Couple admit guilt in money laundering
Waterford Courthouse.
A Waterford couple have accepted their guilt for their role in a money-laundering operation.
Nora (63)and James O'Reilly (63) of Williamstown Halting site, Waterford City, were sentenced at Waterford Circuit Court before Judge Eugene O'Kelly.
They were found guilty of money laundering after a jury trial in May this year.
In February 2021, a large number of Gardaí entered the halting site to execute search warrants on a number of properties, including the residence of the accused.
Inside their caravan, a sock containing €26,415 in cash and ten alprazolam tablets was found.
The prosecution alleged that the money was the proceeds of criminal conduct, namely drug dealing.
The jury spent one hour in deliberations before returning a guilty verdict.
Both of the accused maintained their innocence until the day of their sentencing.
The court heard that the couple have 18 children, aged from mid to late 40's and late teens.
Defence Counsel Gareth Hayden made a plea for leniency for Nora O'Reilly, noting her lack of previous convictions, health issues and difficult life circumstances.
He said: "She suffered a fracture in 2011, she has had 27 pregnancies, numerous miscarriages."
Judge O'Kelly agreed that she has had a hard life and that she had an important role as the matriarch of her family.
However, he continued: "They were clearly attempting to assist in criminal activity."
After the couple accepted the verdict, Judge O'Kelly sentenced Nora O'Reilly to keep the peace for three years, commenting: "She's clearly had a hard life, I doubt I'll ever see her inside a court again."
"It is unfortunate that they had reached their 60's and gained a relatively serious conviction."
Judge O'Kelly went on to sentence James O'Reilly to serve one year in prison and to keep the peace for two years post-release, due to a previous conviction.
