Longford man's PUP fraud charge to return before the court

A Granard businessman who received Pandemic Unemployment Paymens totalling €2,653 will return before the court next week when he will pay the money back.

Alex Kane (48), of Cartron, Granard was charged with eight counts of dishonestly by deception inducing the Minister of the Department of Social Protection to pay money into his Ulster Bank account.

Mr Kane was also charged with three motoring offences from May 26, 2021. Garda Pauric Shanley told the court the defendant made four online applications for the PUP around May of 2020.

Mr Kane subsequently received one payment of €203 and seven payments of €350 between April, 2020 and June 2020 totalling €2,653.

Garda Shanley said an investigation by the Revenue Commissioners indicated Mr Kane was not eligible for the payment and was in receipt of a payment from Northern Ireland in respect of an application he made as an employee of Rathcronin Motors, a company dissolved in 2018. The court was told Mr Kane has not been a PAYE employee since 2009.

Solicitor Brid Mimnagh told Judge Bernadette Owens her client works both sides of the Irish border: “He has never hidden his addresses and Gardaí are very well aware of it.

“Alex conducts business in Northern Ireland and the Republic. At the time his business was completely tied up and he made the application believing he was entitled to it. He was in receipt of a Northern Ireland payment of £70 per week.”

Ms Mimnagh told the court Mr Kane now acknowledges he was not entitled and will pay back the money he received under the PUP.

The solicitor said the father of three children in full time education is estranged from his partner, but he fully supports the family.

Ms Mimnagh pointed out the defendant also makes monthly payment to Revenue Commissioners. She stated that when Mr Kane attempted to travel to work during the pandemic he was turned back home by Gardaí.

Noting the defendant does not have any relevant previous conviction Judge Ownes said she will be convinced by “the colour of Mr Kane's money”. The judge remanded Mr Kane on continuing bail to February 7 for compensation payment and sentencing.