Judge warns syringe robber

A syringe robber who wished staff "Happy Christmas" during a shop raid has been warned by Judge Kevin Haugh he faces the next…

A syringe robber who wished staff "Happy Christmas" during a shop raid has been warned by Judge Kevin Haugh he faces the next five years behind bars if he does not reform when he appeared at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court yesterday.

David McCluskey (31), of Ferrycarrig Park, Coolock, Dublin, pleaded guilty to robbery at the Acorn shop, Coolock, on December 15th, 17th and 22nd last year. He also admitted robbing busmen on May 17th and 22nd, and June 22nd this year while on bail on the other charges.

The judge imposed a total sentence of five years' imprisonment. However, he accepted the defendant was trying to change his lifestyle and said if he had made good progress in 18 months' time the rest of the sentence would be suspended and left hanging over his head.