Members of public identifying raider from Crimecall TV footage led to him giving himself up to Cork gardaí

A balaclava-wearing raider who robbed an off-licence in Cork city while carrying a knife gave himself up at Gurranabraher garda station after footage of the crime appeared on Crimecall on TV.

Detective Sergeant Kieran O’Sullivan said that because of a difficulty identifying the raider it was decided to broadcast CCTV of the crime.

“He was not known so the CCTV was run on Crimecall on February 27 this year. As a result of that, a number of calls were made by members of the public nominating the accused.

“As a result of this he made a phone call himself to gardaí saying he did the robbery. He presented himself at Gurranabraher garda station. He was fully cooperative at interview,” Det. Sgt. O’Sullivan said.

30-year-old Trevor Doyle of Red Forge Road, Blackpool, Cork, had 24 previous convictions, including four circuit court convictions. One of them was for a robbery dating back to November 2015.

Detailing the offence in the present case – the robbery at O’Donovan’s off-licence on Thomas Davis Street, Cork – the detective said it was committed on January 11 this year at 5.18 p.m..

Mr Doyle went into O’Donovan’s off-licence on Thomas Davis Street at a time where there was one teller working behind the counter.

The raider was wearing dark clothes and a balaclava and he had a kitchen knife in his hand.

The raider said to the member of staff in relation to the cash register, “Open it or I’ll use it,” showing the knife as he said this.

Detective Sergeant O’Sullivan said that as well as the footage of the actual robbery there was follow-up coverage on security cameras of the accused man going to Blackpool shopping centre.

Elaine Audley defence barrister said 30-year-old Trevor Doyle of Red Forge Road, Blackpool, Cork, gave himself up and cooperated with the investigation and ultimately pleading guilty to the robbery.

Judge McCourt imposed a sentence of two years and six months with the last six months suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.