Man stole chequebook from employer and attempted to lodge fraudulent cheques

A farm labourer who stole his employer’s chequebook and attempted to lodge three fraudulent cheques amounting to €20,700 is due to reappear before Athlone District Court in June.

Jake McHale (24), with an address at Cuingmore, Pontoon, Foxford, Co Mayo, appeared before Judge Bernadette Owens on Wednesday, March 25, where he was further remanded on bail to June so that he could arrange to set up a standing order to repay the injured party.

The court previously heard how he had moved to a farm at Lisnacreen, Glasson, Athlone, where he worked for just ten days and, on dates unknown between November 15 and 28, 2023, stole a Bank of Ireland chequebook, which was linked to the farm business.

Soon after, Mr McHale returned to his home county where he attempted to lodge three fraudulent cheques at two AIB branches in Castlebar and Ballina.

The first cheque was successfully lodged on November 27, 2023, in Castlebar and was for the amount of €4,700. On December 7, he attempted to lodge two cheques in Ballina amounting to €12,500 and €3,500, but those cheques were declined after banking officials became suspicious.

Mr McHale pleaded guilty to three charges of using false cheques, as well as the theft of the chequebook and an accompanying charge of deception.

Solicitor Mark Cooney requested further time so that his client, who is back in employment, can set up a standing order to repay the €4,700 that was successfully lodged to his account.

Judge Owens adjourned the case to June 3.

Funded by the Courts Reporting Scheme