Courts / Dublin / Report

"Investor" who stole deposits from would-be tenants drops appeal

Date
2019-05-14

Stage
Appeal

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

Jonathan Chubb, a former property investor, withdrew his appeal against the severity of his sentence at the Court of Appeal. Chubb, 38, of Drimnagh, Dublin, had previously pleaded guilty to 34 counts of theft and one count of money laundering committed between March 2013 and July 2015. He also admitted to providing a false reference, deception, and possession of a forged driving licence. The Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Chubb allegedly stole deposits from 11 would-be tenants who believed he was the landlord of an apartment on Tyrconnell Road. Gardaí reported that victims arrived at the address to find numerous others in similar situations. One victim, a woman with an eight-year-old daughter, was left homeless as a result of the alleged fraud. Chubb was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years' imprisonment on June 1, 2018, with the final 18 months suspended. Judge Karen O'Connor noted the offending was premeditated and involved vulnerable victims. Before the appeal hearing began, President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham advised Chubb's lawyers that the court could increase as well as reduce sentences. Following this warning, Chubb's barrister, James Dwyer SC, stated that Chubb wished to withdraw the appeal. Chubb confirmed this decision to the court. The matter was adjourned, and the appeal was not concluded.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Investor" who stole deposits from would-be tenants drops appeal. Charges or matters: 34 counts of theft and one count of money laundering between March 2013 and July 2015; providing a false reference, deception and possession of a forged driving licence. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

March 2013 Incident
July 2015 Incident
June 1, 2018 Other
2019-05-14 Publication

Why: Mr Justice Birmingham said the case appeared to be "singular" because of the "very vulnerable" nature of the victims in a "housing emergency". CNI source report

Case subjects

Appeal Mr Justice George

Applicant

Outcome: Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham told Chubb's lawyers that their client should be made aware of the court's full range of powers, namely, the power to increase sentences as well as reduce them.

Jonathan Chubb

Defendant

Charges: 34 counts of theft and one count of money laundering between March 2013 and July 2015; providing a false reference, deception and possession of a forged driving licence (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Chubb was due to appeal the severity of his sentence today. However, before the case came on for hearing, President of the Court of Appeal Mr Justice George Birmingham told Chubb's lawyers that their client should be made aware of the court's full range of powers, namely, the power to increase sentences as well as reduce them.