Panic alarm activated at petrol station in Waterford city during attempted robbery
Judge Kevin Staunton decided to refuse bail and the accused has been taken into custody. He maintains his innocence.
An attempted robbery took place at a petrol station in Waterford city recently. Staff present at the time activated a panic alarm, prompting a masked man to flee the scene empty-handed. The man, who is accused of the crime, was later arrested and appeared before Waterford District Court on Tuesday.
Following advice from gardaí, the judge decided to refuse bail and the accused has been taken into custody. He maintains his innocence.
Detective Garda O'Riordan told Waterford District Court that at approximately 9pm on Sunday, June 7, 2026, a male entered Corrib Oil-Circle K on Military Road armed with a knife and demanding money. The male fled the scene after a panic alarm was activated by staff.
Gardaí obtained CCTV from the immediate area, which showed a masked man entering a nearby residence shortly after the incident.
Gardaí later arrived at the residence, finding a knife located in a fireplace along with traces of burnt clothing.
The knife found matched the description provided by staff at the petrol station, Det. Gda O'Riordan told the court.
The accused man, who is in his 30s, was subsequently arrested at the residence.
The accused man’s defence counsel, solicitor Hilary Delahunty, informed the court that the residence in question regularly has people coming and going.
Mr Delahunty said that the culprit seen in CCTV footage had his face concealed and that there was no direct evidence linking his client to the crime.
"The offence is serious, but evidence is slight," Mr Delahunty said.
Gardaí advised the court that bail be refused.
Judge Kevin Staunton said the offence was serious and that the concerns of gardaí were well-founded.
He decided to refuse bail and the man has been taken into custody.
He will reappear before Waterford District Court via video link later this month.
