Courts / Dublin / Report
Blind woman who stole €40k in benefits gets suspended sentence
Summary
A blind homeless woman, aged 39 and known as Rosemarie Fearsaor or Maria Rosita Apacha Marchega, pleaded guilty last year to five counts of stealing about €40,000 in welfare benefits between 2011 and 2015. She later claimed a wish to change her plea to not guilty, but the DPP was not notified. In court she represented herself, refusing a solicitor or barrister. Judge Martin Nolan, after noting the case had been adjourned 14 times and the accused's uncooperative behaviour, imposed a fully suspended three‑year sentence on strict conditions, including a bond to keep the peace. The judge warned that refusal to accept the bond would lead to custody. The woman interrupted the judge during sentencing, initially refusing the bond but later agreeing to abide by it. The State alleged she also claimed over £50,000 in UK benefits under false identities, and that she had used multiple names and false documents.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Blind woman who stole €40k in benefits gets suspended sentence. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2003 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2011 and 2015 Other
- 2011 to 2015 Other
- 2022-11-04 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Nolan imposed a three-year sentence, which was suspended in full on strict conditions including that the accused enter a bond to keep the peace. Fearsaor interrupted Judge Nolan several times while he was passing sentence.; Passing sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Martin Nolan said this was a long-running case which had been adjourned on 14 occasions.
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