Courts / Cork / Report
Cork man apologies in court to partner he tried to murder
Summary
In a Central Criminal Court hearing on 16 November 2016, Patrick O'Rourke, aged 63, pleaded guilty to attempting to murder his former partner Donna Foster after a violent attack on 11 August 2015. He admitted repeatedly stabbing Foster, exposing her airway and causing severe abdominal injuries that required a four‑hour operation. Foster's injuries were described as life‑threatening, and she was discharged from hospital two weeks later. O'Rourke also pleaded guilty to assault causing harm to a minor present at the scene. He apologized to Foster and the minors, wishing her health and success, and expressed remorse for the harm caused. O'Rourke was remanded in custody pending a sentence hearing on 25 November 2016. The court noted that a jury was not required due to his guilty plea. The unnamed 63-year-old pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cork man apologies in court to partner he tried to murder. Charges or matters: attempting to murder Donna Foster at Cooline Drive on August 11, 2015; the charge and a jury was sworn in to hear his trial; assault causing harm to a minor at the same address on the same date. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- August 11, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- November 25 Adjournment
- August 11 Incident
- August 11 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2016-11-16 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: attempting to murder Donna Foster at Cooline Drive on August 11, 2015; the charge and a jury was sworn in to hear his trial; assault causing harm to a minor at the same address on the same date (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: O'Rourke was then remanded in custody ahead of his sentence hearing on November 25, when victim impact statements will be read to the court.; O'Rourke was then remanded in custody ahead of his sentence hearing on November 25, when victim impact statements will be read to the court.
Places mentioned
- Central Criminal Court
- Cooline Drive
- Bill Dillane from Cobh Garda Station
- Cobh
- Cork University Hospital
Topics
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