Macroom murder accused asks for protection in prison and for family

A 46-YEAR-old Bandon woman has been charged with the murder of Clonakilty man Timothy Foley, who was stabbed in Macroom.

After being cautioned, she told gardaí that she did not kill her husband, but ‘stabbed him twice, not 28 times.’

Rita Foley of 16 Bridge St, Bandon appeared at Macroom District Court on Wednesday where she was charged with the murder of Mr Foley (44) at 12 Dan Corkery Place in Macroom on October 8th.

Det Sgt Derek Mulcahy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution of the accused. He told the court that Ms Foley replied after caution that ‘I did not kill my husband, I stabbed him twice, not 28 times.’

Solicitor Pat Horan said his client was not seeking bail and that she plans to plead ‘not guilty’ at the appropriate time. Judge Mary Dorgan granted free legal aid and Mr Horan asked that it be extended to cover the cost of a psychiatric report.

Mr Horan told the court that his client is ‘deeply distressed’ to find out that the Bandon property she and her children were living in has been boarded up by the landlord without notice, which has made her two children – aged 21 and 20 – homeless. 

‘She is pleading to the Housing Department of Cork County Council to take all steps necessary to find emergency accommodation for her children, whose possessions are still in the property,’ said Mr Horan.

He also said that his client was asking the court to ensure that appropriate security arrangements be made for her while she is on remand in Limerick Prison and that the same measures be made for her two children and extended family.

Judge Dorgan directed that Ms Foley should also receive any other assistance while in prison and remanded the accused in custody to appear at Macroom District Court on October 17th.

Gardaí in Macroom were called to 12 Dan Corkery Place at 1.50am on Monday where they discovered the deceased with suspected stab wounds. 

It is believed there had been an altercation in the house.