Actor admits role in robbery

A TV actor who was extradited from Britain to appear before a special court sitting in Limerick has admitted robbing €5,200 from a shop.

Craig Fitzpatrick, 25, who appeared in Channel 4’s Shameless and BBC’s Waterloo Road, was brought before a special sitting of Limerick District Court within an hour of his flight landing at Shannon Airport last night

Fitzpatrick, who is originally from Manchester but who had an address at St Joseph’s Place, Limerick, was arrested in London last week on foot of a European arrest warrant issued in 2010.

An Irish bench warrant was initially issued in Oct 2009 after he failed to turn up in court in Limerick to face the robbery charge.

Last night, Judge Eugene O’Kelly was told Fitzpatrick had acted as a lookout during the robbery of €5,200 from Meed Beauty on Parnell St, Limerick, on Aug 15, 2009.

The court was told there was no direct altercation between the accused and the injured parties.

Det Gda Pat Whelan said he took Fitzpatrick into custody at Shannon Airport at 5.05pm yesterday.

Det Gda Whelan said the warrant was not executed by arrangement and confirmed that Fitzpatrick “had arrived at Shannon Airport in the company of gardaí”.

Fitzpatrick, who only spoke to confirm his guilty plea and to say that he wished to be tried at the district court, was granted free legal aid and solicitor John Devane was assigned to represent him.

After accepting Fitzpatrick’s guilty plea, Judge O’Kelly remanded him in custody until Tuesday for sentencing.

Judge O’Kelly said the adjournment would allow gardaí time to compile the full facts of the case and would facilitate Mr Devane’s preparation of a full plea of mitigation.

Fitzpatrick starred as rebel student Lewis Seddon in Waterloo Road in 2006 and 2007.

He also appeared in an Adidas advertisement alongside David Beckham.