A MAN who developed his heroin addiction in prison has been jailed for 10 years for shop robberies.
Darren Cross (26), of Galtymore Road, Dublin, accidentally pricked a florist with a syringe when she attacked him with scissors after refusing to hand over money in July 1996. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court was told the syringe did not transmit any disease.
Det Sgt John Doyle said he had known Cross for up to 12 years and did not believe he would attempt to hurt anyone. He had got "heavy into the heroin" in the past few years after developing his addiction in prison.
Garda Eamonn Maloney told of two occasions, in October and December 1995, when Cross and others fled after being attacked on premises on Errigal Road. A gun, a knife and a stolen car were used in a £315 robbery in December 1995 at the Errigal Road Mace shop. Cross was arrested for these offences in February 1996 and committed more offences after getting bail.
Mr Patrick Marrinan, defending, submitted there would be no prosecution in many of the offences before the court but for Cross's own statements.
Judge Cyril Kelly said he would review the sentence in November 1999.