Courts / Dublin / Report

Drug user jailed over false passport application

Date
2018-02-02

Stage
Sentence

Primary locality
Ballymun

County
Dublin

Summary

Gerard Neeson, 46, of Ballymun, Dublin, was sentenced to six months in prison for providing false or misleading information in a passport application. Between 23 and 30 April 2015, Neeson submitted an application and four photographs signed by Gardaí at Ballymun Garda Station. He later handed the application and photographs to a third party who altered the photo, replacing Neeson's image with that of a criminal, and mailed the altered application to the passport office. Neeson was to receive €500 if the passport was issued. The court noted Neeson's 29 prior convictions and his admission of involvement. Judge Martin Nolan emphasized that Neeson's lack of sophistication did not absolve him of responsibility, and imposed the six‑month sentence. The case highlighted the use of a passport for illicit purposes. Gerard Neeson pleaded guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Drug user jailed over false passport application. Charges or matters: providing false or misleading information while applying for a passport at the passport office, Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan on a date between April 23rd and 30th 2015. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

April 23rd Hearing Or Sentence
2018-02-02 Publication

Case subjects

Gerard Neeson

Defendant

Charges: providing false or misleading information while applying for a passport at the passport office, Fingal Bay Business Park, Balbriggan on a date between April 23rd and 30th 2015 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: He imposed a six-month prison sentence.