Cork man admits attempted robbery of off-duty prison officer

Defendant pushed the injured party against a wall and forcibly searched his pockets, taking his phone, court told

Court heard the injured party hoped telling the assailant he was a prison officer would deter him from his actions, but unfortunately it did not have any deterrent effect. Picture: Larry Cummins

An off-duty prison officer was set upon in a late night incident in Cork city centre, and now a 51-year-old man has confessed to attempted robbery and will be sentenced on February 5.

Sergeant Aisling Murphy said the 28-year-old prison officer knew the assailant Jeremiah (Jerry) Foley, although solicitor Eddie Burke said Mr Foley did not know the injured party and did not know he was a prison officer. 

Mr Burke said that irrespective of that, Mr Foley acknowledged he should not have behaved in the manner in which he did.

The incident occurred at 1.20am on August 31, 2025, where the injured party was pushed against a wall, and the defendant forcibly searched his pockets and put him in fear.

Mr Burke said: “He pleaded guilty and apologises. He had no idea who this man was. He should not have behaved in this manner, no matter who he was.

“Alcohol has been a scourge in his life. He never coped with the grief of the loss of a child in an accident. He is not proud of his past. He has on occasions tried to sort out his difficulties with alcohol, but possibly slips due to homelessness.” 

Judge John King said he would remand the accused in continuing custody until February 5 for a pre-sentencing probation report on Mr Foley, with an address at 12 Castlepark, Ballincollig, Co Cork, on the charge of attempted robbery on August 31, 2025, on Tobin Street, Cork.

Sgt Murphy said the accused had numerous previous convictions, including six for robbery, two for burglary and 48 for theft.

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

It was alleged 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 Moriarty said.