Diamond 'robbery' scam artists jailed

Two Dublin men involved in a staged robbery of diamonds valued at almost €300,000 have been jailed and a third conspirator may be directed to carry out community service.

Gerry Coates (aged 45), Pinebrook Lawn, Hartstown was jailed for 18 months with the final six suspended after he pleaded guilty that on December 1, 2004 he dishonestly and for his own gain induced another person to believe that diamonds worth €287,185 were the subject of a theft.