Offaly woman got dead brother's disability allowance

TULLAMORE District Court heard that a woman continued to receive her brother's disability payments after he had died.

Paula Kane (59), Cloncollig, Tullamore, admitted stealing a total of €2,496 from the Department of Social Protection.

Ms Kane appeared before the District Court and pleaded guilty to seven different charges of stealing the money at Tullamore Post Office, Bridge Street, Tullamore on different dates between February 21 and May 15.

The court heard the woman had been arrested by arrangement and she made no reply after being charged and cautioned.

Patrick Martin, solicitor for Ms Kane, said €2,100 had been handed over by the woman.

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Judge Valerie Corcoran was told by a prosecuting garda that the accused was collecting her brother's disability allowance after he passed away. €400 had been seized.

Judge Corcoran accepted jurisdiction after hearing a summary of the facts and Ms Kane formally elected for the case to be heard in the District Court and entered her guilty plea.

Judge Corcoran adjourned the matter to October 15 for full facts and sentencing.