Midlands Court Poor Boxes Paid Out Highest Amounts In Ireland Last Year

Judges normally use the system for a minor criminal offence - asking people to donate instead of getting a conviction.

Courts poor boxes paid out nearly €1.6 million to organisations last year. 

Charities, sports clubs and men's shed groups were among those to benefit. 

Judges normally use the poor box system for a minor criminal offence. 

They ask a defendant to put money in the box, instead of being convicted and facing jail or a fine. 

The amount will then go to a charity or organisation nominated by the judge. 

New figures show a total of just under €1.6 million was donated by poor boxes around the country last year. 

Solicitor Jason O'Sullivan is the principal of JOS solicitors. 

The highest amount last year was donated by poor boxes in Portlaoise, at €155,000. 

That's followed by €131,000 in Mullingar and €129,000 in Cork. 

The money is given to a range of organisations, such as drugs and alcohol treatment centres, the St Vincent de Paul, men's shed groups and sports clubs. 

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