A HEROIN addict who stole £75 from a laundrette while carrying a weapon has been jailed for 10 years.
Vincent Lynch's mask wash pulled off his face by a young woman assistant after she handed over the money. She then followed him down the street, Judge Kieran O'Connor was told.
"This young, intelligent, resourceful woman must be complimented on her bravery when faced with a man carrying a weapon," said Judge O'Connor, at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Garda Sean O'Mahony told, Mr Pat O'Connell, prosecuting, the woman was "not unduly traumatised" by the robbery and had recovered well.
She recognised Lynch when she pulled off his mask. He was arrested "in a terrible state" due to his chronic addiction the next day and gardai arranged medical treatment for him.
Lynch (20), of Bunting Road, Walkinstown, Dublin, admitted robbing the laundrette on Whitehall Road West on July, 10th, 1996. He is currently serving a two year sentence for a similar offence.
Judge O'Connor said he, would grant Lynch the opportunity of applying in five years' time for a review and would recommend suspension of the balance of the sentence on certain conditions that Lynch behave well in prison accepted all available drug addiction treatment; and could prove he was drug free.