Cork man held in relation to robbery of woman, 81

A man has been remanded in custody in relation to an 81-year-old woman, walking along Winthrop Street in Cork City centre, being the victim of a robbery.

At Cork District Court yesterday, Detective Garda Ian Coughlan said gardaí were opposed to bail being granted to Stephen O’Sullivan, 23.

He stated the accused was already in breach of recent bail requiring him to live with his mother at 53, Reendowney Place, Ballyphehane, Cork; abide by a night curfew; abstain from all intoxicants; and sign at a Garda station three times a week.

Inspector John Deasy said due to the seriousness of the alleged robbery and the gross intoxication of the accused, when arrested on Wednesday, gardaí were concerned.

Det Garda Coughlan said O’Sullivan had been charged two weeks ago with carrying out the robbery at Winthrop Street. It occurred on May 21 last year.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said the accused was off heroin and on a methadone treatment programme at present.

The officer said O’Sullivan was so intoxicated midweek an ambulance had to be called to treat him.

O’Sullivan accepted he had been drinking to excess but said he was off heroin and hoping to take up a place on a residential treatment programme, after a long wait.

“I am sick of taking drugs, I am sick of drinking, I just want to get on with my life,” he said, adding that he would abide by bail conditions 100%.

However, Insp Deasy told the accused: “I don’t accept you understand the gravity of the offence before the court. You are charged with robbery of an 81-year-old female. That is what is behind all of this.”

Judge Aingil Ní Chondúin said she was not impressed with the defendant and told him he had his mother’s heart broken.

She remanded him in custody until Wednesday.