Cork getaway driver used his own car during armed robbery of pharmacy

The Judge said the robbery at Lynch’s pharmacy at Broadale, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork, would have caused stress and trauma for staff.

A 50-year-old getaway driver who was waiting outside a pharmacy in Douglas while his accomplice went behind the counter and made demands while armed with a knife was sentenced for his part in the crime.

Paul O’Mahony, of Redbarn holiday cottages, Youghal, County Cork, was seen on CCTV in his own car — registered to him — outside Lynch’s pharmacy at Broadale, Maryborough Hill, Douglas, Cork, during the robbery.

He pleaded guilty to robbery for his part in the crime which occurred just after lunch on February 28, 2023.

Judge Jonathan Dunphy was told that the defendant’s accomplice brandished a knife in the premises and demanded cash from the till.

He did not get any money but grabbed some Amitriptyline tablets from behind the counter and got into the waiting getaway car.

Defence senior counsel Ray Boland said Paul O’Mahony had the lesser part in this crime and was somewhat naïve to bring his own car to the scene which was covered by CCTV.

Mr Boland said that while the accused did have previous convictions they were all from the district court and that this was his first appearance at Cork Circuit Criminal Court level.

“This has been something of a wake-up call for him. He is doing well at the moment on a methadone programme,” Mr Boland said.

Judge Dunphy said this would have caused stress and trauma for staff.

The judge imposed a three-year sentence but suspended it on condition that he would continue with his addiction treatment at Arbour House.

“He is getting an opportunity — he won’t get it again,” Judge Dunphy said.