State warned after latest delay in Donegal proceeds-of-crime case 

The State has been given two weeks to get a book of evidence in the case of a woman charged with handling the proceeds of criminal conduct in Donegal.

The case of Sandra Connors was mentioned at Letterkenny District Court this week.

The 25-year-old, of Silver Street, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, faces five charges relating to dates between 2019 and 2022.

She is accused of engaging in transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing or using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, to wit monies credited to accounts in Letterkenny Credit Union, AIB Bank and Permanent TSB in her name while knowing that, believing that or being reckless as to whether or not the said property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

The charges are contrary to section 7(1)(a)(ii), 7(1)(b) & 7(3) of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act 2010.

Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that a book of evidence was not yet ready.

Mr Rory O’Brien, solicitor for Connors, said that the book has been awaited now “for months and months”.

Mr O’Brien told Judge Emile Daly that his client was advised to be present and travelled up from Tipperary.

He added that the State indicated that the case was connected to a matter that was due before the Circuit Court.

Mr O’Brien said: “On the one hand the Prosecution are trying to call matters on but on the other Ms Connors hasn’t even been returned for trial and there is no book of evidence”.

Judge Daly said there was no indication why there had already been a number of adjournments to allow a book to be served.

After the judge sought an explanation, Sergeant Collins said there was a “family issue” with a person who was dealing with the book. 

Sergeant Collins asked for a brief adjournment, but Mr O’Brien called for the matter be marked peremptory against the State.

“A message has to be sent,” he said.

Judge Daly remanded Connors on continuing bail until December 1 and marked the case peremptory, meaning the State must be ready by that date or the case could be struck out.