Gardaí spent 45 minutes trying to coax man out of locked store room at Cork supermarket, court told

Man appeals for bail, saying: 'I will stay out of any shops you want. There was no intention to commit any burglary. I was in fear for my life, that is why I went into that room'

Cork District Court heard: 'Thomas Keenan resisted opening the door fully, resulting in him pulling down shelving and stationery to barricade himself into the room and prevent his arrest.  File picture: Larry Cummins

Gardaí tried for 45 minutes to get a man to come out of locked store room at Collins SuperValu in Carrigaline but he caused an estimated €4,000 in damage before he was arrested, it was alleged at Cork District Court on Monday.

Sergeant John Dineen said gardaí were objecting to bail being granted to Thomas Keenan, aged 39, with an address at 7 Church Court, Church Road, Cork, and originally from the Mahon area.

Garda Orla Leahy said that on Saturday, August 29, Gardaí responded to a call that a man was causing a disturbance at the supermarket in Carrigaline.

“On arrival gardaí were informed that a male had become violent in the store and then entered the strong room of the premises and refused to open the door," said Garda Leahy.

“Gardaí spoke to the accused through the door for approximately 45 minutes with a view to getting him to come out. Gardai were eventually able to open the door.

“But Thomas Keenan resisted opening the door fully, resulting in him pulling down shelving and stationery to barricade himself into the room and prevent his arrest. 

"Officers were left with no option but to deploy their pepper spray as he had forced the steel door on the legs of to two members of An Garda Síochána. He was eventually subdued. 

"During the course of searching the male, a key for an adjacent premises was located in his pocket. Approximately €4,000 of damage was caused to the office at SuperValu. 

“All this interaction and damage is captured on CCTV,” Garda Leahy testified during the objection to bail.

Garda Leahy said the accused had recently returned from England for a funeral and there were concerns that he was a flight risk.

Mr Keenan said this was untrue and that he had been living in Douglas for the past four years. He said he had alcohol problems in the past but not now and he denied garda evidence that he had a drug problem at any time.

Appealing for bail, he said: “I will stay out of any shops you want. There was no intention to commit any burglary. I was in fear for my life, that is why I went into that room.” 

Judge Treasa Kelly remanded him in custody with consent to bail on his own bond of €500, of which €300 cash is to be lodged, and an independent surety of €500 or cash lodgement of €500. 

He was also given a curfew of 11pm to 6am and told to sign on daily at Togher Garda Station.

The case was adjourned until September 7.