Courts / Dublin / Report

Criminal left empty-handed after three failed robberies in five minutes

Date
2026-04-23

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Dublin City

County
Dublin

Summary

A criminal attempted to rob three shops on the same Dublin street in under five minutes but left each one empty-handed. Michael O'Toole, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar on Talbot Street on October 17, 2023. He also pleaded guilty to possession of stolen property and theft. O'Toole used an uncapped syringe during the robberies and fled each time without success. He has 86 previous convictions, 12 from the Circuit Court. Gardai found stolen items from an Airbnb in Dublin, including iPads and a laptop, which were traced to O'Toole via CCTV footage. He was arrested but refused to answer questions. His defence argued that he had drug addiction issues and was making progress in custody. Judge Martina Baxter ordered a probation report and additional urine analysis, adjourning the case until December 17, 2026.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Criminal left empty-handed after three failed robberies in five minutes. Charges or matters: three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar, all located on Talbot Street, on October 17, 2023; possession of stolen property and theft at various locations in Dublin City on July 14, 2021. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

October 17, 2023 Incident
July 14, 2021 Incident
December 17, 2026 Adjournment
2026-04-23 Publication

Case subjects

Michael O'Toole

Defendant

Charges: three counts of attempted robbery at two Paddy Power premises and a Spar, all located on Talbot Street, on October 17, 2023; possession of stolen property and theft at various locations in Dublin City on July 14, 2021 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: The judge said she wanted a probation report and additional urine analysis and adjourned the case for finalisation until December 17, 2026.