Courts / Dublin / Report
An Post worker stole thousands from vulnerable pensioners
Summary
Paula Underwood, 56, of Balbriggan, was sentenced to three years' imprisonment with 18 months suspended for unlawfully using a computer to steal €23,213 from 91 pensioners between July 2008 and October 2013 at Donabate Post Office. She withheld weekly payments, manipulating the system to take money that was not hers. An Post refunded all affected customers and blamed the IT system in letters. The postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, was held liable and set up a repayment plan, paying €5,000 initially and still owing about €6,000. Mr Smith, who had been proud of his post office, expressed betrayal and health impact. Underwood was dismissed, made a voluntary statement to Gardaí, and admitted wrongdoing. She had no prior convictions and was planning to start a state‑funded fashion design course after sentencing. The judge described the crimes as despicable breaches of trust against elderly persons. Paula Underwood pleaded guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: An Post worker stole thousands from vulnerable pensioners. Charges or matters: the unlawful use of a computer, with the intention of making a gain for herself, at Donabate Post Office between July 2008 and October 2013. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2018 Other
- 2019-08-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the unlawful use of a computer, with the intention of making a gain for herself, at Donabate Post Office between July 2008 and October 2013 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Drogheda
- Drogheda Street
- Balbriggan
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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