Thursday 29 October 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. 7764Theft (accommodation fraud) · Co. Dublin

Pair to be arraigned in October over alleged €15,000 accommodation fraud, Dublin

Michael Ward, a man in his early 30s, and Melissa Collins, a woman in her mid-20s, were arrested in September last year over an alleged accommodation fraud in south Dublin. The alleged thefts from international students of about €15,000 took place in July, August and September of last year, and a garda investigation in Blackrock, Co Dublin led to both being charged with 13 offences each. Both were mentioned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a Thursday, when they were released on continuing bail. The latest development is that Judge Orla Crowe fixed a date in October for their arraignment.

  1. Reportednot reported
  2. Arrestednot reported
  3. Chargednot reported
  4. In court27 Jul
  5. Verdict
  6. Sentenced
reportedhappened, not reportedlatest stagenot yet

Key facts

consolidated from all reports
What happened
The alleged offence is theft in connection with an accommodation fraud.
Where
The alleged accommodation fraud took place in south Dublin.
When
The alleged thefts occurred on dates in July, August and September of last year.
Cause
The alleged thefts were from a number of international students.
Investigation
A garda investigation in Blackrock, Co Dublin led to the arrests of both accused.
Other details
Michael Ward, in his early 30s, and Melissa Collins, in her mid-20s, were both arrested last September.
Charges
Both accused were charged with the alleged theft of some €15,000, with 13 charges each.
In court
  • The cases were mentioned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on a Thursday, and both accused remain on continuing bail.
  • Judge Orla Crowe fixed a date in October for the arraignment of the two accused.
8 statements extracted from the articles
  • whereThe alleged accommodation fraud took place in south Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • whenThe alleged thefts were on dates in July, August and September of last year. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeThe charges relate to the alleged theft of some €15,000. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeBoth accused were later charged following a garda investigation in Blackrock, Co Dublin. (irishtimes.com)
  • chargeEach accused faces 13 charges. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtThe cases were mentioned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Thursday. (irishtimes.com)
  • courtJudge Orla Crowe fixed a date in October for arraignment of the two accused. (irishtimes.com)
  • otherBoth accused were arrested last September. (irishtimes.com)

The reporting

newest first
  1. 27 Jul2023
    In courtirishtimes.com, first report
    Pair to be arraigned in October over alleged €15,000 south Dublin accommodation fraud

    Reports that the two accused were mentioned at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, that Judge Orla Crowe fixed an October arraignment date, and that each faces 13 charges. Describes the alleged thefts from international students in July, August and September of last year.

    accused, Michael Ward, early 30s, male, named, irish (judged from name)Michael Wardaccused, Melissa Collins, mid-20, female, named, irish (judged from name)Melissa Collins