A chronic drug addict robbed the same shop several times while on temporary release from prison, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard yesterday. Patrick O'Brien raided Alexander's Boutique, Lower Dorset Street, Dublin, on April 16th last year, just two hours after getting a one-day temporary release from Mountjoy.
Det Garda Michael Quinn told prosecuting counsel Mr Desmond Zaiden BL that O'Brien had robbed the same premises three times in 1995 and attempted to rob it on another occasion later that year. He was on temporary release from prison each time.
O'Brien (31) of St Mary's Terrace, Dublin, admitted robbing £100 from Alexander's. He has 26 previous convictions and has been jailed 18 times.
Judge Kieran O'Connor remanded him in custody for sentence to May 25th, when staff members who were present may give evidence of the effect his offence had on them.
Det Garda Quinn said O'Brien rushed in wielding a syringe when the door was released to admit a female customer. He was recognised easily by the staff present when he picked up the cash till and threw it on the floor.
Defence counsel Mr Michael O'Higgins BL objected to an application by the State to have evidence from Ms Christine Dempsey, the manageress of Alexander's. He said Ms Dempsey was not present when his client robbed the shop and was not entitled under the legislation to give the evidence.