Couple jailed for child benefit cash scam

JAIL sentences of 10 months were imposed yesterday on a Limerick couple who pleaded guilty to operating an illegal money-lending scam involving child-benefit books.

A judge, who expressed surprise that the DPP had consented to a summary disposal of the case, said the couple’s unlawful enterprise led to a sad cycle of debt for many people in the city.

Brendan Wallace, aged 35, and his 34-year-old wife, Patricia, took possession of child benefit books belonging to clients and lent them back when mothers went to draw benefits at a local post office.