Anthony Perry jailed for forgery and theft in Dublin

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Anthony Perry was jailed for two years for forgery and theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Judge Martin Nolan described him as a “shameless con man”. The proceedings were reported on 1 June 2017.

Perry had pleaded not guilty to eight counts under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act. A jury convicted him on all counts after a trial in May 2017.

Detective Garda Siobhan Moore told prosecuting counsel Eilis Brennan that Perry applied for a birth certificate in the name of his late brother, William Perry. In April 2006, he used it to obtain a passport and then opened a bank account in the false name. In 2007, he used the identity and account to obtain a €300,000 mortgage, buying a house and granny flat in Offaly and insuring them.

The properties burned down in August 2008, and Perry claimed on the policies. FBD paid €304,216, but the payment was repudiated after investigators became suspicious of his identity. Judge Nolan said the fire was caused maliciously by unknown third parties and had nothing to do with Perry.

During the trial, Perry’s lawyers presented medical evidence that he had a type of personality change and could not stop himself acting as his brother. Judge Nolan ruled the evidence inadmissible. Defence counsel Damian Colgan said Perry was suffering from a disorder when he fraudulently signed the documents and that there was some supporting medical evidence.

The court heard that Perry had made full mortgage repayments until June 2008 and a one-third repayment in July 2008. Judge Nolan said Perry had a good work history and that his previous convictions were for minor offending.