Retrial ordered after post office robbery conviction overturned

A man jailed for the robbery of a post office faces a retrial because evidence on the alleged ownership of a motorbike used in the robbery was taken from the Garda Pulse system.

Derek Lynch, aged 38, of Kilmore Road, Knocknaheeny, had pleaded not guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to robbery and possession of a firearm at Friar’s Road Post Office, Turner’s Cross, Cork on May 20, 2012. He was sentenced to nine years imprisonment with the final year suspended by Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin on May 2, 2013.

Mr Lynch successfully appealed his conviction yesterday with the Court of Appeal holding evidence from the Garda Pulse system on the ownership of a motorcycle used in the robbery was hearsay evidence and should not have been admitted.