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'Devious' receptionist who stole €55k from family GP is jailed
Summary
Anita Gallagher, 54, worked as a receptionist for Dr John Peters' practice in Clonee, Dublin 15, from 2001 until September 2019. In 2019 Dr Peters noticed irregularities and, after an internal investigation, discovered that Gallagher had been diverting the €60 fee paid by private patients into her own pocket. Between 2013 and 2019 she had taken an average of €8,000 a year, totalling over €55,000. Gallagher resigned after admitting the thefts, pleaded guilty to eight charges, and was sentenced by Judge Melanie Greally to 15 months' imprisonment, suspended on the condition of keeping the peace for that period. She was ordered to engage with the Probation Service, attend a mental‑health review, and receive therapeutic and budgeting support. Gallagher's father later repaid the full amount stolen. The case was remanded on continuing bail for further consideration.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: 'Devious' receptionist who stole €55k from family GP is jailed. Charges or matters: eight sample charges of stealing from the practice, Littlepace Medical Centre, on dates between January 2013 and August 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 2019 Other
- June 2020 Incident
- January 2013 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 2019 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2013 to 2019 Other
- 2021-11-17 Publication
Why: Judge Greally said there was no obvious explanation or motive given and the only apparent motivation was basic greed. CNI source report
Case subjects
Convicted Person
Charges: eight sample charges of stealing from the practice, Littlepace Medical Centre, on dates between January 2013 and August 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Photo: Collins) A "devious" doctor's receptionist who stole over €55,000 from her employer of almost 20 years has been jailed for 15 months. Ms Gallagher sobbed in court throughout much of the pronouncement of sentence, while some supporters also became emotional and went to her after the custodial sentence was delivered.; Last week Judge Greally adjourned the case to today and remanded Gallagher on continuing bail, saying she needed time to consider the documentation handed in from her defence team.
Places mentioned
- Bramblefield Crescent
- Blanchardstown
- Dublin
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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