Actor hit ‘all-time low’ over drink and drugs, court hears
Craig Fitzpatrick, 25, who appeared in BBC drama Waterloo Road, as well as hit Channel 4 series Shameless, pleaded guilty yesterday to robbing €5,200 with another man from a Limerick shop on Aug 15, 2009.
After his arrest, Fitzpatick skipped bail and returned to Britain.
Last week, he was brought back to Limerick after a European arrest warrant was executed by the Greater Manchester police.
Det Gda Michael Murphy of Roxboro Rd Garda Station, said Fitzpatick, with another man, went to a shop in Parnell St. The other man grabbed the money and ran off as Fitzpatrick acted as look out. None of the money was recovered.
Fitzpatrick went back to Manchester when given bail and did not turn up for his court appearances.
He had since been involved in crime in Britain.
John Devane, solicitor for Fitzpatrick, said he had been a TV star before his life went into a downward spiral due to drugs and drink.
Fitzpatrick had lost his career, and had stooped to an-all time low in crimes he committed, said Mr Devane.
Fitzpatrick was now clean of drugs and alcohol and was very contrite for what he had done to the injured party.
If given a chance, said Mr Devane, Fitzpatrick would return to Britain immediately.
Judge Eugene O’Kelly said Fitzpatrick had 22 previous convictions, mostly in Britain, involving offences which “painted the entire spectrum” of criminal activity.
He said he had read a letter written by Fitzpatrick while in custody in recent days in which he expressed his regret for the emotional distress he had caused the injured party, who he described in his letter as a hard-working woman trying to provide for her family.
But the judge said this apology rang hollow in view of the fact that all Fitzpatrick had to offer was £100 (€125).
He imposed a 10-month sentence, suspending the last four months.
And he ordered Fitzpatrick to stay out of Limerick for two years when the sentence is served.
Fitzpatrick starred as rebel student Lewis Seddon in BBC drama Waterloo Road in 2006 and 2007.
He has also appeared in Shameless and medical drama Holby City.
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