Courts / Dublin / Report

Pair avoid jail after robbing petrol station with imitation gun

Summary

Two men, Vincent Kirwan, 38, and Mark Shortt, 42, were arrested after robbing a petrol station at the Topaz garage in Donaghmede Shopping Centre on 23 June 2013. They used an imitation gun found in a field and were heavily intoxicated; Shortt approached the counter while Kirwan covered his face with his hands as a disguise. Shortt demanded cash, pulled the air pistol, and the robbery yielded €100. Garda Ronan Murphy testified that the pair fled toward a nearby McDonald's, were later spotted on Kilfenore Drive, and arrested. Both pleaded guilty to robbery. Judge Martin Nolan, hearing the case in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, suspended four‑year sentences for each, citing their alcoholism and the one‑off nature of the offence. Kirwan had prior public order convictions; Shortt had none. The judge emphasised the seriousness of producing a replica firearm and the potential for serious consequences when confronted with guns.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Pair avoid jail after robbing petrol station with imitation gun. Charges or matters: robbery at the Topaz garage, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Dublin on June 23, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• June 23, 2013 Incident
• 2015-03-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Public Order Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report