Pensioner may have been victim of ‘grudge’

THE 74-year-old whose remains were found in his home, with his hands and legs tied, may have been the victim of a robber or someone who bore a grudge against him.

Those are some of the motives gardaí are examining in connection with the murder of Christy “Gussy” Hornibrook, whose body was found at his dilapidated terraced house in a Cork suburb. The bachelor’s body was discovered by a relative who called to the house at Templeacre Avenue, Gurranabraher at around 12.30pm last Tuesday.

Gardaí are anxious to speak to anybody in the area who may have discovered gloves, a balaclava or any other discarded clothing.

Garda search teams yesterday continued to search for such items.

Supt Con Cadogan, who is leading the investigation, said it was possible more than one person could have been involved in the attack on the frail pensioner. In addition, gardaí are looking at the possibility somebody may have bore a grudge against him. They are anxious to hear from anybody who saw somebody speaking to Mr Hornibrook.

“We would be very interested in talking to anybody who might have seen Mr Hornibrook engaging with anyone. That would have been unusual because he was a very quiet, introverted and vulnerable person,” said Supt Cadogan.

Gardaí widened their house-to-house inquiries yesterday. Detectives and gardaí called to homes in Baker’s Road, Colmcille Road and parts of Cathedral Road.

Supt Cadogan said Mr Hornibrook often walked in “a ring” around his home. While he was last seen walking into his Templeacre home at approximately 9.30pm last Monday, gardaí have not ruled out the possibility that he may have gone out after that.

When last seen Mr Hornibrook was wearing a three-quarter length coat and a cap. He was described as being around 5ft 6in tall, frail and having a pale face.

Supt Cadogan declined to comment on Mr Hornibrook’s cause of death, as he said it could prejudice aspects of the case. He also declined to comment on reports the pensioner’s hands were tied behind his back.

Up to 60 gardaí are now working on the case. Members of the Garda National Technical Bureau are also involved. They continued to comb Mr Hornibrook’s house for forensic clues yesterday and are likely to continue their work today.

A special incident room has been set up at Gurranabraher Garda Station. Anybody with information is asked to contact 021-4946209.