Courts / Dublin / Report

Suspended sentence for Balbriggan jewellery heist

Date
2014-12-08

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Balbriggan

County
Dublin

Summary

Aaron Black, aged 23, was part of a four‑man gang that robbed a Balbriggan jeweller's shop on 10 May 2013. The gang threatened staff with a claw hammer, smashed display cases and stole €15,370 worth of jewellery. Black was arrested shortly after the robbery when he was seen in a taxi on the M1, changing clothes. He identified himself on CCTV, apologised to the shop owners, the taxi driver and the Balbriggan community, and pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended in full on the condition that he keep the peace for three years. He is now employed, claims to be drug‑free, and has cooperated with probation services. The court noted his moderate risk of re‑offending but that he has not attracted further Garda attention since the robbery. The jeweller's estimated economic loss was €2,800, including loss of business.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for Balbriggan jewellery heist. Charges or matters: robbery of Goldsmith jewellers, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan on May 10, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 10, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
2014-12-08 Publication

Case subjects

Aaron Black

Defendant

Charges: robbery of Goldsmith jewellers, Drogheda Street, Balbriggan on May 10, 2013 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Mary Ellen Ring sentenced Black to three years in prison but suspended it in full on condition that he keep the peace for three years.

Gary Duddy

Background Person

Outcome: Gary Duddy (22), of Barnamore Park and Joseph Richards (23), of St Canices Square were both previously sentenced to four years in jail for their roles in the robbery. At their sentencing, Judge Ring suspended the final two years of Duddy's sentence, taking into consideration his prior clean record.

Joseph Richards

Background Person

Outcome: Joseph Richards (23), of St Canices Square were both previously sentenced to four years in jail for their roles in the robbery. At their sentencing, Judge Ring suspended the final two years of Duddy's sentence, taking into consideration his prior clean record.