Jail for vape shop robber who held knife to employee's neck

A Waterford man has been given a custodial sentence of three years and six months for robbing a local vape shop.

Wayne Kenny, whose last address given was Closegate Apartments, was sentenced at Waterford Circuit Court by Judge Eugene O'Kelly. 

The court heard how Kenny entered the Smoke City premises in the early hours of April 1, 2024, and threatened a member of staff with a knife. 

Kenny (39) held a knife to the neck of the employee, leaving a small cut on his neck. He went on to take €500 from the till and left the shop on foot. 

Gardaí were able to identify Kenny through CCTV footage, both inside the shop and from the surrounding area. 

The footage revealed Kenny placing an implement to the man's person. 

He was detained by Gardaí on April 10 after a search warrant was carried out on his home. Gardaí did not find anything "of evidentiary value" but did find scraps of burnt tinfoil.

Victim's despair

The victim impact statement was read out in court, detailing how the crime greatly impacted the employee. 

The victim began his statement: "I hope this letter finds you well" and went on to describe the anxiety, stress and despair he suffered in the aftermath of the attack. 

He described nearly succumbing to suicidal thoughts and getting help through psychiatric support. 

He wrote: "I've been struggling to find the strength to get through each day."

The court heard that Kenny has 54 previous convictions, 29 of them for theft and three for burglary. Defence counsel Gareth Hayden BL informed the court that his client had long-standing issues with addiction. 

Judge O'Kelly said that the crime "though clearly not thought through, was premeditated".

Kenny was given a headline sentence of six years and six months, reduced to four years and six months in mitigation due to Kenny's apology to the victim and sobriety in custody. 

Judge O'Kelly suspended the final 12 months of the sentence. Kenny will be under supervision for 12 months post release.