Cork court: Tradesman allegedly used axe and Stanley knife to damage house

An alleged row over payment to a tradesman this time last year resulted in a man facing charges of extortion, production of a hatchet, and causing criminal damage at a house in Model Farm Rd, Cork.

Judge Mary Dorgan asked for an outline of the allegations in the case against 23-year-old Asim Ibisi, of Haig Gardens, Boreenmanna Rd, Cork.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said a woman living at Greenfields, Model Farm Rd, Cork, employed tradesman Asim Ibisi to carry out work at her home in December 2024 and that a price of €2,100 was agreed.

On December 2, 2024, the work commenced. On December 21, Mr Ibisi was finishing up work for Christmas and he requested payment for the work carried out to date, agreeing to return after the Christmas holidays to complete the remaining work.

The woman refused to pay him as all of the work was not completed.

“It is alleged that he threatened to cause damage to the property if he was not paid money that he believed was owed to him. He proceeded to cause a substantial amount of damage to the property with an axe and a Stanley knife in the presence of the woman.

“She was terrified and described the event as the most frightening event of her life. She said she attempted to leave the property but that the accused slammed the door shut preventing her from leaving.

“She managed to record some of the incident on her phone. The incident eventually ended when the gardaí responded to a call for assistance.”

The defendant was at the scene when gardaí arrived and it is alleged that he made certain admissions.

The cost of repairing the damage was put at €4,000.

Judge Dorgan refused jurisdiction and adjourned the case for further DPP directions until January 26.