Judge says case where Cork man is accused of robbery is too serious a matter for the district court 

The allegation that a young woman was grabbed and her bag robbed before 5am in the morning was too serious a matter for the district court, a judge said on Tuesday, as he refused to accept jurisdiction.

Cian O’Brien, aged 29, of 34 Clashduv Road, Cork, appeared at Cork District Court charged with robbery of a handbag containing cash and a mobile phone valued at €600 from a woman at Old Commons Road, Cork, on
June 19.

The allegations in the case were outlined by Sergeant David Fleming to see if he would accept jurisdiction.

“It is alleged that on June 19, at approximately 4.30am, the injured party was walking to work on the Old Commons Road,” Sgt Fleming said. 

“She was followed by a male, and she became nervous and afraid.

“She was allegedly approached by Cian O’Brien, and he grabbed the strap of her bag. They were then face to face. He then grabbed her arm and squeezed it. A struggle ensued until she let go of her bag. He then ran from the scene.”

On the application of Sgt Fleming, Judge David Waters said he would refuse jurisdiction, and he adjourned the case to allow for the preparation and service of a book of evidence.

The judge said that in refusing to deal with the case at district court level, he was taking into consideration that the young woman was allegedly grabbed while walking alone to work very early in the morning.