Carer pleads guilty over €18k theft from elderly couple

A WOMAN working as a carer for a 92-year-old man and his 89-year-old wife pleaded guilty yesterday to 16 sample charges related to the theft of more than €18,000 from the couple.

Maria Foley, aged 38, of 7 Cherry Tree Road, Togher, Cork, appeared at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on an indictment that included 44 counts of stealing cheques, 26 counts of forgery and six counts of obtaining cash by false pretences.

Foley pleaded guilty to 16 counts on an indictment which originally contained 76 counts.

It was alleged that over €18,000 was taken from the couple’s account through the cashing of 25 cheques, allegedly paid out to the defendant, Maria Foley.

Judge David Riordan said, “Having regard to the amount of money, having regard to the relationship between carer and cared for and the moral turpitude which the court has to have regard to I do refuse jurisdiction. This case will proceed by indictment.”

Defence barrister Niamh Stewart applied to have sentencing adjourned until June 2011 to enable Foley raise compensation. Judge Patrick J Moran said he would not adjourn it for such a long period. He adjourned it instead until February 23, 2011.