Courts / Louth / Report
Young mum who facilitated rental scam avoids jail
Summary
Shamaine McNulty, 23, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to one count of using a false instrument to open a bank account in Drogheda on March 23, 2015, and one count of handling stolen property between March 23 and October 10, 2015. The court heard that McNulty allegedly used a fake electricity bill to open an AIB account for a man known as 'Frank', who is accused of scamming two international students out of over €2,000 through false rental advertisements. McNulty made two withdrawals totaling €8,000 for the man. Judge Karen O'Connor noted that while a three-year custodial sentence would have been appropriate, she considered McNulty's significant assistance to gardaí, which led to the man's arrest. He is due to be sentenced later this year. Judge O'Connor handed down a suspended 18-month sentence. McNulty, who has no previous convictions, was warned not to return to court. The judge acknowledged the distress caused to the victims and the loss of reputation for the country. McNulty's defence highlighted her status as a primary carer for two children and her current homelessness following a house fire. A €100 token of remorse was accepted by the court.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Young mum who facilitated rental scam avoids jail. Charges or matters: one count of using a false instrument to open a bank account on March 23, 2015 in Drogheda and one count of handling stolen property between March 23 and October 10, 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 23, 2015 Incident
- March 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 10, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 11, 2015 Other
- 2017-07-10 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of using a false instrument to open a bank account on March 23, 2015 in Drogheda and one count of handling stolen property between March 23 and October 10, 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: When questioned by gardaí, McNulty went on to assist them in capturing the man, who is due to be sentenced later this year. Mr Perry said his client was "terrified" at the prospect of being jailed.
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