Courts / Louth / Report
Criminals used care worker to move €600k during lockdown
Summary
During the pandemic lockdown, a 44‑year‑old care worker, Catherine Dawson, was used by criminals to transport more than €600,000 in cash. She had a clean record and was following instructions from another person when she allowed the money to be placed in her car. The Special Criminal Court heard that a search of Dawson's home uncovered luxury watches, fake high‑end handbags and a receipt for an €8,845 holiday to America, though the Gardaí do not believe these items were connected to her. Dawson was arrested as part of a Garda investigation targeting serious organised criminals. In January she pleaded guilty to possessing two bags of cash, one containing €289,770 and £65,025 (€70,207) and the other €254,840, knowing or believing the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct. The court adjourned sentencing until 17 May.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Criminals used care worker to move €600k during lockdown. Charges or matters: possessing a blue Nike bag containing €289,770 and £65,025 (€70,207) in cash, while knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct; possessing another black bag containing €254,840 in cash, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 11, 2020 Incident
- May 17 Adjournment
- 2021-03-24 Publication
Why: Credit: Collins) Criminals used a 44-year-old care worker to transport more than €600,000 in cash because she had a valid reason to travel during the pandemic lockdown, the Special Criminal Court has heard. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possessing a blue Nike bag containing €289,770 and £65,025 (€70,207) in cash, while knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct; possessing another black bag containing €254,840 in cash, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Ms Biggs asked the court to consider Dawson's two children and her early guilty plea before imposing a custodial sentence.; Counsel added: "She has lost her job, her home, her partner and her reputation, which was very good, and has to build her life again." Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Flann Brennan and Gerard Griffin, adjourned sentencing until May 17.
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