Breaking: Laois woman arrives for sentencing over €270k pension fraud

In a court in Laois County a woman was brought for judgment for receiving than 250 thousand euros, in pension payments meant for a man who would have turned 110 years old if he were still alive.

Margaret Bergin of Fairfield in Mountrath made an appearance at the Portlaoise Circuit Court for her sentencing hearing, at the age of 73.

During a court session held in June she admitted to having taken money from 1993 to February 2022 for a span of, over 29 years.

In the photograph taken on November 1st at Portlaoise Circuit Court Ms Bergin was seen with her husband and son.

During the court proceedings it was revealed that she received a sum of €271 046 28 in pension funds under the identity of her father, in law John Jack Bergin who passed away at the age of 82 in 1993.

In Cork City a novice observer encountered a person of 110 years old in Laois County. Felt compelled to report this finding to the authorities.

The court was told that the defendant had given explanations to dissuade the Department of Social Protection from checking on the 110 year person.

When the officers arrived unannounced at the doorstep and entered the room they discovered a man fully clothed and with his shoes, on lying in bed The woman insisted that he was truly 110 years old but they harbored doubts and departed without being persuaded of his age.

The woman finally admitted that the man in the bed was her husband named Seamus revealing that he was unaware of her actions, in receiving the pension money.

Authorities found medals from Áras an Uachtaráin and a check while searching the womans home and then discovered a grave belonging to John "Jack" Bergin, in Clonad on.

During the court session at Portlaoise Circuit Court William Fennelly, from the prosecution noted that the woman had previously brought €35K and was now presenting €40K in court.

Damian Colgan BL drafted a report, for the judge and prosecution outlining the womans well being and financial situation and included a letter of apology that was submitted in court.

The defendant stated that she wanted to "apologize and express my remorse for what I did."

She shared the story of caring for her father in law as he faced declining health in the later years of his life; a doctor suggested respite care, for him. He declined the offer and she decided to take on the role of looking after him at their own residence.

She said that she felt deeply impacted by his death and found herself feeling down without realizing it at first.She acknowledged that she should have stopped receiving the pension and expressed regret, for what she did.

She begged the judge fervently to show much kindness and compassion as he could muster.

Mr Colgan stated that his client has been feeling sad for a while and is facing health issues mentioning that both she and her husband receive pensions as citizens.

"He pointed out that the lady has begun to distance herself from interactions and steers clear of shopping in stores " Mr. Colgan emphasized. "Even though she isn't physically confined; it appears shes trapped in her thoughts."

He told the judge that Mrs Bergin and her husband do not have any savings to their names and also mentioned that she has already paid off €75 thousand of the debt owed.

He said that Mrs Bergin can only afford to set €50 per week from her pension, after that point.

Judge Keenan Johnson asked about the familys property holdings. Was told that they possess 99 acres of land that their son is currently farming after inheriting it.

Judge Johnson stated that he had been made aware that the pension funds, in question had been utilized for the familys benefit which indicates a duty to uphold.

Mr Colgan pointed out that the defendant always maintained that her family had no knowledge of the crime when it happened and highlighted that the land transfer took place long before the crime was uncovered. She also mentioned that her family had tried to sell the property but encountered difficulties due to its location, along a route.

Judge Johnson remarked that he had never come across a scenario where the sale of land was limited in that way.

Mr Fennelly stated that he was surprised by the scale of the land covering 99 acres and shared that while there was an amount of €27104628 the loss decreased to €19604628 after the €75000 sum was brought to court for resolution instead.

Judge Johnson asked Mr Colgan about the remaining funds status after noting the defendants claim that the land's not available, for sale.