Man accused of robbery of Cork shop is further remanded in custody

A 36-year-old man accused of carrying out a robbery while armed with a large kitchen knife and wearing a balaclava was remanded in custody for a further fortnight.

Sergeant Pat Lyons said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had not yet given directions in the case and he applied to have the accused remanded in custody until January 29.

Defence solicitor, Aoife Buttimer, consented to the adjournment, which was granted by Judge Mary Dorgan.

Bernard Horgan appeared at Cork District Court by video link from Cork Prison, charged in relation to allegedly carrying a large kitchen knife and allegedly robbing €250 cash from the Unity shop at Lower Glanmire Road on Sunday afternoon, November 26, 2023.

Garda Killian O’Connell previously objected to bail being granted to Bernard Horgan, because of the seriousness of the alleged crime.

It was alleged that the Unity shop at Lower Glanmire Road was robbed at 3.30pm on Sunday, November 26 when a raider, wearing a balaclava, arrived in the convenience store and produced a large kitchen knife, demanding that the cash register be opened.

“He grabbed notes only and made good his escape. It is my belief that he is a danger to himself and to the public at large,” Garda O’Connell said.

Defence solicitor, Eddie Burke, said: “He is adamant that absolutely no threats were made to any shopkeeper.”

Bernard Horgan, 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.”