The Kebab House in Irvinestown
A MAN who is accused of robbing an Indian takeaway owner in at gunpoint was apprehended by three ‘brave’ men who disarmed him and held him down until police arrived.
The three men were commended for their bravery as the man accused of attempting to rob the takeaway restaurant in Irvinestown was remanded into custody.
In the early hours of Sunday morning it was alleged that 49-year-old Andrew Thomas Edward Carson entered The Kebab House on Main Street, Irvinestown, and pointed a gun at the owner’s face demanding money from the till.
The owner had initially thought it was a joke but soon realised it wasn’t and was forced to empty £500 in cash into a plastic bag.
Fermanagh Magistrates Court was told that as the would-be robber went to pick up the bag of cash the owner disarmed him and two customers who were in the takeaway restaurant restrained him.
Police were called to the scene and Carson, of Tedd Road, Irvinestown, was searched by officers. The court heard that they found a lock knife and screw driver in his pocket.
Carson was arrested and questioned at Enniskillen Police Station where he admitted to being at the premises and that he had used a gun and wore a balaclava.
A detective constable who outlined the details of the case said that Carson told officers he was looking for help and he wanted to get caught and arrested.
The constable said the type of gun used in the alleged robbery was a BB gun, however this has to be examined and confirmed.
The officer then outlined a number of objections to bail stating that the defendant could interfere with witnesses.
During the interview Carson told officers he didn’t want to rob them and that he wanted to scare the ‘bastards’. He also told the officers there were ‘too many foreigners’ in the country.
Carson, who has an extensive record, stated that he had a drinking problem and that he had financial worries.
He also told officers he was suicidal and that he wouldn’t make it to court because he was going to kill himself.
Defence solicitor Michelle McVeigh said that her client had not breached any previous bail conditions but that he did have significant mental health problems.
She said there was no evidence of him interfering with witnesses and that he lives quite far from where the alleged robbery took place.
Ms McVeigh said: “He has previously attended Blue Stack in Craigavon and is in the care of the hospital. He poses a real risk of self-harm.
“He did co-operate with police during the interview process.”
District Judge Nigel Broderick said the incident was serious because he used a balaclava and gun during the alleged robbery and threats were made.
He added: “The owner showed remarkable bravery when confronting you as did the customers who apprehended you.
“I will not grant you bail because of interference with witnesses and you have a severe mental health problems.”
He was remanded in custody and is to appear at Enniskillen court on December 23 to face charges including attempted robbery, possessing a fire arm, possessing a lock knife and possession of a screw driver.
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