Accused pleads guilty in Cork kidnapping trial

A family kidnap trial took a sensational turn today when the man who had denied all charges against him had a change of heart and pleaded guilty to all counts.

Gerard Clarke (aged 38), of 2 St. John’s Terrace, Upper John Street, Cork, said he did not want to cause the O’Donovan family (from Rochestown, Cork) any more sorrow.

He stood before the jury who were about to hear evidence on the seventh day of the trial and admitted threatening to kill Gary O’Donovan, at his home in 7 Dewberry, Mount Oval Village, Rochestown, Cork, on May 2 and 3.

He admitted falsely imprisoning Mr O’Donovan and his wife, Katie, and he also confessed to being armed with a Colt .45 revolver and a stun gun at the time.

Only now can it be revealed for the first time that co-accused Edward Gaffey, 33, from 22 Clontygora Court, Dundalk, Co Louth, has pleaded guilty to the same five charges against him.

Gaffey entered his plea of guilty before Clarke’s trial began at the beginning of last week.

However, there was a legal prohibition on the publication of this information as it was feared that it could have influenced the jury who were hearing Clarke’s case.

Tom Creed, senior counsel, instructed by Clarke’s solicitor, Catherine Kirwan, effectively announced the end of Clarke’s trial at Cork Circuit Criminal Court today.

The prosecution were close to ending their case and it would have been a matter for the defence to decide if they wanted to call evidence.

Instead, Mr Creed SC had this to say: “My client has instructed me to inform your lordship that he has reflected long and hard on his position during the course of the trial, and more so between yesterday and today. He has instructed me that he wishes to be re-arraigned. He has caused enough sorroow to the O’Donovan family. He wishes to adopt a course of pleading guilty.”

Then for the first time, Clarke’s voice was heard in Courtroom One, as he replied five times in a strong Northern accent: “Guilty”.

Clarke and Gaffey will be held in custody until Tuesday when they will be sentenced.

Judge Patrick J. Moran thanked the jurors for listening to the evidence.

Referring to the evidence of the two victims, Mr and Mrs O’Donovan, he said: "It was not the nicest evidence in the world to listen to."