Limerick rugby player pleads guilty over 'Snapchat fraud'

AN ASPIRING rugby player has pleaded guilty to his involvement in an iPhone scam. Daniel Okeke, aged 20, of Cratloe Wood Student Village, Limerick is part of the Munster Academy, has represented Ireland U-20s, Munster and plays with Shannon RFC. Mr Okeke was charged with three counts of making gain or causing loss by deception under the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001. Inspector Pat Brennan told Kilmallock Court the three injured parties contacted gardai following the offences on June 2, 2020. “They replied to a Snapchat offering iPhones for sale. The defendant had given his IBAN. Monies were forwarded by injured parties to the bank account and told the iPhones would be delivered by post. They did not arrive. The Snapchat account was closed,” said Insp Brennan. Kilmallock Court heard that the total loss (between the three injured parties) was €780. Insp Brennan said Mr Okeke was paid €20 and was a “small link in the operation”. Lee-Ann Purcell, solicitor for Mr Okeke, said her client was 18 when this happened. “He was approached by a ‘friend’ he grew up with. He did not know what was going on,” said Ms Purcell. Judge Patricia Harney said unless…
Read More