No jail for PO worker who stole OAPs' €18k

'She targeted old age pension payments because the post office system allows pensioners to let them build up before collecting them.' (stock pic)

Conor Gallagher

A post office worker who stole from ten elderly people by skimming their old age pensions has avoided a prison sentence.

Imelda Hanlon (36) stole a total of €18,752 over four years before she was caught. She used the money to pay her mortgage and gave some of it to her partner's children in an effort to forge a closer relationship with them.

Hanlon, of Oak Court Grove, Palmerstown, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to ten sample counts of theft, from an 81-count indictment, at Chapelizod Post Office between 2010 and 2014.

Detective Garda Shane Kelly told Fiona McGowan BL, prosecuting, that Hanlon worked part-time in the post office which was owned by her mother.

Targeted

She targeted old age pension payments because the post office system allows pensioners to let them build up before collecting them. When customers came in to collect a few weeks worth of payments, Hanlon would keep some cash back for herself. The customers did not notice the missing money

In 2014, An Post launched an investigation into unusual transactions at the branch and Hanlon admitted the thefts. An Post reimbursed the victims and Hanlon has since repaid An Post. Counsel added she was let go from the post office.

Judge Martin Nolan said: "Let's hope they don't lose their trust in their fellow human beings. Most people are trustworthy, especially in An Post."

He imposed a two-year sentence on Hanlon, which he suspended on strict conditions.