Man robbed shop to get money ‘for the kid for Christmas’

A father of one who robbed a shop with two others because he was desperate for money “for the kid for Christmas” has avoided a jail term.

Paul Gibbons (29) later told gardaí­ it was the "most stupid thing" he ever did in his life but he did it because he was "stuck for money".

Fiona Pekaar BL, defending said Gibbons was on social welfare at the time and the mother of his son refused him access to their 10-year-old when he was unable to pay maintenance. She described the robbery as “an act born out of desperation”.

Gibbons, of Grangemore Court, Donaghmede, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Spar on the Malahide Road in Artane on December 23rd, 2013. His only previous conviction is for a road traffic offence last March.

Judge Martin Nolan said a "misguided plan was hatched" and the gang went into the shop armed with knives because they wanted money.

He said he was taking into account Gibbons’ co-operation with the subsequent Garda investigation and his admissions before he sentenced him to three years in prison which he suspended in full.

Garda Jennifer O’Reilly told Marie Torrens BL, prosecuting, that €347 was robbed from the shop till after one of three raiders jumped over the counter. Two of the robbers were armed with knives.

One member of staff tackled the men and attempted to keep them in the shop until gardaí­ arrived but they managed to get away.

Gardaí­ were alerted and the staff provided them with descriptions of the culprits and their getaway vehicle.

Gda O’Reilly said their car was stopped a short time later and Gibbons was arrested. The two other men who were also in the car have not been prosecuted.

She agreed with Ms Pekaar that Gibbons has not come to Garda attention since.

Ms Pekaar told Judge Nolan her client has an alcohol problem and had been working with his father as a bricklayer before the recession hit.

She said as soon as he was arrested he held his hands up and made admissions. He has had no contact with the other two raiders since.

Counsel described Gibbons as coming from a very stable family who have been “ruined” by his criminal behaviour. “They have been living their lives behind closed doors,” she said before she added that Gibbons’ father now has sourced work for both him and his son.