Courts / Dublin / Report
Would-be robber who pointed replica gun at garda's head is jailed for five years
Summary
Michael Fagan, 24, was jailed for five years after attempting to rob Collins Food Store on Mount Pleasant Avenue, Dublin 6, on 22 May 2014. While an off‑duty Garda, Brendan O'Toole, was restraining his teenage accomplice, Fagan pointed a replica gun at the Garda's head and threatened to shoot him. O'Toole replied, "I am a Garda, don't shoot," and the threat was not carried out. Fagan was arrested, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit robbery, and had 48 prior convictions. The judge noted Fagan's lack of remorse at the time but acknowledged later reflection. The case highlighted the danger posed by realistic replica firearms and the impact on the Garda involved. The teenage co‑accused received a two‑year suspended sentence. The trial concluded with the five‑year custodial sentence for Fagan.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Would-be robber who pointed replica gun at garda's head is jailed for five years. Charges or matters: attempted robbery of Muhammed Shafiq and possession of an imitation firearm with intention to commit robbery at Collins Food Store, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Dublin 6 on May 22, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 22, 2014 Incident
- 2015-07-01 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: attempted robbery of Muhammed Shafiq and possession of an imitation firearm with intention to commit robbery at Collins Food Store, Mount Pleasant Avenue, Dublin 6 on May 22, 2014 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Mount Pleasant Avenue
- Dublin
- O'Toole alerted the nearby garda station
- Sperrin Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Mount Pleasant Avenue
- Dublin
Topics
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