Lackagh raiders plead guilty

Date Published: 12-Nov-2009

Three Dublin men, who pleaded guilty before Galway Circuit Criminal Court yesterday to the foiled armed raid and hostage situation which unfolded at the home of Julien and Emma Flynn in Lackagh earlier this year, will be sentenced next March.

Thomas Freeman (54), of 29 Deansrath Grove, Clondalkin, Dublin 2, who remains in custody since the incident, pleaded guilty to six charges involving the possession of a shotgun with intent to commit a robbery at the Flynn home on Sunday night, February 15 last.

He also pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Julian Flynn, his wife Emma, along with two of their young children, Jonathan and Max. Freeman further pleaded guilty to robbing Emma Flynn of €3,200 cash during the same incident. 

His co-accused, Greg Kelly (22), of 63 Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun, Dublin, pleaded guilty to five charges including the false imprisonment of children Laura and Jonathan Flynn, and in-laws, Jim and Nicolette Carroll, and with the robbery of €3,200 cash from Emma Flynn on the same date.

The third man involved in the raid, Michael McCormack (32), of 2 Ballbrook Close, Tallaght, Dublin 24, pleaded guilty yesterday to six charges including the possession of a Zafar shotgun with intent to commit a robbery at the Flynn home and with the false imprisonment of Emma Flynn, Mary Murphy, Jonathan Flynn an Max Flynn, and the robbery of €3,200 cash from Emma Flynn.

Both Kelly and McCormack, who were granted bail at earlier court hearings, were further remanded on bail for sentencing to March 12 next.

Judge Raymond Groarke remanded Thomas Freeman in continuing custody to appear before the court on March 12 also for sentencing. The judge directed probation reports be prepared for the court on Kelly and McCormack prior to sentencing.