Jail for man who used toy gun to rob bookmakers

A man who stole money from a bookmakers shop using a toy gun he stole from his young nephew has been sentenced today.

Noel Kenna of Annamore Drive, Cabra, Dublin pleaded guilty to carrying an imitation firearm for the purposes of robbery at Ladbrokes, Dowth Avenue, Cabra and to robbery of €180 on July 26, 2008.

Kenna's barrister said the robbery had an “element of the ridiculous about it”.

The 45-year-old had been drinking heavily and had visited his sister’s house and found a toy air pistol belonging to his nephew.

He was drunk and stumbling when he walked into the premises and pointed the air pistol at staff and demanded money.

The employees at Ladbrokes believed it was a genuine firearm.

Kenna has a history of alcohol and drug problems and today received a two-year sentence, with the last three months suspended.

The prosecution has asked for the stolen €180 to be paid back and for the toy gun to be destroyed.