Longford man in court on fraud charges

A defendant facing a total of seven fraud charges will return to Longford District Court in March to have matters progressed.

Noel Devaney (36) of 16 Sandylane, Richmond Street, Longford was the subject of a jurisdiction hearing to ascertain if the matter will be concluded in the District Court.

Sergeant Mark Mahon 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 Mahon 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 the other from Sligo. The injured parties were reimbursed the money.

The prosecuting sergeant said there was a second co-accused in the matter. Sgt Mahon said the State will allege that Mr Devaney's account was used to facilitate the transfer of money.

Judge Bernadette Owens asked if there had been any direct contact with the injured parties in the incident on July 15, 2021. Sgt Mahon said “the scheme was set up by a co-accused” and alleged the defendant had facilitated the fraud by providing his bank account.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh pointed out that her client had made contact with Gardaí about the matter before he was charged. Ms Mimnagh said the defendant will be entering a plea and asked the judge to consider directing the compilation of a probation report on Mr Devaney.

Judge Owens adjourned the matter to March 13, 2024 for facts and penalty, and directed that a probation report be compiled. The defendant was assigned legal aid.