Theft charge for former Cork City player O'Callaghan
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.
One of Cork City FC’s most famous players – George O’Callaghan – was formally arrested and charged today with the theft of over €23,000 from a fitness centre where he worked about five years ago.
Detective Garda Robert McCarthy arrested George O’Callaghan for the purpose of charging him today at Cork District Court.
Sergeant John Dineen said that the Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial by indictment at Cork Circuit Criminal or the entry of a signed plea of guilty by the accused.
Solicitor Frank Buttimer said a book of evidence would not be required and that 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, County 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 that 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 that 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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