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Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient
Summary
A former accountant pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to theft and deception offences committed over six weeks in early 2025. Michelle Dillon, aged 59 and homeless, stole a bank card and medical card from an elderly patient at a Dublin hospital on 20 February. She subsequently travelled to Cork, Clare, Meath, Westmeath and Wicklow, presenting herself as the legitimate account holder at various banks to withdraw approximately €8,000 in cash. She also made contactless payments totalling €133. Withdrawals occurred in Cork city, Bray, Dublin city centre, Navan, Athlone and Ennis. When presenting at an AIB branch in Navan on 4 March, a warning mark was active on the account, yet she convinced staff she was the genuine holder. She was arrested in October 2025 at Cavan General Hospital after presenting under a false name. The victim's bank refunded all monies. Judge Elma Sheahan described the initial theft as despicable and the subsequent deceptions as planned, premeditated and brazen.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former accountant went on 'nationwide tour' with bank card stolen from hospital patient. Charges or matters: five counts of theft and and six counts of making a gain by deception on various dates in February and March 2025. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision
When:
- March 2025 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 20, 2025 Other
- March 4 Other
- March 31 Incident
- October 2025 Incident
- 2026-05-12 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: five counts of theft and and six counts of making a gain by deception on various dates in February and March 2025 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Dublin
- Dublin hospital
- Mater hospital
- Cavan General Hospital
Topics
Fraud Stage Hearing Or Decision Theft
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