A 73-year-old woman from Laois, Margaret Bergin, has had her sentencing postponed until October after admitting to fraudulently claiming her late father-in-law’s pension for over 28 years, amounting to €271,046.28. The scheme was uncovered following research by an amateur gerontologist, which raised suspicions leading to investigations by the Department of Social Protection.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Bergin had posed as her deceased father-in-law, John Bergin, to continue receiving his pension. Despite attempts to conceal her actions, evidence including commemorative coins and a presidential cheque was found during a search of her property.
Judge Keenan Johnson highlighted the “extraordinary” nature of the case, noting that the large sum of money taken from taxpayers must be addressed, but he is considering Bergin’s lack of previous convictions and age in his decision. The case will reconvene on October 29 for final sentencing.
