Woman admits 'laundering' more than €100,000 in crime cash at her home

A LIMERICK woman has pleaded guilty, before the Special Criminal Court, to laundering over €100,000 in crime cash at her home.

Sandra Hehir, aged 54, with an address at Assumpta Park, Island Road in the city appeared before the three-judge, non-jury court this Friday morning.

Ms Hehir was arraigned on a single charge that on June 17, 2020 she handled, acquired and/or possessed cash to the value of €124,055, knowing or believing (or being reckless as to whether) the property in the said premises was the proceeds of criminal conduct. 

After the guilty plea was entered, Fiona Murphy SC, prosecuting, told the court that five other counts could be taken into consideration. The barrister said a nolle prosequi will be entered in due course on three other counts.

Padraig Dwyer SC, defending Ms Hehir, asked the court for some time in order to produce references for his client on the next date. 

Mr Dwyer also informed the court that there are two co-accused who have also pleaded guilty to charges relating to the offences and that their cases have been listed for mention on October 23 next for the purpose of fixing a sentence hearing.

"It would be in Ms Hehir's interest to be given a separate sentence date because of a potential undertaking she may be giving on family members," he added. 

Mr Justice Michael MacGrath, presiding, sitting with Ms Justice Sarah Berkeley and Mr Justice James Faughnan, listed Ms Hehir's case for mention on October 31 next in order to fix a date for a sentence hearing. 

Ms Murphy said that there is no issue with Ms Hehir's case being dealt with separately. 

Ms Hehir was remanded on bail on the same terms and conditions. 

Vicky Hehir, aged 30, also known as Victoria O'Halloran, of Bruach na Sionna, Castleconnell, County Limerick and her husband Warren Hehir, aged 33, of the same address were arraigned on similar charges last July. 

Sandra Hehir's son, Warren Hehir pleaded guilty to a charge that on dates between August 8, 2019 and 17 June, 2020 he "possessed, used, converted, transferred or handled" cash to the value of €59,000, knowing or believing or being reckless as to whether the property was the proceeds of criminal conduct, in discharging sums due and owing in respect of works carried out on Kilmurry Court, Garryowen, Limerick between August 8, 2019 and June 17, 2020.

He also admitted that on June 17, 2020 at The Path, Garryowen, he handled, acquired or possessed a Rolex watch knowing, believing or being reckless as to whether the watch was the proceeds of criminal conduct. 

Vicky Hehir pleaded guilty to one charge of money laundering in relation to the €59,000 for the works carried out at Kilmurry Court.