A Galway man who held a woman at syringe point in her van in the car park of Liffey Valley shopping centre has been jailed for three years at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Michael Lally, (30 ) of Curragh Park, Ballinasloe, pleaded guilty to robbing the woman on October 10 2007.
Garda Ernie Henderson told Mr Pieter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, that the woman was getting into her van after seeing a film in Liffey Valley when Lally came to the door with a syringe, took her keys, and told her to move into the passenger seat.
The frightened woman saw her chance as Lally started the van and jumped out. She alerted a security guard who reported the incident to the Gardai.
Garda Henderson said he observed the stolen van driving at speed nearby and that he stopped the van just as a report of the syringe robbery came over the Garda radio. Lally attempted to flee but was restrained and arrested.
Garda Henderson agreed with defence counsel, Mr Fergal Foley BL, that Lally had committed the crime to feed his drug habit and was apologetic.
Judge Frank O'Donnell told Lally: "Until you are free from drugs you are a continuing threat to the public and yourself."
