Man threw petrol on pregnant woman

A pharmacy employee who is seven months’ pregnant had petrol thrown on her face by a man who then lit toilet paper which he threw in her direction, it was claimed yesterday.

Alan Foley, aged 33, of no fixed address, was refused bail yesterday after the arresting Garda, Mark Harrington, objected to bail on the basis of the seriousness of the allegations and fears about further offences in light of alleged threats made by Foley afterwards.

Foley was brought before Cork District Court on a charge of assault causing harm to the woman at the DocMorris pharmacy, Grand Parade, Cork, shortly before lunchtime on Thursday, Jan 10.

Foley’s reply after caution was: “She deserved it.”

Garda Harrington said it was alleged that the accused entered the pharmacy and approached a staff member. However, Foley then got into an argument with another man outside the counter and the woman behind the counter asked them to calm down.

“He then took out a plastic container and threw petrol in the injured party’s face. He began lighting toilet paper and throwing this at the injured party.

“The 35-year-old female is seven months’ pregnant,” he said.

There was no allegation made of the petrol being ignited. Garda Harrington said gardaí had a serious concern of the accused interfering with witnesses if granted bail.

It is alleged that he threatened afterwards that he would burn this pharmacy and any others “giving out syringes”.

Eddie Burke, solicitor, asked for the bail application to be adjourned so a psychiatric report could be prepared on the accused.

Judge Leo Malone acceded to that application and remanded Foley in custody. Inspector Michael McGuire asked for the first remand to be until Thursday, Jan 17, by video link to Cork prison.