Joe Barrett
Wexford woman who pleaded guilty to three charges of deception told by judge to repay the money
A Wexford woman who obtained €750 by deception from two parish priests in Co. Laois, has been told by a judge she is at the ‘last chance saloon’ and must repay the money.
Last November Rebecca O’Leary (22) pleaded guilty to three charges of deception, twice from the Parish Priest at Portlaoise Parish Centre and once from the Parochial House in Stradbally, Co. Laois. Ms O’Leary had pretended to be a social worker who needed money for another woman who was indanger of going to prison.
When the case returned to court last Thursday, defending solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said that Ms O’Leary had already paid back €200 in compensation. She had a further €100 with her in court but was not in a position at present to repay the remaining balance, but would be as soon as her application for Carers Allowance for caring for her mother was sanctioned by the Department of Social Protection.
Before remanding Ms O’Leary on continuing bail to Thursday, September 22, Judge Marie Keane told her: “Ms O’Leary. This is the last chance saloon for you. I request the balance of the money to be paid before that date.”
