Ciaran Joseph Crilly (31), a North Belfast resident from Cliftonville Avenue, has been handed a 16-month custodial sentence following a robbery at a local convenience store last year. Crilly previously pleaded guilty to charges of robbery and possessing a Class C drug at Belfast Crown Court.
Details presented to the court heard that on the evening of July 21, 2024, at approximately 6.20 pm, Crilly approached a female member of staff who was serving customers. Holding a black imitation firearm (later identified as a BB gun) at waist height, he instructed the staff to place money from the tills into a black bag he was carrying. He was dressed entirely in black, with a zipped-up hood covering his head. Crilly then moved behind the counter, taking handfuls of cash and instructing staff to pass him cigarettes.
The court confirmed that the defendant stole £665 in cash and approximately 25–30 packets of Mayfair cigarettes, valued at £324.65. None of the stolen goods were recovered.
Following a review of CCTV footage from the shop, the surrounding area, and a nearby Simon Community hostel, police identified and arrested Crilly two days later on July 23, 2024. He made full admissions to the robbery, stating he had taken a diazepam tablet beforehand, and apologized to the staff members involved.
Victim impact statements read to the court highlighted the severe effect the robbery had on the two shop workers, who reported feeling scared and apprehensive while at work following the incident. While acknowledging the seriousness of the crime, the defence barrister noted that Crilly had expressed genuine remorse for his actions. A psychologist also assessed Crilly as generally a “kindly person” who was “definitely not acting in character” at the time of the offence.
In imposing a total sentence of 40 months, Judge Gordon Kerr KC structured the sentence to prioritize long-term support. Crilly will serve 16 months in prison, followed by 24 months on licence under the supervision of the Probation Board. Judge Kerr stressed the importance of the extended licence period, noting: “The longer the period of licence the better for all concerned, including both society and this defendant.” The judge strongly recommended that Crilly accept all offered supervision and support to help him put the offending behind him.