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Oct 06 - Devil’s Gap Knife Robbers Jailed

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Two local men who robbed an elderly tourist as he walked up a path in the Upper Rock by threatening him with knives and a stick were this morning sentenced to lengthy prison terms at the Supreme Court.

Peter Macias, 29, was sent to prison for five years while his accomplice, Ryan Cattini, 21, was jailed for four years and three months.

Puisne Judge Adrian Jack heard how the pair had cornered a 67-year old tourist as he made his way up a lane leading to Devil’s Gap on the afternoon of the 4th September last year.

Cattini wore a hoody and Macias a balaclava as they brandished knives and a walking stick demanding that the victim hand over his money and possessions.

Feeling threatened, the tourist handed over a rucksack and wallet containing £760, two credit cards, an iPhone 4, and several personal items of sentimental value. He also gave them two gold signet rings he was wearing.

Macias and Cattini escaped down a gravel path and entered the scrub while the victim attempted to follow them. He told a group of workers at the top of Devil’s Gap Road that he had been robbed and they called the police.

Scene of crime officers conducted an extensive sweep of the Upper Rock and discovered both knives. Detectives later identified Cattini by analysing CCTV footage showing him selling the stolen iPhone to a shop in Irish Town. Further eyewitness information enabled the police to confirm the identity of the suspects and Macias and Cattini were both arrested on 12th September.

DNA samples from both defendants were collected and, two months later, as a result of forensic tests on a knife and a scarf recovered near the scene of the crime, they were charged with robbery.

Patrick Canessa, who appeared for the defendants, said that they had committed the robbery because of their “serious drug problems.” He said that they had expressed remorse and were committed to tackling their addiction.

In sentencing, Judge Jack said that Macias, who has a long list of previous convictions, was “showing signs of becoming more dangerous”. He said he was the ringleader of a pre-planned offence that had targeted a vulnerable, elderly man. He sentenced him to a total of five years behind bars.

Cattini received a shorter sentence of four years and three months.

Carl Ramagge appeared for the Crown. 



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