Navan resident involved in text scam in order to steal money from a person’s post office account

A 41-year-old man with a Navan address was involved in a text scam in order to steal money from a person’s post office account, Trim District Court was told.

Ciaran Collins, Dunville Meadows, Johnstown, Navan appeared at the court on money laundering charges. The court was told that he allowed someone else use his post office account and €1,750 was taken from a person’s account.

An Post detected the illicit transaction and put a hold on the account.

The victim was refunded the money. The defendant had owned up to the theft and when confronted by Gardai “told them everything”.

Defending barrister Paul Noctor asked for leniency for his client. “He made a foolish mistake”, he said. He also told the court that his client, who had no previous convictions, had won an award from An Gaisce for performing charity work in Romania.

Judge Eirinn McKiernan gave defendant until 24th February next to repay the money.

In a separate case, Kerri Hosie (20) of Reask Gardens, Connons Road, Navan was charged with money laundering on 31t June last. The court heard that defendant allowed the use of her Revolut account to extract €3,389 from a person’s account without permission.

Defending solicitor Maurice Regan said that his client did not gain from the transaction. He said defendant had given her account details to a male at a party.

The judge said she would take the matter very seriously if the money was not paid back by 3rd March next.

In a further case of money laundering Tevin Bihirabagabo (21), Oak Hall, The Willows, Dunshaughlin was charged with being involved in the theft of €2,850 from a person’s account.

“This happened two years ago, this person was left without their money for two years”, Judge McKiernan said. She gave defendant to 24th February next to repay the money. “It’s custody if it’s not paid”, she told him.