTV; the note listed out‑of‑hours homeless accommodation services. Detective Garda Michelle Fitzpatrick identified the note and matched DNA from the blood on it to Irwin. The shop assistant, who managed to pull her arm free, later stated she now works only day shifts and feels anxious about being alone in the shop. Irwin pleaded guilty to robbery and to possession of two shotgun cartridges found in her accommodation in April 2019. She has 19 prior convictions, mainly for traffic offences, and has sought help for drug addiction. The court adjourned sentencing to 5 March 2020 for a full plea in mitigation.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Bloodstained post-it note led detective to syringe robber. Charges or matters: robbery at Real Brazil, Capel Street, Dublin on September 20, 2018; possession of two shotgun cartridges at her bedroom at Haven House hostel on April 12, 2019. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

September 20, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
March 5, 2020 Adjournment
April 12, 2019 Incident
April 2019 Incident
Christmas Other
2020-02-20 Publication

Case subjects

Samantha Irwin

Defendant

Charges: robbery at Real Brazil, Capel Street, Dublin on September 20, 2018; possession of two shotgun cartridges at her bedroom at Haven House hostel on April 12, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing to March 5, 2020, when a full plea in mitigation will be given on Irwin's behalf from her legal team.