CORK, Ireland–A former official with the Irish League of Credit Unions has been given six months to repay almost €20,000 which he stole from a credit union here.
Matthew Heffernan, 71, a field officer with the Irish League, pleaded guilty to six counts of deception at Berehaven Credit Union in Castletown between 2004 and 2009, according to the Irish Times.
Det Garda DJ O’Shea told Cork Circuit Criminal Court how Heffernan had obtained loans from Berehaven Credit Union by deception in the name of his son, Liam Heffernan, without his son’s knowledge, the Times reported adding that when Liam Heffernan found out what was going on, he went to Limerick police to file a complaint stating that his father had been obtaining loans in his name without his knowledge.
According to police, first loan obtained by Matthew Heffernan in his son’s name was for €99,000, but was repaid. Further sums were obtained in the form of refinancing and the outstanding amount was about €35,000, the Irish Times reported.
“In obtaining the money using his son’s name, Matthew Heffernan left instructions with other family members that, ‘If anyone is looking for Liam [his son], say they don’t know him and hang up,’” the Times reported.
Acknowledges Crime
Matthew Hefferman’s attorney, Alan O’Dwyer, told the court his client has cooperated fully with authorities and admitted to the deception, according to the Times. In addition, Heffernan has already repaid some €16,000 of the €35,000 that he had stolen and that he was determined to pay the outstanding balance of €19,000 if given the opportunity to do so, the report said. Heffernan is repaying €1,000 per month.
The judge adjourned sentencing until April 23, 2020, to allow Heffernan “put his best foot forward” in relation to compensation and he said he would see if sentencing could be finalized at that stage, the Irish Times said.