Collectedher cousin’sdole

A woman who was out of the country had her dole money collected by a cousin, Dundalk court has heard.

Both women appeared before Judge McKiernan, each accused of one count of theft and one count of making gain or causing loss by deception at Dublin Street post office on 19 December, 2016.

The defendants, Anabel Isiguzo (34), 32 Lios Dubh, Armagh Road and Irene Kibirige (39), 17 Rockfield Court, Hoey’s Lane pleaded guilty to the charges.

They have no previous convictions, and had already paid back €400, the court heard.

Sgt Fintan McGroder gave evidence that at 4.20pm on the date in question, Irene Kibirige presented at the post office a card in Anabel Isiguzo’s name, collected €454 jobseekers’ allowance and signed the transaction receipt in the other person’s name.

She was not entitled to the money and neither was Isiguzo as she was out of the country at the time.

Barrister Sarah Jane Judge said her client, Anabel Isiguzo, is the mother of three children. She had to go home to Kenya to care for her mother.

She didn’t know that what her cousin did for her was wrong. As a result, her social welfare was stopped for a time.

The defendant is highly apologetic. Frank McDonnell, solicitor for Irene Kibirige, added she was obliging her cousin. She used the money to pay the other woman’s bills and got no money for herself.

She wasn’t stealing the allowance for herself.

Judge McKiernan remarked she took money she was not entitled to.

After the outstanding balance of €54 had been handed over, the judge applied the probation act in each case.

He had occurred.

Ms Kelly added Dullaghan is is €100 perweek social welfare.

He was remanded on continuing bail to 4 March to pay a €200 donation to charity in order to have the charges struck out. ‘very little recollection’ of what

There are six previous convictions. Siolicitor Paula Tiernan said it was a penknife attached to a key-ring for ‘everyday useful purposes’.

Her client is a carer, a mother of three children and a grandmother. She was extremely embarrassed to be in court.

Ms Tiernan added McCabe had a few drinks on this occasion, and wished to apologise. She accepted she was obstructive.