Louth money launderer feared her home would be petrol bombed
A mother of three who laundered more than €60,000 for a criminal gang has avoided jail.
Patricia Connor (44), Moneymore, Drogheda, received a fully suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence at the circuit court.
She admitted two counts of money laundering following a garda investigation into the Boylan Organised Crime Group.
Evidence was heard that the defendant, who has no previous convictions, was a family friend of the Boylans, and felt that she had no choice but to get involved in this offending.
She said that she was afraid to say no because she didn’t know what might happen and feared her home would be petrol bombed.
Ms Connor pleaded guilty to one charge in respect of her Bank of Ireland account on dates between October 27, 2022, and May 23, 2023; and to a second relating to her Ulster Bank account between August 17, and October 3, 2022.
A total of €55,147.74 was laundered through the Bank of Ireland account, and €5,313.65 through the Ulster Bank account.
Judge Dara Hayes said that this was done to “fund individuals on the run”.
At most she gained minimally, and it was accepted by gardaí that she was taken advantage of.
Testimonials were submitted on her behalf along with her own letter of remorse.
The judge said that this was serious offending. Money had been funnelled through Ms Connor’s accounts to members of the OCG living abroad.
Her pleas of guilty had been accepted based on recklessness. Her vulnerability had been preyed upon.