Knife accused told gardaí he wanted to harm Cork shopkeepers, court is told

A large kitchen knife was purchased at Dunnes Stores at Merchants Quay and then produced during an attempted robbery of a staff member, it was alleged in court.

Donal Burleigh appeared at Cork District Court where the State objected to bail being granted to him, as evidence was given that when questioned he said he wanted to carry out more robberies and to harm staff at other shops.

Garda Thoms Enright gave evidence in the objection to bail being granted to the accused and said that when arrested and interviewed the 39-year-old accused told gardaí of other crimes he planned to carry out on the day of this attempted robbery at Merchants Quay.

“He made full admissions to threatening the member of staff and he told me it is in his head a long time – that he wants to harm shop assistants and that after he left he was going to get on the 202 bus and go to Mahon Point to rob Curry’s and Tesco.

“He was caught red-handed. CCTV shows him committing the act. And he said he fully intends to commit robberies and cause harm to people working in shops.

“The gardaí have a strong belief that if given bail there is a serious danger to members of the public, in particular shop workers,” Garda Enright said.

Frank Buttimer, the accused's solicitor, said the alleged incident at Dunnes in Merchants Quay occurred at lunchtime on Tuesday, May 5, and that Donal Burleigh was arrested on that day and did not apply for bail until today (June 16).

Mr Buttimer said the accused was a voluntary in-patient at a mental health service unit of Cork University Hospital from August last year until May “for some kind of psychotic or related mental health condition”, and left the facility very shortly before the attempted robbery on May 5.

Mr Buttimer asked Donal Burleigh, who appeared by video link from prison: “Why did you not look for bail on the first day?”

He replied: “I thought back then that someone wanted to attack me.” 

The 39-year-old with an address at Coppinger’s Acre, Bantry Park Road, Fair Hill, Cork, said he would take his medication now if released on bail and return to CUH to see if a structure of care could be put in place for him. He said he would not commit any criminal acts if released.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis asked the accused: “When you go off your medication what happens?” 

Mr Burleigh replied: 

“The voices come back, and the thoughts.” 

Judge Miriam Walsh said she was taking into consideration everything she heard and concluded: “I am not inclined to grant him bail because of the seriousness of the charges and the evidence before the court.

“While I have no medical background myself it appears he is suffering and in great pain. I direct he would get psychiatric care while in custody. I think you will have to be given all sorts of assistance in relation to your issues.

“For the moment I am remanding you in custody. I direct immediate and urgent psychiatric assistance.” 

Sgt Deasy said directions would have to be obtained from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Donal Burleigh will appear at Cork District Court by video link from prison on the adjourned date, June 30.