Court hears man 'threatened to cut Cork barman open with a knife'

The court heard that 'the suspect admitted stealing a bucket-load of coin approximately put at €400.'

32-year-old John O’Mahony of 120 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, faces charges of entering The Welcome Inn on Parnell Place as a trespasser on March 16 to commit a theft and possession of a knife. File picture: Jim Coughlan

A court in Cork has heard allegations from a barman that when he was opening a city centre pub at 7am in the morning he observed signs of a break-in at the premises and he was then approached by a young man who threatened to cut him open.

These were the allegations made against a man appearing before Cork District Court on Wednesday where Judge Mary Dorgan said she was refusing to accept jurisdiction for the case. 

It will now proceed to the preparation of a book of evidence and be sent forward to Cork Circuit Criminal Court for hearing.

32-year-old John O’Mahony of 120 Ardcullen, Hollyhill, Cork, faces charges of entering The Welcome Inn on Parnell Place as a trespasser on March 16 to commit a theft and possession of a knife. He was charged by Sergeant Maurice O’Connor.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said: “At approximately 7am, a member of staff was preparing for opening of Welcome Inn. As he did, he noticed damage had been caused to a door at the premises and a gate opened. He contacted his boss to inform him of what he had discovered.

“While there, the staff member observed a man walk towards the premises, approach the gates and deliver two kicks to them in order to gain entry.

“The staff member apprehended this man and a struggle ensued. 

It is alleged that the man stated he was in possession of a knife and threatened to cut the staff member open.

“During the struggle a Swiss army-style knife fell from his clothing. The suspect admitted stealing a bucket-load of coin approximately put at €400.” 

Judge Dorgan repeated one particular allegation: “He threatened to cut a staff member open and a knife fell from him.” On noting that, the judge said: “I am not accepting jurisdiction."

Frank Buttimer, defence solicitor, said: “I think we are going to need a book of evidence.” Judge Dorgan adjourned the case to September 24 and remanded the accused on continuing bail.