Courts / Cavan / Report
Liquidator (72) jailed for stealing compensation money owed to worker
Summary
Sean O'Neill, a 72‑year‑old liquidator from Wicklow, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €28,530 that had been transferred into his bank account by the Department of Social Protection under the insolvency payment scheme. The money was owed to a former employee of a Galway restaurant that had gone into liquidation. O'Neill had transferred €15,000 to the employee but never passed on the remaining balance. He was charged in July and, after a guilty plea and cooperation, brought €18,000 to court. Judge Martin Nolan, noting the breach of trust and O'Neill's lack of prior convictions, imposed a two‑year custodial sentence, suspending all but the final five months. He ordered the €18,000 to be paid to the relevant party. The case highlights the duty of liquidators to act honestly and the consequences of failing to do so.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Liquidator (72) jailed for stealing compensation money owed to worker. Charges or matters: theft of €28,530 on dates between May 5, 2013 and June 7, 2013; the offence in July this year and confirmed that his plea of guilty was of "great value to the State". Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- May 5, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- June 7, 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- May 2018 Other
- 2019-11-28 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: theft of €28,530 on dates between May 5, 2013 and June 7, 2013; the offence in July this year and confirmed that his plea of guilty was of "great value to the State" (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He said he was aware of O'Neill's age but due to the breach of trust a custodial sentence could not be avoided. He imposed a two year sentence and suspended all but the final five months.
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