Drug addict stole empty cash register to repay €300 debt

A drug addict who stole an empty cash register in an attempt to repay a debt has been jailed for three years.

Daryl Mooney, aged 26, took a knife from his family home to rob the store where he ripped out a cash register that had not been in use, leaving the register containing cash behind.

Mooney, of Whitestown Park, Mulhuddart, Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to robbery at Whitestown Stores, Whitestown Avenue, Mulhuddart on October 7, 2014.

Judge Melanie Greally noted Mooney had a difficult background and had responded to challenges in his life by abusing drugs. She said he was making efforts to address his issues.

She imposed a four-year sentence and suspended the final year. She ordered two years probation supervision.

Garda Niall Phelan told John Fitzgerald, prosecuting, the sole staff member fled the shop after Mooney, who had his hoodie up and was armed with a knife, came behind the counter and demanded money. The staff member alerted the owner who rang gardaí.

Mooney ripped a cash register out, cutting wires to remove it and brought the entire register with him. It cost the shop €1,000 to replace the register.

Gardaí acting on confidential information arrested Mooney later that day. He made full admissions and apologised, telling gardaí he had been under pressure to repay a €300 debt.