Courts / Dublin / Report
Vulnerable woman transferred €140k from employer after "implied threats"
Summary
Annette Sheehan, 38, of Harolds Cross, Dublin, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court after pleading guilty to 27 charges of theft and money laundering involving €148,289 between November 2017 and February 2018. Prosecution evidence alleged Sheehan, an office manager, transferred funds from her employer to her partner, Graham McAuley, 39, under implied threats. Detective Garda Rory O'Connor stated Sheehan was manipulated and considered a victim, noting that while all stolen employer funds were recovered, €25,000 of her personal savings given to McAuley was not. Judge Cormac Quinn acknowledged Sheehan's vulnerability, remorse, and lack of prior convictions. He described the case as exceptional, justifying a suspended sentence due to her cooperation and the garda's support. Sheehan was sentenced to 18 months in prison, suspended in full on strict conditions. Separately, McAuley, of Broc House, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4, was sentenced last February after pleading guilty to handling the stolen cash. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours of community service in lieu of an 18-month prison sentence.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Vulnerable woman transferred €140k from employer after "implied threats". Charges or matters: 27 charges of theft and money laundering of €148,289 on date between November 2017 and February 2018; handling the stolen cash. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- November 2017 Hearing Or Sentence
- February 2018 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2019-05-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: 27 charges of theft and money laundering of €148,289 on date between November 2017 and February 2018; handling the stolen cash (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Judge Quinn said given Sheehan's personal circumstances, her co-operation with the investigation and the fact that the garda has spoken up for her, he was satisfied that it was a "rare case that falls within exceptional cases and justifies a suspended sentence". He sentenced Sheehan to 18 months in prison which he suspended in full on strict conditions.
Convicted Person
Charges: handling the stolen cash (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Broc House, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4 was sentenced last February after he pleaded guilty to handling the stolen cash. He was ordered to carry out 240 hours community service in lieu of an 18 month prison sentence.
Defendant
Charges: handling the stolen cash (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: McAuley of Broc House, Nutley Lane, Dublin 4 was sentenced last February after he pleaded guilty to handling the stolen cash.
Places mentioned
- Mount Argus Road
- Dublin
- Nutley Lane
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Broc House
Topics
Related court reports
- Man charged with having 56k child abuse images and videos remanded on bail
- Ex-Dáil hopeful's allegations against former employer 'complete fantasy', WRC told
- Mater must pay €10k to worker who said he was wrongly accused of abusing patient
- 'I think we know I won't be getting bail' - Daniel Kinahan charged with directing criminal organisation
- Letting agent who claimed alleged domestic violence victim abandoned tenancy by fleeing to refuge must pay €14.7k
- 77-year-old with 470 convictions told Luas staff to 'f**k off'
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request