A HEROIN addict who carried out what Judge Cyril Kelly called "a remarkable series" of armed robberies has been jailed for 106 years, but may only serve three years if he becomes drug free.
Judge Kelly imposed 11 eight year terms, three of five years and one of three years on Stephen McDonnell. He said he would review them on July 10th, 1999. "There is no point in sending heroin addicts to prison if they came out the same way, or worse than when they went in," he told the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
He noted that Det Garda Sean Hogan and other gardai were happy McDonnell would be a different person if he was drug free. "From all the evidence I have heard it is quite clear that this is an intelligent man who, in ordinary circumstances, is most approachable. He is another sad face of the effect of drug dealing."
McDonnell (28), of Lismore Road, Dublin, pleaded guilty to raids on banks, building society offices, shops and a filling station between November, 1995, and January, 1996.
He arrived at the AIB on Capel Street on January 4th, 1996, on his mountain bike, propped it at the door, and stole in full view of the camera.
Mr Patrick Gageby SC, defending, said McDonnell spent most of his time in custody in the prison library. "He is very keen on travel books, but knows he won't be going anywhere for a long time."