A HEROIN ADDICT who robbed a bus driver at syringe point of £30 of his own money has been jailed for five years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Derek Whelan (19) was told by Judge Kieran O'Connor that his behaviour was unacceptable and that the court had to protect drivers employed by Bus Atha Cliath. He described Whelan as a heroin addict who would continue to rob to buy drugs unless he was stopped.
Judge O'Connor said that he would adopt a plea from Mr Patrick Marrinan, defending, and review the sentence next December, with the possibility that Whelan might then be released from custody to avail of drug therapy.
"Don't think you are just going to be automatically let out. Unless your reports are very strong and show your urine analysis is clear, you will serve the full sentence. It all depends on you - you either pass or you fail", said Judge O'Connor.
Whelan, of Wellview Avenue, Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbing Mr Patrick Melia, a Bus Atha Cliath driver, on July 22nd, 1995.
He also admitted assaulting another Bus Atha Cliath driver, Mr Martin Treacy on September 3rd, 1995, with intent to rob.
Garda Patrick Marry told Mr Desmond Zaiden, prosecuting, that both crimes were committed at Ladyswell, Mulhuddart. In each case, a syringe filled with a red substance had been produced to intimidate the drivers. The drivers had identified Whelan from Garda photographs as the man with the syringe.
Mr Melia was robbed at about 5.20 p.m. after Whelan boarded his bus, pushed the syringe in front of his face and demanded money. Mr Melia said he hadn't much money and handed over £10 in notes and coins from his cash dispenser.
Whelan then shouted: "You have your own money. Empty out your pockets." Mr Melia was afraid he would be stabbed with the syringe and handed over £30 of his own money. Whelan just walked off calmly.
Garda Marry said that two men were involved in the assault on Mr Treacy in the September incident. He was only starting his round and had no cash in the dispenser. He emptied all his pockets to show he had no personal money. The two men then walked off empty handed.