'Family man' jailed for involvement with cross-border ATM gang

A 39-year-old man from County Armagh has been jailed for four-and-a-half years by the Special Criminal Court following his guilty plea to handling proceeds from cross-border ATM thefts. The accused pleaded guilty in July to possessing €103,930 in cash at Tullypole, County Meath, on 20 August 2019, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act 2006. Mr Justice Tony Hunt imposed the sentence on 29 November 2021, suspending the final 18 months for three years. The court heard that a criminal organisation had conducted six ATM raids across Cavan and Monaghan between September 2018 and August 2019, causing significant criminal damage and stealing approximately €790,000. The accused transported individuals and cash to the location on the day in question. The court rejected a request to postpone sentencing until after Christmas. The accused was credited for his guilty plea, co-operation with gardaí, and community involvement, though the judge determined a custodial sentence was necessary given the serious nature of the offending and deterrent considerations.