Bogus collector pretended to raise funds for Trócaire charity
Co Tralee, The Bogus Collected Picture: Kerry, File €154 In Cash Operation John In Burke Of
A bogus charity collector who called to houses in Skibbereen, West Cork pretending he was raising funds for Trócaire has been handed a suspended sentence in the district court.
John Burke, aged 22, of Rathoonane, Monavalley, Tralee, Co Kerry, appeared for sentencing before Judge James McNulty at Bantry District Court.
He had previously appeared before the judge in March, when he was granted bail after pleading guilty to holding a collection without a proper permit. He also pleaded guilty to a number of motoring offences including driving without insurance and the non-display of a tax disc.
The court heard that Burke had been collecting money at The Mills estate in Skibbereen on July 4, 2023, carrying a Trócaire box, and identifying himself with a false ID card. On the same day he was stopped while driving nearby and found to have no insurance or tax disc displayed, as well as a bald tyre.
Judge McNulty said that a report prepared by the Probation Service indicated that Burke had addiction issues that needed to be addressed and that he was also beginning to shown a pattern of offending that targeted vulnerable people.
The judge said it was clear that Burke needed to engage fully with the Probation Service and engage with additional support services to address his behaviour.
Mr Burke’s solicitor Colette McCarthy said that her client would benefit from a sentence that ensured he would have to stay out of trouble.
Judge McNulty said that Ms McCarthy had “read his mind” and he intended to deal with the matter by way of a suspended sentence.
He sentenced Burke to four months in prison, suspended for two years. The sentence was suspended on condition that he keeps the peace, is of good behaviour, and engages fully with the Probation Service. He was also ordered to undergo Probation Service supervision for one year.
Inspector Emmet Daly told the court that Burke had collected €154 in cash through the bogus collection, which Judge McNulty ordered to be donated to St Vincent de Paul in Skibbereen.