Collection agent in court on four charges of fraud

In Court was Kevin Gorman (42) of 129 Rathlin Drive, Londonderry who faced a charge of false representation that he was Linda Deery with the intention to make a gain for himself of another and cause loss to Greenwood Personal Credit on July 12, 2012 and again on September 14, 2012.

He also faced two charges of fraud by abuse of position, firstly on January 31 and again on July 31, 2012, in that while occupying a position in which he was expected to safeguard the financial interests of Greenwood Personal Credit, he dishonestly abused that position by retaining money collected from Andrea Mary Carlin and Vanessa Wilson, respectively, with intent to make a gain for himself or another.

Prosecuting Counsel said Gorman was self-employed as a collection agent and the loss was incurred by the company and not the people money was collected from.

Defence counsel, Paul Kearney, said Gorman had limited academic qualifications and his work experience related to financial employment. He said a conviction would prevent him from working as a collector and his employment was at risk.

Mr Kearney said the situation Gorman now found himself in had put a significant strain on his marital relationship.

“Essentially, this is something that began once, then twice,” he said, adding that he could not get away from the premeditated nature of what he had done.

Enquiring as to how much Gorman had saved in restitution, District Judge, Barney McElholm, said: “What I am concerned with is whether I make an order for restitution, He has had since September 2012 to try and gather something, even £10 a week. It would have shown a willingness to make restitution, but he has not done that.”

Saying he was tempted to send Gorman to prison, he imposed concurrent nine-month jail terms, suspended for three years and a 200-hour Community Service Order.