Man who carried out robbery at Cork betting office jailed 

A 43-year-old man who carried out a robbery at a Cork city betting office 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 he admitted the robbery. 

He had 164 previous convictions.

Det Garda Connery said that 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 that it was a robbery.

In fairness to the accused it was pointed out by Det Garda Connery that he had not been coming 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 Mr Thornton with the last year suspended.