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Dublin dad who allegedly gave false bank details for €48 pizza bill charged with theft
Mr Lawrence, of Foxborough Court, Lucan, is charged with theft from Four Star Pizza, Chapel Hill, also in Lucan
Andrew Phelan
Today at 07:20
A father of five who allegedly used false bank details to pay for a pizza delivery to his home has been charged with theft.
Brian Lawrence (49) told the delivery driver he had no cash to pay for the €48 order before giving the fake details, a court was told.
The case was adjourned at Blanchardstown District Court for the accused to decide how he intends to plead.
Mr Lawrence, of Foxborough Court, Lucan, is charged with theft from Four Star Pizza, Chapel Hill, also in Lucan.
Garda Sergeant Maria Callaghan told Judge Máire Conneely that the Director of Public Prosecutions consented to the case being dealt with in the district court subject to the issue of jurisdiction being considered.
The judge asked for an outline of the proposed evidence.
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Sgt Callaghan said it was the prosecution’s case that on the day in question, it was alleged the accused ordered pizzas and the bill came to €48.
When the delivery driver arrived with the order, it was alleged Mr Lawrence told him he had no cash to pay him, Sgt Callaghan said.
According to the prosecution, Mr Lawrence instead gave bank details which turned out to be false.
After hearing the summary of the allegations, Judge Conneely accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case
This means it can remain in the district court instead of being sent forward to the circuit court, which has greater potential sentencing powers on conviction.
The judge granted free legal aid following an application by defence solicitor Simon Fleming who submitted a statement of the accused’s financial means.
Mr Fleming said Mr Lawrence was an unemployed father of five.
The accused was not required to address the court during the brief jurisdiction hearing and has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charge, which is under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.
He was remanded on continuing bail to appear in court again on a date in July, when he will be expected to indicate a plea.
If he is contesting the case, he will be given a hearing date for the non-jury court.
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