COUPLE’S € 9K ATM THEFT
Sentencing has been adjourned until October in the case of a couple who used a stolen ATM card to withdraw € 9,100 from a man’s account over a 13 day period involving 26 transactions in late August, early September 2013.
The couple, Ellen McDonagh, a mother of three and John Quinn pleaded guilty at the Circuit Court in Sligo to one sample count relating to the theft of money from the bank account of Anthony Battle.
Ms Dara Foynes BL ( prosecuting) with State Solicitor, Mr Hugh Sheridan told the court that Mr Battle, who has lived most of his life in the England, had been left some € 40,000 in an inheritance which he had lodged to his Bank of Ireland account.
He returned to the Tubbercurry area to bury his late father and it became common knowledge that Mr Battle had come into some money.
When he returned to the UK where he lives, Mr Battle noticed that sums of money had been taken from his account. He recalled that he had left his ATM card on a table in a third party’s house and hadn’t seen it again.
Gardai investigated and the defendants were seen on CCTV footage at various locations withdrawing the cash with Ellen McDonagh making most of them.
From August 30thy to September 10th sums of up to € 700 a day with withdrawn from cash machines in Tubbercurry, Sligo, Tuam and Claremorris.
Quinn ( 33) of 14 Summerhill, Tubbercurry and McDonagh ( 32) of 24 Athenry Road, Tuam were subsequently arrested by Gardai. Quinn identified himself on the CCTV images but told Gardai he couldn’t remember anything.
McDonagh admitted withdrawing the money and referred to a third party saying he had taken the card and that this person knew the pin number. Quinn had previous convictions under the Public Order Act while McDonagh had convictions for theft and making off without making payment.
Mr Joe Barnes BL ( for McDonagh), instructed by Mullaney’s solicitors) outlined to the court that the defendant was in ill health which had resulted in the loss of an eye.
McDonagh told the court she was no longer in a relationship with her co- defendant with them splitting up a month or so ago. She read out a letter of apology she had written to Mr Battle in which she stated she was deeply ashamed and was seeking forgiveness. She was also willing, with the help of her father to pay back what she took. She also apologised to the Gardai for wasting their time. She had € 280 in court and was prepared to come up with € 1,500 every three months.
Mr Leo Mulrooney BL with Mr Gerard McGovern, solicitor, said the defendant had an addictiion to alcohol. He was of limited intelligence and lacked structure in his life and was currently not working. However, Quinn was confident of coming up with € 500 a month.
“He realises he has to repay the money. It was a two week spree which was all alcohol related,” said Mr Mulrooney.
Judge Keenan Johnson said restitution was a priority for the court. He ordered that € 1,500 be paid by each defendant by October 18th next when the case would be adjourned for further repayments.