Cork man accused of robbing phone from off-duty prison officer denied bail

Accused complained of being assaulted in Cork Prison and being afraid to go back there

The injured party hoped that telling the assailant that he was a prison officer would deter him from robbing him but it did not have any effect.

A man accused of robbery of a prison officer in Cork city centre was refused bail.

Detective Garda Orla Moriarty testified at Cork District Court that the injured party hoped that telling the assailant that he was a prison officer would deter him from his actions but unfortunately it did not have any effect.

Jeremiah Foley, aged 50, with an address at 12 Castlepark, Ballincollig, Co Cork, was charged with carrying out the robbery on August 31 at Tobin St, Cork.

It was alleged that at 1.20am on that date the injured party was grabbed and forced against a wall where the assailant went through his pockets and forcibly searched him. His phone was taken, Det Garda Moriarty said.

CCTV was downloaded and the prison officer was able to identify Mr Foley, Judge Mary Dorgan was told.

“He was looking for the injured party’s phone and wallet. He (the injured party) told him he was an off-duty prison officer hoping this would deter him but it did not have the desired effect,” Det Garda Moriary said.

Eddie Burke solicitor called the defendant to give evidence in his bail application and he complained of being assaulted in Cork Prison and being afraid to go back there.

“I got three ribs broken and a perforated eardrum. I was starved for four days. I got nothing. It is a fact. I am afraid I will get more broken ribs.

“I don’t go around stealing people’s phones,” he said.

Judge Dorgan remanded him in custody until October 29 and did not accede to his request that she would direct that he be taken to a Dublin Prison.

Judge Dorgan said: “I have no control over the prison services. He has made an allegation — I don’t know if it is false or correct.”