Courts / Dublin / Report
Fake tenant who took part in rent deposit scam avoids jail
Summary
A man convicted of his role in a rental deposit scam affecting six potential tenants in Dublin has been ordered to complete community service rather than face imprisonment. Robert Long, with an address in Carndonagh, County Donegal, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six counts of theft and two counts of deception relating to offences committed between July and August 2017. The scheme involved advertising a Dublin apartment on Daft.ie under false pretences, with victims paying deposits after meeting a man using a false name. Long acted as the sitting tenant during viewings, though gardaí established he was not the primary instigator and did not financially benefit. The court heard nearly €11,000 was obtained from the victims. Judge Melanie Greally imposed 240 hours of community service to be completed within eighteen months, in lieu of a two-year custodial sentence. Long had brought €10,700 to court for victim compensation, with one outstanding payment expected within three months or to be redirected to a homeless charity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fake tenant who took part in rent deposit scam avoids jail. Charges or matters: six charges of theft and two charges of deception at Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Dock, in Dublin on dates between July 29 and August 1, 2017. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 29 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 1, 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2022-02-02 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: six charges of theft and two charges of deception at Longboat Quay, Grand Canal Dock, in Dublin on dates between July 29 and August 1, 2017 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A fake tenant in a rental scam that defrauded six potential tenants out of almost €11,000 by taking deposits for an already occupied apartment has been ordered to carry out community service. She considered a probation report prepared for the court before she ordered that he carry out 240 hours community service within 18 months in lieu of a two-year prison term.; Judge Melanie Greally remanded Long on bail last July having heard the evidence in the case.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request