Courts / Dublin / Report
Scammer stole thousands from "vulnerable" woman
Summary
A 46-year-old man from Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, has been imprisoned for 14 months following a conviction at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for stealing over €3,300 from a vulnerable woman. Michael McGauley pleaded guilty to two counts of theft committed in October 2018, when he defrauded the woman by falsely promising to carry out insulation work on her home and to invest money on her behalf. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a three-year sentence with the final 22 months suspended on condition that McGauley repay the full stolen amount, which he has already begun doing. The court heard McGauley was struggling with gambling addiction and outstanding debts at the time of the offences. He has 25 previous convictions, including five for theft, and was on probation when the crimes occurred. His defence counsel indicated McGauley has since sought treatment through Gamblers Anonymous and has secured employment while making regular repayments to his victim.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Scammer stole thousands from "vulnerable" woman. Charges or matters: two counts of stealing money from Gemma Hazley at locations in Malahide and Swords, Dublin on October 23 and October 24, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 23 Hearing Or Sentence
- October 24, 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-11-25 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of stealing money from Gemma Hazley at locations in Malahide and Swords, Dublin on October 23 and October 24, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He handed down a three-year sentence but suspended the final 22 months on a number of conditions, including that McGauley repay his victim the €3,300 he stole from her.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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