Cork couple's alleged attackers remanded

Two men accused of falsely imprisoning a Cork couple in their own home while armed with a Colt 45 revolver were brought before Cork District Court today.

Judge Uinsin MacGruairc remanded the two men in custody for a week, on the application of Inspector Con Cadogan.

So far there has been no application for bail.

Detective Garda John McDonagh charged Edward Gaffey (aged 33) from 22 Clontygora Court, Dundalk, Co Louth, with two counts of false imprisonment. Gaffey is charged with falsely imprisoning Gary and Katie O’Donovan at their home at 7 Dewberry, Mount Oval Village, Rochestown, Cork.

Gaffey, who wore a tracksuit pants, jacket and white trainers in court today, is also charged with being in possession of a Colt 45 revolver with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely false imprisonment on the same dates, May 2 and 3.

Finally, he is charged with having six rounds of .45 caliber ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Garda Joseph Young charged Gerard Clarke (aged 35) of 2 St John’s Terrace, Upper John Street, Cork, with the same four offences.

Clarke appeared in court in blue jeans, white trainers and a check shirt. As was the case with his co-accused, he was not required to speak during the brief hearing.

Solicitors, Catherine Kirwan and Tom Coughlan, have not applied for bail for their clients but are free to apply at a later stage.

Inspector Cadogan told Judge MacGruairc that further instructions in the case were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.