Used syringe as weapon in off-licence robbery

A 37-year-old man who used a syringe as a weapon in the robbery of an off- licence will be sentenced next week by a sitting of the Circuit Court. The trial of John Hayes was due to begin when a jury was sworn in but they were discharged again after the accused entered a guilty plea last Thursday. Mr Hayes, with an address at Hartigan Villas, Moyross, was accused with the charge where he entered Fine Wines on the Corbally Road shortly after 7.30pm on November 21 of last year.

It was there, the court heard, that he produced the syringe or needle, and threatened the staff before taking €150.
As the jury sat, they were the second set of 12 to be discharged in as many days after defendants entered late pleas of guilty to the court.
Judge Carroll Moran noted their willingness to partake in the judicial system and that it was this willingness that was a factor in the defendants changing their pleas to guilty.
Hayes is to be sentenced next week as other charges have to be presented to the court.