Court is told that man was using his girlfriend as a “cash machine”
A 21-year-old man appeared in court last week to appeal the severity of a sentence he received for stealing thousands of euro from his girlfriend.
Joshua Maher of Fahee, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny, received nine concurrent sentences of ten months for theft, from Waterford District Court in November.
He appeared before Judge Eugene O’Kelly of Waterford Circuit Court last week to appeal the sentences.
In September 2023, Maher stole €200 from his girlfriend’s wallet whilst at her house. This was money she had saved from her job as a waitress, the court heard.
Maher was also withdrawing money from her bank account on an ongoing basis. Nine separate withdrawals were made from her account, totaling over €2,000.
Judge O’Kelly said that the man was using his girlfriend “as a cash machine.”
Joshua Maher had no previous convictions and he had been working with a prominent figure in horse racing at the time, the court was told.
He had submitted letters of apology to his victim, in which he wrote: “I took advantage of the kind person you were."
Maher said he would pay compensation to his victim.
He also said he was willing to commit to unpaid work with a charity that offers horse riding lessons for people with disabilities.
The matter will return to court on July 21.
