Courts / Dublin / Report

Robber with 189 previous convictions gets four years

Summary

Robert Clinch, aged 43, received a seven‑year sentence for two robberies of a Coolock pharmacy in February and July 2023, with the final three years suspended. The court noted his 189 prior convictions and his status as a long‑time drug addict who had been released during Covid without support. Clinch pleaded guilty, claiming a desire to rehabilitate and become drug‑free. Judge Elma Duffy highlighted that he targeted the same shop and victims twice, and that he had been described as a "pathetic figure" driven by a need to feed his habit. The judge imposed consecutive sentences, suspended the last three years on strict conditions, and required assessment by the probation service before release. The court heard that Clinch had entered the pharmacy armed with a knife, demanded €150 and 300 tablets, and had been identified by CCTV.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Robber with 189 previous convictions gets four years. Charges or matters: two counts of robbery of a pharmacy in Coolock on dates in February and July 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• July 2023 Other
• February 16, 2023 Other
• July 4, 2023 Incident
• 2025-07-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report