Courts / Dublin / Report

Man who told post office worker he was wearing a bomb avoids jail

Summary

James Bennett, 22, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Leonard's Corner Post office on 17 October 2013. He approached the counter at about 11.30 am, placed a note under the hatch stating "I have a bomb strapped to my body", and then drew a pellet gun. The two female workers fled to the back office and Bennett left. CCTV identified him and he was arrested on Clanbrassil Street; his pellet gun was found in a nearby bin. In a victim impact statement, Geraldine Smith said the incident was "on the lower end of the scale" and that she felt "kind of sorry for the chap". Judge Mary Ellen Ring acknowledged the resilience of the victims and, noting Bennett's willingness to work with the Probation Service and his desire to improve his circumstances, sentenced him to three years in prison, suspended in full. He must remain under probation supervision for 18 months and keep the peace for three years.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man who told post office worker he was wearing a bomb avoids jail. 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
• 2015-06-22 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report