Cork man accused of robbing bag from 81-year-old woman

A 26-year-old man accused of robbing an 81-year-old woman who was knocked to the ground as she walked home with her friend at Military Hill in Cork was remanded in custody until April 15 for DPP directions.

Kelvin Murphy, of 152 Wolfe Tone St, Gurranabraher, Cork, was remanded in custody by Judge Mary Dorgan, on the application of Sgt John Kelleher.

Detective Garda Brian Holland gave evidence at Mr Murphy’s first court appearance in the case, and objected to bail.

It was alleged that on March 3 just after 11pm the injured party, an 81-year-old woman, was walking home with her friend, aged 75.

Det Gda Holland said: “They were walking up Military Hill when it is alleged that the accused crossed the road from the opposite side and walked towards them. It is alleged that the accused asked the injured party for money, and she declined, and that the accused then grabbed the injured party’s handbag, and in the process dragged her to the ground, causing her to fall onto the road.

“The accused fled on foot down Military Hill on to Wellington Rd. Passers-by came on the scene and retrieved the injured party’s handbag from the accused before he made good his escape.

“The injured party had an injury to her upper right leg. An ambulance attended at the scene and gave medical attention.”

A large quantity of CCTV footage was harvested from the area.

Representing Mr Murphy in Cork District Court, solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused had an appeal of his bail application pending at the High Court and told the accused that he should appear in court in person on the next occasion if he was released on bail before April 15.