Clondalkin shop worker told ‘open the till or I’ll shoot you’, court hears
Cash totalling €1,200 and two bottles of vodka were stolen during the alleged robbery
James Connolly at court. Photo: Paddy Cummins
A shop assistant was told to “open the till or I’ll shoot you” by two alleged robbers who made off with €1,200 in cash, a court heard.
James Connolly (35) was armed with a large knife while his accomplice claimed he had a firearm.
Judge David McHugh refused bail and remanded Mr Connolly in custody to appear before Cloverhill Court tomorrow.
The accused, with an address at Oldchurch Crescent in Clondalkin, appeared before Blanchardstown District Court charged with robbery and possession of a knife.
The alleged incident took place at the Bawnogue Londis, Clondalkin, on November 26.
Garda Shane O’Brien objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and the strength of the evidence.
In relation to the allegation, Gda O’Brien alleged that two men were caught on CCTV cameras near the Londis shop. They changed their jumpers before they entered the store.
Gda O’Brien alleged that Mr Connolly produced a large knife, and the shop assistant was told to “open the till or I’ll shoot you”. Gda O’Brien alleged the second man claimed that he had a firearm.
Gda O’Brien told the court that the two men fled the scene with €1,200 in cash and two bottles of vodka, and were heard talking to each other, with one saying to the other “I have all the money”.
Barrister Ciaran MacLoughlin said his client was willing to abide by any bail conditions.
Refusing bail, Judge McHugh said the allegation evidence was strong.
Mr Connolly has not yet indicated a plea to the charges.
