A COUNTY Limerick couple have pleaded guilty to charges relating to the theft of €50,000 from an 83-year old man.
Michael Mullane (36) and his partner Suzanne Stokes (35), of Liosan, Gortboy pleaded guilty to six counts under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001, just moments before they were due to go on trial at Limerick Circuit Court.
Mr Mullane pleaded guilty to two counts of theft, as well as two counts of attempting to commit theft. Ms Stokes admitted two counts of possession of stolen cash.
Mr Mullane admitted that he stole €30,000 belonging to the elderly victim at Allied Irish Bank, Newcastle West on July 20, 2017.
He pleaded guilty to stealing a further €20,000 of the victim’s money, at the same bank branch on August 2, 2017.
He also admitted attempting to commit theft at an unknown location in March 2018, as well as at Garbally, Kilmeedy, Co Limerick, on April 18, 2019.
Ms Stokes pleaded guilty to possessing €30,000, which had been stolen from the victim, at Allied Irish Bank, Strand Street, Kanturk, Co Cork, on July 20, 2017.
She also admitted possession of €20,000 that was stolen from the victim at the AIB branch, Strand Street, Kanturk, on August 2, 2017.
Judge Pat Meghan discharged a jury that had earlier been sworn in to hear the case.
Lilly Buckley BL, prosecuting for the State, said the two accused are in a relationship and the victim would be providing a statement for the court about the impact the theft has had on him.
Mark Nicholas SC, defending Mr Mullane, said his client had made significant efforts to pay back the money.
The defendants had already provided €15,000 to the victim, and hoped that all of the money would be restored to him as quickly as possible.
Judge Meghan remanded them on bail to appear before Limerick Circuit Court for sentencing in October.
