Accountant stole €500k to fund gambling addiction

An accountant who stole almost €500,000 from a construction company to fund his gambling addiction, his social life, and to buy expensive cars, has been jailed for two years.

David Gorey, aged 33, of Kilbride, Trim, Co Meath, initially stole the money to pay off a €5,000 credit union loan and a €15,000 car loan before the vehicle was repossessed.

He continued to take cash, bought three BMWs, worth €100,000, and used the rest to fund his addiction and social activities.

Gorey pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four sample charges of stealing various sums from ABM Construction Ltd, Feltrim Business Park, Swords, Co Dublin, on dates between August 8, 2009, and June 13, 2013. He has previous convictions for minor road traffic offences.

Judge Melanie Greally said a victim impact report showed the “wider impact” the theft had on the firm and its staff was considerable.

Seán Gillane, defending, said Gorey’s behaviour represented “a spectacular fall from grace, involving both speed and distance”.