Kildare woman avoids prison after fraudulent purchases, given community service

A 48‑year‑old woman from Branswood, Athy, Co Kildare, was sentenced to 200 hours of community service instead of 12 months’ custody after pleading guilty to fraud involving an elderly man’s bank account.

Wuraola Alabi was found to have made 17 fraudulent transactions totalling €2,289.04 between 26 June and 29 June 2025, using the victim’s Bank of Ireland debit card for online purchases at Brown Thomas and for items bought at Dublin Airport.

Gardaí searched Alabi’s home on 11 July 2025; she cooperated, displayed the purchased goods and admitted the offences. All money was later handed to the gardaí and repaid to the victim, who suffers from Alzheimer’s and could not provide a victim impact statement.

Judge John King of Carlow District Court described the crime as “clearly pre‑meditated and clearly planned” and noted that Alabi’s guilty plea, lack of prior convictions and full compensation were mitigating factors. He warned that failure to complete the community service within 12 months would result in a return to court.

Alabi’s solicitor said the defendant was “extremely stressed” and had suffered an emotional breakdown, but the judge ruled no medical report was required. The court also heard that Alabi is the main breadwinner for her children following a separation from her husband.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Following NYC / Pexels.