13/05/2009
Mother Swindles Elderly Man Out Of €65k
A mother of ten has been jailed for two years after stealing €65,000 from a pensioner she claimed crashed into her car.
54-year-old Kathleen Lewis from Blackwater Heights, Youghal, Co Cork was found guilty at Waterford Circuit Court in February of more than 20 counts of theft against 88-year-old bachelor farmer George Berry from Ballynoe on the Waterford-Cork border.
During sentencing on Wednesday, Lewis was described by Judge Rory McCabe as "a thief who engaged in base dishonesty and despicable behaviour".
Lewis claimed Mr Berry hit her car in a car park in Killeagh in Cork in March 2006 and demanded money from him and over a period of time, received more than €65,000 in cash payments, leaving Mr Berry buried in debt from family and friend loans after he had emptied his savings.
Lewis had pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court heard today that €18,800 had been paid back to Mr Berry, leaving €46,000 outstanding. However, The judge said there was no indication that Mr Berry would get back any more of the money.
In sentencing, Judge McCabe said Lewis had no appreciation of the gravity of the situation in her robbing a vulnerable, elderly man.
He said he had very little sympathy with the accused and what he described as 'a particularly nasty occurrence'.
He sentenced Lewis to four years in prison but suspended the final two years.
Afterwards Mr Berry said he was relieved it was all over and said he was happy with the sentence.
(DW/BMcC)
54-year-old Kathleen Lewis from Blackwater Heights, Youghal, Co Cork was found guilty at Waterford Circuit Court in February of more than 20 counts of theft against 88-year-old bachelor farmer George Berry from Ballynoe on the Waterford-Cork border.
During sentencing on Wednesday, Lewis was described by Judge Rory McCabe as "a thief who engaged in base dishonesty and despicable behaviour".
Lewis claimed Mr Berry hit her car in a car park in Killeagh in Cork in March 2006 and demanded money from him and over a period of time, received more than €65,000 in cash payments, leaving Mr Berry buried in debt from family and friend loans after he had emptied his savings.
Lewis had pleaded not guilty to the charges and the court heard today that €18,800 had been paid back to Mr Berry, leaving €46,000 outstanding. However, The judge said there was no indication that Mr Berry would get back any more of the money.
In sentencing, Judge McCabe said Lewis had no appreciation of the gravity of the situation in her robbing a vulnerable, elderly man.
He said he had very little sympathy with the accused and what he described as 'a particularly nasty occurrence'.
He sentenced Lewis to four years in prison but suspended the final two years.
Afterwards Mr Berry said he was relieved it was all over and said he was happy with the sentence.
(DW/BMcC)
Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 March 2013
Six Years For Man Who Stole ATM Containing €205,000
A man has been jailed for six years over the theft of an ATM machine containing €205,000, from Maxol Service Station at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy, on July 24, 2009.
Six Years For Man Who Stole ATM Containing €205,000
A man has been jailed for six years over the theft of an ATM machine containing €205,000, from Maxol Service Station at Bellefield Road, Enniscorthy, on July 24, 2009.
28 February 2018
Appeal Issued For 15-Year-Old Kim Berry
Gardaí have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Kim Berry who has gone missing from her home in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The teenager was last seen at approximately 11.30am on the 26 February at her home in Ballyfermot. She is described as being 5'10'', of slender build and has dark brown hair.
Appeal Issued For 15-Year-Old Kim Berry
Gardaí have issued an appeal for help in tracing the whereabouts of 15-year-old Kim Berry who has gone missing from her home in Ballyfermot, Dublin 10. The teenager was last seen at approximately 11.30am on the 26 February at her home in Ballyfermot. She is described as being 5'10'', of slender build and has dark brown hair.
08 February 2016
Gardai Issue Appeal To Help Trace Missing Galway Woman
Gardai are appealing for information to help trace the whereabouts of a missing woman from Galway. Mags Berry, 35, has been missing for five days. She was last seen leaving Grattan Court in Salthill at around 4pm on Wednesday, 03 February.
Gardai Issue Appeal To Help Trace Missing Galway Woman
Gardai are appealing for information to help trace the whereabouts of a missing woman from Galway. Mags Berry, 35, has been missing for five days. She was last seen leaving Grattan Court in Salthill at around 4pm on Wednesday, 03 February.
22 August 2013
Daniel Day-Lewis Welcomes Wicklow Hospice Progress
Irish actor Daniel Day Lewis has welcomed news that the Wicklow Hospice Foundation can proceed with a new 12-bed facility at its Magheramore site. The Foundation has almost reached its fundraising target of €3m, 50% of the total cost, which would enable the HSE to get on board and fund the development.
Daniel Day-Lewis Welcomes Wicklow Hospice Progress
Irish actor Daniel Day Lewis has welcomed news that the Wicklow Hospice Foundation can proceed with a new 12-bed facility at its Magheramore site. The Foundation has almost reached its fundraising target of €3m, 50% of the total cost, which would enable the HSE to get on board and fund the development.
11 February 2011
Sad RIR Soldier's Return
Royal Irish Ranger David Dalzell's body was flown home from Afghanistan this week. A coffin carrying the remains of the Bangor Co Down soldier arrived at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire accompanied by a second coffin carrying Company Sergeant Major Colin Beckett (36), of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.
Sad RIR Soldier's Return
Royal Irish Ranger David Dalzell's body was flown home from Afghanistan this week. A coffin carrying the remains of the Bangor Co Down soldier arrived at RAF Lyneham in Wiltshire accompanied by a second coffin carrying Company Sergeant Major Colin Beckett (36), of 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment.
-
Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.