Hi °C | Lo °C FINED: Alan Royle, who robbed a pharmacy, was given a suspended sentence
THIS is the man who entered a pharmacy and threatened to stab the pharmacist unless he handed over a quantity of valium tablets.
Alan Royle (37) was masked and made off with nearly 1,000 valium tablets, but he was followed out of the shop by staff.
They hailed down a garda who was on bike patrol in the area and Royle was caught a short distance away.
Judge Hugh O'Donnell fined Royle €450 and imposed a four-month sentence, suspended for one year. He said the only reason the defendant was escaping jail was because Christmas was around the corner.
Robbery
The defendant, of Corduff Grove in Blanchardstown, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to robbery.
The incident took place at Touchstone Pharmacy in Mulhuddart on January 23, 2012.
Garda Sergeant Mary Doherty said Royle entered the pharmacy with his face covered, and went to the rear of the store.
Sergeant Doherty said Royle demanded valium from the pharmacist, saying he would stab him if he didn't hand over the drugs.
The sergeant said the pharmacist handed over a total of 990 valium tablets, worth €278. Royle did not produce a weapon at any stage.
Royle also admitted to failing to follow the directions of gardai at Corduff Grove on August 16, 2012 and breaching a protection order on August 17, 2012.
Sergeant Doherty said Royle was shouting abuse at his mother demanding to be let into the house. He also threw his clothes at his mother and demanded that she wash them.
Defence lawyer Kate O'Toole said Royle had significant problems with drink and drugs but was in treatment and was now drug free.
At the time of these incidents, the court heard that Royle's mother was sick and he had moved back in to live with her. He was under significant pressures and he turned to valium and tablets.
The court heard that Royle, who has two stepchildren, hopes to complete a counselling course and help other drug addicts.
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