Man wearing balaclava and carrying knife accused of robbing Cork shop

A MAN wearing a balaclava and carrying a large kitchen knife has been accused of robbing €250 in cash from the Unity shop at Lower Glanmire Rd in Cork on Sunday afternoon. The person yesterday sought bail.

Garda Killian O’Connell objected to bail being granted to Bernard Horgan at Cork District Court. He said the seriousness of the alleged crime was one of the grounds for the objection to bail. 

It is alleged that the Unity shop was robbed at 3.30pm on November 26.

The allegation was that a raider, wearing a balaclava went to the shop with a large kitchen knife, demanded the cash register be opened. “He grabbed notes only and made good his escape,” said Gda O’Connell.

He said the accused had a balaclava when arrested and that nearby there was a bag under a car, and a knife was found in the bag.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said he is adamant no threats were made to any shopkeeper. Mr Horgan, aged 36, of Cork Simon Community, testified: “When I went into the shop, all I said was: ‘Open the till’. I had the knife in my hand. I did not threaten him or anything.” Cross-examining, Sergeant Gearóid Davis asked: “You’ve admitted going into the shop wearing a balaclava, carrying a knife. What effect do you think that would have?” Mr Horgan said: “They are going to feel afraid, intimidated.”

The judge refused bail and remanded the accused in custody until December 4.