Man arrested after armed stand-off with gardaí in court over Dublin robberies

Leon Wright (36), of Applewood Gardens, Swords, was arrested in Ballymun on Sunday

Leon Wright (36), of Applewood Gardens, Swords, was arrested following an investigation into a crime spree allegedly targeting shops and a pharmacy in north Dublin over three days. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Leon Wright (36), of Applewood Gardens, Swords, was arrested following an investigation into a crime spree allegedly targeting shops and a pharmacy in north Dublin over three days. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

A man charged with knife possession following an alleged spate of shop raids and a stand-off with gardai in Ballymun in Dublin on Sunday has been remanded in custody.

Leon Wright (36), of Applewood Gardens, Swords, was arrested following an investigation into a crime spree allegedly targeting shops and a pharmacy in north Dublin over three days.

Mr Wright is accused of unlawfully possessing a knife with a 19cm blade at Sandyhill Gardens, Ballymun.

He also faces five counts of robbery.

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He allegedly took cigarettes to the value of €100 at Spar on Marewood Crescent in Ballymun and €150 cash from Dealz, The Hamptons, Santry Cross, Dublin 11, on Sunday.

It is alleged that he raided two premises on Saturday - Hickeys Pharmacy, Meakstown Finglas Dublin 11, where €694.31 was reportedly taken, and Coolers Off Licence at Applewood Village Swords, where €200 was stolen.

Mr Wright was also charged with robbing the same off-licence on Friday and taking €160 on that occasion.

Dressed in black, the accused remained silent when brought before Judge Áine Clancy at Dublin District Court on Tuesday.

Detective Garda Fergus Burke, who intends to object to bail, said the accused “made no reply” when charged.

The detective handed over a document with his grounds for opposing bail to defence solicitor Jenny McGeever, who responded that there was no bail application at this stage.

Judge Clancy remanded Mr Wright in custody to appear again on February 16th. Legal aid was granted to Mr Wright, who did not address the proceedings.