Three robbers to be sentenced for botched raid of jewellers

Three robbers whose armed raid of a high-end jewellery store was foiled by the brave actions of the owner and passers-by will be sentenced early next year at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Clive Kavanagh (aged 42) was supposed to hold open the security door of the store for his two accomplices but he let it close behind him leaving the pair to wait until another customer was coming in.

Michael Martin (aged 26) entered the shop armed with a loaded sawn-off shotgun but fled after he was confronted by the store owner, Mr Ken McDonagh, who wrestled the weapon from him as Clive Kavanagh cowered behind a female customer using her as “a human shield”.

Passers-by held Michael Martin on the street outside and alerted the gardaí.

Inside, the third robber, Glen Kavanagh (aged 35), was loading a hold-all bag with Rolex and Cartier watches valued at almost €100,000 before Mr McDonagh, who feared he would be attacked, struck him on the head with the butt end of the gun knocking him to the ground.

Gardaí arrived and arrested all three subdued robbers.

Clive Kavanagh of Portland Row; his nephew Glen Kavanagh of Dunne Street Flats; and Michael Martin, of Upper Oriel Street, pleaded guilty to robbery and possession of a firearm at Dawson Jewellers, Dawson Street on November 6, 2009.

Judge Tony Hunt commended the bravery of those who had intervened and adjourned sentencing until March 14, 2011.