Cork burglar threatened woman photographer during lawnmower theft, court told

Don Duggan, 38, faced Cork District Court on three burglary charges, including threatening a householder who photographed him stealing a lawnmower.

Cork man threatened homeowner over photo during series of Montenotte burglaries

Google News IE — Crime (en) reports that a householder who photographed an intruder leaving her property with a lawnmower was warned the act would be "the sorriest thing she ever did," Cork District Court heard on Thursday.

Don Duggan, 38, of 65 Ballinderry Park, Mayfield, Cork, was served with a book of evidence in connection with three separate burglaries alleged to have taken place on 1 May.

Detective Garda Martina Drew told the court that after 6pm that evening, a man entered the curtilage of a house at St Christopher's Road, Montenotte, and made his way to the rear of the property. He was captured on CCTV carrying a lawnmower and other items taken from a shed.

When the householder saw the man leaving with the lawnmower and took a photograph on her phone, the intruder issued the warning — clearly audible, Det. Garda Drew said, on high-quality doorbell camera audio footage that identified Duggan as the suspect.

Less than an hour later, it is alleged, Duggan entered a house at Murmount Park, Montenotte, and removed an electric scooter from the front room. The householder challenged him, and the suspect allegedly threatened to return and burn the house down. After the suspect left, the householder discovered a side gate and rear kitchen window had been opened and found a number of items left outside.

Earlier the same day, Duggan is alleged to have entered a house at Baile an Aoire, Mayfield, and stolen a handbag belonging to the occupant.

Det. Garda Drew objected to bail across all three matters, citing the nature of the allegations and the evidence gathered.

Solicitor Donal Daly, appearing for the accused, applied for bail on the grounds that Duggan was currently held in Wheatfield Prison and was receiving no family visits from relatives based in Cork. Daly told the court his client denied all charges and intended to plead not guilty.

During cross-examination by Sergeant David Fleming, it was put to Duggan that he had allegedly fled from gardaí at the time of his arrest. Duggan disputed the significance of the claim, telling the court: "If I ran why am I not charged with absconding? Four months down the line they are still mentioning it and I am not charged with it."

Judge David Waters refused bail. The case was sent forward to the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court, commencing on 27 October.

Source: Google News IE — Crime (en)