A MAN arrested shortly after an armed robbery at a branch of Dunnes Stores has been remanded in custody to February 15th for sentence by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Joseph Morrison (31), of Ballygall Parade, Dublin, is already awaiting sentence for his role in the 1994 robbery of £24,000 from the FAI head office in Merrion Square, Dublin, and the false imprisonment of a staff member. That crime was committed some hours before the Ireland Liechtenstein European
Championship match at Lansdowne Road on October 12th, 1994.
Morrison has pleaded guilty to stealing £25,000 in cash and cheques from Dunnes Stores, Portmarnock, on October 26th, 1995.
Mr Anthony Sammon, defending, said his client also wanted another charge in connection with a £20,000 robbery from a credit union office dealt with. Morrison has been in custody since November 6th for sentence on the FAI charge.
At November's FAI hearing, Judge Michael Moriarty said Morrison was "looking at a very long sentence".
Det Garda Frank Gunne told Mr Tom O'Connell, prosecuting, that the Dunnes Stores robbery happened at about 10.40 a.m. when two men went into the cash office. One had a gun and they made their escape with £13,625.
A few minutes later, he stopped Morrison, who was driving his own car on a back road near Portmarnock. A 9mm starting pistol and the money were recovered. The weapon was incapable of firing live ammunition.
Del Garda Gunne agreed with Mr Sammon that the man made a full statement of admission. Three other men were arrested shortly afterwards in connection with the same crime. Morrison said he took part to get money for heroin.