Woman charged after attempted loan fraud at Letterkenny Credit Union

A woman who used false bank statements to secure a €9,000 loan from Letterkenny Credit Union has appeared in court.

Beatriz Caldeira appeared before Judge Emile Daly at Letterkenny District Court.

The 46-year-old is charged with using a false instrument contrary to the Theft and Fraud Offences Act, 2001 on September 26, 2024.

Ms Caldeira, with an address at Convent Road in Letterkenny, did not speak during the hearing.

The court was told that the application was not processed as a loan officer had discovered that false documents had been used for the loan application.

Judge Daly commented: "So somebody was doing their job."

The judge also asked how long the period was from when the falsehood was made on the application to when it came to light.

Garda Sergeant Jim Collins told the court that it was only a matter of days.

The court was told that no offer of a loan was made and no money changed hands.

Solicitor for the accused, Mr Patsy Gallagher, said his client has lived in Ireland for 20 years and is the mother of three children who has no previous convictions.

He added that this was a "silly, stupid and unfortunate mistake" adding that if the loan had been granted there would have been a structured repayment plan put in place.

Mr Gallagher asked the court if a probation and welfare report could be carried out on his client.

"This was caught very early on and full admissions were made. A probation report will give a full insight into her," he added.

Judge Daly adjourned the case until May 25, 2026.