‘Teresa was never asked to leave’

COMMENDED by Judge O’Donnell for their actions in keeping and caring for 70-year-old Teresa Gribbens despite the fact that she had been left penniless in what was described as an “appalling case of deception”, Sancta Maria nursing home in Cratloe and its owner, Olivia English, said “We never asked her to leave – we couldn’t, the woman was penniless”.

Ms English spoke to the Limerick Post after the case of deception carried out by Michael Harrington was heard in court recently, and she denies suggestions that the HSE stepped in with financial support for Ms Gribbens.

“It was appalling what happened to Teresa and she was left destitute. All of this came about after Michael Harrington left employment at the nursing home.
“The nursing home is down thousands of euro after this but we would never have asked Teresa to leave.
“There was an issue with the direct debit payments, and after initial contact from the HSE, it became a matter for the gardai. This was just something terrible that happened and it has affected quite a lot of us”.

Michael Harrington and 70-year-old Teresa Gribbens