Former Cork City FC striker George O’Callaghan charged with €23,000 theft
George O'Callaghan (pictured in 2003). File picture: Eddie O'Hare
One of Cork City FC’s most famous players — George O’Callaghan — was formally arrested and charged on Wednesday with the theft of more than €23,000 from a fitness centre where he worked about five years ago.
Detective Garda Robert McCarthy arrested George O’Callaghan, of Lisduff, Whitechurch, Co Cork,
for the purpose of charging him on Wednesday at Cork District Court.
Sergeant John Dineen said the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal Court or the entry of a signed plea of guilty by the accused.
Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said a book of evidence would not be required and Mr O’Callaghan would enter a signed guilty plea immediately. “He admits the offence,” Mr Buttimer said.
The single charge against the 46-year-old was brought under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and it states that: “On dates between August 1, 2020, and December 23, 2021, at Anytime Fitness, Eastgate, Ballincollig, Co Cork, in the District Court area of Cork City, he did steal property, to wit, €23,645, the property of Holohan Fitness Ltd, trading as Anytime Fitness.”
Mr Buttimer applied for free legal aid saying: “He is not in receipt of income, he lost his situation arising out these difficulties.”
Judge John King granted free legal aid for the solicitor and a barrister to represent the defendant.
The case was sent forward from Cork District Court for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court on February 9.
Sgt Dineen said there was no objection to bail and no conditions were required.
Background details on how the matters that gave rise to the charge were not outlined in court, but it is anticipated such details will be given at the sentencing hearing in the circuit court.
George O’Callaghan’s football career included a five-year period with Cork City FC from 2002, and a spell in the UK at Ipswich Town.
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