Man, 43, accused of robbery at Cork betting office

A 43-YEAR-OLD man accused of carrying out a robbery at a betting office in Togher faces the possibility of a trial by judge and jury.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case proceed by indictment, but that a signed plea of guilty could be entered at Cork District Court, and if that happened, sentencing would proceed at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

John Paul Thornton, of Blackwater Grove and of St Vincent’s hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, is accused of carrying out a robbery at Ladbrokes on Pearse Road, Cork.

Garda Patrick Connery charged him with robbery of €500 on September 2.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer applied for a precis of the evidence in order to consider the possibility of a signed plea of guilty being entered. 

Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until January 18 at Cork District Court.