Garda defrauded AIB of €600 in ATM scam

A Dublin-based Garda has admitted defrauding AIB out of €600 in an ATM scam.

Garda Raymond Geelan (38) from Hayworth, the Ongar, Dublin 15, awaits sentence after he pleaded guilty yesterday to four counts of deception and one charge of attempted deception in connection with a series of ATM withdrawals.

The offences occurred at AIB bank machines in Maynooth, Co Kildare, and in Blanchardstown, Dublin, on five dates from March 30th until May 1st in 2013.

Judge Michael Walsh heard at Dublin District Court that on each occasion the deception involved Mr Geelan using his own bank card to withdraw €170 .

Det Supt John Keane said Mr Geelan used his own pin number, the requested amount was dispensed in full and comprised three €50 notes and a €20 note. Det Supt Keane said the accused "manipulated the notes and took €150" and he left the €20 in the machine's dispensing tray.

“The machine is programmed to automatically retract that money into the retracting tray,” he said.

“At that time the machine was unable to identify how much money was taken back into the machine. It is flagged as an extraordinary transaction and the full value is refunded to the account,” Det Keane said.

Refunds

Mr Geelan received refunds with the total amount defrauded coming to €600. He is currently suspended from duty, on three-quarters’ pay, and will face Garda disciplinary proceedings after the court prosecution, Judge Walsh heard. The judge noted the defendant had no previous criminal convictions.

Det Supt Keane agreed with Matthew Kenny, defending, that Mr Geelan has been a serving garda for 14 years, has an unblemished record and has not come to further attention. Judge Walsh adjourned sentencing until next month.

Meanwhile co-accused Garda Brendan Phillips (34), of Charnwood Green, Clonsilla, Dublin 15, is awaiting trial after he pleaded not guilty yesterday at the District Court to three deception charges and two counts of attempted deception in connection with ATM withdrawals in Dublin in 2013. Judge Walsh ordered the hearing take place over two days in January.