Defendant who appeared in Kildare court accused of committing armed robbery offence in Newbridge

A Newbridge resident has been accused of committing a robbery at knife-point.

The allegation relates to one Brian Tobin, with an address given as Apartment 3, Block 8, College Farm Street in Newbridge.

Gardaí told Judge Desmond Zaidan on Thursday, November 16 last that the 56-year-old allegedly entered Roseberry Stores in Roseberry, Newbridge, and held up a person at knife-point on June 21 last.

He allegedly robbed the person of €126 worth of cash and €128 worth of cigarettes.

Mr Tobin also faces an allegation of having suspected cocaine for sale or supply at Henry Street in Newbridge on July 27, 2022 (the estimated value of the suspected cocaine was not specified).

After a book of evidence was served on the accused by gardaí, Judge Desmond Zaidan sent the case forward for trial to the present sittings of Naas Circuit Criminal Court, which will commence on January 16, 2024.

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PROBATION REPORT HANDED IN

When a probation report was handed into Judge Zaidan by defending solicitor David Powderly, Judge Zaidan remarked that the report was ‘not positive.’

Speaking directly to Mr Tobin, he said: "You have been ducking and diving; you have not been taken their (the probation services) calls or attending their appointments."

When he replied that he had 'turned up to the probation office twice', Judge Zaidan interjected and told Mr Powderly 'to talk' to Mr Tobin.

"You have to attend the probation office," he warned Mr Tobin.

The judge adjourned this case to February 1, 2024, to allow time for 'a short, updated probation report' and for sentencing.

He remanded the accused on continuing bail until this case resumes.