Cork man alleged to have carried out knifepoint robbery remanded in custody

A knifepoint robbery at a pharmacy in Togher on Wednesday was allegedly carried out by a 29-year-old man who was brought before Cork District Court yesterday.

Garda Alan Cronin, who investigated the robbery, arrested Cian O’Brien of 34 Clashduv Rd, Togher, Cork, and brought him before the court, charged with carrying out the robbery at Olden’s pharmacy.

He was also charged with carrying out a theft offence a short time earlier at Ryan’s Supervalu on Togher Rd.

Garda Cronin objected to bail and gave an outline of the alleged offences.

It was alleged that he entered Ryan’s SuperValu, went into the staff-only area, and was seen on CCTV footage going through a number of rooms.

Mr O’Brien then came downstairs and took approximately €10 worth of items from the store.

“It is alleged that he then went to Olden’s Pharmacy and carried out a robbery of tablets while producing a knife, putting the staff in extreme fear,” Garda Cronin said.

Killian McCarthy, solicitor said the particular addiction that the defendant had was to prescription medication.

Judge David Waters said: “The crucial point is that his motivation is desperation, and this is an escalation. I have to refuse bail.”

The judge remanded the defendant in custody until next Thursday, when he will appear at Cork District Court by video link from prison.