Burglar who choked and threatened mother holding baby in Cork home jailed

Judge noted accused caught the young mother from behind late at night and threatened her over access to her car with the words: 'Give us the keys — you have 10 seconds or we will hurt you'

Judge imposed a sentence of six years on the 25-year-old and suspended the last year of the sentence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court. His co-accused was sentenced to four and a half years with the last 18 months suspended. Picture: Larry Cummins

A five-year jail term has been imposed on a burglar who assaulted and threatened a mother-of-four when she was holding her one-year-old baby in her own home.

Judge Helen Boyle noted Shane Purcell, of no fixed address, caught the young mother from behind late at night and threatened her over access to her car with the words: “Give us the keys — you have 10 seconds or we will hurt you.”