Man charged with deception after trying to collect dead uncle’s pension accused of shoplifting

Declan Haughney, with an address at Pollerton Road, Carlow, appeared before Judge Catherine Carthy at Kilkenny District Court on January 27 accused of bringing a dead man, his uncle, Peader Doyle, into a post office in Co Carlow to collect his pension.

No application was made for bail, and Haughney was remanded in custody to appear at Carlow District Court on Wednesday, February 2.

Yesterday, again before Judge Carthy, the court heard that he has now been further charged with the alleged theft of groceries from the Raths Londis Plus store on the Pollerton Road on January 16.

The alleged theft occurred five days before the alleged incident at the post office.

The deception charges state that at 11.04am and 11.14am at Hosey’s Post Office on Staplestown Road, Haughney dishonestly induced by deception a member of staff, by producing a social welfare card in an attempt to withdraw the €246 pension of Peader Doyle.

Both charges are contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

It was reported yesterday that Mr Haughney, who was brought to Carlow District Court in the custody of the Irish Prison Service, was granted bail, on a number of conditions.

These included a 9am to 9pm curfew and signing on three times a week at Carlow Garda station.

He was also instructed to be contactable at all times by supplying gardai a working mobile number.

He was also told not to enter the vicinity or go into Hosey's.

However, he could not provide the €200 euro in cash of a €300 bond to the court and was remanded back in custody.

He is due before the court again later this month.