Courts / Dublin / Report

Storehouse tourist robber is jailed

Date
2021-03-08

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Paul Heaney, 37, was sentenced to four and a half years' imprisonment for robbery and attempted robbery at Long's Place on 21 October 2019, with the final nine months suspended on strict conditions. He was part of a joint enterprise with Gareth Mallon, 39, who received a four‑year sentence in December. The offence involved a realistic imitation firearm and the robbery of an Italian student who handed over €60, followed by an attempted robbery of his teacher. Heaney was not armed during the offence and had previously pleaded guilty to 51 convictions, including robbery and attempted robbery. He attended a garda station voluntarily a few days after the crime. The court noted Heaney's troubled upbringing, his efforts at rehabilitation, and his current drug‑free status. The case attracted media attention and was featured on RTE's Liveline. The sentencing was carried out by Judge Elma Sheahan at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Storehouse tourist robber is jailed. Charges or matters: robbery and attempted robbery at Long's Place on October 21, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

October 21, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
2021-03-08 Publication

Case subjects

Gareth Mallon

Convicted Person

Charges: robbery and attempted robbery at Long's Place on October 21, 2019 (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: Mallon was sentenced to four years imprisonment for his role last December.

Paul Heaney

Convicted Person

Charges: robbery and attempted robbery at Long's Place on October 21, 2019 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Elma Sheahan said she does not see a difference between Heaney and his co-accused. She sentenced Heaney to four and a half years imprisonment, but suspended the final nine months on strict conditions.