Courts / Dublin / Report
Pension thief allowed to withdraw appeal after producing compensation at last minute
Summary
Paula Underwood, 56, pleaded guilty to unlawfully using a computer to divert over €23,000 from pensioners at Donabate Post Office between 2008 and 2013. She withheld payments from 91 pensioners across 156 transactions, understating entitlements and exploiting vulnerable customers. An Post refunded the money and held the then postmaster, Mr Neill Smith, liable, requiring him to repay the sum. Underwood was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended on 30 July 2019. She sought to withdraw an appeal against the severity of her sentence, but the Court of Appeal required her to present €750 to compensate Mr Smith. After the payment was produced, the appeal was withdrawn, allowing her to remain released from prison. Mr Smith, a 32‑year postmaster, expressed betrayal and health impact but received no apology. The case highlights breaches of trust against elderly pensioners.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Pension thief allowed to withdraw appeal after producing compensation at last minute. 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: appeal
When:
- July 2008 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- July 30, 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-11-12 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
Outcome: Underwood was sentenced to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended by Judge Pauline Codd on July 30, 2019. Sentencing Underwood to three years imprisonment with the final 18 months suspended on July 30, 2019, Judge Pauline Codd said the crimes were "despicable" breaches of trust committed against elderly persons.
Places mentioned
- Drogheda Street
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
Topics
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