Courts / Meath / Report
Unsuccessful businessman fraudulently obtained €700k after "embarrassment" over "financial inadequacy"
Summary
Neil O'Brien, 62, of Rathbeggan, Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath, pleaded guilty to forging cheques, transfer instructions and withdrawals from bank accounts in the names of his former wife and daughter between 2002 and 2008, and to false accounting between 2009 and 2013. He admitted fraudulently obtaining €721,000, largely used for family expenses, including a credit card not in his name and a €3,000 cheque drawn by his daughter. The court heard that O'Brien had no previous convictions, was estranged from his family, had serious mental health issues and no financial means. Judge Karen O'Connor, noting exceptional circumstances, imposed a three‑year fully suspended sentence on the condition that O'Brien continue psychological services and medication. The sentence was granted without a custodial term, reflecting the court's view that a custodial sentence would not benefit the victims. The case involved no evidence of greed or gambling, and the prosecution highlighted O'Brien's financial inadequacy and early guilty plea.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Unsuccessful businessman fraudulently obtained €700k after "embarrassment" over "financial inadequacy". Charges or matters: forgery charges in relation to cheques, transfer instructions and withdrawals relating to bank accounts in the name of his former wife and daughter on dates between 2002 and 2008. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 2009 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- March 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2002 and 2008 Other
- 2018-07-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: forgery charges in relation to cheques, transfer instructions and withdrawals relating to bank accounts in the name of his former wife and daughter on dates between 2002 and 2008 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: Judge O'Connor imposed a three-year fully suspended sentence on condition that O'Brien continues to engage in psychological services and takes medication prescribed to him.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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