A Co Clare retailer has told a court that she and her staff "now operate under a cloud of fear’" after three armed robberies on her businesses over the space of 10 days.
At Ennis Circuit Court, Flora Crowe said that the three armed robberies last October “have had a profound effect on my family, our staff and also the sense of safety within our community”.
Ms Crowe said that prior to the robberies last October, the family run business had been very fortunate never to experience a robbery, let alone an armed robbery over the past 40 years.
In the case, Judge Francis Comerford imposed a three year-one month prison term on Dylan Considine Kelly (23) of no-fixed abode for the robberies with the final nine months suspended resulting in a two year-four month jail term to serve.
Judge Comerford said that he could see how “terrifying it was for an Irish town to have this series of robberies with threats of violence in a short space of time”.
In her victim impact statement, Ms Crowe said: “During each of these traumatic events, armed robbers entered our store, threatened the well-being and safety of our staff."
She said: “The fear and uncertainty experienced during these robberies cannot be overstated."
“Two of my dedicated staff members have resigned, unable to cope with the recurring threat of violence. Additionally, three others were so terrified by these incidents that they were unable to produce their own victim impact statements today.
Ms Crowe said: “These crimes have not only shaken our sense of security but have also undermined the trust and community that we have in Sixmilebridge.
“Many of our staff are female and youth workers so it adds to the vulnerability we face.”
Ms Crowe stated that “the emotional and psychological toll on my employees and myself has been significant. We now operate under a cloud of fear, constantly worried about the possibility of another robbery."
She said: “I myself was pregnant at the time of the robberies, and it added to the real sense of fear that I had when I had when I had to lock up each night until the suspect was caught.
“Our store has always been more than just a place to buy groceries; it has been a gathering spot; a place where neighbours meet and support each other.
Ms Crowe said: “The repeated violations have eroded that sense of safety and community. We live only two minutes from our shops and to know that these armed robberies could happen when we live so close by frightens me.”
In the case, Considine Kelly pleaded guilty to the robbing spree that commenced at 8.29pm on October 14th, Tim Crowe’s shop at Minister’s Cross, Bunratty taking €500 in cash and €800 cigarettes where Considine Kelly was armed with a claw hammer.
Seven days later, Considine Kelly robbed Tim Crowe’s Gala shop, The Green, Sixmilebridge of €400 in cash, armed with a scissors. He later robbed Tim Crowe’s shop, Minister’s Cross, Bunratty armed with another make-shift weapon, stealing €500 in cash and €900 in cigarettes.
Judge Comerford said that Considine Kelly - of no fixed abode but staying at Laurel Lodge in Ennis at the time - was in receipt of €129 social welfare per week while spending €500 per week on his cocaine addiction.
