Drink prompted crime, judge says

Two men have been jailed for "a crime conceived in drink" in which they falsely imprisoned a tennis club caretaker during a robbery…

Two men have been jailed for "a crime conceived in drink" in which they falsely imprisoned a tennis club caretaker during a robbery. Judge Cyril Kelly sentenced Darren Wallace (22), of Lein Beag, Rush, Co Dublin and David Reilly (23) of Clanranald Road, Donnycarney, Dublin, to 51/2 years each.

The judge could not differentiate between them and their co-accused, Brian Westby (29), of St Lawrence Road, Clontarf, Dublin, who was previously given the same term for his role in the offence.

They pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing £1,460 in cash and 40 bottles of spirits from Clontarf Tennis Club and to falsely imprisoning Mr Patrick Byrne on November 20th, 1995.

The case will be reviewed on July 19th, 1999.