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Man escapes prison sentence for 'ham-fisted' €20k credit union fraud
Summary
Declan Connolly, 42, of Dublin 9, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to attempting to make a gain by deception. The court heard that in May 2021, Connolly applied for a €20,000 loan from Ballygall Credit Union using false documents, including a Virgin Media bill, AIB bank statements, and pharmacy payslips. The loan was not granted, and no financial loss occurred. Judge Orla Crowe described the attempt as "ham-fisted" but deliberate, noting it required planning. Aggravating factors included Connolly's 12 previous convictions and the fact that he was serving a partly-suspended sentence for robbery at the time. Mitigating factors included his cooperation with the investigation, lack of further negative attention, and his role as a carer for his mother and part-time worker. Judge Crowe stated the court was "going to give this man a chance" and imposed an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for three years on strict conditions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Man escapes prison sentence for 'ham-fisted' €20k credit union fraud. Charges or matters: gain by deception Photo: Collins) By Eimear Dodd A man who made a "ham-fisted" attempt to obtain a €20,000 credit union loan using false documents has been given a suspended prison sentence; attempting to make a gain by deception. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 2021 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2026-04-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: gain by deception Photo: Collins) By Eimear Dodd A man who made a "ham-fisted" attempt to obtain a €20,000 credit union loan using false documents has been given a suspended prison sentence; attempting to make a gain by deception (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Declan Connolly (42) pleaded guilty to gain by deception Photo: Collins) By Eimear Dodd A man who made a "ham-fisted" attempt to obtain a €20,000 credit union loan using false documents has been given a suspended prison sentence.
Places mentioned
- Coultry Drive
- Santry Avenue
- Dublin
- Ballygall Credit Union
- The credit union
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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