Courts / Dublin / Report

7.5 years for failed pub raider who fired shotgun

Summary

Robert Cullen, aged 28, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for attempting to rob Paddocks Pub in Clonee on 11 June 2018. He entered the pub with a sawn‑off shotgun, threatened two workers with the gun, and fired four shots while they were hiding in an office. Cullen also threw a heater through a window to "draw attention to their plight." He fled in a car that was later found burnt out. Cullen pleaded guilty to attempted robbery, possession of a double‑barrelled sawn‑off shotgun and discharging a firearm. He has 44 prior convictions, including robbery and obstruction, and was already serving sentences for other offences with a release date of 30 November 2023. The judge described the weapon as "vile" and the act of threatening the workers as "very heinous.".

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 7.5 years for failed pub raider who fired shotgun. Charges or matters: attempted robbery, possession of a double barrelled sawn-off shotgun and discharging a firearm at Paddocks Pub, Clonee, on June 11, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 11, 2018 Incident
• November 30, 2023 Incident
• May 2018 Incident
• October 2018 Incident
• August 2018 Incident
• 2020-07-30 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

Related court reports

• Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
• Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
• Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
• 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
• Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
• 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'

Read the original CNI report