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Jail for convicted killer who held pregnant woman at knifepoint during robbery
Summary
Derek O'Keeffe, 39, of Derrypark, Crumlin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to two counts of robbery and one attempted robbery at three petrol stations over four days in November 2013. He stole cash from a Maxol Garage on Tymon Road, a Discount Fuels on Fortunestown Road, and a Topaz on Greenhills Road. During the incidents he threatened a security guard with a syringe and held a 23‑inch knife to a worker, forcing her to open tills. Anna Zajac, the victim at the Topaz, reported feeling emotionally destroyed and fearing for her unborn child after the robbery. Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced O'Keeffe to six years' imprisonment with three years suspended, back‑dating the concurrent sentences to his November 2013 arrest. He is now a gym instructor at Cloverhill Prison and has reportedly addressed his addictions. The court noted his excellent behaviour and the circumstances that led to his actions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Jail for convicted killer who held pregnant woman at knifepoint during robbery. Charges or matters: two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery in three different petrol stations over four days in November 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2013 Incident
- November 23, 2013 Incident
- November 27 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 25 Other
- 2015-10-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of robbery and one count of attempted robbery in three different petrol stations over four days in November 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Patricia Ryan imposed partially suspended concurrent sentences on all of the robberies, backdating these to when O'Keeffe went into custody in November 2013.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Tymon Road
- Fortunestown Road
- Greenhills Road
- Tymon Road
- Cloverhill Prison
Topics
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