Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for repeat social welfare fraudster

Date
2016-12-02

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

James Maughan, 38, was sentenced to three years in jail with the final two years suspended after a repeat social welfare fraud conviction. He had previously claimed disability benefit in his own name and then fraudulently applied for Jobseeker's Allowance under the false name 'Terence Maughan', stealing €438. Facial‑recognition software used by Department of Social Protection staff linked his public services card photo to his true identity. Maughan had 11 prior social welfare fraud convictions dating back to 2013 and a total of 55 convictions overall, most theft‑related. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, was remanded in custody since November 1, and had attended rehabilitation at Cuan Mhuire in August before leaving in September. Judge Melanie Greally noted his drug‑free status, work while remanded, and repayment of the debt to the State, and imposed the suspended sentence. The case was heard at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for repeat social welfare fraudster. Charges or matters: inducing another to accept an application for job seekers allowance in a false name and stealing €438 in Jobseeker's Allowance, the property of the Department of Social Protection, in July 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

July 2015 Adjournment
November 1 Adjournment
July 8 Other
July 23 Incident
2016-12-02 Publication

Why: Maughan's defence counsel, Rebecca Smith BL, told Judge Greally that her client had managed to stay drug-free and was allowed to work while on remand in Cloverhill Prison because of his status. Defence account reported by CNI

Case subjects

James Maughan

Applicant

Charges: inducing another to accept an application for job seekers allowance in a false name and stealing €438 in Jobseeker's Allowance, the property of the Department of Social Protection, in July 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She handed down a three year sentence but suspended the final two years.; The court heard sentencing had been adjourned earlier this year to allow Maughan attend rehabilitation at Cuan Mhuire.