A former youth soccer international has been jailed for four years for attempted robbery by Judge Frank O'Donnell in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Christopher Zambra (24), of Galtymore Road, Drimnagh, acted as the getaway driver for masked robbers, the court was told. Det Garda Ray Monohan said the raiders had fled emptyhanded when one shop manager beat them off with cans of orange juice.
Zambra pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and unauthorised use of a stolen car on dates in October and November 1995.
Mr Alan Toal, defending, said Zambra's soccer ambition to represent Ireland at senior level had been cut short by a serious ankle injury. Before that he had been given a trial by a top English club.
Mr Toal said Zambra spent a fair proportion of £26,000 compensation he received for a car accident on his mother's house, despite the probation report. He spent the rest on heavy drugs and socialising after becoming involved with a bad crowd.
Det Garda Monohan told Ms Una Ni Raifeartaigh, prosecuting, that three men with knives wearing balaclavas robbed £250 from a shop on Galtymore Road on October 26th, 1995, terrifying customers and staff.
Zambra was the getaway driver for that robbery and the next day, when the gang failed in an attempted robbery of a Mace supermarket in the same area. The manager chased them out by throwing cans of orange juice at them.
Det Garda Monohan said he saw Zambra driving a stolen car on November 12th, 1995 and gave chase in a patrol car. Zambra clipped another vehicle at Harold's Cross bridge and he was arrested.
Mr Toal said Zambra appreciated what he did was wrong. He was a serious heroin user when the crimes were committed but was now clear of all drug abuse. He had become a father of a daughter to whom he was devoted and had become a soccer coach.
Judge P.F. O'Donnell said Zambra's role was just as bad if not worse than the others involved: "You went into the premises with a balaclava and you were a getaway driver for the robbery. You have indicated your disappointment in the football world but all your crimes are drug related and I am far from convinced you've kicked the habit."
Judge O'Donnell listed the case for review next October but warned Zambra, above cries heard from his mother: "Unless there is a good report, you will not be getting any sympathy".