Bank transfer fraudster is facing 14 yrs behind bars
Keegan Davidson A MAN who admitted transferring more than €100,000 in stolen cash through his bank account faces up to 14 years in jail.
Keegan Davidson, 25, gave his details to a criminal gang who then used it in an “invoice redirect” fraud scam.
Det Garda Thomas Burke told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court the gang placed ads on social media looking for people to “rent” out their bank account.
They sent a bogus email to an engineering company which appeared to come from a firm in Summerhill, Co Meath.
This email instructed the company to send payments to a new bank account and provided Davison’s bank account.
A total of €104,107 was subsequently transferred. The gang then drove Davidson around to a number of bureau de change and post offices across Dublin where he withdrew around €43,759.
Dt Gda Burke agreed with prosecutor Diana Stuart there was no evidence Davidson was involved other than laundering the proceeds.
Defence counsel Luigi Rea said his client had suffered from “psychosis” which had been excerbated by drug abuse.
Judge Pauline Codd remanded Davidson on bail ahead of sentencing on July 1.
Darcey, 49, who joined in 2012, insisted her shock departure does not follow any “upset or disagreement” with a fellow judge or the dancers.
She said she would “miss everyone” but wanted to focus on her “many other commitments in dance”.
She added: “It has been a complete privilege for me to be part of Strictly, working with such a talented team.
“I have enjoyed every minute and will miss everyone – my fellow judges, the presenters, dancers, musicians, backstage team – and especially the viewers, who have been so supportive.
“I am not leaving because of any upset or disagreement at all. I am stepping away to give focus to my many other commitments in dance, after seven truly wonderful years.”
LAUGHS
Darcey, who quickly became a fan favourite despite a shaky start in her first series, said she hoped to return to the BBC1 show in the future.
Host Claudia Winkleman echoed the sentiments of fans, saying: “We love you, Darcey. You’ll be so missed.”
Head judge Shirley Ballas, 58, who replaced Len Goodman in 2017, said she would miss her “partner in crime”.
“We’ve had the most laughs and fun times on the show,” she added. “Today is certainly the end of an era. Thanks for holding my hand all the way and being such an incredible friend.”
BBC content boss Charlotte Moore said Darcey for would “remain part of the Strictly family in the future.”
Insiders suggested she was likely to appear on Zoe Ball’s It Takes Two spin-off and act as a stand-in judge.
Bruno Tonioli, 63, and Craig Revel Horwood, 54, are expected to stay on the panel with Ballas.