A Cork man who claimed pensions for his deceased mother and father for over 30 years gambled away all of the 1 million he collected, it emerged today.
Donal O’Callaghan knows he is facing a jail term but wants to address his gambling addiction before the sentence is imposed, his senior counsel Ray Boland said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
“The offences are the collecting of his deceased parents’ pensions over 30 years. The total is close to 1 million.
“He suffers a gambling addiction – He gambled it all away.”
Mr Boland said that the psychotherapist who examined the accused reported that he would benefit from a gambling diversion programme.
The senior counsel said he did not know if such a programme was available in Ireland.
“I am hoping the probation service will be aware of one,” he said.
“I am asking for it to be adjourned to February and that he be directed to go to any treatment recommended by the probation service. I have told him he will be receiving a custodial sentence and he is aware of that.
“He lives alone in Churchfield. He is not a flight risk. He has a realistic attitude in terms of what the penalty will be. I just want to put as much mitigation as possible in place,” Mr Boland said.
Judge Helen Boyle remanded the accused on bail for sentencing on February 15.
While Mr Boland referred to some background to the offences, to which O’Callaghan pleaded guilty, so far the prosecution has not outlined the background which gave rise to the charges that were...
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