Jail for dud cheques

A prison sentence was given to a man who cashed dud cheques in Portlaoise. 

Patrick McLoughlin, 36, with an address at Cush Farraige, Whitegate, Cork cashed the cheques valued at €850 in Dowling’s Newsagent in Portlaoise on May 5, 2017.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby described the injured party as “a very honourable man” who out of good faith had agreed to cash the cheques for the defendant. 

Judge Andrew Cody noted “there had been countless bench warrants” issued for the defendant. 

Solicitor Philip Meagher said his client fully acknowledges that he has caused a lot of difficulty. He said the man’s relationship had broken down and this had resulted in offending. “He has paid a significant amount of money in relation to similar prosecutions,” said Mr Meagher. 

Judge Cody noted the case had been previously put back for compensation but none had been forthcoming. 

Mr Meagher said his client is in prison and not in a position to repay the money. 

Judge Cody imposed a two month sentence which is to run from the end of the sentence the man is presently serving.