Courts / Waterford / Report
Violent gang of post-office raiders have jail sentences increased
Summary
The Court of Appeal has increased the prison sentences of four men convicted of robbing the Cleaboy Post Office in Waterford on May 3, 2018. Alan Wall, Michael Tynan, Conor O'Connor, and Barry Walsh each pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a sawn-off shotgun. The original sentences, deemed unduly lenient by the Director of Public Prosecutions, were five years for Wall and Tynan (with 18 months suspended) and six years for Walsh and O'Connor (with 12 months suspended). The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice John Edwards, re-sentenced the defendants to longer terms: Wall to seven years, Tynan to seven years and three months, Walsh to seven-and-a-half years, and O'Connor to eight years. Additionally, concurrent five-year sentences were imposed for the firearms offences. The court found the initial headline sentences too low and noted that too much credit was given for mitigating factors. The robbery involved the use of a firearm and hammers, resulting in the theft of approximately €45,000. The appeal was successful, leading to these increased custodial terms.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Violent gang of post-office raiders have jail sentences increased. Charges or matters: robbery at the Cleaboy Post Office, in Waterford on May 3, 2018; possession of a sawn-off shotgun on the same occasion. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- May 3, 2018 Incident
- May 2018 Incident
- 2020-03-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery at the Cleaboy Post Office, in Waterford on May 3, 2018; possession of a sawn-off shotgun on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Wall and Tynan were sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended while Walsh and O'Connor were sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Wall was re-sentenced to seven years imprisonment; Walsh to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment; O'Connor to eight years imprisonment and Tynan to seven years and three months imprisonment by the Court of Appeal today.
Defendant
Charges: robbery at the Cleaboy Post Office, in Waterford on May 3, 2018; possession of a sawn-off shotgun on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Wall and Tynan were sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended while Walsh and O'Connor were sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Wall was re-sentenced to seven years imprisonment; Walsh to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment; O'Connor to eight years imprisonment and Tynan to seven years and three months imprisonment by the Court of Appeal today.
Defendant
Charges: robbery at the Cleaboy Post Office, in Waterford on May 3, 2018; possession of a sawn-off shotgun on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Wall and Tynan were sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended while Walsh and O'Connor were sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Wall was re-sentenced to seven years imprisonment; Walsh to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment; O'Connor to eight years imprisonment and Tynan to seven years and three months imprisonment by the Court of Appeal today.
Defendant
Charges: robbery at the Cleaboy Post Office, in Waterford on May 3, 2018; possession of a sawn-off shotgun on the same occasion (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Wall and Tynan were sentenced to five years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended while Walsh and O'Connor were sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final 12 months suspended. Wall was re-sentenced to seven years imprisonment; Walsh to seven-and-a-half years imprisonment; O'Connor to eight years imprisonment and Tynan to seven years and three months imprisonment by the Court of Appeal today.
Places mentioned
- Thornberry Square
- Waterford city
- Waterford
- Waterford Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Waterford Outer Ring Road
Topics
Stage Appeal Theft Violent Crime
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