Courts / Meath / Report

Carpenter avoids jail for duping school with inferior flooring

Date
2024-01-30

Stage
Hearing Or Decision

Primary locality
Ashbourne

County
Meath

Summary

Stewart Goodwin, 46, of Ashbourne, was found guilty of deceiving Old Borough National School in Swords by installing inferior flooring, resulting in a loss of €15,240. He pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after a District Court charge. Goodwin had been hired to repair a flood‑damaged floor, paid a deposit, and agreed on a specific type of wood. He instead ordered cheaper, lower‑quality timber, removed the old floor, and installed a thinner, untreated surface. The school cancelled the contract and demanded a refund. Goodwin repaid €9,510 in June but still owed €15,240. He expressed remorse, claiming he intended to improve the floor later. Judge Martin Nolan imposed a 21‑month suspended sentence, requiring Goodwin to repay the full €15,240 within one year under strict conditions. No victim impact statement was prepared.