A MEATH resident who stole €80,500 from his widowed mother in 229 unauthorised ATM withdrawals over a year has been ordered by Judge Patricia Ryan to carry out work in the community.
David Carroll (28), Seabury Lawns, Mornington, was spending €1,000 a week on his cocaine habit, and his offending came to light when his mother identified him on CCTV as the culprit after she reported her money missing.
Carroll is repaying his 66-year-old mother €50 a week.
Carroll pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing an ATM card and four sample counts of stealing cash, the property of Pamela Carroll, at locations around Swords on dates between July 2007 and August 2008.
Judge Ryan noted that Carroll has addressed his drug addiction with help from his family.
She ordered that he carry out 240 hours of community service in lieu of a two-year sentence.