Louth man used fraudulent details for motor insurance policies

A man who used fraudulent details to take a series of motor insurance policies, which gave him cover for up to six weeks before the policies were cancelled, was sentenced to 240 hours community service at Dundalk Circuit Court last week, in lieu of a two year sentence.

Andrew Lennon (46) who gave an address at Old School House, Louth Village and formerly of Castleross, Dundalk, pleaded guilty to six out of the 11 charges he was originally facing, of obtaining services by deception in relation to policies taken out between February 11th 2013 and August eighth 2015.

The garda investigation was based on recordings of phone calls the defendant made to Allianz Insurance in which he claimed to have no claims bonuses ranging from five to eight years.

The policies included a false name - similar to his own, he used his ex wife’s full name in another, used the name of her dead father in a third, and used her maiden name in another.

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The court had previously heard claims were made against three of the policies and while one is still outstanding, over €164,000 was paid out for two others which were settled although it was stressed there was no suggestion of him being involved in fraud in that regard.

The Senior Defence barrister said a short time after the break-up of his client’s marriage he began the offending predominantly as a result of his gambling, exacerbated by depression and alcohol.

The lawyer added Mr Lennon had put those issues behind him and is now a productive member of society and stressed he did not profit in any way, but Judge Dara Hayes noted he had obtained insurance for a sustained period without paying for it.

Sentencing was adjourned until last Tuesday, for the preparation for a Probation report on a community service assessment.

Judge Hayes, who said the defendant had hit rock bottom at the time and his life is now stable, said it would be more appropriate for him to repay his debt to society in the community.

But he warned Mr Lennon that if he fails to comply with the order to complete 240 hours community service, he would be brought back to court and the two year sentence would be imposed.