Woman in her seventies was followed home and burgled at gunpoint by masked raider, court hears
The woman had withdrawn a substantial sum of money from Clonmel Credit Union, pictured.
A trial has commenced surrounding an incident of aggravated burglary at a rural property in County Waterford.
Waterford Circuit Criminal Court heard that the incident occurred after a woman aged in her seventies entered Clonmel Credit Union to withdraw a significant sum of money from her account. CCTV footage extracted from the Credit Union showed two men enter the branch whilst the woman was retrieving her funds.
After the withdrawal was completed, it is alleged that the men followed the woman back to her and her husband's home in rural county Waterford. Both the man husband and wife said in evidence that one of the men entered their home armed with a firearm or imitation firearm and wearing a balaclava, demanding that the money be handed over.
Two men are accused of the crime: John McCarthy, with an address at 24 Pinewood Drive, Kilmacomma, Clonmel, and Christopher O’Riley of 17 Brook Crescent, Clonmel. They have both pleaded not guilty to one charge each of aggravated burglary and a jury has been empanelled to determine a verdict.
On the evening of February 22, 2019, the female complainant travelled from her home in a townland near Kilmanahan, Co Waterford, to a Credit Union branch on Parnell Street in Clonmel.
CCTV footage shows that she parked her car on the street and entered the Credit Union to withdraw a substantial sum of cash, amounting to several thousand euro. She said, whilst providing evidence in court last week, that the money was for a holiday she was due to take with her husband.
Meanwhile, outside, it is alleged that Christopher O’Riley had exited from a black Audi A4 wearing a dark coloured hat and tracksuit. He hastily walked into the Credit Union, followed shortly after by John McCarthy.
Whilst the complainant was withdrawing funds at a counter, it is alleged that both McCarthy and O’Riley waited for a short time in the Credit Union, before leaving again and driving in a loop around Clonmel town.
The complainant left with her money shortly afterwards and returned to her parked car.
She said at this point that she noticed a black Audi had stopped on the road behind her and was holding up traffic. The Audi flashed its head lights, signalling to the complainant that she could leave her parking spot and proceed ahead. The woman did so and began driving home, with McCarthy and O'Riley allegedly driving directly behind her.
CCTV footage of these movements was played in court for the judge and jury last week.
She was followed all the way to within close proximity of her residence, the complainant told gardaí.
She said she entered her home and was met by her husband inside. He took the money she had withdrawn and placed it upstairs.
Shortly after, there was a knock on the door.
According to evidence provided by the woman's husband, he opened the door and saw a man standing with his back facing him. The man, who is alleged to have been Christopher O’Riley, then turned around, wearing a balaclava and gloves, ordering the homeowner to get back inside.
In evidence provided to the jury, the male complainant said that the intruder pointed a firearm or imitation firearm at him and demanded money, asking “where’s the bag?”
In his evidence, the complainant said he had a vivid memory of looking into the barrel of the weapon as it was pointed at him.
Whilst holding her husband at gunpoint, the woman said the intruder entered the room that she was in and demanded money from her handbag. She said she gave him €90 and that the man fled, failing to retrieve any of the money she had withdrawn from her account earlier that evening.
Gardaí received a report and an investigation commenced.
Gardaí stationed in Clonmel received the report and went to the address of the complainants.
A garda officer who arrived at the scene said in court last week that the husband and wife were “in shock and distress” upon their arrival.
The woman provided gardaí with a description of the vehicle she believed had followed her home.
From CCTV footage, Gardaí were able to ascertain the registration number of the black Audi and linked its ownership to John McCarthy.
Both McCarthy and O’Riley were identified as potential suspects and search warrants were obtained for their homes.
During the search of McCarthy’s residence, the black Audi was searched and seized. In the boot of the car a balaclava was found.
Forensic Science Ireland confirmed that DNA samples found on the balaclava matched to Christopher O’Riley.
The trial commenced last week at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O’Kelly.
Evidence has so far been heard from both the male and female complainants and from investigating garda officers.
The trial continues on Tuesday, with a verdict expected later in the week.
