A SOLICITOR living in Monaghan and whose practice is based in Cavan had seven charges against him, relating to falsely claiming Jobseekers’ Benefit, dismissed when he appeared at Cavan District Court on Thursday 14th January.
Ronan O’Brien, aged 34, whose address was given as 8 Monfort, Monaghan, had pleaded guilty to six charges of making gain by deception at Clones Post Office, the Diamond, Clones on dates between March 2012 and February 2013.
The counts were among 44 such charges originally made against Mr O’Brien, but 38 of them were withdrawn by the State.
He also pleaded to a further charge of knowingly making a false declaration, relating to a Jobseekers’ Benefit application, between 12th March and 13th August 2012. This was one of three similar original charges, two of which were also withdrawn.
Judge Patrick Clyne was told that a total of €8,930, relating to the original 47 charges, had since been repaid in full by Mr O’Brien.
The court also heard that when interviewed by investigating gardai, Mr O’Brien made admissions to the thefts at the earliest possible opportunity.
The defendant had €3,500 with him in court to offer by way of charitable donation. Directing that this be given in equal amounts of €1,750 each to Cavan Drug Awareness and the GAA ‘Jailbreak’ fundraiser, Judge Clyne then dismissed all charges, as stated.
The case had been previously adjourned at Monaghan District Court on two occasions. It was first mentioned at that court on 2nd November last, and adjourned again at the hearing on 14th December.