Edward McDonagh pleads guilty to social welfare fraud

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Edward McDonagh pleaded guilty to 15 theft charges involving social welfare fraud at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, reported on 23 October 2014. He was remanded on bail pending sentence after claims made using two false names between 2009 and 2011. The court adjourned sentencing to the following December and ordered a Probation Service report on his suitability for community service. Garda evidence said he collected more than €44,000 while also receiving disability allowance, and was repaying the money through reductions in his welfare payment.