A recession-hit builder who turned to armed robber

A recession-hit builder who turned to armed robbery to solve his
‘desperate’ financial situation has been jailed for six years.

Father-of-two Patrick Cronin, 37, built up a successful firm
during the late 1980s but like many others ended up in the dole queue
after work dried up.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Judge Nicholas Medawar, QC, accepted
that Cronin – a married man who had been out of trouble for nine years
– was ‘not a first division robber.

‘
Cronin, of Sefton Avenue, Harrow Weald, Harrow, pleaded guilty to
robbery and possession of a Spanish double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun.

Jailing him for six years Judge Medawar told him: ‘You no doubt
terrified staff and others present in those premises.

You appreciate
these are serious matters and they must be dealt with seriously.

‘
Cronin’s wife sobbed in the public gallery and was comforted by a
friend as he was led away to begin the stretch.

The court heard that the National Westminster Bank in George
Lane, South Woodford, became the target of Cronin and his mystery
accomplice during the afternoon of March 23 this year.

The pair were both armed and disguised as they strolled up to the
counter and demanded money from the frightened cashier.

Customers froze in terror as the bandits made off with just a
pnds stlg 50 note between them, said Mr Mohammed Khamija, (correct)
prosecuting.

Although they made a swift getaway in a false registration-plated
Ford Sierra, the same vehicle was stopped by police after a short
chase in Chingford.

By that stage Cronin was at the driver’s wheel but his unknown
partner – who has never faced justice – had disappeared.

On the back-seat of the Sierra cops found the ‘tools of the trade
for armed robbery’ including the sawn-off shotgun, two cartridges,
sunglasses, and hats.

Cronin had little to say in police interviews but when he was
asked if he had problems with unemployment he replied: ‘That had a lot
to do with it.

‘
Mr Paul Spencer, defending, described how Cronin ‘became unemployed
due to the recession.

He was very successful up until five or six
months before the commission of this offence.

‘
Counsel said that while he was on the dole he began to drink
heavily and ignore his family.

‘He took out his frustrations on his wife.

He found himself in a
desperate situation.

‘
Mr Spencer told the court that Cronin hopes to rejoin his family
when he has served his sentence.

ENDS