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Extortion attempt driven by 'godfather in Catholic sense rather than Al Pacino sense', court hears

Summary

Robert Redmond, 32, of Kilbarrack, was sentenced to four-and-a-half years imprisonment at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to making an unwarranted demand with menace. Judge Martin Nolan handed down the sentence following Redmond's admission to threatening a business owner at Newton Industrial Estate, Coolock, on September 26, 2019. Prosecution evidence alleged that Redmond, acting on instructions from a man identified as his godfather in the Catholic sense, demanded €58,000 from the owner of Spring Valley Meats. Redmond allegedly threatened to burn down the victim's house if the money was not paid. The court heard that the victim maintained no such debt was owed. Redmond, who has 90 previous convictions, was identified via CCTV and voluntarily attended for interview, where he admitted being at the scene regarding a debt but denied making threats. Defence counsel highlighted Redmond's remorse, his drug issues, and his status as a father of two, arguing he was not the mastermind behind the alleged extortion. Judge Nolan acknowledged the seriousness of the offence but noted the guilty plea and admissions. The matter was finalised with the imposition of the custodial sentence.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Extortion attempt driven by 'godfather in Catholic sense rather than Al Pacino sense', court hears. Charges or matters: making an unwarranted demand with menace at Newton Industrial Estate, Coolock, on September 26, 2019. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• September 26, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 2016 Other
• September 2019 Other
• 2021-04-19 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report