Courts / Dublin / Report

Suspended sentence for man who attempted to rob bookies he had lost money in

Date
2015-02-12

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Luke O'Connor, 25, from Cherry Orchard, Ballyfermot, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery of Boyles Sports in Park West, Dublin, on 31 March 2014. He had earlier that day lost money at the bookies and, under pressure, attempted to rob the shop. The cashier initially thought the threat was a joke until O'Connor held a tea towel to his face and pointed a gun at him. The cashier fled to the staff toilets, pressed the panic alarm and called Gardaí. O'Connor was later arrested at his home after CCTV footage was reviewed. He claimed the gun was a pellet gun left by his nephew, but it was not recovered. O'Connor had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to a four‑year suspended sentence, noting the unusual nature of the offence and his good standing in the community. The cashier remains traumatised and has since found other work.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Suspended sentence for man who attempted to rob bookies he had lost money in. Charges or matters: attempted robbery of Boyles Sports, Park West at Dublin Circuit Court on March 31, 2014. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

March 31, 2014 Incident
2015-02-12 Publication

Why: The cashier at the Boyles Sports said that at first he thought it was a joke when he heard someone shouting "put the money in the bag" because it didn't seem serious. CNI source report