Manager charged with stealing €590,000 from Boylesports

A 33-year-old former manager of a bookies’ shop has been remanded on bail after he was charged with stealing almost €600,000 from his employer over a 21-month period.

Ronan Crowley, from Carrig Downs, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, was charged with 236 counts of stealing sums totalling €590,810 from Boylesports at Castle Street in Cork.

The charges allege Mr Crowley stole varying sums from Boylesports at Castle Street on dates between November 19th, 2011, and September 2nd, 2013.

Today at Cork District Court, Det Garda Padraig Harrington gave evidence of arrest, charge and caution and told the court Mr Crowley made no reply to the charges after caution.

Insp Finbarr O’Sullivan said the DPP had directed trial by indictment by judge and jury at Circuit Court level on all 236 charges, which are contrary to the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said his client was waiving his right to preliminary examination and wanted to go forward on a signed plea of guilty to the Circuit Court.

Judge Leo Malone noted Mr Buttimer's comments and sent Mr Crowley forward on a signed plea of guilty to the next sittings of Cork Circuit Criminal Court, starting on May 12th.

Mr Buttimer also applied for free legal aid for Mr Crowley, saying he was an unemployed father of two in receipt of social assistance. Judge Malone granted him free legal aid.

Gardaí said they had no objection to bail and Judge Malone remanded Mr Crowley on bail on his own bond of €500 to appear at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on May 12th next.