A middle-aged man who worked as a housekeeper at sheltered accommodation appeared at Cork District Court today charged with 19 counts of stealing over €4,000 in cash belonging to an elderly man.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis outlined the background to the incident so that Judge Carol Anne Ní Chúllacháin could decide on whether or not to accept jurisdiction for the case.

Detective Garda Bríd Norris charged the defendant with 19 counts of theft amounting to a total of over €4,000 arising out of the alleged use of a bank card belonging to the elderly man living in sheltered accommodation.

Zaldy Tan, aged 51, with an address at 55 Summerstown Road, Wilton, Cork, appeared in court in relation to the case.

“Zaldy Tan was working as a housekeeper at a sheltered accommodation centre and it is alleged that he stole a bank card from one of the elderly residents,” said Sgt Davis.

“It is alleged that he used this bank card to carry out 19 separate transactions at various ATMs in Cork.”

Having heard the facts, Judge Ní Chúllacháin said she would accept jurisdiction to hear the case at Cork District Court.

Frank Buttimer, solicitor, said that the accused was also opting to have the case heard at Cork District Court rather than in the circuit court.

Mr Buttimer applied for a copy of the prosecution statements to be sent to the defence.

On the application of Sgt Davis, Judge Ní Chúllacháin adjourned the case until February 19.

The defendant was remanded on bail until then.

All of the charges brought by Det Gda Norris against the accused man relate to alleged thefts of various sums of cash at ATMs and service stations in and around the area of Cork City.