Judge and jury to hear case of woman charged with robbing girl's Confirmation necklace

A judge and jury will hear the case later in 2024 against a 35-year-old woman charged with robbing a 15-year-old girl of a €300 Confirmation necklace at the skate park in the Mardyke.

The book of evidence has been served on Michelle Harrington in this case. 

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher at Cork District Court, Judge Mary Dorgan sent the case forward for trial at the sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on January 29.

Judge Mary Dorgan gave the 35-year-old an alibi warning whereby she must provide the state with notice of any witnesses she might rely upon if availing of an alibi defence.

It is anticipated that the case may be further adjourned on January 29 for a trial by judge and jury at the circuit court.

Michelle Harrington of Ravensdale Road, Mahon, Cork, appeared in court in person. She was granted bail on appeal at the High Court.

It is alleged that she carried out the robbery on a 15-year-old girl at around 4pm on September 3 2023. Michelle Harrington said she spoke with the teenager and her two friends but had nothing to do with any attack or robbery.

Garda Conor Cronin testified during a bail objection on an earlier date: “At approximately 4pm two females aged 15 and 16 and a male aged 18 were together in an area beside the skate park at Mardyke Walk, talking and enjoying the sun… She (the 15-year-old) was boxed in the face and body numerous times and kicked into the back… (Ms Harrington) caught the injured party in a head-lock and removed a chain from around her neck. She had gotten this for her Confirmation.” 

Arising out of these allegations, the accused is charged with robbery of the three teenagers.