Cork man claims mistaken identity in assault of social media influencer 

A Cork man confessed to assaulting a 35-year-old businesswoman and social media influencer in Cork city centre almost two years ago, in what was described as a case of mistaken identity.

Conor Greaney, aged 25, of Farranferris Ave, Farranree, was arraigned at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on the single count on the indictment.

He replied “guilty” to the charge that at around 9.40am on March 7, 2024, outside the General Post Office on Oliver Plunkett St, Cork, he assaulted Dublin boutique owner Selina Regazzoli, who was 35 at the time, causing her harm.

Prosecution barrister Mary O’Dwyer said a victim impact statement would be sought by the prosecution in advance of sentencing.

Defence barrister Elaine Audley said the defendant was keen for sentencing to proceed in the present sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court. However, Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until February 23.

Garda Orla Moriarty of Anglesea Street Garda Station originally arrested and charged Greaney with the assault on Ms Regazzoli, causing her harm.

Garda Moriarty said at an earlier court hearing that gardaí would allege Greaney approached Ms Regazzoli outside the General Post Office while she was walking to work, and that he struck her in the face in what was an unprovoked attack on an innocent victim.

She said Greaney hit and pushed Ms Regazzoli, who fell and suffered a dislocation and fracture to her right ankle, and she had to be taken by ambulance to Cork University Hospital to undergo surgery.

Garda Moriarty said that the entire incident was captured on CCTV, which clearly identified Greaney as Ms Regazzoli’s assailant, and he had admitted the assault when questioned by gardaí.

Mr Greaney had stated at interview following his arrest that Ms Regazzoli was not the intended target of his attack, Garda Moriarty said.

The accused said he didn’t know Ms Regazzoli, and that the assault on her was a case of mistaken identity, saying that his intended victim was someone who was harassing him.

He said at the earlier hearing: “I feel terrible, I’m disgusted with myself. I am not a monster, I didn’t intend to go as hard as I did.

“I didn’t intend to break anyone’s bones. I meant to more or less frighten the woman… I thought it was somebody else that was harassing me.”