Cork man put community 'in fear' after he burgled and trashed houses of relatives

Accused caused a large amount of damage to one houses, court told. Picture Dan Linehan

Relatives of a 46-year-old man and members of the wider community at Graball Bay in Crosshaven fear for their safety and are concerned about the risk from him, it was claimed in court, where he was charged with carrying out two burglaries in the area.

Garda Stephen Cleary arrested 46-year-old Eoin Twomey, of 23 Calderwood Court, Donnybrook, Douglas, on counts of burglary at two houses in Graball Bay on March 11 and March 12.

Garda Cleary objected to bail being granted to him at Cork District Court on Friday.

The accused man said he was related to owners of the two houses and wanted to buy one of them. He said he would commit no offences if given bail.

However, Garda Cleary said these relatives were concerned but there was a wider concern in the Graball Bay area: “The wider community in Graball are living in fear, they are quite concerned.” 

Eoin Twomey told his solicitor Shane Collins-Daly he would abide by any conditions of bail, including staying off alcohol.

However, Judge Mary Dorgan said: “I have listened carefully to this troubling matter. He is of the view that he could buy one of the properties. I am refusing to grant him bail.” 

The judge remanded him in custody until March 19.

In respect of one burglary charge, the defendant replied after caution: “I took a phone charger and some food from the fridge.

In another house, Garda Cleary said: “When gardaí examined the scene, it was discovered that a large quantity of damage had been caused to the interior. Vases were smashed, furniture overturned, pictures torn off walls. Mr Twomey was the only occupant of the address and had been observed entering the property the previous evening.

“A complaint is forthcoming from the owners of the property. A complaint is also forthcoming from [the owner of the other house in the area] to the effect that Eoin Twomey entered the property and stole a phone charger and food.

“If given bail, it is my belief that Eoin Twomey will go on to commit further serious offences.” 

In his evidence, Eoin Twomey said: “I offered her 100 grand to buy her share of the house. I was drinking and I was out of control. I broke some glass, knocked over a TV stand, and took some paintings off the walls. I am extremely sorry about it but I would pay her a 100 grand for the house.” 

Mr Collins-Daly said during the bail application by Eoin Twomey that: “He has difficulties with alcohol and mental health difficulties.”