Courts / Dublin / Report
Manager stole over €26k from pet shop
Summary
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.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Manager stole over €26k from pet shop. Charges or matters: the theft of the money from Maxi Zoo, Clearwater Retail Park in Finglas, over a period of almost a year and a half, from the beginning of 2015. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2016 Other
- July 2016 Other
- February 1, 2015 Other
- June 20, 2016 Other
- 2018-01-19 Publication
Why: Szymkowiak explained that he initially used some of the lodgement money to pay rent, and although he would subsequently pay back some of the money, it was never enough. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: the theft of the money from Maxi Zoo, Clearwater Retail Park in Finglas, over a period of almost a year and a half, from the beginning of 2015 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She said the headline sentence was four years, but given Szymkowiak's previous good character, his early plea and his cooperation, she would reduce it to two years with 12 months suspended.
Places mentioned
- Charlestown
- Charlestown Place
- St Margaret's Road
- Dublin
- Clearwater Retail Park
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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