Courts / Dublin / Report
Robber tried to open cashbox by dropping it from height
Summary
Paul Bissett, 38, pleaded guilty to robbery and criminal damage on 22 December 2023. He held up a cash‑in‑transit guard armed with a hammer, demanded a cash box, and fled with it. He attempted to open the €17,200 box by dropping it from the first and second floors of a stairwell, but failed. The attempt triggered an alarm and released dye that stained the area and his clothes. Garda Zoe Johnston reported that Bissett was later found hiding on a roof, where he cooperated with the Garda Armed Support Unit and left with them. The court noted his 68 prior convictions, including assault and robbery, and his history of drug addiction. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a four‑year sentence, crediting any time already served, and highlighted the need for Bissett to rehabilitate on his own. The decision was based on the threats made but no violence was committed.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Robber tried to open cashbox by dropping it from height. Charges or matters: robbery on December 22, 2023; criminal damage of a cash box at Cornmarket, Dublin 8. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 22, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2024-11-15 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: robbery on December 22, 2023; criminal damage of a cash box at Cornmarket, Dublin 8 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said Bissett is "still a young man" but "it's up to him" to rehabilitate. "No one can help him but himself." Having considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, Judge Nolan imposed a four-year sentence and directed that Bissett receive credit for any time served in custody on this matter alone. Addressing Bissett directly, Judge Nolan said he would have imposed longer sentence if an act of violence had been committed, but he noted that only threats were made to the security guard.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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