A MAN who claimed he became remorseful about the break up of his marriage while drunk and subsequently stole money to give to his family has admitted robbing a shop and post office in Drogheda.
Mr John Kevitt (44) of no fixed abode pleaded guilty at Dundalk Circuit Criminal Court to producing a carving knife while attempting to rob Gerrard's shop, Drogheda on June 12th, 1995.
He also admitted having an imitation firearm with him when he robbed £200 cash from the General Post Office, Drogheda on May 29th, 1995.
Garda James Burke said that on both days the defendant had collected his dole money and spent it on drink.
On June 12th one of his sons intimated he needed money to place a deposit on a flat.
After drinking all afternoon he bought a hat which he made into a balaclava and purchased a large kitchen knife. He went into Gerrard's shop, produced the knife to the assistant and demanded the contents of the till.
She pressed the panic button stalled for time and the defendant left.
However in the robbery of the post office the garda said the toy gun had first been pointed at a female clerk who had dived under the counter.
The defendant, who was masked, went to the next hatch and pointed the gun at a male clerk who believed he was about to be shot. He demanded cash and £200 was handed over. The defendant then went and drank the money in various local premises.
Garda Burke said the defendant had a severe drink problem and the offences were committed while he was drinking heavily.
He had been separated from his family for a number of years and was of no fixed abode. He told the court the defendant becomes remorseful when drinking.
He admitted stealing the money to give to his family but had ended up drinking it.
Defence counsel, Ms Jeri Ward, said her client had worked as a landscape gardener but had hurt his back and was now unemployed.
While the crimes involved intimidation and the use of weapons he was not, she said, the criminal of great intent but rather someone who drinks, feels remorse and loses control. Judge Patrick Smith remanded him in custody for sentencing.