Chemist ‘has made total mess of things’

A 72-year-old West Cork pharmacist was remanded in custody for a month yesterday as her sentencing for what the judge described as egregious criminality was adjourned.

Christine Crowley, aged 72, from Main St, Drimoleague, faced sentencing after pleading guilty to 20 sample counts from a 174-count indictment of fraud involving sums totalling more than €70,000 over several years.

Judge Seán Ó Donnabháin said: “I have never come across a case where the deceit was so well organised. There is a level of egregious criminal behaviour.