2021-03-08 · Roscommon
Johnson & Johnson worker jailed for spending company money on luxuries
Nicola Henry, 32, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to three counts of theft, two counts of attempted theft, and two counts of making a false instrument. The offences, committed between April 2014 and September 2015, involved Henry, then secretary of the Johnson & Johnson social club, forging colleagues' signatures to write 37 cheques to herself. She cashed 27 of these, receiving €17,326, which she spent on luxury holidays, shopping, and beauty treatments. Additionally, she spent €3,233 on a company credit card after it was blocked. Judge Pauline Codd accepted that Henry's actions were driven by depression and noted a psychological report indicating low re-offending risk. The judge handed down a two-year sentence but suspended the final 18 months on conditions. The sentence was backdated to November last year, when Henry was placed in custody following her arrest. Henry, of Co Roscommon, has no previous convictions. A further 65 counts were taken into consideration. The court heard she was suspended from her role when the thefts were discovered in August 2015. Defence counsel highlighted her remorse and family history, while the prosecution detailed the specific luxury expenditures. The matter was finalised with this suspended sentence and effective custody period.