Man accused of robbery at Cork credit union described as 'serious threat' to public

Garda Conor Cronin objected to bail being granted to 38-year-old Richard Horgan of Haig Gardens, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, because of the seriousness of the alleged crimes

A man accused of carrying out a robbery at a credit union while armed with a knife, and two other attempted robberies, was described by an investigating garda as “a serious threat to members of the public in Cork city area.” 

Garda Conor Cronin objected to bail being granted to 38-year-old Richard Horgan of Haig Gardens, Boreenmanna Road, Cork, because of the seriousness of the alleged crimes.

“At 9.44am on January 5, 2024, a man wearing a grey jacket, black tracksuit pants and white Nike runners with a red swoosh, entered First South Credit Union on Ballinlough Road, with his face covered. He produced a knife to a member of staff and handed her a plastic bag. He demanded money from the staff member who filled the bag with €500. He left the area through a housing estate,” Garda Cronin said.

It was alleged that some matching clothing was recovered from the defendant’s home.

“On January 9, at 8.17am, a man with his face covered produced a knife and demanded money from a member of staff behind the till at Spar on Douglas Street,” Garda Cronin said.

He said in respect of the third charge that gardaí identified Richard Horgan as the man allegedly going into The Beergarden off-licence and running from the scene when a staff member began to scream. It was alleged that the man was carrying a knife during this incident shortly after 10am on January 9.

Garda Cronin said: “Richard Horgan has experienced considerable personal loss in the last number of years and told investigating gardaí that he doesn’t care about anything … Gardaí view him as a serious threat to members of the public in Cork city area.” 

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, objected to certain evidence being given unless gardaí with direct knowledge of the allegations were present in court.

Mr Horgan is charged with robbery of €500 from the First South Credit Union on Ballinlough Road on January 5, robbery of one pouch of tobacco at Spar on Douglas Street four days later on January 9, and attempted robbery at The Beergarden, Evergreen Road, Turner’s Cross, Cork, also on January 9.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused in custody until January 31 with consent to bail on conditions. They include his own bond of €400 with a €100 cash lodgement, a €1,000 independent surety with half of it lodged in court, a requirement to sign twice a day at Anglesea Street garda station, keep a curfew between 11pm and 7am, and to abstain from all intoxicants.