Veteran Wicklow press photographer dies before sentencing over money laundering charges
The Wicklow PeopleA veteran press photographer, who worked for some of Ireland’s largest media organisations, has died before he could be sentenced on money laundering charges.
John Cogill (76), of Marlton Road, Wicklow town, was due to be given a sentencing date after pleading guilty to two counts of money laundering in March 2026.
Counsel for the accused, instructed by solicitor Therese Kearney, informed the court that Mr Cogill had passed away over the weekend, with barrister for the prosecution James Kelly adding that the charges should be marked that the defendant is deceased.
Mr Cogill, who worked as a photographer for media outlets including the Irish Daily Mail, Associated Press, Reuters and The Guardian for more than 50 years, entered guilty pleas that on August 3, 2022, at Bank of Ireland in Wicklow town, he engaged in acquiring or possessing property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely €700 and €910, while knowing, or being reckless as to whether, the money was the proceeds of crime.
In a separate case, at a sitting of Bray District Court during the week of his death, Mr Cogill was sentenced after previously pleaded guilty to using a false instrument after he attempted to lodge a fake cheque.
He received a two-month prison sentence, suspended for a period of 12 months.