The ringleader of a gang that raided the home of a Co Tipperary cigarette vendor was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment at Clonmel Circuit Court yesterday.
Thomas Freeman (43), of Clondalkin, Dublin, pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and false imprisonment before Judge Olive Buttimer.
Freeman was described by Insp John Courtney as a gang ringleader and one of the most ruthless criminals in the State.
Yesterday evening at a separate sitting of the court a jury was discharged after failing to agree a majority verdict following the four-day trial of Mr Jeremy Cooper (29), North Strand, Dublin, who pleaded not guilty to the same charges. Judge Patrick McCartan remanded the accused in custody to the next sitting of Clonmel Circuit Court next March.