'I just think it doesn’t work for a virus': West Cork grandmother jailed for refusing to wear mask tells court

Margaret Buttimer, 66, said she couldn’t say she would stop committing her offending behaviour in stores

Margaret Buttimer, of St Fintan's Rd, Bandon, Co Cork, was jailed for refusing to wear a face mask in Dunnes Stores, Clonakilty on December 6 last. Picture: Larry Cummins

A grandmother who has been jailed for failing to wear a mask after receiving her seventh conviction for such an offence has said that she is not sure if the virus exists or if face coverings protect against Covid.

Bandon District Court heard that Margaret Buttimer, of St Fintan's Rd in Bandon, Co Cork, had lived an "unblemished" life and was without convictions until the pandemic broke out.