2014-12-16
Community service for father-of-six who stole €44K through social welfare fraud
Stage: Sentence
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Ring said if she were to impose a custodial sentence McDonagh would no longer be eligible for social welfare which would ultimately extend the time it takes for him to fully reimburse the State. She sentenced him to two and half years in prison but ordered that he carry out 240 hours community service in lieu of that.; Judge Mary Ellen Ring had adjourned sentencing after hearing evidence last October and ordered a report from the Probation Service.