Man who allegedly took lawnmower from Montenotte garden was seen and heard on doorbell camera, court told

A householder confronting an intruder who was leaving with her lawnmower, took a picture of him on her phone, but he warned her not to do so or it would be “the sorriest thing she ever did,” it was alleged in court, as a 38-year-old man was served with a book of evidence on this and two other burglaries.

Sergeant David Fleming confirmed at Cork District Court yesterday that the book of evidence had been served on Don Duggan of 65 Ballinderry Park in Mayfield.

Detective Garda Martina Drew objected to bail and said it was alleged that after 6pm on May 1 a man entered the curtilage of a house at St Christopher's Road in Montenotte, and walked to the rear of the house. 

The male was seen on CCTV with a lawnmower and other items taken from the shed. The householder saw the male leaving with the lawnmower and she took a picture of the suspect and he is clearly identified as Don Duggan, the detective said.

“The incident is also captured on high quality doorbell camera showing the intruder warning her not to take a picture of him or it will be "the sorriest thing she ever did". This is clearly heard on the audio CCTV footage provided,” Det Garda Drew said.

It is alleged that less than an hour later, at a house at Murmount Park, also in Montenotte, he entered the home and took an electric scooter from the front room of the property. 

“The suspect was challenged by the householder and the suspect threatened to return and burn his house down. The suspect left and the injured party went into his home and noticed the side gate and rear kitchen window was open. He also located a number of items outside,” 

Det Garda Drew said.

It is also alleged that in an earlier incident on the same day, he went into another house in the area, at Baile an Aoire, Mayfield, and stole a handbag belonging to the woman who lives there.

Solicitor Donal Daly said the accused was applying for bail as he was presently in Wheatfield Prison where he was getting no visits from his family in Cork. He added that the defendant denied all charges and would be pleading not guilty.

Sgt Fleming cross-examined him and said that at the time of his arrest Mr Duggan allegedly fled from gardaí to avoid being caught. 

Don Duggan replied: “If I ran, why am I not charged with absconding? Four months down the line they are still mentioning it and I am not charged with it.” 

Judge David Waters refused bail and the case against Don Duggan was sent forward to the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court, commencing on October 27.