A “chronic gambler” who stole over €15,000 in social welfare payments while using his brother's name has received a fully suspended sentence.
Bernard Norton (49) simultaneously claimed Jobseekers Allowance validly in his own name and falsely in his brother's name over a two-year period.
He has previously been convicted for stealing over €200,000 from his employer between 2001 and 2002 and for stealing approximately €35,000 from another employer in 2016.
Norton of Newrath View, Kells, Co Meath pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six sample counts of theft at Killinard Post Office, Tallaght, Dublin, on dates between November 25, 2013 and June 30, 2015.
He also pleaded guilty to deception at the same address on dates between November 19, 2013 and June 30, 2016.