Lawyer to go on trial for arson, theft and fraud

A former Cork solicitor has been returned for trial on a single charge of arson at a solicitor’s office and pub, five charges of theft and four charges relating to fraud offences.

Mark Cronin, aged 40, with an address at 20 New Street, Macroom, appeared before Judge James McNulty at the district court in the town yesterday. He is charged with committing arson causing damage to a licensed premises and solicitors’ offices at Middle Square, Macroom, on October 4, 2010, as well as nine other charges relating to theft and fraud.

Detective Garda Tom O’Sullivan told Judge James McNulty that he has served the book of evidence for all 10 charges on Mr Cronin.

Insp Ger Lacey said the Director of Public Prosecution has instructed that Mr Cronin be sent forward for trial by indictment to the next sitting of Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

RELATED: Former solicitor remanded on bail over arson, fraud, and theft offences

Solicitor Conor Murphy, representing Mr Cronin, requested an extension of legal aid to the Circuit Court.

Judge McNulty remanded Mr Cronin on bail to appear at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on June 9.

Mr Cronin has been charged with stealing sums of €100,000, €40,000 and €30,000 from Maurice and Rosemary McCarthy at South Square, Macroom, on dates in 2011 and 2012.

Mr Cronin also faces a charge of stealing €79,364 from Sean O’Sullivan on a date between November 25, 2011, and January 19, 2012, at South Square, Macroom.

He is also charged with stealing €24,220 from Eric Graham at Cronin’s Solicitor’s, The Square, Macroom, between July 1, 2009, and December 15, 2013.

Mr Cronin is also charged with two counts of gain by deception contrary to section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act and two charges of making false instruments contrary to section 25.

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