A man who tied up a shop assistant and continued serving customers himself has been jailed for four years by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. At the time of the offence, he was going out with another employee of the shop.
Patrick Doran (33), of Red Cow halting site, pleaded guilty to robbing a west Co Dublin petrol station of £100 in cash and £5,000 worth of cigarettes on December 12th, 1996.
Det Sgt Tony Tighe said Doran called to the shop and asked about his girlfriend. A part-time worker let him in and told him his girlfriend was not around. An accomplice then entered and the two men stole £5,000 worth of cigarettes and a small amount of cash.
Judge Elizabeth Dunne imposed a four-year sentence but suspended the last year on condition that Doran keep the peace for 18 months.