A heroin addict has been jailed for eight years by Judge Kieran O'Connor for a number of handbag robberies.
Marcus Dwyer (23), of Blanchardstown, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to charges of robbery and of assault with the intent to rob on December 22nd, 1998, and February 1st, 1999.
Garda Assumpta O'Callagh an told prosecuting counsel Ms Orla Crowe that the offences were mainly handbag robberies. He also robbed a man of his Christmas shopping in December 1998.
Garda O'Callaghan said Dwyer had 16 previous convictions. Judge O'Connor ordered Dwyer to receive drug treatment while in prison and to undertake educational courses.