The man who was on trial for falsely imprisoning an off-licence chain owner and his heavily pregnant wife yesterday changed his plea to guilty, saying he had caused the family enough distress without subjecting them to lengthy court proceedings.
Gerard Clarke (38) had previously denied the five charges including two of falsely imprisoning Gary O'Donovan and his wife, two charges of possessing firearms and a charge of threatening to kill or cause serious harm to Mr O'Donovan at his home in Rochestown, Cork, on May 2nd-3rd, 2005.
On the seventh day of his trial yesterday Clarke, of St John's Terrace, Upper John Street, Cork, stated his intention to change his plea. The court heard he had reflected "long and hard" on his position and was very sorry for his actions.
Judge Patrick J Moran adjourned sentencing until next Tuesday. During the last week of evidence the court heard that Katie O'Donovan was with her four children when two masked and armed men forced their way into the house shortly after 9pm on May 2nd.
The court was told that Mr O'Donovan arrived home at 10pm and was hit in the back with a stun gun.
He was informed he would have to go to Little Island in Cork the following morning and empty the contents of a safe into a holdall and that if he co-operated, his wife and family would be safe.
Mr O'Donovan managed to free himself when his captor fell asleep.
He then went to a neighbour's house and raised the alarm.