Man charged with attempted murder of partner

Patrick O’Rourke accused of knife attack on Donna Foster at their house in Cobh

A 62-year-old man has been remanded in custody with consent to bail after he was charged with attempted murder of his partner in a knife attack that left her with 14 wounds.

Patrick O’Rourke appeared before Midleton District Court, Co Cork, where he was charged with the attempted murder of Donna Foster at their house in Cobh.

It is alleged he attempted to murder Ms Foster in a knife attack at their home at Cooline Drive, Ballyvaloon, on August 11th last.

Mr O’Rourke was also charged with assault causing harm to a minor on the same date contrary to section 3 of the Offences Against the Person Act.

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Det Garda Bill Dillane gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution on both charges and told the court Mr O’Rourke made no reply to either charge when they were put to him after caution.

Garda Insp Tony O’Sullivan told the court the State was withdrawing a charge of assault causing harm against Mr O’Rourke in respect of Ms Foster now he had been charged with attempted murder.

He sought a remand for a week to allow for service of the book of evidence against Mr O’Rourke, who had previously been granted bail on condition he would stay away from the family home.

Mr O’Sullivan said Mr O’Rourke had not taken up his bail as he had not been able to find a suitable place to reside since he was first charged on August 13th with an assault on Ms Foster.

Judge Brian Sheridan noted the State application and remanded Mr O’Rourke in custody, with consent to bail on the same terms, to appear in court next Thursday for service of the book of evidence.

Barry Roche

Barry Roche

Barry Roche is Southern Correspondent of The Irish Times