Cork man accused of burglary granted bail on strict conditions

Gardaí expressed concerns about bail being granted to an 18-year-old accused of carrying out a burglary at a house in North Cork over the Christmas period and returning on New Year’s Day to the same property.

The allegations against Aaron Palmer, of Dromagh, Mallow, Co Cork, were outlined at a contested bail application at Cork District Court. However, in the course of the application, the prosecution indicated that they would agree to bail being granted on strict conditions.

Garda Seán Buckley said it was alleged that the defendant went to the house in North Cork and carried out a burglary on an unspecified date between December 26 and 30, 2024.

The charge sheet in respect of that offence alleges that he stole €345 cash and some personal property from a bedroom in the house.

Gda Buckley said the owner of the house put in a CCTV camera in the hallway of the house following the thefts. 

It was then alleged by Gda Buckley that “on January 1, Aaron Palmer is caught red-handed on CCTV going up the stairs”.

“It is alleged that he spots the camera on this occasion and he does not steal anything. On noticing this camera, it appears he turns the camera,” said Gda Buckley.

Following agreement by the prosecution, Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail to the young man on condition that he would have no contact with the injured party, keep a curfew to be home from 11pm to 7am each night, surrender his passport, and be contactable by gardaí by phone.

Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said that the accused had no previous convictions. 

The case was adjourned to Mallow District Court on January 14 where the defendant will be represented by solicitor David O’Meara.