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Crimecall footage led to identification of fake bank card thief
Summary
Didzis Pujats, 29, of Rush, Co Dublin, appeared before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he pleaded guilty to thefts committed at locations in Dublin on January 20, 2017. The prosecution alleged that Pujats withdrew a total of €26,481.72 from a victim's Bank of Ireland account using a falsely obtained bank card and fake identification. He was identified after CCTV footage of the transactions was aired on the RTÉ programme Crimecall. In interview, Pujats admitted to making 14 transactions in one day, stating he was approached by individuals after losing money in a casino and was driven from post office to post office to carry out the withdrawals. He claimed he received a €500 gift card or €1,000 in cash for his participation. Judge Melanie Greally sentenced Pujats to three years' imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions. The court noted that Pujats had no previous convictions in this jurisdiction or in Latvia and was described as a vulnerable person who operated in plain sight. The judge also ordered that a bank draft of €2,700, presented by Pujats to pay compensation, be paid over to Bank of Ireland.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Crimecall footage led to identification of fake bank card thief. Charges or matters: thefts at locations in Dublin on January 20, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 20, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2021-06-17 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: thefts at locations in Dublin on January 20, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Greally sentenced Pujats to three years imprisonment, but suspended the sentence in its entirety on strict conditions.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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