An armed robber is now doing a business studies course in jail to appreciate the affect his crime is having on his victims, a court was told.
Francis McDonagh was jailed today for two years after threatening a young shop assistant with a hammer.
McDonagh was one of a three-man gang who burst into Harkin’s shop in Muff, on the evening of June 5th, 2015.
Two of the three-man gang were armed with hammers.
After threatening young shop assistant Alexander Clingain, the gang made off with €350 in cash and €100 worth of cigarettes.
The gang made their getaway in a stolen silver VW Golf.
Gardai viewed CCTV footage as part of their investigation and identified McDonagh who has 29 previous convictions, nine of which are for theft and two for robbery.
When interviewed by Gardai, 42 year old McDonagh from Mill Lane, Tullyarvan, Buncrana refused to answer questions.
The court was told that the accused father-of-four now realised the damage he had done but had been addicted to both alcohol and drugs.
His barrister, Mr Sean MacAodha, said his client is genuinely trying to turn around his life and has not taken a drink since January of this year. is currently in jail for another offence in Castlerea and was doing a business studies course
He is also currently in jail for another offence in Castlerea and was doing a business studies course to get a better appreciation of how his crimes have impacted on the business community.
His victim said he was traumatised but did not wish to come to court to give a victim impact statement.
McDonagh read a letter out in court in which he apologised to the court and to his victims for all he had put them through.
Judge Terence O’Sullivan said robbery was a serious crime which carried a life sentence.
The fact that he was carrying a hammer to carry out his crime put it at the lower mid range and that it carried a four year sentence.
However because of his early plea he sentenced him to two and a half year sentence and suspended the last six months.