Cork man charged with twice burgling home of 90-year-old woman remanded in custody

Accused did odd jobs for woman and allegedly burgled her home in July 2024, and in December 2024, when he allegedly pulled off her bedclothes as she slept and shouted at her, asking where her purse was, court told

Accused was unable to meet conditions of High Court bail and was remanded in custody until April 10. Picture: Larry Cummins 

A 38-year-old man who got High Court bail has not been able to meet the conditions and will remain in custody on a charge of burgling the home of a 90-year-old Cork woman, who was terrified by an intruder pulling off bedclothes as she lay in bed.

Thomas Murray, of 186 Rathpeacon Road, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court by video link from prison.

His solicitor, Frank Buttimer, said: “He is in custody with consent to bail but he cannot raise the bail. This matter is going back to late December. I am asking for directions to be given by the DPP on the next occasion or a report on meaningful progress.” 

Judge Miriam Walsh remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail until April 10.

Detective Garda Brian Murphy objected previously to bail being granted to the accused, who was arrested and charged with burgling the elderly woman’s home on two occasions.

The detective said during last summer, Mr Murray had done some lawnmowing and odd jobs at the home of the 90-year-old woman, and allegedly burgled her home in July 2024 and again on December 27, 2024.

Det Garda Murphy said the intruder entered the woman’s home at Closes Road, Farranree, Cork, on December 27 when she was asleep in her bed and shook her violently and shouted at her, asking where her purse was.

“He gained entry by smashing a rear kitchen window. This male then proceeded to pull the pillows from under her and stripped the duvet off the bed.

“When the injured party attempted to call 999, the male grabbed the phone line from her and cut the phone line, preventing her from making the call.

“He searched the bedroom drawers for money before leaving via a back door. Gardaí from the serious investigations units initiated an investigation. The homeowner made a detailed statement, saying the man who carried out this burglary was the man who had completed jobs for her during the summer of 2024.

As well as the alleged burglary on December 27, there was a charge brought against him related to another burglary at the same house on July 31, when it is alleged he pushed her aside at her front door and stole €3,000 in cash.