Jailed for five months for welfare fraud

A man who admitted social welfare fraud in an amount exceeding € 28,000, has been jailed for five months.

Ciarán Dunne, Bathe Abbey, Duleek, was also fined € 2,000.

The matter before the district court, in a prosecution brought by the Minister for Social Protection, concerned five offences over two dates on 28 February, 2011, as well as 27 September, 2011; 25 September, 2012 and 26 March, 2013.

Evidence was given the sum in question totals € 28,480.

Defence counsel Sarah Jane Judge said her client is working full-time, and is trying to repay the money.

Judge Coughlan asked how much has been paid back in four years, and was told € 1,500.

It was also stated Dunne did take steps to set up a direct debit for the purpose of compensation but there were administration problems.

The judge imposed the sentence and fine on the first charge, taking the other four into account.

Bail in the event of an appeal was set at €700.