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Judge warns rent scammer she will impose jail sentence
Summary
In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, 36‑year‑old Ashley Lucas pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering for setting up a bank account at AIB Drogheda on 24 March 2015. The account was used to defraud Swiss student Marlene Lienau, who transferred €1,040 for a room that did not exist. Lucas admitted opening the account with a false utility bill and a passport, and he claimed he was instructed by a Nigerian man in the UK. Lienau suffered an economic loss of €1,346 and expressed distress at being scammed and the impact on her view of Ireland. Lucas has no prior convictions, has complied with bail, and has expressed remorse, offering to pay the outstanding sum. Judge Karen O'Connor warned Lucas that a custodial sentence will be imposed and postponed sentencing to 15 December to obtain an updated probation report. The co‑accused, who pleaded guilty to using a false instrument, received an 18‑month suspended sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Judge warns rent scammer she will impose jail sentence. Charges or matters: one count of money laundering, which involved setting up a bank account at AIB Drogheda on March 24, 2015; using a false instrument, to wit a utility bill, on March 24 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- March 24, 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- September 3, 2015 Incident
- December 15 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 24 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2017-10-19 Publication
Why: She postponed sentencing until December in order to get an updated probation report. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: one count of money laundering, which involved setting up a bank account at AIB Drogheda on March 24, 2015; using a false instrument, to wit a utility bill, on March 24 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Karen O'Connor told Lucas today that she will impose a custodial sentence. Judge O'Connor directed a probation report to be presented to court when she sentences Lucas on December 15.
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