Cork man who plead guilty to bank robbery remanded in custody

The man who allegedly robbed €6,260 from the Bank of Ireland in Douglas, threatening he had a gun, but saying before he left, “Thank you, and I’m sorry for this”, was remanded in custody until May 13.

Noel O’Brien, aged 42, of 68 Maryborough Court, Douglas, Cork, appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on Monday. On the application of defence barrister Mahon Corkery, Judge Helen Boyle adjourned sentencing until May.

Noel O’Brien pleaded guilty to carrying out this robbery at the Bank of Ireland in Douglas, Cork.

Mr Corkery said the accused was under an active addiction at the time of the crime.

Detective Garda Tom Delaney, in an earlier objection to bail, gave an outline of the allegations. 

“On November 19, 2025, just before 2pm, a male entered Bank of Ireland Douglas Village Shopping Centre. His face was covered over. He handed the teller a note, which read: ‘Hi, I am Jack, I am a mute. Please do not scream or shout. I have a gun in my pocket. I want you to slowly empty the drawer and place all notes in an envelope. Remember: Stay calm and I will not hurt you. Put the envelope on the counter and make sure there are no trackers or dye packs in the envelope. Wait five minutes before sounding the alarm or I will come back. Thank you, and I'm sorry for this.’

“The cashier, in the face of this threat of a firearm, and fear of being harmed, handed over €6,260.

“The male left the bank on foot through Douglas Village Shopping Centre.”