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THREE men who carried out a vicious armed robbery on a Post Office in Donegal have been sentenced to EIGHTEEN years in prison - with some of the jail term suspended.
The gang, all from Derry, were sentenced this afternoon at a sitting of Letterkenny Circuit Court.
Noel Lavy, David Knight and Joseph McMullan had more than a staggering THREE-HUNDRED previous convictions between them.
The three men carried out the vicious attack using a stolen Royal Mail Van on October 4th, 2014 at the Post Office in Manorcunningham.
The court heard how the trio hijacked a Royal Mail van in Derry after participating in a massive binge of alcohol and drugs the previous night.
They bought hi-viz jackets and headed across the border into Donegal with the hijacked van and carried out the terrifying raid at the Post Office in Manorcunningham which was owned by Mrs Kathleen Diver.
The trio stormed the post office and used a sledgehammer to smash the protective screen that Mrs Diver was sitting behind.
A terrified Mrs Diver emptied the till - and threw the cash which amounted to €2,930.00
The men fled the scene - but Gardaí apprehended the men after using a stinger to puncture the tyres of the Royal Mail van they were driving.
When sentencing Judge John Aylmer said that despite the comical and amateurish elements to the case did not dilute the absolutely terrifying experience suffered by Mrs Diver.
He told the court, "This was a serious, serious offence, and despite the comical elements like using a Royal Mail post van to carryout the robbery, there was nothing comical about weapons being brandished in a threatening manner.
"This was a terrifying experience for Mrs Diver, and even though she suffered no physical injuries, the trauma of the incident left her terrible shook-up and traumatised.
"This robbery is the most serious of offences, and attracts a maximum sentence of SEVEN years.
"It is difficult to distinguish anything between the three men, they were all fully co-operative with Gardaí and also entered a guilty plea, although it must be pointed out that all three men were caught red handed.
"The three men all have huge previous convictions and all seem to have chronic issues with drugs and alcohol abuse and all come from deprived backgrounds, they have engaged in crime for most of their lives.
"I do acknowledge that each one of them have expressed since remorse for what they've done and have behaved exemplary since being in jail."
The court heard that all three men have been remanded in custody since the incident last October.
The court also heard that Noel Lavy who had history of heroin abuse - was further troubled by the fact his son - who also had issues with drugs - was kneecapped in both knees after being brought along to a meeting by his father.
When passing sentence on Lavy, Judge Aylmer said, "I take into account your guilty plea, and the fact you've fully co-operated with Gardaí during their investigations into the incident.
"You've also expressed sincere remorse for your actions and I acknowledge you've behaved well during your time in prison.
"Considering this I impose a sentence of SIX years, but I will suspend the final THREE years.
"You will also enter into a bond of €100 to keep the peace for two years after your release."
When sentencing David Knight, Judge Aylmer said, "I also take into account your guilty plea and the fact you co-operated fully with the Gardaí and apologised sincerely for your actions.
"I know you've been in a steady, stable relationship for 17 years and have four children.
"Your behaviour in prison has been exemplary, and I know like the other defendants you have a long history of drug abuse and crime.
"Although, unlike the other two defendants you've have TWO previous convictions for robbery.
"So I propose a sentence of SIX years with the final TWO suspended, and you will also enter into a bond for €100 for two years upon your release."
When sentencing Joseph McMullan who has 126 previous convictions, Judge Aylmer reiterated what he had said about the other two defendants and acknowledged that McMullan was co-operative and had shown genuine remorse.
Judge Aylmer said, "I know you've availed of the education services in prison, and you've shown great scope for rehabilitation.
"I take into account your addiction problems, and that you're the youngest of the three offenders.
"Your behaviour since being in prison has been very good and I know you're remorseful for your actions - and that you're desperate to stay drug-free and rebuild your life.
"I impose a sentence of SIX years and I will suspend the final THREE, and you will enter into a €100 bond to keep the peace for two years upon your release.
The trio were sentenced to a combined total of TEN years in prison with EIGHT years suspended.
