Courts / Dublin / Report

Olympic cyclist says bookkeeper's betrayal like 'kick in the face'

Summary

Moira Gleeson, 62, of Donabate, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to three counts of theft and three of forgery, with offences alleged to have occurred between April 2010 and March 2015. The charges relate to the theft of approximately €47,000 from the businesses of John McQuaid, a former Olympic cyclist. Gleeson admitted to forging McQuaid's signature on cheques and cashing them, attributing the payments to invoices already settled in cash. Judge Pauline Codd sentenced Gleeson to two years' imprisonment, suspending the final 15 months on the basis that she is a first-time offender with a low risk of reoffending. She was ordered to engage with the Probation Service for 15 months post-release. The judge noted that while Gleeson expressed remorse, her failure to make any repayments rendered her apology hollow. McQuaid described the betrayal as a "kick in the face," stating the thefts caused significant financial stress and mental suffering. Although the source text mentions an appeal as the validated procedural stage, the report details the sentencing hearing where the guilty plea and sentence were imposed. No other defendants were named in the finalisation details provided.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Olympic cyclist says bookkeeper's betrayal like 'kick in the face'. Charges or matters: three counts of theft and three of forgery on various between dates April 2010 and March 2015. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• April 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• March 2015 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2021-12-15 Publication

Why: He said Gleeson knew his business was struggling financially because of the money she was taking but continued to steal. CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Appeal Theft

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Read the original CNI report