Man charged with murder of West Cork pensioner

Olivia Kelleher

A 29-year-old man has appeared before Cork District Court charged with the murder of a pensioner in The Glen in the northside of Cork city in March 2023.

Aaron Wolfe, of Glentransna Court, The Glen, Cork, was previously charged with assault causing harm to the late Florence (Florrie) O’Sullivan (68) in March of this year.

Mr O’Sullivan died at Cork University Hospital on April 6th having been hospitalised after an alleged incident on March 11th.

Detective Garda Caitriona Molloy gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution at Cork District Court on Wednesday.

She told Judge Olann Kelleher that Mr Wolfe made no reply when he was charged with the murder, contrary to common law, of Mr O’Sullivan at Glentrasna Court in Cork on March 11th.

In cases where a person has been charged with murder, bail cannot be applied for at the District Court.  Free legal aid was granted and Frank Buttimer was assigned as the solicitor to Mr Wolfe.

Sgt Lyons said that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the case would proceed to the Central Criminal Court for trial, or on a signed plea for sentencing.

Mr Buttimer indicated that the case would proceed to trial at the Central Criminal Court and stated a book of evidence would be necessary in the case.

The accused was remanded in custody to appear before Cork District Court again on September 27th.

Mr Wolfe, who was wearing a dark tracksuit, did not speak during the brief hearing. He will appear before video link from prison for his next court appearance.