Darren McDonnell admits burglary, robbery and knife possession; sentencing adjourned

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Darren McDonnell (38), of Macroom Avenue, Coolock, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to burglary, robbery and possession of a knife.

The proceedings were reported on 19 May 2021. The burglary took place at a home in Curraheenduff, Thurles, Co Tipperary, on 4 November 2020. The robbery and knife-possession offences occurred at Spar, Tonlegee Road, Coolock, on 9 November 2020.

Judge Elma Sheahan remanded Darren McDonnell in continuing custody and adjourned the matter for finalisation on 14 June 2021.

Garda Anne-Marie Coogan told Joe Barnes BL, prosecuting, that Darren McDonnell went missing from a rehabilitation centre two days after arriving. On his return, a pastor noticed a shotgun concealed in his trousers. When confronted, he admitted the burglary and handed over the shotgun, cartridges and a stolen tablet. The pastor drove him to a train station and contacted gardaí after he left. The victims learned of the burglary when gardaí contacted them.

Garda Eoin Duffy told Joe Barnes BL that Darren McDonnell entered the Spar shop and approached the till with items. Once it opened, he produced a knife, demanded its contents and stole €280. Gardaí apprehended him shortly afterwards after spotting him running from the scene.

Garda Eoin Duffy agreed with John Moher BL, defending, that Darren McDonnell was declared unfit for interview because of drugs in his system. He also agreed that the accused told gardaí he had started 2020 clean but relapsed during the second lockdown.

John Moher BL said his client had a long-standing heroin addiction and that his aunt arranged the rehabilitation stay, which counsel acknowledged had been unsuccessful. He said his client did well in custody but struggled to maintain that progress in the community.

Darren McDonnell had more than 40 previous convictions, including robbery and unauthorised taking of a motor propelled vehicle.

This report covers an earlier stage of the case. Later developments are not reported here.