‘Love/Hate’ star refused bail and charged with role in €50,000 armed robbery

Love/Hate actor Stephen Clinch has been refused bail after he was charged with having a role in a €50,000 armed robbery at a hotel in Dublin city centre.

Thu, 14 May, 2015 - 01:00

Tom Tuite

Dublin District Court heard a loaded gun was allegedly put to the head of a security worker collecting cash. It was claimed Mr Clinch later pointed the gun at another employee who gave chase.

Judge Michael Walsh heard 10 hotel employees pursued and disarmed Mr Clinch — cast as recurring character Noely in the RTÉ series — before restraining him and an alleged accomplice until gardaí arrived.

Mr Clinch, aged 49,

of Millbrook Grove, Kilbarrack, and his co-accused, Hugh McWeeney, aged 43, from Main St, Belmayne, Malahide Rd, were charged with robbery of €50,730 and possessing a firearm with intent to use in a robbery at the Gate Hotel on Parnell St.

No pleas were entered and they will face their next hearing on May 20.

Mr Clinch asked to be freed to take up offers of film work featuring musician Damien Dempsey and UFC competitor Conor McGregor.

Judge Michael Walsh said he was refusing Mr Clinch bail due to the seriousness of the case.

The co-defendant, Mr McWeeney, did not apply for bail.