Pair held over alleged daylight attack on elderly woman in Dublin

A 64-year-old woman was left with a dislocated shoulder and now fears entering Dublin city centre after an alleged daylight robbery on O'Connell Street.

Pair held over alleged daylight attack on elderly woman in Dublin

A woman and a man were kept in custody after appearing in court, facing accusations of attacking a 64-year-old on one of Dublin's busiest streets during morning hours and stealing her belongings.

Ceiligh McCormack (29), from Railway Street in the north inner city, and John Byrne (28), from Lower Rathmines Road on the southside, stood before Judge Michelle Finan at Dublin District Court on Saturday. The charges relate to an encounter on Lower O'Connell Street around 8.45am on Friday.

Passers-by alerted Garda Jane O'Connor and Garda Eimear Henry, who found the injured party on the pavement suffering significant pain. The alleged victim, who requires a walking aid, reportedly had her shoulder pulled out of place when her handbag was wrenched away, causing her to tumble to the ground.

Among the items reported missing were her phone, keys to her home, €25 and various other possessions. Doctors are continuing to evaluate whether any other harm was done. The woman was unable to come to court due to her condition.

Security camera footage is said to show the two accused going through the bag before tossing it into the Liffey. Officers later picked them up on Exchequer Street.

When formally accused, neither responded. They have not indicated how they will plead. No barrister or solicitor stood with them, as a dispute over state payment rates for defence lawyers has caused many practitioners to stop taking such cases.

McCormack asked to be freed, saying she was unsure of bail procedures and mentioning psychological challenges. Judge Finan recognised that the accused are presumed innocent, but found the grounds for keeping them behind bars substantial. They will return to court next week for a decision on whether they can be released pending trial.

Source: The Irish Times

Source: Irish Times