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'Unofficial carer' who stole €41k from grieving pensioner avoids jail
Summary
In the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Laura Pennick, aged 33, received a three‑year suspended sentence for stealing €41,935 from pensioner Marie McNally between January 2010 and December 2012. Pennick had acted as an "unofficial carer" for McNally, who was grieving after her sons were shot dead and was in ill health. Pennick accessed McNally's bank accounts and ATM cards, withdrawing amounts ranging from small sums to €600, which she spent on home improvements, fashion, furnishings, appliances and holidays. She has pleaded guilty to the thefts and has already paid €20,500, with an estimated four years remaining to repay the full amount. Judge Melanie Greally imposed the suspended sentence on the condition that Pennick continue to set aside €100 a week for repayment. Pennick has 29 prior convictions, including five thefts, and had owed money to individuals who threatened her.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Unofficial carer' who stole €41k from grieving pensioner avoids jail. Charges or matters: thefts totalling €41,935 from Ms McNally between January 2010 and December 2012. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2016 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
- December 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2020-02-24 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: thefts totalling €41,935 from Ms McNally between January 2010 and December 2012 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Credit: Collins) By Isabel Hayes and Sonya McLean An "unofficial carer" who stole €41,000 in inheritance money from a grieving pensioner whose sons were shot dead has been given a suspended sentence on condition that she pay back the victim in full. In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Melanie Greally gave Laura Pennick (33) a three-year suspended sentence on condition that she continue putting aside €100 a week to repay Marie McNally the stolen inheritance money.
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