Bookmakers Boylesports has launched a High Court action against one of its branch managers over an alleged missing €562,200.

Last night Boylesports obtained orders preventing Ronan Crowley, manager of the Castle Street Shop in Cork City, from reducing or dissipating his assets below €650,000.

It claims Mr Crowley deliberately failed to lodge monies taken in at the branch with its bank and misappropriated monies for his own use.

Mr Justice Michael White also granted Boylesports orders restraining Mr Crowley, with an address at Carrig Downs, Carrigtwohill, Co Cork, from dealing with or dissipating any monies allegedly misappropriated by him from his employers.

The orders were granted on an ex-parte basis (one side only represented in court). Mr Justice White adjourned the matter to Monday. He also gave Boylesports permission to inform various financial institutions about the making of the orders.