Chronic gambler stole to feed his habit

A CHRONIC gambler stole €15,000 from Goleen Developments Ltd, while working there, and carried out a robbery at a goldsmiths in Mallow, Co Cork, in desperation to get money. He was jailed yesterday for four years.

Judge Patrick J Moran imposed a five-year sentence with the last suspended at Cork Circuit Criminal Court in the cases against Graham Johnson, of 3 Ardan, Bandon, Co Cork.

Detective Garda Anthony Daly described how Johnson, aged 38, arrived at Hatton’s Goldsmiths on Main St, Mallow, on the morning of April 28.

“He had his identity concealed. He had his hood up and was wearing glasses and gloves,” said Garda Daly.

The manager was in fear and she handed over €1,620 in cash, €1,500 in gold jewellery and two €1,500 cheques.

Johnson pleaded guilty to that robbery.

He also admitted counts of stealing €3,000 cash and a €12,000 cheque from Goleen Developments in West Cork on various dates in 2007 while working there. He also admitted stealing a cheque from them and inducing an employee to write a cheque for €2,500.

Detective Garda DJ O’Shea said that in one incident he asked for a cheque for a quantity surveyor to be made out to him so that he could pay the surveyor in cash and then made up excuses about the work which was never done.

Tom Creed SC, defending, said Johnson had a serious gambling addiction which he was addressing. Johnson said it started at the age of 14.

Judge Moran referred to the robbery charge and said: “This was quite an act of bravado to say the least of it.”