A man accused of robbing a south Dublin pharmacy at knifepoint has been refused bail after a judge heard that gardai believe he poses a risk of interfering with evidence.
Jonathan Leonard (48), of no fixed address but residing at a hostel on Camden Place, Dublin, appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court on Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at Ballybrack Medical Hall on April 8th.
Detective Garda Andrew Diamond told the court that gardai were objecting to bail under the “O’Callaghan” legal principles. He said it will be alleged that the accused entered the pharmacy at around 5:30pm, shortly before closing time.
He was allegedly wearing dark clothing, a black snood, gloves, and a black puffer jacket. There were no customers present, and five female staff members were on duty.
It is alleged he approached the counter, produced a ‘flick knife’ and demanded money, telling staff: “Open the till. Give me the f***ing money. Don’t do anything stupid. I have a knife. Don’t press any panic buttons.”
Det Gda Diamond said the incident caused extreme fear to staff.
CCTV footage allegedly shows the suspect walking away from the pharmacy along Church Road, through Ballybrack village and into Daleview Park, where he was allegedly seen removing the snood. Gardaí say they later observed him leaving and returning to a nearby hostel that evening.
A black puffer jacket believed to have been worn during the robbery was recovered within minutes nearby. However, the gloves, snood, and flick knife remain outstanding.
Detective Garda Diamond told the court that €420 in cash – mostly in small denominations of €5, €10, and €20 notes, along with several €2 coins – was found in the accused’s possession.
Staff estimated that around €200 was taken during the robbery, but this has yet to be confirmed.
A search also uncovered three suspected bags of crack cocaine and a suspected crack pipe on Mr Leonard’s person, as well as additional cash allegedly linked to the robbery.
Mr Leonard is charged under Section 14 of the Criminal Justice Act (robbery) and Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
Det Gda Diamond said bail was strongly opposed on grounds that the accused may abscond, reoffend, or interfere with the investigation – particularly by disposing of key evidence.
Defence solicitor Michael O’Brien said his client was entitled to the presumption of innocence and argued that strict bail conditions could be imposed to address Garda concerns.
However, Judge John Brennan refused bail, citing the seriousness of the charges, the strength of the CCTV and identification evidence, and the risk of interference with outstanding evidence, including the flick knife and clothing.
The court heard that Gardaí are preparing a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Mr Leonard was remanded in custody to appear before Cloverhill District Court on April 15th at 10:00am.