Man robbed woman’s purse while she prayed

A man has admitted robbing a 64-year-old woman while she prayed.

The woman was praying in St Francis Church, Cork, when Peter Mullins, of St Patrick’s Terrace, Pouladuff Rd, Cork, pushed her over and stole her purse.

Mullins admitted to the crime when he appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison yesterday.

Insp Michael McGuire said the DPP had decided the case it could be dealt with at Cork District Court but only on a plea of guilty.

Defence solicitor Donal Daly indicated that Mullins was pleading guilty to the two charges against him arising.

Insp McGuire outlined the background to the robbery which occurred on Jul 16 at St Francis Church, Liberty St, Cork.

He said the woman was praying in the church when a man engaged her in conversation.

“He threw a cigarette lighter on the floor and requested her to pick it up,” said Insp McGuire. “She reluctantly did so and as she was leaning down he pushed her and grabbed the purse from her bag.

“Gardaí were called and they arrested him [nearby]. He was in possession of a knife but he did not produce it at any stage during the incident. Effectively, he pushed her to the ground and robbed her bag.”

Mullins admitted the robbery of €40 cash from the woman and being in possession of a knife.