A 29-year-vintage man has pleaded guilty to 20 counts of theft in Limerick, Ireland, after using a debit card to craft unauthorized purchases at multiple businesses. Jose Filho, of Heritage Close, Belview Gardens, Ennis Road, Limerick city, appeared before Limerick District Court and admitted to the offenses, which violate Section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001.
According to Garda Sergeant Denis Waters, who prosecuted the case, Filho illicitly “tapped” the debit card to accumulate €440.69 in fraudulent charges. The incidents occurred throughout September of last year, targeting a range of establishments within Limerick city.
Centra Monaleen, located in Newtown, Limerick, was the most frequently targeted location, with Filho making seven separate transactions totaling €249.60. McDonald’s in Castletroy was also affected, with two visits resulting in €49.65 in unauthorized charges. Other businesses where the card was used without permission include Garvey’s SuperValu in Corbally, Circle K in Caherdavin, and Fine Wines in Castletroy.
Representing Filho, solicitor Sarah Ryan indicated that her client would require time to repay the stolen funds. Judge Patricia Harney has remanded Filho on bail pending the completion of the compensation payment.
