Gardaí charge Corkman with murder of 68-year-old pensioner

Aaron Wolfe has been remanded in custody until September 27

The young man was charged with the murder of Florence (Florrie) O’Sullivan (pictured) six months ago. 

A murder charge was brought on Wednesday against a 29-year-old man accused of murdering a 68-year-old man at The Glen in Cork last March.

Detective Garda Caitriona Molloy arrested Aaron Wolfe and brought him before Cork District Court.

The man was charged with the murder of Florence (Florrie) O’Sullivan six months ago. He made no reply to the charge after caution, the detective said.

The charge states that “On March 11 2023 at 15 Glentrasna Court, The Glen, Cork, in the district court area of Cork City, District Number 19, he did murder one Florence O’Sullivan, contrary to Common Law.” 

On the application of Sergeant Pat Lyons, the accused man was remanded in custody for one week by Judge Olann Kelleher. There is no provision for the possibility of bail being granted at district court level on a murder charge.

Judge Kelleher remanded him in custody until September 27, to appear by video link from prison on that date. The accused, who wore a black Manchester United tracksuit, was not required to speak during the brief hearing. 

After Frank Buttimer solicitor, who represents him on free legal aid, dealt with matters, the defendant gave his solicitor a brief thumbs up gesture before being taken back into custody.

Aaron Wolfe was previously charged with assault causing harm to Mr O’Sullivan on March 11. Sergeant Pat Lyons said that now that the murder charge had been brought against Aaron Wolfe, the State was applying to have the assault charge withdrawn.

Sgt Lyons said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed that the case would proceed to the Central Criminal Court or by a signed plea at the district court for sentencing at the Central Criminal Court. Mr Buttimer said a signed plea would not arise and that a book of evidence would be required.

Case background

The background to the matter is that Florence O’Sullivan died at Cork University Hospital on April 6. He had been hospitalised after the alleged incident at Glentrasna Court, The Glen, Cork city, on March 11.

It was previously reported that following a number of calls to the emergency services the injured party was removed from the scene by ambulance and the accused was arrested at the scene of the incident a short time later. 

An incident room was set up at Watercourse Road garda station. A large volume of CCTV has been harvested, a number of witness statements taken and forensic evidence obtained. Following the death a post-mortem examination took place and confirmed the violent circumstances.

The late Mr O’Sullivan, who was originally from Adrigole, lived for many years in a flat in Cork city centre. More recently, he had been living in Carrigaline.