An armed hold-up in a Belfast pub at the weekend was a "moment of madness," a court heard yesterday.
Thomas Maguire, 44, of Rossnareen Avenue, Belfast, was charged with attempted armed robbery of £400 at the Glenowen Inn public house in West Belfast on Saturday night. He was also charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear.
A detective told the Magistrates Court that it was alleged Maguire had stuck a gun in a barman's back and demanded the till be opened.
"It was a moment of madness as he thought he could get money in a crowded pub on a Saturday night," said the detective.
Defence solicitor Paul Sweeney said Maguire had made a full and frank admission to the charges. He said Maguire had bought an imitation gun on the internet and accepted that after drinking seven or eight pints he had pointed the weapon at the barman.
Magistrate Ken Nixon released Maguire on bail of £1,500 and ordered him to report daily to the police.