File ready in case involving alleged robbery of 81-year-old woman in Cork

The garda file has been completed in the case against 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.

Sergeant John Dineen confirmed at Cork District Court that the garda file had been completed and sent to the detective superintendent’s office before being sent to the DPP.

Judge Philip O’Leary remanded the accused in custody until April 29.

Kelvin Murphy, of 152 Wolfe Tone St, Gurranabraher, Cork, was remanded in custody with consent to bail by Judge O’Leary on the application of Sgt Dineen.

Detective Garda Brian Holland gave evidence at Mr Murphy’s first court appearance when 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 onto 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 [team] attended at the scene and gave medical attention.”

A large quantity of CCTV footage has been harvested from the area.

Representing Mr Murphy in Cork District Court, solicitor Shane Collins-Daly said the accused had been granted High Court bail, but had not yet taken up that bail.