Courts / Dublin / Report
Armed raider foiled when customers recognised him as pub regular
Summary
Derek Foran, 36, was arrested after attempting to hold up the Speaker Connolly pub in Firhouse on 1 January 2018. He entered wearing a balaclava, armed with a replica Uzi‑style gun, and shouted threats to the patrons. Regular customers recognised him and tackled him, while an off‑duty detective intervened and secured the gun. Foran pleaded guilty to attempted robbery of pub manager Jason Doyle. He had prior convictions for drug dealing and public order offences. The court noted his drug‑addicted state and that he had acted alone. Judge Elma Sheahan, citing his efforts to stay drug‑free and engage in pro‑social activities, sentenced him to four years' imprisonment, fully suspended on strict conditions. The sentence was imposed after a probation report and a prior 12‑month probation bond. The judge emphasised the need for continued rehabilitation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Armed raider foiled when customers recognised him as pub regular. Charges or matters: attempted robbery of Jason Doyle, the manager of the pub, on January 1, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 1, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-06-23 Publication
Why: He told gardai that he choose to carry out the raid on this pub because he was barred from the other local pub. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempted robbery of Jason Doyle, the manager of the pub, on January 1, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Passing sentence today, Judge Sheahan, reading from a probation report, said that Foran's offending was "very serious" in nature. Judge Shehan sentenced Foran to four years imprisonment, but suspended the entirety of the sentence on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Public Order Stage Sentence Theft
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