Judge grants bail despite gardaí '100% objecting' to it for man who tried to rob two women in Cork

The suspect is alleged to have dragged one woman along the footpath while attempting to take her handbag, the court heard

The alleged offence occurred on March 14 on St. Patrick’s St in Cork City. Picture: Larry Cummins

Two middle-aged women returning to their hotel in Cork city in the early hours of the morning were victims of an attempted robbery, it was alleged in court on Thursday when there was an objection to bail being granted to an accused man.

“Gardaí believe the general public would be in grave danger if they came across him in a state of addiction,” Detective Sergeant Colin Greenway said at Cork District Court.

Michael Doody, aged 25, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, was charged with carrying out an attempted robbery at around 3am on March 14, 2026, as the two women, aged in their 50s, who were socialising in the city made their way back to their hotel.

CCTV of the alleged incident was examined by members of An Garda Síochána and Michael Doody was identified. He was arrested and brought before Cork District Court on Thursday. 

Sgt John Kelleher said: “Gardaí are 100% objecting to bail in this case.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail. Conditions include an independent surety of €2,500 of which €750 has to be lodged in cash, residing at St Vincent’s, staying out of Cork city centre, attending at Arbour House, signing daily at Anglesa Street garda station, no offending and no intoxicants. 

Michael Doody was remanded in custody for one week with consent to that bail, for DPP directions. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, represented the accused.

Det. Sgt Greenway outlined the allegations in the case: “This charge relates to an alleged offence which occurred on March 14 on St. Patrick’s St, Cork. It will be the State's case that Michael Doody committed an attempted robbery in the early hours of the morning at around 3am, during which a female was approached from behind by a lone male who attempted to violently pull her hand bag from her.

“The suspect male proceeded to drag the injured party to the ground while pulling at her handbag. The suspect then dragged the female victim along the footpath while attempting to take her handbag. Her friend assisted her and she was also knocked to the ground.

“The suspect then ceased in his attempts and fled the scene. A Garda investigation was commenced and a large amount of CCTV footage was harvested. The movements of the suspect were tracked leading up to the incident where he is captured clearly on CCTV.” 

Sergeant Greenway said that by Michael Doody’s own admission he was addicted to heroin and Benzodiazepine tablets. The defendant said he was in the process of getting on to a methadone programme.

As for being a danger to the public if granted bail, the defendant said: “I don’t think I am a danger to the public.”