Tenant accused of stealing flatmates’ rent for up to eight months – court hears

Andrew Phelan

A tenant in an apartment in Dublin has been accused of stealing more than €5,000 in rent which he allegedly failed to pass on from his flatmates.

Thomas Guti (33) is alleged to have collected the money on their behalf for eight months without giving it to the letting agent.

The case against him was adjourned at Dublin District Court.

Mr Guti, with an address at Blessington Street in the north inner city, is charged with stealing a total of €5,395.

The charge is under Section 4 of the Theft and Fraud Act and the offence is alleged to have happened at an apartment on Reuben Street, Rialto on dates between September 19, 2013 and May 16 this year.

The court heard the DPP had directed summary disposal of the case.

Sgt Zita Woods said it was alleged that the accused had been responsible for collecting rent from his flatmates over an eight-month period, but failed to give the alleged sum to the letting agents.

The court heard the defence was seeking disclosure of prosecution statements.

Judge Denis McLoughlin granted free legal aid after hearing the accused was on social welfare.

The judge accepted jurisdiction to deal with the case in the district court after hearing the outline of the allegations.

He adjourned the case to a date in January for the defendant to indicate how he intends to plead. He remanded Mr Guti on bail.

Source: independent