Defendant bought almost €1,000 of goods and then asked PayPal for a refund

A 52-year-old man bought almost €1,000 of goods online from a Laghey business and then secured a refund from PayPal after claiming the items had not been delivered.

The subsequent investigation by the store owners and gardaí led to the goods being recovered.

Eamonn Reilly of Liffey View, Upper Main Street, Celbridge, Kildare left Donegal District Court on Wednesday before the case was called, leading to a warrant being issued for his arrest.

Reilly is charged that on July 14, 2023 at Robert Kee and Son, Laghey, he fraudulently obtained supply and delivery of a Fimco broadcast spreader valued at €775 and a Wydale ATV toolbox valused at €190. The offence is Contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

Addressing the fact that his client had left the court, solicitor James Canny said: “Mr Reilly was in court earlier this morning but didn't stay. He rang the office to say in very florid language to plead guilty.”

Garda Brian Gallagher of Donegal Town Garda Station gave evidence of receiving a report from Shaun Kee of Robert Kee and Son, Laghey, on August 23. 

“The defendant bought two quad attachment items online and paid via Paypal,” said Garda Gallagher. 

“He received a refund from PayPal, claiming he didn’t receive the items.”

The court heard that the items were recovered during a garda search at the property outside the family farm.

“Kee’s spent numerous hours trying to follow up the items and then he blocked them,” said the garda.

Shaun Kee told the court that after receiving notification that the items had not been delivered, the company carried out investigations with the courier DDP. The items were not signed for, but photographs confirming delivery and showing the items being brought into the house were provided.

“Once we had that, Mr Reilly became very uncooperative,” said Mr Kee. “We offered him several options to pay.”

The goods were eventually paid for after they were seized by gardaí.

Sergeant Oliver Devaney outlined how he and Garda Gallagher had travelled to Meath several times as part of the lengthy investigation. And a witness who was present at the property had travelled to Donegal on Wednesday for the hearing. 

Mr Canny said: “It is not a nice thing to happen to a local business. The only saving grace is that he paid the money.”

Judge Ciaran Liddy said: “This is a very well thought out and resourceful scheme. 

“The gardaí should be complimented on their investigation in this matter to find the property located elsewhere and to seek the cooperation of the delivery company.

“Wasting Kee’s time and money, wasting the time of the householder who has travelled from Dunboyne; I can’t give much credit for his plea of guilty. 

“He hasn’t been excused from attending court. I am issuing a bench warrant for sentencing.”