Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for top-hat wearing burglar who barricaded himself into flat and threatened to burn it down

Date
2015-05-05

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Robert Hedderman, aged 30, was jailed for three years for burglary, criminal damage and unlawfully producing a firework that threatened a Garda. On 6 May 2014 he broke into a flat on North Great Georges Street, used a hacksaw to cut the window bars, and was discovered by a neighbour who called the Gardaí. When the Gardaí arrived, Hedderman told them to leave or he would kill them and burn the flat. He brandished a large kitchen knife, held a lighter and attempted to ignite fireworks, causing small explosions. Gardaí called for armed backup and the Dublin Fire Brigade arrived. Hedderman barricaded himself inside, but after three warnings he dropped the knife and was arrested. The damage to the door cost €500. Hedderman has 25 prior convictions, including robbery and burglary, and was previously jailed for robbery. Robert Hedderman pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for top-hat wearing burglar who barricaded himself into flat and threatened to burn it down. Charges or matters: burglary and criminal damage and unlawfully producing a firework in a manner likely to intimidate a garda at a flat on North Great Georges Street, Dublin on May 6, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

May 6, 2014 Incident
2015-05-05 Publication

Why: Kathleen Leader BL, defending, said her client has a long standing heroin addiction and was breaking into the flat to fund his €200 a week drug habit. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

Robert Hedderman

Defendant

Charges: burglary and criminal damage and unlawfully producing a firework in a manner likely to intimidate a garda at a flat on North Great Georges Street, Dublin on May 6, 2014 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Hedderman has 25 previous convictions and was previously jailed for robbery and for burglaries.