Cork thief who knocked woman (81) to the ground when robbing her handbag is jailed

Olivia Kelleher

A 26-year-old man who subjected an 81-year-old woman to a terrifying experience, knocking her to the ground as he stole her handbag, causing her to fall onto the road, has been jailed for three years.

Kelvin Murphy, formerly of Wolfe Tone Street in Gurranabraher in Cork city, expressed his deep remorse for his behaviour when he appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing.

His now 82-year-old victim said that it was “deeply unsettling to be targeted so aggressively” - especially given her age.

She suffers from flashbacks and lives with a persistent anxiety that another attack of this type could occur again.

Mr Murphy was first charged in relation to the offence at Cork District Court. Garda Brian Holland indicated that the robbery and assault occurred shortly after 11pm on March 3rd last when the woman was walking home with her 75-year-old friend.

“They were walking up Military Hill (in Cork city) when the accused crossed the road from the opposite side and walked towards them.

"The accused asked the injured party for money, and she declined. The accused then grabbed the injured party’s handbag and in the process, dragged her to the ground, causing her to fall onto the road.

“The accused fled on foot down Military Hill onto Wellington Road.

“Passers-by came on the scene and retrieved the injured party’s handbag from the accused before he made good his escape.

“The injured party had an injury to her upper right leg. An ambulance attended the scene and gave medical attention.”

In a victim impact statement at Cork Circuit Criminal Court the woman said that the shock and confusion she suffered in the incident was “overwhelming.”

“It all happened so quickly. One moment we (she and her friend) were laughing, and the next I was lying on the pavement in pain and terrified.

"Physically, I sustained painful leg injuries that required medical attention and weeks of recovery. Although I’m grateful that my mobility wasn’t permanently affected, the pain and discomfort were significant.”

However, the emotional impact has been even more difficult to overcome.

"Since the attack, I have been afraid to go out alone, even in areas that once felt completely safe. I’ve lost a sense of freedom and confidence that I used to take for granted.

"The experience has left me feeling vulnerable in a way I have never felt before. I now avoid going out alone, take extra precautions and live with persistent anxiety that it could happen again. The memory of that night continues to upset me deeply.

"What happened to me was not just a robbery — it was a violent act that shattered my sense of safety and peace of mind. I strongly believe that no one, especially someone at my stage of life, should have to endure something like this.”

Defence barrister, Elaine Audley BL, said that her client only started offending in late 2021/early 2022. However, he has long-standing alcohol and drug addictions.

Judge Helen Boyle noted difficulties in his circumstances, including the fact that his family ended up in emergency accommodation when their home was destroyed by fire.

Judge Boyle stated that she was grateful for the attendance in court of the injured party, who had endured a horrifying experience.

“One minute she was laughing and the next she was lying on the pavement.”

Judge Boyle said that culpability was high in the case. She described Mr Murphy’s alcohol and drug issues as being a “mitigating factor” in the case. However, she stressed that it was a “despicable attack on an elderly person.”

“It never ceases to amaze me the depths to which drug and alcohol addiction can bring people. You (Murphy) sank very low.”

Judge Boyle said that Mr Murphy fled the scene without any assistance.

However, she noted the signed plea of guilty, which saved the victim the trauma of giving evidence at a trial. Mr Murphy also wrote a letter to the victim in which he profusely apologised for his actions.

He said that he was raised to respect his elders and was deeply ashamed at what had occurred.

Judge Boyle jailed Mr Murphy for three years and eight months, suspending the last eight months of the sentence.