Man charged with aggravated burglary in Cork

A 33-year-old man has been remanded in custody after he was charged in connection with an incident in which two young women were threatened at knifepoint in their home in Cork city.

Paul O'Donovan from Barrack Street in Cork was charged with aggravated burglary at Highfield West off College Road in Cork on June 2nd when he was brought before court on Friday afternoon.

Garda Joseph Piggott gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told Cork District Court that the state would allege that Mr O'Donovan used a knife in the course of the burglary.

He said the state would allege that the accused rang the doorbell of the house and asked the two female residents who answered if they owned a handbag he had seen on the street outside.

The state would further alleged that when they returned to the front door after checking for their handbags, Mr O’Donovan produced a knife and demanded cash and got away with a handbag.

Mr O'Donovan's solicitor Eddie Burke said his client was seeking bail as he wished to go to Arbour House for treatment for an alcohol addiction but gardaí said they were seeking a remand in custody.

Insp Billy Duane said that gardaí feared that Mr O'Donovan would commit further offences if released on bail while they were also opposing bail because of the seriousness of the charge.

Judge Olann Kelleher acknowledged garda concerns and he refused bail, remanding Mr O'Donovan in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on June 9th.