Courts / Dublin / Report
Reformed drug addict jailed over armed robbery with Love/Hate star
Summary
Hugh McWeeney, 43, of Malahide Road, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for his role in a 2015 armed robbery. He pleaded guilty to robbing €50,730 and possessing a firearm with intent to commit robbery at The Gate Hotel, Parnell Street, on May 11, 2015. Judge Melanie Greally imposed a five-year sentence, suspending the final year, resulting in an effective custody period of four years. McWeeney's co-accused, Stephen Clinch, 49, of Kilbarrack, Dublin, received a four-and-a-half-year sentence last month for the same offence. Prosecution evidence stated that Clinch held a semi-automatic pistol to the head of security worker Michel Cieslik during the incident, while McWeeney was not armed. The court heard that McWeeney had previously overcome drug addiction but was drawn back into offending due to debts. Clinch told gardaí he committed the crime because of debts arising from a drug consignment discovered by police. All stolen cash was recovered at the scene, and the pistol found contained ammunition unsuitable for the weapon. The matter was finalised with the imposition of these custodial sentences.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Reformed drug addict jailed over armed robbery with Love/Hate star. Charges or matters: robbery of €50,730 and possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery at The Gate Hotel, Parnell Street on May 11, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 11, 2015 Incident
- 2016-04-04 Publication
Why: At Clinch's sentence hearing the court heard he told gardaí he had been clean of heroin for nine years and did it because he owed money as a result of the discovery by gardaí of a consignment of drugs he had being given to hide. Court evidence reported by CNI
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: robbery of €50,730 and possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery at The Gate Hotel, Parnell Street on May 11, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Applicant
Co Accused
Charges: robbery of €50,730 and possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery at The Gate Hotel, Parnell Street on May 11, 2015 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Clinch (49) of Millbrook Grove, Kilbarrack, Dublin received a four and a half year sentence last month for his role. At Clinch's sentence hearing the court heard he told gardaí he had been clean of heroin for nine years and did it because he owed money as a result of the discovery by gardaí of a consignment of drugs he had being given to hide.
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