A woman from Laois, Margaret Bergin, was discovered to have fraudulently claimed her deceased father-in-law’s pension for over 28 years, totaling €271,046.28. The unusual case was uncovered by an amateur gerontologist in 2022, leading to a thorough investigation.
Garda Peter Crosby revealed that Margaret attempted to dissuade welfare officers from inspecting her home and falsely presented her husband as her father-in-law during a visit. Eventually, authorities found the real Mr. Bergin’s grave and unearthed a bag containing incriminating evidence.
Despite admitting to the deception, Margaret Bergin’s defense claimed ignorance and financial struggles. The court demanded restitution beyond her initial offering of €35,000, due to the massive loss to the state. Judge Keenan Johnson emphasized the seriousness of the crime but acknowledged her lack of previous convictions.
He commended the gerontologist for his role in uncovering the fraud and ordered Margaret Bergin to pay the specified amount by June 21st, with sentencing set for October 29th.
\
[ad_2]
Source link
