Courts / Dublin / Report

Shop workers left jobs after violent attacks

Date
2020-02-21

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Michael Barry, aged 35, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for two violent assaults on shop assistants that caused them to leave their jobs. In the first incident at a Spar shop on Liffey Street, Barry hurled shopping baskets and beer cans at a staff member, fracturing the man's arm. CCTV footage showed Barry assaulting the victim while he lay on the ground. Two months later, Barry and an accomplice attempted to steal five coats from the Patagonia outlet on Exchequer Street. Their co‑accused pushed a shop assistant, who injured her wrist, and Barry threatened a colleague with a blade as they fled with five jackets. Barry pleaded guilty to assault and theft, had 37 prior convictions, and was given consecutive sentences totalling four years, with the final year suspended on strict conditions. The court noted the relentless nature of the violence and Barry's efforts to address his drug addiction.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Shop workers left jobs after violent attacks. Charges or matters: assault of a staff member at Spar, Liffey Street, on December 29, 2017 and assault and theft of five jackets on Exchequer Street on February 16, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

December 29, 2017 Incident
February 16, 2018 Incident
2020-02-21 Publication

Why: Gda Brannigan agreed Barry told gardai that it had not been premeditated and that he was stealing because he was hungry. CNI source report

Case subjects

Michael Barry

Accused

Charges: assault of a staff member at Spar, Liffey Street, on December 29, 2017 and assault and theft of five jackets on Exchequer Street on February 16, 2018 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She imposed consecutive sentences totalling four years and suspended the final year on strict conditions.