A chronic drug addict has been given a ten year sentence with 18 months suspended for a robbery and two attempted robberies earlier this year.

Thomas McGuinness (34), who has 127 previous convictions, began using heroin as a teenager with a group of friends most of whom are now dead. The court heard he was trying to fund his drug habit when he targeted a car stopped at traffic lights and two local shops where he was recognised.

McGuinness, of Harelawn Drive, Clondalkin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Courtto robbery at Lloyds pharmacy,

Clondalkin on January 21 and attempted robbery at Hardwicke Place on January 22, 2014.

He also pleaded guilty to attempted robbery at Supervalue, Neilstown Road, Clondalkin on February 10, 2014. He was on bail for the earlier two offences at this time.

Judge Mary Ellen Ring noted that no one was injured during the offences, although victims had been distressed and frightened.

She said McGuinness was making tentative steps towards rehabilitation but she could not overlook the fact he had received partially suspended sentences from the circuit court in the past.

She imposed consecutive sentences totalling ten years and suspended the final 18 months.

Dean Kelly BL, defending, said McGuinness’s personal circumstances were "profoundly pitiful." He began using heroin at the age of 14 years old without using softer drugs first and that was the background to him coming before the courts. He later began using crack cocaine.

McGuinness had been granted bail last August to attend a drug treatment centre but decided he was not able for it yet. He had attempted to return to Mountjoy but the Prison Service was unable to take him back as they had no warrant to hold him.

He contacted his solicitor who was able to make arrangements to have his bail revoked.

Mr Kelly said McGuinness had engaged with the addiction services in custody and was on a methadone program. He said McGuinness had a great degree of genuine desire to change.

He said McGuinness’s family and fiancé continue to be supportive of him.

Garda Colm O'Sullivan told John Quirke BL, prosecuting, that on 21 January McGuinness robbed €168 from Lloyds pharmacy while armed with a screwdriver. Garda were alerted after a staff member pressed a panic button.

McGuinness got away but he was identified on CCTV as he had not tried to conceal his identity.

The following day a woman was stopped in her car at traffic lights at Hardwicke Place behind her boyfriend’s car. McGuinness attempted to get into her car but on finding it locked went on to the man’s car and got into the passenger seat.

McGuinness told the man he was going to rob him. The man got out of the car with his car keys and began to ring gardaí.

McGuinness approached him and the man was initially concerned he had a weapon but later felt he didn't and tackled him while assisted by others.

McGuinness was charged with these two offences and admitted to bail.

Garda Linda Ryan said that in February McGuinness, armed with Stanley blades, entered his local Supervalu on the Neilstown Road, pushed a customer out of the way and grabbed at the till. A security guard tackled him to the ground. He was recognised by a staff member.

Gda Ryan agreed with Dean Kelly BL, defending, that McGuinness had not tried to hurt anyone with the blades.