Rathcoole man charged with stealing €22,000 from Bank of Ireland branch

By Brendan Grehan

A RATHCOOLE man has been charged with stealing €22,000 from his local branch of the Bank of Ireland.

Paul Afumbom appeared before Judge Miriam Walsh in Blanchardstown Court in custody on Thursday morning (February 23).

Garda Shane Barry told Judge Walsh that earlier that morning he had arrested Afumbom at his address in Rathcoole and conveyed him to Clondalkin Garda Station where he was later charged with two offences.

He said Afumbom made no reply to the two charges.

Garda Barry said the DPP had directed trial on indictment in the case and Afumbom could go forward on a signed plea.

Afumbom, aged 25, with an address at Broadfield Close, Rathcoole, is charged with stealing €22,035.68 from Bank of Ireland, Rathcoole, on December 4, 2014. He is also charged with using a false instrument, a Bank of Ireland cheque, at Bank of Ireland, Rathcoole, also on December 4, 2014.

Afumbom’s solicitor, William Cadogan, asked Judge Walsh to grant legal aid. He said Afumbom works part-time. Judge Walsh granted legal aid.

Garda Barry asked for a remand for six weeks for service of the book of evidence.

Judge Walsh remanded Afumbom on continuing bail to a date in April for service of the book.