Today in court

By Fiona Ferguson

A young man found to be hiding a significant amount of ammunition in his family home has been jailed for three years.

Jamie Mullen (23), of Rowlagh Avenue, Clondalkin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to having ammunition at his home on September 20, 2017. He has 24 previous convictions.

Garda Cian Fleming told Elva Duffy BL, prosecuting, that gardaí conducting a search recovered ammunition from two locations – the hot press and under a wardrobe in Mullen's bedroom.

Ballistics tests on the ammunition, which comprised 30 shotgun cartridges, a .22 Winchester magnum rimfire cartridge and a .9mm blank cartridge, found it to be in good condition and suitable for discharge from suitable firearms.

Gda Fleming agreed with Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, that gardaí received full co-operation during the search. He agreed Mullen, who relied on his right to silence during Garda interview, took responsibility for the items.

Mr Kennedy said his client wished him to apologise for his behaviour and for bringing the items into his family home. He said Mullen hopes to “put things right” going forward.

He said Mullen had a “difficult background” and had left school at 15-years-of-age. He handed in letters of support from Mullen's sister and his partner who outlined the caring role he plays and assistance he provides to his own family and to his partner and her child.

Counsel asked the court to take into account Mullen's very early guilty plea.

Judge Melanie Greally described it as “a significant seizure” that was capable of causing serious harm. She noted that Mullen made no admissions during Garda interview but indicated that he would plead guilty.

She said she was taking into account Mullen's youth at the time, the fact that he is someone who is capable of being a productive person and his absence of previous convictions for firearm offences.

Judge Greally sentenced Mullen to four years in prison with the final 12 months suspended.

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By Fiona Ferguson

A woman stole a till from a Subway shop as the terrified staff member she had robbed at knifepoint the previous day hid in a toilet, a court has heard.

Nicole Byrne (26), formerly of DePaul Hostel, Little Britain Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery of Subway, Bolton Street, Dublin 1, on May 27, 2018.

Garda Richard Hall told Monika Leech BL, prosecuting, that Byrne had entered the shop on May 27 with her hoodie up and a scarf covering her face. She showed a knife to the staff member behind the counter and told her to hand over money or she would hurt her.

When the till was opened, Byrne reached over and grabbed €230 in cash before leaving the shop.

The following day, Byrne returned to the shop and was recognised by the staff member. Byrne told her: “I am not going to threaten you with a knife today. I want a drink.”

The staff member alerted gardaí and ran to a bathroom to ring her boss. When gardaí arrived, the staff member saw the till was gone. The till contained €289 and Subway cards.

Byrne was identified from CCTV and told gardaí she had just taken “crack” prior to the robbery. She said she took the till when the staff member ran to the bathroom and “did not mean any harm".

She said she didn't know where the till was and no money was recovered. She has two previous convictions.

Gda Hall agreed with Aoife O'Leary BL, defending, that Byrne, who grew up in care and has a very significant drug difficulty, told gardaí she was sorry and made admissions.

Judge Melanie Greally adjourned sentencing until June 12 next to allow a probation report be prepared. A full plea in mitigation will be then heard on her behalf from her legal team.