Courts / Dublin / Report

Teen binged on drugs, gambling and Playstation after former employer mistakenly lodged €20k to his account

Summary

Karl Smith, a 19‑year‑old former employee of Industrial Insulation Specialists, was mistakenly credited with almost €20,000 when his former employer transferred his wages incorrectly. Smith, who had a €1,000 drug debt and was described as being in a very low place, withdrew most of the money in three transactions and spent it over three weeks on drugs, gambling, a new bed and a PlayStation. He pleaded guilty to theft of the cash from his former employer, John Naughton, on 21 January 2016. The court noted Smith's chronic social anxiety and low self‑esteem, and sentenced him to four years' imprisonment with the final two years suspended. No repayment has been made and the money has not been recovered.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Teen binged on drugs, gambling and Playstation after former employer mistakenly lodged €20k to his account. Charges or matters: theft of the cash from John Naughton on January 21, 2016. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

• January 21, 2016 Incident
• 2017-01-11 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Drugs Stage Sentence Theft

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Read the original CNI report