Phishing scammer (22) spent stolen money on online casinos
Judge Geraldine Carthy. Photo: michaelorourkephotography.ie
A CARLOW man who stole money through a phishing scam and spent it on online casinos has been sentenced to eight months in prison at Carlow District Court.
Jozef Miclescu, 18 Oaklawns, Old Dublin Road, Carlow pleaded guilty to money laundering and possession of drugs under Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The court heard that Mr Miclescu had stolen a substantial amount of money, €5,000, which was not recovered. A probation report had been directed with a request for him to bring €1,000 compensation in the interim, which he did.
However, Judge Geraldine Carthy noted that two probation appointments had been offered but Mr Miclescu (22) had not attended either and that when he requested another appointment, he was refused.
Defence solicitor Joe Farrell told the court that his client had recently started work in a pub restaurant in Dublin and had brought €1,000 compensation to court, which had been “obtained through hard work.” “He seems to have turned things around. He seems to be on the straight for the first time. He is only 22 and has been on the (court) list forever,” Mr Farrell said.
He acknowledged that his client hadn’t met with his assigned probation officer but said he had engaged with the system. In mitigation, he said Mr Miclescu had broken his leg during this period and that “it wasn’t a straightforward break.” The court also heard evidence in relation to a drugs charge. On 14 February 2023, a Carlow residence was searched and €10 worth of cannabis was found. Mr Miclescu made a full voluntary admission that it was for his own personal use and was “fully co-operative” with gardaí.
The defendant has 21 previous convictions, six of which relate to possession of drugs. His last drugs offence dated back to June 2023. His last conviction was for theft, for which he was given a community service order in lieu of a five-month prison sentence.
Judge Carthy noted that a bench warrant had been issued in November 2025 but was vacated when he arrived at court late.
Mr Farrell said: “If he is put in custody, he will lose his job. We are aware of previous convictions and I imagine the court’s mind is made up. I'm not prejudging, but that’s the position as it stands.” Judge Carthy said that in respect of the money laundering charge, a probation report had been requested due to consideration of a custodial sentence.
“Matters might have been different,” she said, sentencing the defendant to eight months with €1,000 due in compensation to the injured party. The Section 3 drugs offence was taken into consideration.
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