Cork man accused of robbing woman, 90, remanded in custody

The man who allegedly carried out a burglary at the home of a 90-year-old woman, who was terrified when an intruder pulled bedclothes from her at 3am in an incident during Christmas, was remanded in custody until January 30.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded Thomas Murray in custody for three weeks yesterday at Cork District Court.

Detective Garda Brian Murphy objected last week to bail being granted to Thomas Murray, aged 38, of 186 Rathpeacon Rd, who was arrested and charged with burgling the elderly woman’s home on two occasions — once at 3am on December 27, 2024.

The detective said that, during the summer, Mr Murray had done some lawnmowing and odd jobs at the home of the 90-year-old woman, and allegedly burgled her home in July 2024 and again on December 27.

Det Garda Murphy said the intruder entered the woman’s home at Closes Rd, Farranree, Cork, on December 27, when she was asleep in her bed, adding that he shook her violently and shouted at her asking where her purse was.

“He gained entry by smashing a rear kitchen window. This male then proceeded to pull the pillows from under her and stripped the duvet off the bed.

“When the injured party attempted to call 999, the male grabbed the phone line from her and cut the phone line — preventing her from making the call.

“He searched the bedroom drawers for money before leaving via a back door. Gardaí from the serious investigations units initiated an investigation.

“A large quantity of CCTV was harvested from various areas of Farranree, establishing that at 3.02am on December 27 a man exits the front door of 186 Rathpeacon Rd — the home of Thomas Murray. He has a bicycle in his possession. He leaves the bicycle on railings before jumping into the front garden [at Closes Rd].

“Lights can be seen turning on, and a silhouette of a person can be seen inside. He runs from the scene, gets on to his bike before entering the front door of 186 Rathpeacon Rd 21 minutes later,” Det Garda Murphy said.

As well as the alleged burglary on December 27, there was a charge brought against him related to another burglary at the same house on July 31 — when it is alleged he pushed her aside at her front door and stole €3,000 in cash. 

Judge Dorgan told the accused in his appearance by video link from prison that, if he got High Court bail, he should appear in Cork District Court in person on January 30.