Cork man who carried out robbery at betting office is jailed
The defendant’s previous convictions included one for a robbery from another Ladbrokes branch, where he handed a note to the member of staff informing him it was a robbery, court heard.
A 43-year-old man who carried out a robbery at a betting office in Togher was jailed for two years.
Detective Garda Pat Connery gave evidence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the robbery carried out by John Paul Thornton, of Blackwater Grove and of St Vincent’s hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, who admitted carrying out the crime at Ladbrokes on Pearse Road, Ballyphehane, Cork.
On September 2, 2023, a member of staff was working on his own at the betting office when John Paul Thornton entered the premises without having his face covered.
He later approached the counter carrying a plastic bag as well as a lighter and a container of liquid.
“Don’t make me throw it,” he said as he reached over the counter and took a coin tray from the cash register and dropped it on the counter. He also stole notes and the total amount of cash robbed amounted to €595. The whole incident was captured on CCTV.
Ten days later, the accused man contacted gardaí — knowing he was going to be arrested — and admitted the robbery. He had 164 previous convictions.
Det Garda Connery said the defendant’s previous convictions included one for a robbery from another Ladbrokes branch, where he handed a note to the member of staff informing him it was a robbery.
It was pointed out by Det Garda Connery the accused had not been come to attention since this occurred in 2023. At the time of the offence, he had relapsed in his addiction.
Judge Sinead Behan said: “He is well-known locally and he does this stupid thing. It is really upsetting for people who work in these premises when he breaks out and commits these kind of crimes every four or five years.”
A sentence of three years was imposed on Thornton, with the last year suspended.
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