Cork woman, 90, who woke to burglar shouting for her purse to give victim impact statement

The man had burgled her home twice last year

39-year-old Thomas Murray has been remanded in custody for sentencing. File picture: Larry Cummins

A victim impact statement is to be prepared by a 90-year-old Cork woman who was terrified by an intruder pulling off bedclothes as she lay in bed at three o’clock in the morning.

On Friday, the culprit was remanded in custody for sentencing. 39-year-old Thomas Murray of 186 Rathpeacon Road, Cork, affirmed his plea of guilty today at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Prosecution barrister Katherine McGillicuddy said that a victim impact statement would be required in advance of sentencing. Defence senior counsel Donal O’Sullivan said that the accused had significant addiction difficulties and asked for a probation report to be prepared.

Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing at the end of October and remanded the defendant in custody until then.

Detective Garda Brian Murphy objected previously to bail being granted to the 39-year-old who was charged with burgling the elderly woman’s home on two occasions – once at 3am on December 27, 2024.

The detective said that 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 that he 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 unit initiated an investigation. The homeowner made a detailed statement saying that 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.