Longford women criticised over delays in handing over compensation for thefts

Two Longford mothers charged with fraudulently carrying out a string of transactions while using a stolen Revolut card have come in for criticism over their delays in handing in compensation to the court.

Sylvia Nevin (34) 41 Grian Ard, Ardnacassa, Longford and Winnifred Nevin (32), also known as Winnie Mooney, 4 Camlin View, Longford were both charged with a series of theft related offences at several shops in Longford town on March 6 2022.

They included thefts at Fresh Today, Longford Shopping Centre, Day Today, The Kiosk, 57 Dublin Street, Longford, Iceland, Athlone Road, Longford, Mr Price, Athlone Road, Longford, The Checkout, Ballymahon Street, Longford and Tesco, Longford Shopping Centre.

The court had previously heard the alleged incidents resulted in the loss of €234 to the injured party.

The stolen card was allegedly taken from the male victim inside the doors of a local fast food restaurant.

“This matter relates to an incident where a revolut card was obtained from the injured party in a takeaway in Longford and gardaí found out there was a number of transactions on that revolut card,” said Sgt Mark Mahon.

“The total amount the injured party was out of pocket was €234.76. It would appear there would be seven different transactions that brought it up to that amount at various different locations.”

Judge Bernadette Owens accepted jurisdiction in the case, meaning the matter could be dealt with at District Court level.

However, when the case returned before Longford District Court last Tuesday, Judge Owens was told that neither women were in a position to tender money to the court.

Judge Owens took issue with that revelation and bemoaned how the charges placed in front of her dated back over 18 months.

“These offences go back to March 6, 2022 and to come in here and say that people have to wait at a timescale that suits them is entirely unacceptable,” she said.

Judge Owens said she would be willing to give both accused one final chance, but warned that by adjourning the case for two weeks, the onus was very much on both women to adhere to the court’s directions.

“The case will be finalised and if no money is in court, I will finalise it with no restitution for the injured party and I will apply a sentence accordingly,” she said.

Both women were remanded on continuing bail to a sitting of Longford District Court on November 21.