Courts / Dublin / Report
No jail for woman who stole over €10k in rental deposits
Summary
Olga Leschen, aged 50, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing over €10,000 in rental deposits from eight prospective lodgers between September and October 2015. She advertised her house on Daft.ie, collected deposits ranging from €200 to €2,600, and then prevented the lodgers from moving in, citing health issues. None of the deposits were returned. Leschen was arrested on 25 October 2015 and initially denied the allegations, claiming she always returns what she takes. She later expressed remorse, wrote apology letters, and cooperated with the investigation. Judge Terence O'Sullivan sentenced her to six months imprisonment, fully suspended for 12 months on the condition of good behaviour. She has repaid all but one deposit, with the remaining €1,100 held by her solicitor and earmarked for donation if the injured party does not come forward within three years. No prior convictions were recorded.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: No jail for woman who stole over €10k in rental deposits. Charges or matters: stealing the money over a six-week period between September and October 2015; the charges at her first date in the Circuit Court. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 25th 2015 Incident
- 2018-11-12 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: stealing the money over a six-week period between September and October 2015; the charges at her first date in the Circuit Court (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Terence O'Sullivan sentenced Leschen to six months imprisonment but suspended the full sentence for 12 months provided she keep the peace and be of good behaviour.; The case was adjourned for sentencing for a year so that she could pay back all of the money, which she has done by taking loans from her family and friends.
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