Longford man allegedly defrauded victims out of €42k in ‘shed scam’
Tens of thousands of euros were taken for sheds that were never constructed
A Longford town man will face trial over an alleged scam where he is accused of defrauding numerous victims into giving him tens of thousands of euro for sheds which were never constructed.
Trevor Fitzgerald (45), of Teffia Park, Longford, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens at Longford District Court on Tuesday in relation to six charges under Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
Sergeant Enda Daly informed Judge Bernadette Owens that directions had been received from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) who had consented for the accused to stand trial on all six counts.
The prosecuting officer said the State was open to Mr Fitzgerald being sent forward to the Circuit Criminal Court on a signed guilty plea if it becomes necessary.
The alleged offences are said to have occurred at various locations in Longford between December 2021 and October 2023.
The defendant allegedly induced the three people to conduct bank transfers at Permanent TSB in Longford and pay various deposits for sheds on days between December 2021 and three dates spanning January to August 2022.
The three victims allegedly lost out on a total of over €25,000.
Three further charges allege that Mr Fitzgerald defrauded two men and a woman and they suffered losses of €16,500 after they made cash and cheque deposit payments between June 2022 and May 2023 for unbuilt sheds.
It is alleged that the total amount the victims were defrauded out of was €42,000 and the offences occurred at Catrongeeragh Business Park and Fabrication Works on the Athlone Road and at Stewarts Garage, Sligo Road, Carrick-on-Shannon.
Sgt Daly addressed Judge Owens and said the State would not object to bail if Mr Fitzgerald agreed to follow and abide by several conditions which included living at his home address, signing on twice weekly at Longford Garda Station, surrendering his passport within 24 hours and undertaking not to apply for a duplicate passport or any other travel documents.