Longford District Court fraud case: Defendant ‘fell prey to other parties’

A defendant has been given nine months to come up with €750 for a charity donation if he wants to be treated “in a lenient manner”,

Noel Devaney (36) of 16 Sandylane, Richmond Street, Longford was facing a total of seven fraud charges.

Sergeant Enda Daly outlined the charges against the defendant. Mr Devaney faces accusations that on April 5, 20, 27, and May 11 and 18 at Bank of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he engaged in handling or possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct, that is €350, while believing the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Two other charges are that on July 15, 2021 at Bank of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he did handle property the proceeds of crime, that is bank lodgements of €2,400 and €3,800.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act.

Sgt Daly said the the first set of charges relate to alleged fraudulent Covid Payments and the second two relate to the withdrawal of money from the accounts of two ladies, one from Laois and the other from Sligo. The injured parties were reimbursed the money.

The prosecuting sergeant said there was a co-accused in the matter. Sgt Daly said the State will allege that Mr Devaney's account was used to facilitate the transfer of money, and that it appeared he became embroiled in the scheme having fallen into debt to money lenders.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted that the defendant was the subject of an “extremely positive” probation report.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh outlined how the matter came to light when her client contacted Gardaí about unusual activity on his bank account. Ms Mimnagh said her client hoped a criminal conviction would not affect his employment or his voluntary work.

“This has had a huge effect on Noel, but he has received great support from his family,” Ms Mimnagh said.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted Mr Devaney had no relevant previous conviction and his positive engagement with the Probation Services. The judge said: “I am taking into account that he was vulnerable at the time and fell prey to other parties.”

The judge said although the injured parties were “not at a loss” there had to be “some pain” when it came to sentencing. Mr Devaney was remanded on continuing bail to December 17 next at which point he should have €750 to pay to the court poor box: “If the defendant has that money I may be persuaded to deal with this in a lenient manner.”