Courts / Dublin / Report
Offender caught with stolen shotgun at rehab centre
Summary
Darren McDonnell, 38, was caught at a rehabilitation centre after attempting to bring a stolen shotgun concealed in his trousers. He had been at the centre for two days before disappearing from the grounds and burglarising a home in Curraheenduff, Thurles, on 4 November 2020. An employee noticed the shotgun when he returned, and McDonnell admitted the burglary and surrendered the weapon, its cartridges and a stolen tablet. He was later arrested in Dublin for a knife‑point robbery at a Spar shop in Coolock on 9 November 2020, where he stole €280 before being apprehended. McDonnell has over 40 prior convictions, including robbery and unauthorised vehicle taking. He was remanded in continuing custody, with the case scheduled for finalisation on 14 June. The court heard that he was declared unfit for interview due to drug use and that his rehabilitation stay had been largely unsuccessful. The matter remains pending. Darren McDonnell pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Offender caught with stolen shotgun at rehab centre. Charges or matters: burglary at a home in Curraheenduff, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on November 4, 2020, and to robbery and possession of a knife at Spar, Tonlegee Road, Coolock, on November 9, 2020. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- November 4, 2020 Incident
- November 9, 2020 Incident
- June 14 Adjournment
- 2021-05-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: burglary at a home in Curraheenduff, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on November 4, 2020, and to robbery and possession of a knife at Spar, Tonlegee Road, Coolock, on November 9, 2020 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Elma Sheahan remanded McDonnell in continuing custody and adjourned the matter for finalisation on June 14, next.
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Charge Or Pretrial Theft
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