Courts / Dublin / Report
Addict who waved Stanley blade in front of cashier's face gets 18 months
Summary
Joseph Collins, 27, of Avila Park, Finglas, pleaded guilty to robbery at Boyles Sports on 27 November 2023. He held a Stanley blade near the cashier's face, demanded €280, and left before closing. CCTV identified him; he was arrested and charged. Collins has ten prior convictions and a history of alcohol and drug abuse, having completed residential rehabilitation at Coolmine Treatment Centre. He expressed deep shame and a willingness to work, supported by family and Probation Services. Judge Orla Crowe acknowledged the seriousness of the offence and the victim's frightening experience, but noted Collins' rehabilitation efforts. She imposed a custodial sentence of three years, suspended the final 18 months, and ordered structured release with strict conditions, including two years of Probation Service engagement. The court considered Collins' lack of violence history and his commitment to rehabilitation.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Addict who waved Stanley blade in front of cashier's face gets 18 months. Charges or matters: one count of robbery at Boyles Sports, Finglas, on November 27, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 27, 2023 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2025-03-03 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of robbery at Boyles Sports, Finglas, on November 27, 2023 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said there needs to be a custodial element to the sentence given the seriousness of the offence but that there will be a "structured release from custody" to allow Collins to rehabilitate. She noted a report from the Probation Services stating it was willing to work with Collins as he has a strong family support and has access in the community to treatment for his addiction. "He is going to have to direct his efforts towards rehabilitation so he is not a risk to society in the future," Judge Crowe continued before she imposed a sentence of three years.
Places mentioned
Topics
Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime
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