Cork man told Subway worker 'you are not Irish – go back to your own country' during robbery, court told

The court heard the alleged incident happened at the Subway restaurant on South Main Street, Cork. File picture: Gavin Browne

“You are not Irish – go back to your own country.” 

That was the racist abuse allegedly shouted at a member of staff at a Subway outlet in Cork City, and now the accused man has been remanded in custody until June 10 for a report on the progress of the investigation.

32-year-old Alan McCarthy of 50 Glencurrig Estate, South Douglas Road, Cork, appeared before Cork District on the single charge of robbery.

Solicitor Eddie Burke said: “It was unfortunately a situation which escalated at the counter rather than being planned before he went in.” 

Mr Burke stressed that the accused man did not bring a knife to the scene and that this was picked up in the premises.

Det. Garda O’Callaghan testified that just after 6.30pm on March 30, the suspect entered Subway restaurant on South Main Street, Cork.

“He approached the counter and requested food stating 'I am homeless, can I have a sandwich?' When informed by the staff member that payment was required first, he allegedly became aggressive, stating he would not pay because he was homeless. 

“It is alleged that he then directed racial abuse at the staff member shouting 'You are not Irish - go home to your own country'. He attempted to move behind the counter but was unable. 

"He then pushed the computer and cash register towards the staff member and attempted to strike him with a closed fist. During this altercation, the suspect struck a cookie display cabinet on the counter.

“The alleged suspect then forcibly pulled the display cabinet towards himself, causing a knife stored in a drawer within the cabinet to fall onto the counter. It is alleged he took the knife, pointed it at the staff member, and stated 'I will fucking kill you'." 

"Fearing for his safety, the staff member retreated. He then dropped the knife, took cookies valued at €8 from the display, and fled the premises,” Garda O’Callaghan said.