Courts / Dublin / Report

Woman posed as immigration officer to steal laptop

Summary

Clare Dowling, 22, of Ballybough, Dublin, pleaded guilty to theft and assault causing harm to Xiao Chang on 3 May 2014. Dowling posed as an immigration officer, entered Ms Chang's apartment with an accomplice, stole her laptop and fled. She later punched Ms Chang in the face, causing bleeding. Ms Chang was not located for a victim impact statement and is believed to have returned to China. Dowling had 23 prior convictions, including burglary and theft. No charges were brought against her accomplice. Dowling was under the influence of heroin and tablets at the time of the offence and was homeless. She is now drug‑free, in a new relationship and living with her boyfriend's mother. Judge Patrick McCartan sentenced her to a suspended three‑year term for both offences, to run concurrently and suspended entirely. The judge warned that a further offence would result in imprisonment.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Woman posed as immigration officer to steal laptop. Charges or matters: one count of theft and assault causing harm to Xiao Chang at Moore St, Dublin 1 on May 3, 2014. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• May 3, 2014 Incident
• 2016-07-26 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Burglary Drugs Stage Sentence Theft Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report