Cork man accused of rental fraud remanded on bail

Man charged over payment of €2,000 by woman seeking rental property

Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the man on bail until November 25 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A woman was allegedly deceived of €2,000 when she paid this sum while believing that she was dealing with the landlord of a property available for rent.

That is the allegation that gave rise to a case against Martin Scannell, aged 42, of 51 Fair Hill Drive, Upper Fair Hill, Cork, who appeared at Cork District Court charged with a count of deception under the Criminal Law (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act.

The particulars of the charge stated that, on an unknown date between July 3 and July 5 at Sunview, Fair Hill, he did dishonestly by deception induce a woman to do an act, namely pretending to be a landlord of a property and list the property for rent that did not belong to him, with the intention of making a gain for himself or causing a loss to another.

On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Mary Dorgan remanded the man on bail until November 25 for directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions, on condition that he would have no contact direct or indirect with the injured party.

It is alleged that the loss in the case amounted to €2,000.

Garda Aoife Coffey brought the single charge against Martin Scannell who was represented by solicitor Frank Buttimer.