Judge apologises to victims as Galway money swindler named over six bank thefts
The swindler carried out the thefts over the course of nine years across several Galway banks
The victims of a Galway woman who stole various cash amounts at branches of the Bank of Ireland in Galway are 'anxious' that the case is dealt with, a court has heard.
At Galway Circuit Court, Judge Brian O'Callaghan apologised to all those concerned in the case of Bernie Kilbane (55) – 'in particular the victims'.
Bernie Kilbane, with an address at 22 Cluain Lara, Raheen, Athenry, has pleaded guilty to 18 sample charges contrary to Section 4 of the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.
The total sum involved in the sample charges is approximately €21,100.
The accused previously entered signed pleas of guilty in the district where a large number of charges also remain live, the court was previously told.
Kilbane committed the thefts on various dates between 2014 and 2023 at Bank of Ireland branches in Eyre Square, Salthill, Gort, Headford, Tuam and Ballinasloe.
The 18 sample charges to which Kilbane pleaded guilty to refer to the theft of various amounts that were the property of two victims.
Michael Clancy BL told the court he was standing in for a colleague and solicitor Michael Cunningham is now on record in the case.
Mr Clancy said Ms Kilbane was in a car outside the courthouse because she has Covid and, after checking outside, a Garda confirmed her presence.
Judge O'Callaghan said the Probation Services required another four months to complete a report, and prosecuting counsel Brendan McDonagh BL agreed the report is necessary and it would be improper to proceed without it.
Mr McDonagh said he wanted to bring to the court's attention that the victims in the case are "anxious".
Judge O'Callaghan said the court apologised to all concerned, in particular the victims, and asked if would be possible to part-hear the evidence on different days.
Mr McDonagh said the victims want to attend to court and it may be better to hear all the evidence in one day.
Bernie Kilbane was remanded on continuing bail to appear again on July 5, 2027 and directed to continue her engagement with the Probation Services.
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