A MAN WHO fraudulently pocketed a €40,000 pension pot, which he held jointly with his wife, has been ordered to pay her €10,000 back before Christmas as well as the remaining amount within the new year.

Brendan Lynch, (71), appeared before Limerick Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing, after pleading guilty to two counts of forgery.

Mr Lynch, a retired bus driver from Birr, Offaly, but with an address at Kilmurry Lodge, Elm Park, Castletroy, Limerick, forged his wife’s name on an application to cash in their jointly held pension, the court heard.

He also forged his elderly sister’s name as a third party witness although she had no knowledge of the matter.

In 1988, Brendan and Ann Pauline Lynch opened the pension policy with the Hibernian insurance group after they were married.

When the policy reached maturity it was worth €40,645.90 and both parties were entitled to 50% each.

However, after separating after 45 years of marriage, Mr Lynch cashed in the policy, forging his wife’s signature in order to have the pension paid out.

Detective Garda Brian Cunningham said Mr Lynch “lodged the cheque into his own account.”

Mrs Lynch only became aware of what her husband had done six years later.

“It caused her great alarm,” Cunnigham said.

“She established a cheque was made payable to her and her husband. It was clear a forgery had taken place,” he added.

Mr Lynch told gardai that he used the entire pension fund to “clear outstanding debts”.

In a victim impact statement Ms Lynch said:

“It has left an indelible mark on myself and my family…The psychological effect is of disbelief and utter horror.”

She added:

“The financial loss is very much felt as I was the sole provider for our four children and that money would be very much appreciated at this time.”

This is something we all will have to carry as a burden going forward for the rest of our lives.

The court heard Mr Lynch had borrowed €10,000 against the sale of a site, however he has not been able to sell it.

Adjourning the matter for 12 months on Friday, judge Tom O’Donnell ordered Mr Lynch pay Ms Lynch €10,000 “as part payment” for her losses “before Christmas”.

“If the balance is paid within 12 months or if it is not paid within 12 months, I will factor that in (to sentencing) and I’ll deal with it then,” the judge said.

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