Cork man who allegedly burgled funeral home is refused bail

A funeral home was burgled by a 34-year-old man who also carried out burglaries at two neighbouring properties, it was alleged this week, when gardaí objected to bail being granted to him.

Daniel Jackson said, in Cork District Court, by video link from prison: “I have had a permanent bed in Simon for the past three months. I would keep any bail conditions whatsoever.”

Judge Mary Dorgan said: “He is charged with three counts of burglary and one count of possession of a knife. On the basis of the seriousness of the charges and the nature of evidence in support of the charges, it is difficult for Mr Jackson in this case.

“In addition, the situation is that he was found in possession of a knife and identified on CCTV. I am concerned that he was caught red-handed.”

The judge then refused bail and adjourned the case until May 23. Sergeant John Kelleher said directions were awaited from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said the refusal of bail would be appealed to the High Court.

Detective Garda Maurice Hickey outlined the allegations against Daniel Jackson, when the 34-year-old allegedly burgled AJ Tyres on Boreenmanna Road at 10.40pm on April 22 and tried to get into three cars parked outside. The second alleged offence related to a break-in at Jeremiah O’Connor’s funeral home on Boreenmanna Road about 20 minutes later, and then the burgling of a house at Bellfield Abbey nearby half an hour after that, while armed with a knife and confronting two young Spanish men who were living there.

Det Garda Hickey’s concern about Daniel Jackson was that he would not attend court if granted bail and would commit further serious offences and is a danger to the community. In terms of the risk, the detective pointed to allegations that he produced a knife after one burglary, when two Spanish nationals were at their home in Cork.