Courts / Waterford / Report

Court upholds deception conviction for woman who hired bouncy castle through VEC

Summary

Catherine Callanan, 51, of Ballinroad, Dungarvan, was convicted of two counts of deception for hiring a bouncy castle and a minibus for her son's 21st birthday through the Waterford Vocational Education Committee (VEC). The jury found her guilty in 2015 and Judge Melanie Greally imposed a wholly suspended four‑month sentence. Callanan appealed, arguing that the jury should not have considered the deception. The Court of Appeal, in a three‑judge panel, upheld the conviction. Justice Alan Mahon held that the jury was correctly left to decide whether Callanan intended to deceive the VEC by invoicing the costs to the committee and whether she had sought authorisation. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the original verdict and the suspended sentence. The case highlighted the role of the VEC and the responsibilities of its staff in authorising purchases. The Court referred to a 1837 precedent on implied deception. The decision was delivered by Justice Mahon, with Justices Birmingham and Edwards presiding. Catherine Callanan pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Court upholds deception conviction for woman who hired bouncy castle through VEC. Charges or matters: two counts of deception relating to the hire of a bouncy castle and services of a minibus driver on two dates in September and October 2012. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty

When:

• October 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• July 23, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 27, 2012 Incident
• October 27 Other
• 2017-05-25 Publication

Why: Had the deception ceased at that point and had she paid for it in cash, no offence could possibly have been committed because of the absence of an intention to make a gain at the cost of another, the judge said. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Appeal

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Read the original CNI report