Three men were remanded in custody today after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm during a botched attempted cash robbery of a van at a Dublin hotel.
The armed men were caught by gardaí as they lay in waiting for the Securicor vehicle at the Spa Hotel in Lucan. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard officers from Lucan Detective Unit spotted the car, which had heavily tinted windows and number plates on the back and front that did not match.
Anthony Fox (36) from Willow Wood Walk, Hartstown; Derek O'Shea (46) of Corduff Park, Blanchardstown; and Shane Morgan (25) with addresses at Millbank, Lucan and Wellview Avenue, Mulhuddart, were arrested at the scene on April 18th, 2005.
The court heard the vehicle caused suspicion, and that armed gardaí approached the vehicle, which was occupied by three men - one wearing a balaclava.
Det Gda John Byrne said a hammer, knife, two other balaclavas, an imitation handgun and gloves were found in the vehicle.
Morgan also pleaded guilty to possession of a canister of CS gas which is considered a firearm under the Firearms Act. All three are due to be sentenced next May.
Judge Katherine Delahunt said it was clear, due to the seriousness of the offence, a prison term would be necessary. She remanded all three in custody to be sentenced on May 17th.