Bail for man accused of attempting to rob middle-aged woman on her way back to Cork hotel

Two middle-aged women returning to their hotel in Cork city in the early hours of the morning were victims of an attempted robbery, it was alleged in court today, when there was an objection to bail being granted to an accused man.

“Gardaí believe the general public would be in grave danger if they came across him in a state of addiction,” Detective Sergeant Colin Greenway said at Cork District Court.

25-year-old Michael Doody of St Vincent’s Hostel, Anglesea Terrace, Cork, was charged with carrying out an attempted robbery at around 3am on March 14 2026 as the two women, aged in their 50s, who were socialising in the city made their way back to their hotel.

CCTV of the alleged incident was examined by members of An Garda Síochána and Michael Doody was identified. He was arrested and brought before Cork District Court today (April 30). Sgt. John Kelleher said: “Gardaí are 100 per cent objecting to bail in this case.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan granted bail. 

Conditions included an independent surety of €2,500 of which €750 has to be lodged in cash, residing at St Vincent’s, an agreement to stay out of Cork city centre, attend at Arbour House, sign daily at Anglesea Street garda station, no offending and no intoxicants. 

Michael Doody was remanded in custody for one week with consent to that bail, for DPP directions. Frank Buttimer, solicitor, represented the accused.

Det Sgt Greenway outlined the allegations in the case.

“This charge relates to an alleged offence which occurred on March 14 on St Patrick’s St, Cork," 

he said. 

"It will be the State's case that Michael Doody committed an attempted robbery in the early hours of the morning at around 3am, during which a female was approached from behind by a lone male who attempted to violently pull her handbag from her.

“The suspect male proceeded to drag the injured party to the ground while pulling at her handbag. The suspect then dragged the female victim along the footpath while attempting to take her handbag. Her friend assisted her and she also knocked to the ground.

“The suspect then ceased in his attempts and fled the scene. A garda investigation was commenced and a large amount of CCTV footage was harvested. The movements of the suspect were tracked, leading up to the incident where he is captured clearly on CCTV.” 

Sgt Greenway said that by Michael Doody’s own admission he was addicted to heroin and benzodiazepine tablets, and was in the process of getting onto a methadone programme.

As for being a danger to the public if granted bail, the defendant said: “I don’t think I am a danger to the public.”