Man accused of string of Cork restaurant and café burglaries

Restaurants and cafés were allegedly targeted by a man accused of multiple burglaries in Cork city and county last October and November and now the charges have been adjourned until April 21.

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the accused man in custody for him to consider whether or not he will be entering a signed plea of guilty to all charges. Defence solicitor Diane Hallahan said the defence would consider matters before April 21.

Edward Collins, aged 33, of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, is charged with carrying out 15 burglaries between October 10, 2025, and November 27, 2025, and with two counts of causing criminal damage. Most of the premises are restaurants or cafés.

The 15 burglary charges relate to Proby’s Kitchen, Proby’s Quay; Cinnamon Cottage, Rochestown; Napoli, Diamond Road, Monkstown; Gate Lodge coffee house, Model Farm Road; Delikatesy Krowka, Carrigaline; Palmento, Douglas; Cork & Fork, Maylor Street; Noodle Unit at St. Patrick’s Mills, Douglas; Brendan’s Butchers, Passage West; Baked, Tramway Terrace, Douglas; Kiernan’s garden centre, Douglas; Plus & Minus, French Church Street; Joes and Bros, Gillabbey Street; Beantown Café, Western Road; and Four Liars bistro, Shandon.

The two criminal damage counts relate to Coffee Scape, Pope’s Quay, and Big Breakfast Roll, Watercourse Road. No evidence was outlined in relation to the allegations.

The DPP directed that district court jurisdiction would be accepted but only if the defendant pleaded guilty to all charges. 

Otherwise the matters will be dealt with at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.