Former TCD student jailed for robbery in US

An Irish national has been sentenced to nine years in jail for armed robbery in the state of Maine three years ago.

Niall Clarke, aged 27, from Kilrush Co Clare pleaded guilty to the charge, but claimed that he was not of sound mind at the time he committed the offence.

Clarke, a graduate of TCD and a former Entrepreneur of the Year, had just started his own software bussinness when he experienced mental health difficulties, which caused him to lose contact with his family when he moved abroad.

That he robbed a bank in Maine was learned by his family almost by accident 16 months ago, and they have been in regular contact with him since he was remanded in custody pending his court hearing today.