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Dublin man who handed post office worker a note saying he was wearing a bomb to be sentenced later
Summary
James Bennett, 22, of Clanbrassil Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Leonard's Corner Post office on 17 October 2013. On that day, he approached the counter where two women were working, placed a note under the hatch stating "I have a bomb strapped to my body," and then produced a pellet gun. The workers fled to the back office and Bennett left. CCTV footage identified him and he was arrested shortly after. His pellet gun was recovered from a nearby bin. In a victim impact statement, Geraldine Smith, one of the workers, described the incident as "on the lower end of the scale" and expressed a degree of sympathy for Bennett. Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted the need for a seriousness scale for robberies. Garda Rory Heffernan and defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL highlighted Bennett's full admissions and his desperation to raise money for a deposit. Bennett was remanded on continuing bail until 22 June.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Dublin man who handed post office worker a note saying he was wearing a bomb to be sentenced later. Charges or matters: attempted robbery at Leonard's Corner Post office on October 17, 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 17, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 22 Adjournment
- 2015-03-26 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Outcome: The judge remanded Bennett on continuing bail until June 22, next.
Defendant
Charges: attempted robbery at Leonard's Corner Post office on October 17, 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: The judge remanded Bennett on continuing bail until June 22, next.
Places mentioned
- Dublin Central Criminal Court
- Clanbrassil Street
- Dublin
- Clanbrassil Street
Topics
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