A waiter who skimmed €18,000 from customers' credit cards was yesterday told he would have to come up with the entire amount before his sentence is imposed.
Alexander Brennan (28), Maltan House, Mayor Street, Dublin, pleaded guilty to using a skimming device between April and September 2004 at the Morrison Hotel, Dublin, where he worked as a waiter.
Dublin District Court heard the money was taken from people's credit cards when they were handed over to pay for meals and drinks. As well as putting them through the normal scanner, he also swiped them through a small device which copied their data to be later used in fraudulent transactions.
He used the money to feed a drug habit for which he had since received treatment and was now "totally clean", the court heard.
Garda Caitríona Byrne of the Fraud Investigation Bureau said Mr Brennan had not come to Garda attention since this offence.
He paid €5,000 in compensation last August and the case was adjourned until yesterday for further money to be paid.
Another €1,000 was available and, his lawyer said, more money would be forthcoming if he was given further time.
Judge Mary Collins said there was "a lot at stake here" and she felt the entire amount of compensation should be paid before she would finally deal with the case.
"I know it is a hefty amount, but I think it is in his interests to do so," said the judge.
She remanded him on continuing bail for two months for him to come up with the remainder.