forfeiture | 

Wicklow man jailed for six years over ‘hole in the wall’ robbery loses €26,000

A six year prison sentence was imposed in 2013 for Michael Berry’s part in the robbery

Enniscorthy Guardian

Today at 15:00

An offence committed 14 years ago was at the heart of a successful application made to the Circuit Court.

Barrister Gráinne O’Neill was in Wexford to represent the State in proceedings against Michael Berry.

The 47 year old from Hillview in Carnew was not present but he was represented by barrister Jordan Fletcher.

Ms O’Neill reminded Judge Cormac Quinn how Berry was one of five men involved in an ATM robbery in Enniscorthy.

In July of 2009, the cash dispenser at the Maxol garage in Bellefield was plundered of more than €205,000.

The defendant’s share of the proceeds came to €41,000 it was revealed during the trial which commenced in October of 2012.

The prosecuting counsel told how gardaí called to his home and seized €7,800 in cash they found hidden in a sock in a wardrobe.

Berry’s credit union account containing €13,249 was frozen around the same time along with €5,013 in a Bank of Ireland current account.

He stated at the time that he had been drawing unemployment payments and had made some money selling horses.

A six year prison sentence was imposed in 2013 for his part in the hole-in-the wall robbery.

Ms O’Neill now came to court seeking forfeiture to the State of the €26,229 to hand after credit union dividends were taken into account.

Judge Quinn granted her application.