Thursday 5 November 2026Compiled from published reports. Every claim links to its source.

Ireland Crime

Every case followed from the first report to the sentence, or to where the reporting stopped.

Case No. 30940Theft (falsely claiming social welfare payments); possession of a false instrument · Co. Dublin · 11 Sep 2011

Frank O'Donnell jailed for falsely claiming €100,000 in social welfare payments

Frank O'Donnell, 56, of Tallaght, Dublin, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison (with 18 months suspended) at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to falsely claiming €100,469.10 in Disability Allowance between 2004 and 2011 while working under the false name Martin O'Donnell.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In courtnot reported
  5. Verdictnot reported
  6. Sentenced2 Jul
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
14 statements extracted from the articles
  • whatFrank O'Donnell, 56, claimed social welfare money under his own name while being paid for construction work under the name Martin O'Donnell. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatO'Donnell had been in receipt of disability allowance beginning in 2002 but was employed for various periods between June 2004 and November 2017. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • whatDuring the employment periods he falsely claimed a total of €100,469.10. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • causeThe impetus behind his offending behaviour was his addiction to alcohol and cocaine. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe offending came to light in 2017 when his niece was being interviewed by an officer from the Department of Social Protection. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationHis niece provided bank statements showing payments in the name of Martin O'Donnell going into her bank account. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • investigationThe picture on the safe pass was in fact of the accused. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • chargeHe also pleaded guilty to possession of a false instrument, a safe pass in the name Martin O'Donnell at ESB, Fleet Street, Dublin City centre, on November 9, 2017. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • courtO'Donnell pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to thefts of Disability Allowance at various locations in Tallaght between September 3, 2004 and September 11, 2011. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • sentenceJudge Greally sentenced O'Donnell to two-and-a-half years imprisonment, suspending the final 18 months on strict conditions. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHe has 11 previous convictions, including five for possession of counterfeit notes. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherHe is making repayments of €30 a week from his social welfare, with around €3,500 repaid to date. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherA doctor's report states his risk of reoffending is at a low level if he continues mental health and addiction therapy. (leinsterexpress.ie)
  • otherAnalysis of his urine was clear of any illicit substances. (leinsterexpress.ie)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 2 Jul2021
    Sentencedleinsterexpress.ie, first report
    Man who falsely claimed over €100,000 in social welfare payments jailed

    Sentencing report: O'Donnell received 2.5 years with 18 months suspended; judge noted his alcohol and cocaine addiction, mental health issues, and low reoffending risk per a doctor's report.

    convicted, Frank O'Donnell, 56, male, named, irish (judged from name)Frank O'Donnell