Courts / Dublin / Report

Jail for man caught with jet ski and €85k in cash while on social welfare

Date
2025-02-05
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Stephen Geoghegan, 35, of Neilstown Park, Clondalkin, was jailed for money laundering after a search of his home revealed €85,520 in cash, a jet ski, a van, a luxury watch, sterling, and a bag of €63,000 wrapped in cling film. He pleaded guilty to possession of the cash on November 1, 2023, claiming ignorance of its source. Geoghegan, who receives social welfare and has no prior convictions, cooperated with Gardaí and admitted the money was his, though he would not disclose its origin. The Gardaí had confidential information that led to the search. Judge Martin Nolan accepted Geoghegan's lack of previous convictions and his cooperation, but noted he held the money on behalf of a criminal organisation. He imposed a headline sentence of five years, reduced to a custodial term of two and a half years, and forfeited the seized items to the State. The case remains at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Jail for man caught with jet ski and €85k in cash while on social welfare. Charges or matters: being in possession of €85,520, believing or being reckless as to whether it was the proceeds of crime on November 1, 2023. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Stephen Geoghegan

Defendant

Charges: being in possession of €85,520, believing or being reckless as to whether it was the proceeds of crime on November 1, 2023 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: Judge Nolan said a headline sentence of five years was warranted before he jailed Geoghegan for two and a half years.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

Topics

Fraud Stage Sentence

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request