Guilty plea following investigation into pension payments being made to a man after his death

An investigation into pension payments being made to a man after his death resulted in a man facing 21 counts of theft of these €540 fortnightly amounts.

On Tuesday at Cork District Court, William Mullane, aged 33, signed pleas of guilty to 21 counts of theft and one charge of money-laundering.

On sample count states that on a date in April 2022 at Bank of Ireland, Blackpool, Cork, he did steal €540, the property of Department of Social Protection as reported by Social Welfare Inspector. All of the theft payments relate to sums of €540.

The money-laundering charge states that between July 11, 2021, and April 29, 2022, at his home at Shamrock Terrace, Blarney, County Cork, he engaged in converting, transferring, handling, acquiring, possessing and using property that was the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely money to the amount of €11,340, while knowing or being reckless as to whether it was the proceeds of criminal conduct.

Defence solicitor Eddie Burke confirmed that Mr Mullane had signed pleas of guilty to all charges.

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Treasa Kelly sent the case forward for sentencing at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.

The case was sent to the opening day of the next sessions of that court on October 29 and it is anticipated that the defendant will be sentenced on a date possibly in these forthcoming circuit court sessions. Full facts of the background circumstances that gave rise to the charges will be outlined at the sentencing hearing.