Shop worker stole €54k through fake Lotto wins

A man who stole almost €54,000 from the shop he worked in by awarding himself fake Lotto wins has been given a chance to repay the money to avoid jail.

Paul Kavanagh, aged 25, spent the money on take-aways, taxis, and cannabis, said his counsel.

Judge Melanie Greally agreed to adjourn the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court until January 13 to allow him repay €1,000 a month to the owner of the Londis shop. He also agreed to pay over, within three days, a sum of €3,600 he has saved up.

Tom Neville, defending, said Kavanagh has nothing to show for the money, some of which was used to pay for his cannabis habit.

Kavanagh, of Belgard Square, Tallaght, pleaded guilty to theft from Ray Sheehan, owner of Londis on Park Gate St, between 2014 and 2015.

Marie Torrens, prosecuting, said he would process lottery wins through the system and pocket the money.

The thefts came to light when the owner noticed three €150 lottery payouts on a day when the lottery machine was broken. Kavanagh was arrested and made admissions. He said he was experiencing personal and family problems and thought he could take the money without anyone noticing.