Carer Sentenced to Three Years for Defrauding Elderly Couple in Cork
Cork: In Kinsale, a 46-year-old carer named Catherine Gregg has been sentenced to three years in prison for stealing over €45,000 from the bank accounts of an elderly couple she was caring for. The judge granted a reprieve for the last six months of her sentence.
Gregg, residing at The Cottage, Ballinaclashet, County Cork, was entrusted with managing the bank accounts of the elderly couple, who sought her assistance due to their advanced age. They also granted her access to a Bank of Ireland debit card, which was monitored online by one of their children living abroad.
Following the death of the husband in mid-2019 and the subsequent placement of his wife, who suffered from dementia, into long-term residential care three months later, suspicious transactions were discovered in a second account at Ulster Bank. The couple reported the matter to the gardaí, leading to the arrest of Catherine Gregg.
Investigations revealed a total of 17 thefts, including cash withdrawals, card payments, electronic funds transfers, and expenditures on groceries, refuse charges, electricity bills, and even a foal costing up to €4,000. Defence barrister Paula McCarthy stated that Gregg expressed remorse and shame for her actions, emphasising that her own father suffers from dementia, and she is his sole carer.
Judge Colin Daly characterised Gregg’s actions as a gross breach of trust, noting that her deliberate and premeditated actions took advantage of the elderly woman during a vulnerable period. Despite Gregg’s remorse, the court emphasised the substantial sum of money taken, crucial for the continued care of the elderly woman.
Catherine Gregg received a three-year prison sentence, with the last six months suspended. She was released on bail, and her sentence is set to begin after Christmas.
Irish Samachar English News
Comments are closed.