Seven face new charge over home break-in

New charges, including false imprisonment and possession of firearms, have been filed against seven men accused of “terrorising” a family during an aggravated burglary last year.

The men were in court yesterday in Cashel in relation to the original charge of aggravated burglary at the home of Mark and Emma Corcoran and their three daughters at Burnchurch, Killenaule, Co Tipperary, on November 21 last year.

The court heard each of the accused, who are from Dublin, have also been charged with false imprisonment of Mr Corcoran during the incident; possession of a shotgun and a handgun for the purposes of committing a crime; stealing a Subaru car in Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny; and stealing the family’s Kia Sorrento car.

All were in custody last night after those who had been granted bail last year were refused bail in relation to the new charges.

Those charged are John Joyce, aged 19, of 1 Lentisk Lawn, The Donaghies, Donaghmede, Dublin; Patrick Joyce, aged 21, of 33 Beaumont Hall, Beaumont Woods, Dublin 9; Michael McDonagh, aged 22, of 5 Tara Lawns, Belcamp Lane, Coolock, Dublin 17; Thomas Flynn, aged 19, of 27 Moatview Avenue, Coolock, Dublin 17; Donal O’Hara, aged 21, of 29 Glin Park, Coolock, Dublin 17; Dean Byrne, aged 21, of Flat 1, 27 Cabra Park, Dublin 7; and Patrick Gately, aged 26, Primrose Grove, Darndale, Dublin 17.

Det Sgt James White gave evidence in court yesterday of putting the new charges to the accused. Only Mr Byrne made any reply, saying: “Youse are trying to stitch me up” when the firearm charge was put to him.

Det White also gave evidence of the allegations regarding the night of the crime.

He said a gang of seven men left Dublin to carry out an aggravated burglary and arrived by convoy at the Corcorans’ home. “They proceeded to terrorise the family,” he said.

Mr Corcoran was assaulted and suffered a broken nose and fractured eye socket, while the gang made threats before leaving with some money and jewellery. They were later arrested by gardaí in two vehicles.

A 999 call was made from the house during the burglary and in a recording of it, Det White said, the “terrorised screams” of the children could be heard.

Chief Supt Catherine Kehoe told the court she had “grave concerns in relation to the potential intimidation with witnesses and the injured parties in this case” if bail was granted.