Courts / Dublin / Report
Cleaner jailed for €225k welfare fraud
Summary
Edward McCann, a 66‑year‑old cleaner, was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for defrauding the State of €224,731 over a 24‑year period. He worked for a cleaning company under two aliases, claiming social welfare and unemployment assistance from 1991 to 2015. McCann also pleaded guilty to possessing a false Irish driving licence. The fraud was uncovered when his employer noticed a contact number in his phone that matched an employee's number, leading to an investigation that revealed the false identities, PPS numbers and a €32,000 credit‑union account. McCann had no prior convictions. Judge Martin Nolan, citing McCann's cooperation, full admissions and the prolonged nature of the fraud, imposed a custodial sentence without suspension, deeming re‑offending unlikely. The court considered McCann's age, lack of wealth and the impact of COVID‑19 restrictions on his family. The case was prosecuted by Diana Stuart BL and defended by Seoirse O Dunlaing BL.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Cleaner jailed for €225k welfare fraud. Charges or matters: 13 counts of social welfare fraud on dates between 1991 and 2015; having a false Irish driving licence. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 1991 and 2015 Other
- 1991 to 2015 Other
- 2021-04-16 Publication
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: 13 counts of social welfare fraud on dates between 1991 and 2015; having a false Irish driving licence (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: A 66-year-old man who was working under two aliases for a cleaning company as well as fraudulently claiming social welfare for over two decades has been jailed for two years. Judge Nolan said McCann deserved a custodial sentence, and taking into account the facts, mitigation and his age, he imposed a two-year sentence.
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