Man accused of €140,000 ‘romance fraud’ on woman he allegedly met at her late husband’s wake

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 32-year-old man accused of “romance fraud” on a woman he allegedly met at her late husband’s wake has been sent for trial in custody after being refused bail.

Peter McDonagh, Melville Way, Finglas, Dublin 11, is charged with 55 counts of deception on dates in 2024 under Section 6 of the Theft & Fraud Offences Act.

A book of evidence was previously served on the defendant. He appeared in custody at Drogheda Court on Monday when he made a fresh bail application.

Bail had been refused at a district hearing last month and again in the High Court on December 30.

The investigating Garda said it will be alleged that the defendant received more than €140,000 from the woman, who believed that she was in a genuine romantic relationship, after he told her that he needed cancer treatment.

Det Gda Charlie Barrett said that on November 16, 2024, the injured party, who was not present in court, reported to Gardaí that following the death of her husband she met Peter McDonagh at the wake. He said that he was a friend of her late husband.

They started communicating and in January 2024 began what she thought was a genuine relationship.

It will be alleged, Det Gda Barrett continued, that that the woman sent money to EBS and Revolut accounts belonging to the accused after he said that he needed money for cancer medical treatment in England, to clear a debt and for funeral costs.

Between January 25 and November 1, 2024, it will be alleged that €143,020 was transferred to various bank accounts, in addition to cash withdrawals the woman handed to Mr McDonagh.

It will be further alleged that no money was paid back nor funds recovered.

The officer said that the defendant was arrested in February 2025 when about to board a flight to the UK at Dublin Airport. He was arrested for the purpose of charge the following December.

It was be alleged that in the meantime he tried to follow the woman on different social platforms which caused her distress.

Det Gda Barrett said that the defendant is considered a flight risk. He had also given Gardaí different addresses.

Cross-examined by barrister Niall Mackin, the witness said that the investigation is ongoing. He was not able to verify whether Mr McDonagh went to England for cancer treatment.

Gardaí had concerns over his permanent address. He provided three different addresses. The bank accounts were registered to the Finglas address.

Det Gda Barrett said he believed that the accused’s wife and three children lived there.

Mr Mackin submitted that the alleged victim was not present to give evidence.

The court could impose bail conditions including that the defendant stays out of Co. Louth where the woman lives.

Det Gda Barrett said that there were no conditions which would satisfy Gardaí.

Judge Deirdre Gearty said that she was not satisfied there were any conditions to allay Garda fears.

Peter McDonagh was remanded in custody to Dundalk Circuit Court on January 12 next via video link.

Legal aid was granted for a solicitor, barrister and senior counsel.

For the district court Judge Gearty granted legal aid on each charge and certified for counsel.