‘Cashpoint Kid’ jailed for nine months for ATM theft
A brazen con artist, dubbed the ‘Cashpoint Kid’ in previous reports for his habit of snatching cash from unsuspecting ATM users, has been jailed for nine months in Cavan.
Romanian national Lever Zinca (31), described in court as a drug addict with a long trail of offences, was sentenced after targeting a woman withdrawing money outside Bank of Ireland in Cavan Town on June 4, 2025.
Judge Raymond Finnegan placed the crime firmly at the “higher end” of such offences - warning it came perilously close to outright robbery.
The incident unfolded in broad daylight on Main Street, as the victim innocently used the cash machine - unaware she was being watched.
Detective Garda Brian Cosgrove gave evidence explaining how the injured party was using the ATM when Zinca, who has an address at Synnott Place, Dublin, appeared from behind, reaching over, and placed a leaflet over the cash dispensing mechanism.
Moments later, Zinca vanished from the scene.
It was only after he left that the woman realised the cash had not appeared, and she went into the bank where staff told her the sum had been deducted from her account.
“He took the cash and scrunched it in the leaflet,” explained the garda, who said CCTV was obtained, from the bank and elsewhere in Cavan Town, and the defendant's steps were traced to the bus station where he boarded for Dublin.
Investigators painstakingly tracked Zinca’s movements. The footage was circulated, and colleagues at Store Street Garda Station identified Zinca and a warrant was executed at Cloverhill Prison in March of this year.
Zinca, represented in court by solicitor Garrett Fortune, was questioned at Lucan Garda Station where he provided only “no comment” replies.
“There was no cooperation,” stated the garda.
A refuse worker living in Ireland since 2016, Zinca had amassed 17 previous convictions, including 12 for theft, many involving similar “distraction thefts”.
Convictions have been recorded before Blanchardstown court, Trim and elsewhere. Mr Fortune admitted that Zinca has other charges still pending.
He appeared in Cavan already serving a two-month sentence.
In mitigation, the defence pointed to addiction as the driving force behind Zinca's crimes.
“His problem continues to be drugs,” explained Mr Fortune, adding that it is remarkable that, despite his problems, he had been able to “hold down a job”.
“Once he gets the need he comes unstuck,” said Mr Fortune who acknowledged that the offending had been “traumatic” for the victim.
The injured party felt “very intimidated” admitted Det Cosgrove.
She still has not been compensated.
Judge Finnegan stressed the seriousness of the offence.
While acknowledging Zinca's early plea, giving credit, he imposed a nine-month prison sentence.
Legal aid was granted, and recognisances fixed in the event of an appeal.