Drug debt led to Laois woman’s money laundering
She admitted the offence at Portlaoise District Court
A Laois woman acted as a ‘money mule’ after running up a debt from drug use.
Edel Doyle (39) of Pallas, Portlaoise, pleaded guilty to laundering €3,268 at her address at Pallas on January 30, 2025.
Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the woman allowed the transfer of €3,268 from an AIB account belonging to the victim to her Revolut account. She was arrested and made full admissions, said Sgt Kirby.
He described the woman as having acted as a “money mule” and said the victim had been fully reimbursed and the case could proceed in the district court only if a guilty plea was entered.
Judge Susan Fay asked if the woman had gained financially from the transaction.
Sgt Kirby said the woman had been paid €500 for allowing the use of her account for the transaction.
On hearing the facts, Judge Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case.
Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said “this lady developed a cocaine addiction. She was in debt”.
Sgt Kirby said the investigating detective had informed him that she had been “suffering from a chronic addiction” at the time of the offence.
Mr Fitzgerald said the woman had no previous convictions and worked as a proposal manager who he explained made recommendations in relation to tenders.
He produced a letter from St Pats and told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the woman was still under their care.
Mr Fitzgerald said the woman had “accrued a bill with someone” and was told it would be reduced if she allowed her account to be used.
He explained that she had been “vulnerable”at the time of the offence. He said the woman was engaging with treatment and he asked Judge Susan Fay to consider referring her to the probation services.
Judge Fay ordered a probation report, community service suitability assessment and restorative justice in the case. She remanded the defendant on bail and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on September 21.