GAMBLING ADDICTION |
Armandez Zykas (25) managed to remove a cash box containing €20,000 before being apprehended.
Armandez Zykas (25), with an address in Tallaght, Co. Dublin.
A Dublin man who attempted to steal €20,000 from a gaming machine in Bray after losing heavily on virtual roulette has been sentenced to community service
Armandez Zykas (25), with an address in Tallaght, Co. Dublin, appeared at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to one count of theft. Mr Zykas was also charged with possession of an article (a crowbar) and a further charge, both of which were taken into consideration.
The court heard that on November 18, 2024, Mr Zykas was at Bray amusements playing virtual roulette, where he lost a large sum of money. Mr. Zykas left and returned in disguise. He then tried to open a gaming machine with a crowbar. MrZykas was noticed by a member of staff, who pressed an alarm and closed the door behind him.
Armandez Zykas (25), with an address in Tallaght, Co. Dublin.
News in 90 Seconds – Thursday, November 13
Counsel for the prosecution, James Kelly BL, told the court that Mr Zykas was trapped but managed to remove a cash box containing €20,000 before being apprehended.
Justin McQuade BL, counsel for the defence, told the court that his client was intoxicated at the time and suffered from a gambling addiction. The court heard that Zykas has no previous convictions.
It was also noted that Mr Zykas has engaged with the Probation Service and that a positive report was available. The only concern raised in the report was that he poses a moderate risk of reoffending due to his gambling issues.
The court heard that Mr Zykas is a promising boxer who had previously worked in construction in London.
Mr McQuade told the court that “it is predatory that you can gamble away until 4 am, in the early hours of the morning”.
Judge Patrick Quinn sentenced Mr Zykas to 180 hours of community service in lieu of 18 months in prison, which will be imposed if he fails to complete the community service.
Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme.