Courts / Dublin / Report
Robber who tried to smuggle shotgun into rehab centre is jailed
Summary
Darren McDonnell, aged 38, was jailed for three years after a series of offences. He had been staying at a rehabilitation centre for two days when he disappeared from the grounds and later burglarised a home in Curraheenduff, Thurles, on 4 November 2020. An employee discovered he was carrying a concealed shotgun in his trousers when he returned to the centre. McDonnell was arrested a few days later in Dublin after a knife‑point robbery at a Spar shop in Coolock on 9 November 2020, where he stole €280 and was caught by Gardaí. He pleaded guilty to burglary, robbery and possession of a knife. The judge noted his extensive criminal history, drug addiction and attempts at detox, and sentenced him to five years in prison, suspending the final two years on strict conditions, including three years of probation. The burglary damaged the victims' peace of mind and the centre's reputation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber who tried to smuggle shotgun into rehab centre is jailed. 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: sentence
When:
- November 4, 2020 Incident
- November 9, 2020 Incident
- 2021-06-28 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 Sheahan sentenced McDonnell to five years in prison but suspended the final two years on strict conditions including that he remain under the supervision of the Probation Service for three years "to provide him with encouragement and the opportunity to rehabilitate".
Places mentioned
Topics
Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft
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