Woman who owed ‘sinister’ lenders made false robbery report in Laois

A woman made a false report of a robbery after falling into debt to “sinister” money lenders.

Stacey Delaney (31) of 38 The Meadows, Mountrath Road, Portlaoise, pleaded guilty to knowingly making a false statement to Gardaí at her address on March 13, 2026.

Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby told a sitting of Portlaoise District Court that the accused had “reported a false robbery” on the date in question.

“CCTV was viewed and it was proven to be false,” he explained. He said the woman cooperated with the investigation. He said the woman received €150 from social welfare following the false report and she had no previous convictions.

Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald noted it was an unusual charge and said his client had been “in significant financial difficulty” at the time and had “borrowed money from sinister forces” as a result.

He said when she went to get her welfare payments pressure was put on her to commit the offence. He acknowledged the waste of resources which had arisen from the offence.

“She has a letter of apology for wasting Garda Galvin’s time and the State’s time,” he said.

Judge Andrew Gubbins asked how it became clear from the CCTV that there was no robbery.

Mr Fitzgerald explained that the woman had claimed the robbery occurred on her way home from the Post Office but CCTV proved nothing had happened.

He said she was “somewhat desperate” and “she received €150 from Social Welfare as a result” of the claim.

“There was other circumstances at play that she didn’t want to reveal,” he added.

Judge Gubbins noted desperation had played a role in the offence and he would be slow to put more pressure on her. However, he said it was taxpayers’ money which “she will have to come up with” and he asked if she was working. Mr Fitzgerald said the woman was in receipt of welfare.

Judge Gubbins said he wanted her to repay the money and he adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on February 8. He said if she had the money he would apply the probation act, if she didn’t he would fine her €400 and give her 12 months to pay.

He noted the crime was committed out of desperation and said he hoped she had learned a lesson.