A ROBBER who was handed what looked like a bundle of £20 notes after he threatened to burn a post office got a shock when the "money" exploded, covering him and his stolen car with red dye.
John Jones had been given a security device in Perrystown Post Office, Dublin, but despite his difficulties he abandoned the car and escaped over back gardens, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told.
Sgt Colm Fox told Ms Aileen Donnelly, prosecuting, the Perrystown escapade was Jones's second failed robbery attempt that day, June 25th, 1996. Earlier, he had left the Irish Permanent Building Society branch at Walkinstown Road empty-handed despite pretending he had a gun.
Sgt Fox said Jones had taken a Toyota Starlet he used on June 25th when he robbed the FourStar Pizza in Churchtown at syringe-point the previous day. He was handed £80 by Miss Paula Mahon, and took her car. Damage to it cost her several hundred pounds when she got it back.
Jones (21), of Kildare Park, Crumlin, pleaded guilty to 16 charges of robbery, attempted robbery and one of having heroin for supply.
Evidence was given on all these offences, which were committed on dates from March to July, 1996, in several areas of south Dublin and included repeat offences at two premises - Jones Deli in Ballsbridge and South Leinster Street, and Kylemore Bakery in Lower Baggot Street.
Earlier this week, Jones had pleaded guilty to another six syringe-point robberies on dates from February to August 1996.
The court heard then he had apologised to an attendant at Drumartin Service Station in Dundrum the third time he robbed it. He admitted robbing it on May 12th, June 2nd and August 4th, 1996.
He also admitted three further syringe-point robberies of Jones Deli in Ballsbridge on February 17th, and shops in Royal Hibernian Way and Exchequer Street in the city centre on dates in June and August 1996.
Jones was remanded in further custody for sentence on April 11th next at the request of his counsel, Mr Anthony Sammon SC (with Ms Mary Ellen Ring). He is scheduled to plead guilty to some nine more charges on that date.
Det Garda Raymond Regan told Mr Des Zaiden, prosecuting, that Jones walked in to the Drumartin Service Station in Dundrum on August 4th, 1996, and said: "Hey bud, how are you doing - do you remember me?"
When the assistant, Mr Ciaran Coyle, assured him he did not, Jones said: "I'm the guy who did this place before. I apologise for that but I have no intention of hurting you - I just want the money.
Jones pulled back his jacket and revealed what was in fact a cigarette-lighter gun. He did not brandish it but ordered Mr Coyle to put the cash in a plastic bag. He made off with £30 and cigarettes and tobacco.
Judge Matthews asked Sgt Michael Whelan to convey his "admiration and thanks" for what: he called the very courageous act by Ms Susan Carroll in Jones Deli, South Leinster Street, who replied "No" when Jones demanded money.
Sgt Whelan earlier told Ms Donnelly he had been passing in an unmarked car when he saw Jones outside the shop wearing sunglasses. He went back to meet Jones running off empty-handed.
Gardai agreed variously with Mr Sammon and Ms Ring that Jones clearly indicated to his victims he did not wish to injure them. He also made no attempt to disguise himself. When arrested he always made statements and co-operated fully with gardai.