Accused tells Cork court of prison ‘torture’ with cornflakes and no milk

A 50-year-old man accused of robbery of an off-duty prison officer in Cork city centre claimed by video link from prison: “I am being mentally tortured for this crime that I’m being held in prison for.”

Addressing Judge Mary Dorgan, Jeremiah Foley said via video link: “Ms Dorgan, I am getting milk today and no cornflakes, and tomorrow, cornflakes and no milk — it is a game of psychological warfare, all because of this.”

Eddie Burke, solicitor, said that he was instructed to apply to have the case struck out because of the unavailability of directions from the DPP.

Judge Dorgan refused the application and remanded the 50-year-old in custody for a fortnight for progress on the directions.

Detective Garda Orla Moriarty testified at Cork District Court that the injured party hoped that telling the assailant he was a prison officer would deter him from his actions but unfortunately it did not have any effect.

Jeremiah Foley, of 12 Castlepark, Ballincollig, was charged with carrying out the robbery on August 31 at Tobin St, Cork.

It was alleged that at 1.20am the injured party was forced against a wall where the assailant went through his pockets and searched him. His phone was also taken.

“He [the injured party] told him he was an off-duty prison officer hoping this would deter him, but it did not have the desired effect,” Det Gda Moriarty said.