Forged dad’s signature to get €840

A 44-year-old man who forged his father’s signature on a letter for rent arrears at a rental property was ordered to pay €840, or face custody.

Shane Martin of Sea Park, Ballincar appeared before Sligo District Court where he pleaded guilty to making a false instrument, namely a letter in relation to rent arrears for Mahe, Strandhill Road on February 15 th, 2018.

Garda Greg Regan told the court while investigating another matter he spoke with a tenant at the property who gave the landlord’s details as Shane Martin.

An application for rent arrears of €840 was made by the tenant along with a letter stating the same signed by Charles Martin, the defendant’s father, the owner of the property. The forged letter resulted in the loss of €840 to the Department of Social Protection.

The court heard Martin had also allegedly been claiming disability allowance while acting as a landlord, resulting in overpayments of €32,000, according to Garda Regan.

Charles Martin told gardaí he was unaware his signature had been forged.

Defending solicitor Mr Gerard McGovern told the court his client was helping out by collecting rents at his father’s properties.

He said it was unfortunate his client took it upon himself to sign the letter for the arrears.

Judge Kevin Kilrane ordered that €840 be lodged to court or Martin would be remanded in custody.

The money was lodged and he was convicted of the offence and fined €500.