Man escaped from custody in Fermoy garda station but was caught two minutes later

A 39-year-old man escaped from custody in Fermoy garda station – but was caught very soon after his attempt to flee.

Fergal Roche of Castlewidenham, Castletownroche, County Cork, pleaded guilty to a charge of escaping from lawful custody at Fermoy garda station on August 9 2021.

Judge Helen Boyle decided that a sentence of 18 months was appropriate and that this was to be suspended in full at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

Detective Sergeant James O’Shea said the accused had 45 previous convictions from 2002 to 2023 but all of these were district court convictions. They included 14 for having drugs for his own use and five for having them for sale or supply.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the escape from custody occurred at 9.15am and that he was rearrested at 9.17am.

“He ran out of the station and was caught 100 to 150 metres away.

“By way of background he was in a car accident when he was aged two and he suffered a brain injury. He left school at aged 9 and had limited home-schooling. His cognitive abilities are limited.

“He would be a poor manager of his own affairs. He did not understand or accept the nature of the allegation. An effort was made on the day to contact his mother. When this was not successful – in keeping with his cognitive abilities – he ran out of the station.

“He is extremely apologetic,” Ms Audley said.