Courts / Dublin / Report
Former chef who carried out botched robbery on shop close to garda station is jailed
Summary
Christopher Lee, a 33‑year‑old former chef, pleaded guilty to an attempted robbery of Chapman's Superstore in Clondalkin on 12 March 2015. Lee entered the shop armed with a kitchen knife, waving it at shopkeeper James Chapman. Chapman responded by striking Lee with a piece of wood, resulting in the loss of the tip of his finger. Lee had previously been drug‑free and was studying to help others with addiction. He had 36 prior convictions, including two for robbery, and had been in state care from age nine. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to 20 months' imprisonment, noting his rehabilitation efforts. Lee admitted he had chosen the shop because it was near a Garda station, hoping to be arrested, and said he did not intend to harm anyone. The court recorded his remorse and his desire to stay drug‑free.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former chef who carried out botched robbery on shop close to garda station is jailed. Charges or matters: the attempted robbery of Chapman's Superstore, Castle Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin on March 12, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 12, 2015 Other
- 2015-11-11 Publication
Why: Christopher Lee (33) told gardaí that he wanted to either end his life or get locked up because he was sick of being "strung out" on drugs. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the attempted robbery of Chapman's Superstore, Castle Crescent, Clondalkin, Dublin on March 12, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan imposed a sentence of 20 months imprisonment after noting Lee's serious criminal record. He said it would be a longer sentence but for Lee's significant steps of rehabilitation.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
- Castle Crescent
- was close to the garda station
Topics
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