Courts / Dublin / Report
€167k benefits cheat "in very clear risk" of custody
Summary
Gerard Lawlor, 67, of Balrothery, Tallaght, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 11 counts of fraudulently claiming €167,873 in social welfare payments from 2005 to 2015. The fraud was uncovered during a Revenue audit of his former wife's dieting company, revealing that Lawlor had claimed pre‑retirement payments for himself and adult dependent allowances for his estranged wife. He failed to declare self‑employment, property sales, and work in a garage with his father and brother. Lawlor has no prior convictions and is now receiving a state pension of €183 a week, reduced by €28 to repay the debt. He has paid €11,000 to the department as a token of remorse and has no assets. Lawlor, who lives rent‑free in his sister's home after selling investment properties at a loss, has asked for a non‑custodial sentence to continue caring for his disabled sister.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: €167k benefits cheat "in very clear risk" of custody. Charges or matters: 11 sample counts of stealing social welfare payments from the Department of Social Protection between 2005 and 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- June 15 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2005 and 2015 Other
- 2017-04-25 Publication
Why: This has been reduced by €28 a week by the department in order to pay back the money he owes the state. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 11 sample counts of stealing social welfare payments from the Department of Social Protection between 2005 and 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He will be sentenced on June 15. Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the sentence to get a probation report on Lawlor's family situation and his involvement in the care of his sister.; Judge Karen O'Connor adjourned the sentence to get a probation report on Lawlor's family situation and his involvement in the care of his sister.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request