Stroke victim in Naas court facing charges over DoneDeal scam

A wheelchair-bound man appeared at Naas District Court today in relation to a person paying for a iPhone on DoneDeal but not receiving it.

Evidence was given by Detective Garda Wayne Kelly of Naas Garda Station how on March 23, 2012, an advert was placed on DoneDeal selling  an iPhone 4 worth €400 for a cost of €290.

Detective Kelly said that money was paid but that the phone was 'never received'.

Judge Desmond Zaidan  asserted that surely DoneDeal should have a 'protective mechanism' and that it is not good enough to say 'at your own risk.'

Evidence was given that the accused had four previous convictions including larceny and burglary.  Additionally evidence was given how he was convicted and fined €200 at Swords District Court for a similar offence.

Defence barrister Sarah Connolly outlined how the accused , a 44-year-old man,  suffered a stroke in 2014.

The man has to mainly rely on a wheelchair but also has a crutch.The court heard how he has major vision problems since the stroke.

Detective Kelly said that there is no way of ensuring that this man does not use DoneDeal again.

He said: "Different names and different addresses can be set up in another account."

Judge Zaidan said that this is the 'disadvantage' of social media.

He ordered the accused to pay back the €290 for the phone by this July and then he can apply for the Probation Act.

He was remanded on continuing bail.