Courts / Meath / Report
Positive Action director who stole over €116k given chance to raise compensation
Summary
Bernadette Warnock, 63, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 71 counts of theft and fraud committed between 2009 and 2011, totalling €116,226. The offences allegedly occurred while she managed the finances of Positive Action Ltd, a Hepatitis C support group. Judge Melanie Greally described the conduct as a "most grievous offence" committed by an individual with a history of fraud, noting Warnock had four previous convictions for forging cheques. Although the validated procedural stage is sentence, the matter was adjourned until October to allow Warnock to raise compensation for a new group replacing Positive Action. She was remanded on bail. The judge explicitly stated this adjournment should not be interpreted as an indication that Warnock will receive a non-custodial sentence. Prosecution evidence, presented by Sinead McGrath BL, indicated that chairperson Antoinette Fitzgerald reported financial irregularities. Garda Wayne Donnelly testified that Warnock forged a co-director's signature on cheques and manipulated the charity's finance system to divert funds. Defence counsel Ronan Kennedy BL stated Warnock had €8,500 available and expected an inheritance to cover half the outstanding amount. He also highlighted her health issues and prior dedication to the charity.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Positive Action director who stole over €116k given chance to raise compensation. Charges or matters: 71 counts of theft and fraud between 2009 and 2011 totalling €116,226. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- 2009 and 2011 Other
- 2016-03-18 Publication
Case subjects
Applicant
Defendant
Charges: 71 counts of theft and fraud between 2009 and 2011 totalling €116,226 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: However, the judge said this adjournment should not be taken as a sign that Warnock will receive a non-custodial sentence.; She agreed to adjourn sentencing and remanded Warnock on bail until October to allow her raise compensation which will be given to a new group which has been set up to replace Positive Action.
Defendant
Charges: 71 counts of theft and fraud between 2009 and 2011 totalling €116,226 (Alleged Or Contested)
Outcome: She agreed to adjourn sentencing and remanded Warnock on bail until October to allow her raise compensation which will be given to a new group which has been set up to replace Positive Action.
Places mentioned
- Dublin
- Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
Topics
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