Longford man became embroiled in fraud scheme after falling into debt with money lenders

A defendant who made a charity donation of €750 will have the charges against him concluded in June of next year.

Noel Devaney (36) of 16 Sandylane, Richmond Street, Longford was facing a total of seven fraud charges.

Mr Devaney pleaded guilty to the charges.

On April 5, 20, 27, and May 11 and 18 at Bank Of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he engaged in handling or possessing or using property that is the proceeds of criminal conduct, that is €350, while believing the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

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Two other charges are that on July 15, 2021 at Bank Of Ireland, 68 Main Street, Longford he did handle property the proceeds of crime, that is bank lodgements of €2,400 and €3,800.

The alleged offences are contrary to the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering & Terrorist Financing) Act.

The first set of charges relate to alleged fraudulent Covid payments and the second two relate to the withdrawal of money from the accounts of two ladies, one from Laois the other from Sligo.

The injured parties were reimbursed the money.

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Mr Devaney's account was used to facilitate the transfer of money, and that it appeared he became embroiled in the scheme having fallen into debt to money lenders.

The court had previously heard the defendant “was vulnerable at the time” and “fell prey to other parties.”

Solicitor for Mr Devaney, Fiona Baxter, said her client got “caught up in something devised by another party”.

Judge Bernadette Owens noted the injured parties were “not at a loss” and Mr Devaney had paid €750 to the court poor box.

Judge Owens said if there were no further issues by June 3, 2025, she would deal with the matter in a certain way.

The defendant was remanded on continuing bail to that date.