State v. McGehearty

In July 1976, a jury in the Superior Court found the defendant, Frank A. McGehearty, guilty of robbery and he appealed.

At about noon on January 17, 1976, defendant began drinking at the bar of a local hostelry. About 3 hours later, he departed, having by then, according to his testimony, consumed about 15 bottles of beer and a substantial amount of whiskey. There was also testimony that he continued his drinking at several neighborhood bars. Around 9 p.m. he entered a small convenience store in Providence, approached the cashier, thrust his right hand into his pocket, and demanded the money…