Woman who allegedly embezzled £91k from man's estate back in court

A WOMAN facing charges of embezzling more than £90,000 from a man's estate while in a position of trust returned to court. Marie Gallagher has pleaded not guilty to a charge of, while acting as carer and holder of a power of attorney of John Donnelly, now deceased, embezzling £91,000 at Limonds Avenue, Ayr. The 63-year-old is alleged to have taken the money between December 23, 2013 and December 31, 2019, with the case calling again at Ayr Sheriff Court for a further pre-trial hearing. Her defence solicitor Glenn Davis said: "There was no issue with my client fixing a trial." The Procurator Fiscal depute told the court the case was "continued for further enquiries" on the last occasion. They added: "There have been a number of enquiries, some more fruitful than others. "We wanted to get the complainer's will, but [the lawyer at the firm] she is no longer allowed to work as a solicitor. "We spoke to the solicitor's firm who refused to provide a statement without a warrant - it was the first time I had heard of that." After proceedings were previously adjourned for a specified fiscal depute to be allocated to the case, she added "we don't have anyone yet to allocate to the case". Sheriff Ewan Cameron said: "That explanation is very unsatisfactory. The COPFS is a large organisation with a lot of deputes. "If the court asks for a depute to be allocated the court expects it to happen." The case was continued for Gallagher, of Arcon Avenue, Mossblown. She is due to return to the dock at a later date.