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Community service for mule (23) who allowed use of account in €24k 'smishing' scam
Summary
Chelsea Dooley, a 23-year-old childcare worker from Blanchardstown, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime. The court heard that Dooley allowed her bank account to be used to receive €23,899 of funds stolen from a victim's AIB account following a 'smishing' fraud. Gardai were contacted in January 2021 regarding the theft, which involved nine transactions totaling €24,900 between December 2020 and January 2021. Prosecutors stated that Dooley's account, opened when she was a child, received the majority of the illicit funds, while a separate account received one euro. During her interview, Dooley claimed she had lost her bank card but could not explain CCTV footage showing an unknown male using it to withdraw cash. Defense counsel argued that Dooley did not profit from the scheme and had no previous convictions. Judge Martina Baxter noted Dooley's remorse, lack of financial gain, good employment history, and further education. The judge handed down a 12-month sentence but suspended it in lieu of Dooley carrying out 200 hours of community service.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Community service for mule (23) who allowed use of account in €24k 'smishing' scam. Charges or matters: two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 5, 2021 Incident
- December 21, 2020 Incident
- January 4, 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2023-04-21 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two counts of possessing the proceeds of crime (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Baxter handed down a 12-month sentence but suspended it in lieu of Dooley carrying out 200 hours of community service.
Places mentioned
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