Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for involvement in scam that conned "exceptionally vulnerable" woman out of life savings

Summary

Michael O'Brien, aged 24, was jailed for three years after pleading guilty to four counts of deception for scamming an exceptionally vulnerable woman out of €90,000. The victim, who was receiving psychiatric treatment and caring for her 95‑year‑old mother, was left with only €93 after repeatedly handing over €5,000 installments to O'Brien. He claimed to work for a "boss man" and that he had collected the money to repay a debt of €4,000, but he received only €600. The court accepted his guilty pleas on the basis that his culpability was limited to €20,000, but imposed a custodial term without suspension, citing the aggravated nature of the deception and the severe impact on the victim. No other parties were investigated. O'Brien had no prior convictions and earned a living through odd jobs.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for involvement in scam that conned "exceptionally vulnerable" woman out of life savings. Charges or matters: four sample charges of deception on dates between October 2015 and November 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• October 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• November 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• December 2015 Incident
• 2017-03-24 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Sentence

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Read the original CNI report