Girl, 17, in court for bogus charity collection

A 17-year-old girl appeared in court yesterday following her arrest for carrying out a bogus charity collection for disabled and impoverished children.

The girl, who is originally from Romania, but residing in Co. Meath, was charged at the Dublin Children’s Court under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act for dishonestly by deception inducing the public to give money for a bogus event for her own gain or that of others, in Dun Laoghaire, on July 18 last.

Garda Jane Ryan said the girl made no reply when charged.

The girl explained via an interpreter that she has been living with her family in Ireland for six years but has not been in school. “I did not know because the schools here are different,” she said.

Judge Clare Leonard remanded the girl on bail to appear again in September.

On seeing the charity collection paper the girl allegedly presented at a house Judge Leonard said “I am taking it that no-one gave her any money on foot of it.”

“No,” replied the garda as the girl looked over towards her mother sitting at the back of the court.