Courts / Dublin / Report
Woman stole €870k from Virgin TV to 'soften edges of life', barrister tells court
Summary
Kellie Walton, a 40‑year‑old payroll administrator from Kilfenora Road, Kimmage, pleaded guilty in the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to stealing €70,614 in 2019 and €34,961 in 2009 from Virgin Media Television, plus one charge of false accounting between 2009 and 2019. She admitted that the money was transferred to two bank accounts she controlled, with the largest single theft over €120,000 and a total of €872,437. Walton's barrister explained that she did not use the proceeds for a lavish lifestyle but to "soften the edges of family life," citing financial stress and her partner's ill health. Judge Melanie Greally noted the amounts exceeded mere softening and remanded Walton on bail pending sentence, allowing her to spend Christmas with her four children. The case was adjourned to 19 January 2024. The court considered reports, letters and testimonials before deciding on the next steps.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Woman stole €870k from Virgin TV to 'soften edges of life', barrister tells court. Charges or matters: stealing €70,614 at Virgin Media Television, Westgate Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin, on an unknown date in 2019; theft of €34,961 from Virgin Media at the same address also on an unknown date in 2009 and to one charge of false accounting between 2009 and 2019. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- January 19 Adjournment
- January 28, 2020 Incident
- 2009 and 2019 Other
- Christmas Other
- New Year Other
- 2021-12-01 Publication
Why: In order to steal the money, she would make unauthorised payments to casual staff in the name of people who previously worked there and falsified the relevant documentation to support the payment. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: stealing €70,614 at Virgin Media Television, Westgate Business Park, Ballymount, Dublin, on an unknown date in 2019; theft of €34,961 from Virgin Media at the same address also on an unknown date in 2009 and to one charge of false accounting between 2009 and 2019 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: However, Judge Melanie Greally noted "the amounts involved are more than softening the edges," as she remanded Kellie Walton on bail pending sentence to spend time with her young family over Christmas.; However, Judge Melanie Greally noted "the amounts involved are more than softening the edges," as she remanded Kellie Walton on bail pending sentence to spend time with her young family over Christmas.
Places mentioned
- Kilfenora
- Kilfenora Road
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
- Westgate Business Park
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