Man knocked over elderly nun in robbery

A man who pleaded guilty to knocking over an elderly nun in the centre of Limerick City and snatching her handbag, has been remanded in custody for sentencing.

Joe Roche, 30, approached two elderly nuns, aged 75 and 78, as they walked along O’Connell Street around 10.40am on January 3 last.

Roche, of no fixed address, snatched a handbag from one of the nuns, causing her to “stagger backwards and almost fall over”’ according to Garda statements.

It was also claimed the nun sustained injuries to a number of her fingers during the terrifying robbery.

Roche was himself the victim of a serious assault the night before, the court had previously heard.

During a previous bail hearing, Garda Denis Counihan said Roche fled on foot and was located shortly afterward in a laneway off Davis Street. The court heard he emerged from the laneway with his hands up and made admissions when confronted by gardaí.

A mobile phone which was in the nun’s handbag was recovered but the handbag and remaining contents were never found.

Solicitor John Herbert said his client, who is a heroin addict, was assaulted the previous night over a debt he owed.

Judge Tom O’Donnell remanded Roche in continuing custody to appear before the Circuit Court for sentencing on September 29.