Insurance adviser who tried to redirect money to his account was battling gambling addiction
A former financial adviser who used three fraudulent invoices in an attempt to redirect €1,250 into his own bank account was battling alcohol and gambling problems at the time, a court heard.
Nicholas Buckley (52) was now working as a bus driver and can never work in insurance again.
He apologised for his behaviour, saying he was embarrassed at what he had done.
Judge Stephanie Coggans ordered Buckley to complete 120 hours’ community service in lieu of four months in jail.
The defendant, of Vernon Heath in Clontarf, admitted three counts of using a false invoice with the intention of inducing another person to accept it as genuine, contrary to the theft and fraud offences act.
The incidents took place at Alliance Insurance Brokers, Church Street, Skerries, on a date unknown between February 1, 2021, and March 10, 2023, and on February 23, 2023, and on March 7, 2023.
Garda Sergeant Janice Gray told Swords District Court, sitting in Balbriggan, that on the dates in question Buckley used three fraudulent invoices, amounting to €1,250, requesting that the money be transferred to his bank account.
Sgt Gray said Buckley later provided a voluntary caution statement to gardaí, where he admitted to his involvement in the attempted deception.
The court heard Buckley had no previous convictions and had never been in trouble before.
Buckley’s defence solicitor said his client, a separated father of three, was battling two addictions at the time, to alcohol and gambling.
The defendant was now receiving counselling for his addictions, and had not gambled or touched alcohol for many months.
This matter involved invoice redirection, the court heard, where Buckley had issued new invoices to customers, and had provided his own bank details.
However, the lawyer said Buckley never received any money, because the company realised what was happening before the money was transferred, and the transactions were halted. The money was then returned back to the customers involved, and no one suffered any financial loss.
Buckley’s employer was aware of this matter, the solicitor said, asking the judge to be as lenient as possible, and leave the defendant without a conviction.
Judge Coggans acknowledged that Buckley had admitted the offences and had no previous convictions.
However, she said these were serious matters, and she ordered Buckley to complete community service in order to avoid a jail term.