Zimbabwean fraudster posed as child psychologist for years

A man with an address in County Louth has been sentenced to four years imprisonment for operating as a fraudulent child psychologist across public and private healthcare sectors in Ireland. The accused pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four counts of using false instruments between November 2019 and February 2022, including forged psychological qualifications, identification badges and medical certificates. He also admitted two counts of deception relating to dishonest inducement of employment with healthcare providers. The court heard he secured positions with a Sligo-based residential care facility and other organisations, receiving €172,000 in wages and expenses, despite lacking required academic credentials. His deception was uncovered when he was put forward for a senior HSE role with an annual salary of €80,000. Investigation revealed documents including university transcripts and validation letters were counterfeit. The accused told gardaí he had purchased a documentation package online. The court noted gardaí have been unable to confirm his true identity. The sentence was backdated to August 2022 when he entered custody.