A landscaper has pleaded guilty to defrauding an 82-year-old woman of more than €50,000 for substandard work carried out in her Co Dublin garden. Myles Connors, 37, of College Farm Heights, Newbridge, Co Kildare, appeared before the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court facing two counts of deception.
The Nature of the Deception
The court heard that Connors charged the victim €48,000 for cementing, weed removal, and slabbing in her back garden, along with a further €5,000 for power washing and painting tarmac. However, a professional assessment conducted by Gardaí revealed the work should have cost no more than €20,000.
Evidence presented by Det Garda Aileen Deely indicated that the materials used for the project cost less than €3,000. This included slabbing that Connors had purchased for €1,200 the day before the work began.
Funding a Luxury Vehicle
The court was told that the fraud was closely linked to the purchase of a Ford Ranger Raptor. On the day Connors began the work, he placed a €1,000 deposit on the vehicle and traded in his own car, leaving a balance of €35,000.
Connors subsequently imposed on the victim to write a cheque for €35,000, instructing her to make it payable directly to the company selling the vehicle. The woman later wrote a second cheque for €18,000 to cover the remaining balance of the quoted garden work.
Impact on the Victim
The victim, who has mobility problems and lives alone, provided a victim-impact statement describing how the experience has ruined her life. She told the court she now feels nervous answering the phone and her heart races whenever the doorbell rings.
In addition to the financial loss, the woman was left with defective, unsecured, and uneven slabbing. Despite her complaints and requests for the work to stop, she told the court she felt she had no option but to allow the workers to continue.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
Defence counsel informed the court that €41,800 has been frozen in Connors’ bank account, and a bank draft is available to cover the remaining balance. Connors, who has one previous conviction for criminal damage, maintained his right to silence during his arrest.
Judge Orla Crowe described the case as “deeply serious” and adjourned the matter until May 19th, 2026. This delay is intended to allow for the completion of a psychiatric report.
Following the completion of the report, the court may determine the final sentencing for the two counts of deception. The frozen funds and bank draft could potentially be used toward restitution for the victim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much was the victim charged compared to the actual value of the work?
The victim was charged a total of €53,000 (€48,000 for garden work and €5,000 for tarmac cleaning), while Gardaí assessments found the work should have cost €20,000 at most.
How did the defendant use the victim’s money?
The defendant instructed the woman to write a cheque for €35,000 directly to a company to pay the remaining balance on a Ford Ranger Raptor he was purchasing.
When will the case return to court?
Judge Orla Crowe adjourned the case until May 19th, 2026, to allow time for a psychiatric report to be completed.
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