Two remanded over Cork extortion attempt
Thursday, 5 May 2005 16:17
Two men charged with falsely imprisoning a couple at their home in Co Cork have been remanded in custody for a week, while a third man has been released without charge.
37-year old Gerard Clarke from St John's Terrace, Upper John Street, Cork, and 33-year old Edward Gaffey from 22 Clontygora Court, Dundalk, Co Louth, appeared in Cork District Court this morning on four charges.
They are charged with the false imprisonment of Katie and Gary O'Donovan at their home at Mount Oval Village, Rochestown, Co Cork, and with possession of a Colt 45 revolver and ammunition.
Gerard Clarke, who is originally from Belfast but has been living in Cork city for over a year, was granted free legal aid after the court was told he is employed occasionally as a painter.
An application for free legal aid on behalf of Edward Gaffey was also granted after the court was told he was attending a FÁS start-your-own-business course.
There was no application for bail.
A third man who was questioned by gardaí at Mayfield in Cork city in connection with the case was released without charge at 11am this morning.
Gardaí will prepare a file on his case to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The O'Donovans were held at gunpoint for five hours on Monday night and Tuesday morning while their four children slept through the ordeal.
