Jail for man who shook elderly neighbour in bed, asking where was her purse

A 91-year-old woman was violently shaken by a man from her neighbourhood who smashed his way into her home on St Stephen’s night shouting at her for cash, ripping off her duvet and cutting her phone line as she lay terrified in bed fearing an even more serious attack.

Today, 39-year-old Thomas Murray of 186 Rathpeacon Road, Cork, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison at Cork Circuit Criminal Court, backdated to January when he was arrested for this violent crime.

Detective Garda Brian Murphy, who investigated the burglary, described it as violent, premeditated, callous and disturbing.

Judge Helen Boyle said the victim was terrified and remains extremely frightened to this day as a result of the traumatic experience of this targeted burglary.

Donal O’Sullivan, defence senior counsel, said the signed plea of guilty was a significant matter and said the defendant’s previous convictions were for drugs and public order offences with none for assault, robbery, burglary or trespassing.

“He does feel disgusted at himself. He is remorseful. He knew the lady and he knew she was an older lady. He says he did not know she was 91. There was some planning but it was not crime of the century.

"He was going through a very bad phase of his life and was desperate to get money for drugs and he left with €10,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Prosecution barrister Katherine McGillicuddy handed in the victim impact statement which was not read out in court.

Detective Garda Murphy outlined the background to the incident which was effectively carried out on St Stephen’s night – a night that has a special place in the calendar for many Irish people, Judge Boyle commented.

The detective said that during the summer of 2024, Mr Murray had done some lawnmowing and odd jobs at the home of the victim whose home he burgled at around 3am on December 27 2024.

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

“CCTV in the area captured lights going on and off in various rooms in the house. He searched in particular around a downstairs armchair before going upstairs.

“He gained entry by smashing a rear kitchen window.

“Thomas Murray 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. The homeowner made a detailed statement saying that the man who carried out this burglary was the man who had completed jobs for her during the summer of 2024.” Thomas Murray’s movements were tracked on CCTV from his home at Rathpeacon Road by bicycle to the victim’s house and back home again by bicycle within approximately 20 minutes.

Judge Boyle imposed a sentence of six years with the last six months suspended.