Masked raider made hostage stab threat to Dublin shop worker, court hears

Tom Tuite

A masked raider held up a Dublin shop at knifepoint and threatened to stab a worker and take him “hostage”, a court has heard.

Jonathan Byrne, 41, from Castlepark, Tallaght, was charged with robbery of €850 from Londis, Terenure Road West, on September 27th, 2024.

He faced bail objections when he appeared before Judge Michele Finan.

Garda Dean Maxwell told Dublin District Court a robber wearing a hat and surgical mask, “produced a knife and said he would take the injured party hostage and stab him if money was not handed over”.

The court heard the raider fled with cash and used a bicycle to leave the area, but it was allegedly recovered on Wainsfort Crescent in Terenure.

Garda Maxwell said the victim told officers that the man’s hand was cut and DNA evidence, as well as CCTV footage, were obtained.

Garda Maxwell alleged there was a match with Mr Byrne’s DNA after a blood swab was taken from him.

Mr Byrne was then charged and had no reply. He remained silent throughout the contested bail hearing.

The investigating garda also voiced witness interference concerns and said that none of the cash taken was recovered.

He agreed with the defence that there were no allegations against Mr Byrne of offences since the date of the robbery.

The court heard Mr Byrne was currently homeless and staying in a hostel with a curfew rule.

His lawyer stressed that the accused was presumed innocent and would obey conditions. Otherwise, his client could spend a year in custody on remand awaiting trial if it goes to the Circuit Court.

The defence said Mr Byrne, who has not yet entered a plea, suffered from health problems and had a hospital appointment in April.

Judge Finan granted him legal aid but refused the bail application and remanded him in custody to appear at Cloverhill District Court next week. She also directed that he receive medical attention in custody.