Dublin Man Fraudulently Claims €109,235 in Welfare Benefits
In a conspicuous case of social welfare fraud, Noel Ward, 59, has pleaded guilty to fraudulent claims amounting to €109,235 over a decade. A Dublin Circuit Criminal Court hearing revealed that Ward orchestrated the fraud by using the personal public service (PPS) number of his late friend, Patrick Rooney. The prosecution uncovered a scheme that saw Ward transferring significant sums into Rooney’s account while he was homeless.
Details of the Case
Ward, residing on Dolmen Way in Ballymun, devised a plan while experiencing homelessness in 2008, alongside his friend, now deceased. According to Garda Louise Keane, Ward deposited €100 weekly into Rooney’s bank account, amassing approximately €64,000 in total. The fraudulent claims spanned from May 2008 to August 2019 and included benefits such as Jobseekers’ Benefit, Disability Benefit, and Rent Allowance.
The court learned that between 2008 and 2012, Ward claimed a total of €41,861 in Jobseekers’ Allowance in the name of Rooney. His impersonation continued until 2018, when Ward was employed while also claiming unemployment benefits under his own name. "He was living a somewhat chaotic life at the time the offences began," Keane noted during the hearing.
The fraudulent activity came to light when Ward applied for Disability Allowance, prompting an investigation that uncovered the multiple identities he utilized.
The Mechanics of the Fraud
Ward used a false driving license bearing Rooney’s name but displaying his photo, a tactic that effectively concealed his actions for several years. His final claim, amounting to €783 in illness benefits, came from January to March 2017 under Rooney’s name, further demonstrating the extent of his deception.
During a raid of Ward’s residence in July 2018, authorities discovered the fake driving license, which prompted a full confession from Ward regarding his elaborate scheming to defraud the state.
Impact of the Fraud and Current Situation
Since the discovery of the fraud, Ward has been making repayments to the state—over €20,000 paid in a lump sum earlier this month. However, €15,000 remains outstanding, although he has set up a direct debit of €80 weekly aimed at settling the debt over the coming years.
Ward’s case highlights serious implications for the social welfare system, emphasizing the need for stringent checks to prevent such abuses. Sources suggest that the late Mr. Rooney was also complicit, agreeing to this arrangement under terms that remain murky. "Both Ward and Mr. Rooney were living chaotic lives," remarked defense lawyer Mark Lynam.
Background of the Accused
Ward has a previous conviction for drunk driving dating back to 2008 but has since maintained a low profile. He has reported no further violations since his original conviction. Current testimonies describe him as a dedicated worker, having held a stable job since 2021, which serves as a significant change from his past.
Letters submitted to the court, including those from his employer and daughter, portrayed Ward as remorseful and eager to repay his debt to society, stating he had never seemed "so broken." The background of his struggles with depression, anxiety, and alcohol were prominent factors in the court narrative, painting a detailed portrait of a man grappling with complex issues while navigating his life circumstances.
The Court Ruling
Judge Orla Crowe has adjourned the case, with a final determination scheduled for November 20. As the court continues to assess Ward’s situation, public interest remains high in understanding how such fraudulent acts can occur, and how they may impact social welfare systems.
The outcome of this case could potentially influence future regulations or oversight mechanisms aimed at safeguarding public funds and restoring public trust in welfare systems.
As this story develops, what are your thoughts on the measures needed to tackle social welfare fraud? Engage with us in the comments section or share this article to continue the conversation.
