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Court upholds sentence of man who swindled vulnerable woman out of life savings
Summary
Michael O'Brien, aged 25, was found guilty of deceiving a vulnerable woman who was caring for her 95‑year‑old mother and had psychiatric illness. Between October and November 2015, O'Brien persuaded her to pay €5,000 repeatedly, claiming it was for driveway repaving, house painting, and a supposed bank scam. He collected about €90,000, her entire life savings, and only €20,000 was recovered. He pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court and received a three‑year prison sentence on 24 March 2017. The Court of Appeal upheld the sentence, stating the deception was "so despicable" that the maximum five‑year sentence would have been appropriate. The appeal was dismissed, confirming the original three‑year term. The case highlighted the victim's vulnerability and the extent of the financial loss.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Court upholds sentence of man who swindled vulnerable woman out of life savings. Charges or matters: four sample charges of deceiving the woman at her home, where she was a carer for her 93-year-old mother, and on the grounds of a hospital where she was an outpatient, on dates between October and November 2015. Procedural stage: appeal
When:
- November 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 24, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2018-03-20 Publication
Why: However, the injured party stated that O'Brien was the "boss-man" because he was the only person who interacted with her. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: four sample charges of deceiving the woman at her home, where she was a carer for her 93-year-old mother, and on the grounds of a hospital where she was an outpatient, on dates between October and November 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Mr Justice Hedigan, who sat with Mr Justice Alan Mahon and Mr Justice John Edwards, said the court was in "full agreement" with the sentence imposed and the appeal was therefore dismissed.
Places mentioned
- Court of Appeal
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Old Castle Drive
- Appeal's view
- St James's Hospital
Topics
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