Galway man jailed over syringe attack

A Galway resident who held a woman at syringe point in her van in the car park of Liffey Valley shopping centre has been jailed for three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Michael Lally, (aged 30) of Curragh Park, Ballinasloe, pleaded guilty to robbing the woman on October 10, 2007.

Judge Frank O'Donnell told Lally: "Until you are free from drugs you are a continuing threat to the public and yourself."

Garda Ernie Henderson told Mr Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that the woman was getting into her van having seen a film in Liffey valley when Lally came to the door with a syringe, took her keys and told her to move into the passenger seat.

The woman was very frightened but saw her chance as Lally started the van and jumped out. She alerted a security guard who reported the incident to the gardaí.

Gda Henderson said he observed the stolen van driving at speed nearby. He said he stopped the van just as a report of the syringe robbery came over the garda radio. Lally attempted to flee but was restrained and arrested.

Gda Henderson agreed with defence counsel, Mr Fergal Foley BL, that Lally had given his correct address to gardaí before trying to run away, had committed the crime to feed his drug habit and was apologetic.