Judge refuses jurisdiction in attempted Laois robbery cases
Portlaoise Courthouse
A MAN and woman were brought before Portlaoise District Court last week charged with the attempted robbery of Murphy’s, French Church Street, Portarlington and with the same offence at Daingean Post Office, Offaly.
Judge Susan Fay asked Garda Sgt Jason Hughes to outline the alleged facts before deciding whether she would preside over the cases.
Sgt Hughes said on 20 March, a man, who was not currently before the court, went into the store on French Church Street and told staff that he had a gun.
He said Vincent Lawlor (42), Derryguile, Mountmellick, the man before the court, role in the alleged attempted robbery “was miniscule,” as he was sitting in a waiting car outside the store waiting on the other man to exit.
He said a co-accused, Linda Molloy (35), College View, Mountmellick allegedly stood at the door of the store keeping watch at the time.
Regarding the alleged attempted robbery at the post office, Sgt Hughes said the third person in the case, allegedly, went into the premises, gave staff a note that said he had a gun. This time, Sgt Hughes alleged that Ms Molloy stood at the door keeping watch.
Sgt Hughes said the third person allegedly involved in the attempted robberies is to be brought before a court and asked that the three accused be kept together for any further court appearances.
Judge Fay said she was refusing jurisdiction in both cases and remanded both accused before her on continuing bail to the 6 July sitting of the court for service of books of evidence.
