A couple in rural North Cork endured a terrifying ordeal when a member of a criminal gang drove to their home and threatened to burn down their house unless they paid a "drugs debt."
The man pleaded guilty in Cork Circuit Criminal Court to two charges after travelling from Dublin to the wrong address in North Cork with another man.
"Jamie Gavigan of Rowlagh Avenue in Clondalkin, Dublin travelled to a rural area in North Cork with another man on the 18th of October last year with the intention of collecting a "drugs debt.".
Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that he banged on the door of the completely innocent couple, was shouting aggressively and threatened to burn down their home unless they handed the money over.
Det Garda David Barry told the court that Gavigan was a "member of an organised crime gang" in Dublin.
Gavigan told the couple, who have never had any involvement in criminality or drugs, that he would be back and would "burn down" their house.
The couple took two pictures of Gavigan's car as he sped away - and he was recorded on their CCTV system.
Gardaí subsequently identified him through his car registration number.
He was remanded in custody on the 25th of October and has been in custody since, despite an unsuccessful bail application in the High Court.
Det Garda Barry said Gavigan has 27 previous convictions including one for possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Defence Barrister, Donal O'Sullivan said that his client "signed a plea of guilty at the earliest opportunity" and stressed that his client had been sent by others to collect the debt.
Judge Helen Boyle adjourned the case until next Wednesday.
