Manager stole over €26k from pet shop

A store manager from Finglas has been sentenced to two years imprisonment, with the final twelve months suspended, following his conviction for theft at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Artur Szymkowiak, aged 38, pleaded guilty to stealing over €26,000 from Maxi Zoo at Clearwater Retail Park between February 2015 and June 2016. Judge Karen O'Connor acknowledged Szymkowiak's previously unblemished record and personal financial difficulties, but noted that debt alone does not justify breaching an employer's trust. The court heard that Szymkowiak, who worked as store manager, initially took money from lodgements to address rent arrears and unexpected expenses. What began as an attempt to borrow funds escalated as he made increasingly irregular lodgement payments. When confronted by gardaí in July 2016, Szymkowiak immediately confessed and cooperated fully. The stolen money has not been recovered. Szymkowiak has since lost his employment at the retailer.