Two friends who decided to rob a petrol station with an imitation gun found in a field were so drunk that one of the men covered his face with his hands as a disguise.

After they were arrested they were unfit for Garda questioning for six hours on doctor’s orders.

Vincent Kirwan (38) of Millwood Villas, Raheny, Dublin and Mark Shortt (42), of Woodbine Road, Raheny both pleaded guilty to robbery at the Topaz garage, Donaghmede Shopping Centre, Dublin on June 23, 2013.

At Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today Judge Martin Nolan suspended sentences of four years on Drubboth men. He said that both have a record of alcoholism and that they deserve a chance as this was a one-off serious offence.

The two men escaped with €100 in cash from the robbery that took place just after 7am.

An undisguised Shortt approached the counter while Kirwan stood behind him with his hands over his face.

Shortt told the cashier: “I’m here to rob you, give me all the cash,” before pulling out the air pistol that he had found.

Garda Ronan Murphy gave evidence that they made off towards the nearby McDonald’s while the cashier pressed the panic alarm. Gardaí spotted them on nearby Kilfenore Drive and arrested them.

Shortt had no previous convictions while Kirwan has some convictions for public order offences.

Handing down his sentence Judge Nolan said: “The production of a replica firearm is a serious offence.

“People can do very strange things when confronted by guns. Guards sometimes have to draw firearms and serious consequences can happen.”

He ordered that the pair keep the peace for four years.