Accountant in ‘cold, cunning fraud’
Kieran O’Halloran, aged 44, of Keelgrove, Ardnacrusha, Co Clare, pleaded guilty at Limerick Circuit court to 15 counts of theft involving sums totalling about €50,000 from two companies, Mullally Taverns and Racefield Catering, which ran Russells bar and Franz restaurant in Raheen.
O’Halloran purchased a piano for his own house using company funds.
He also admitted falsifying loan applications at KBC bank for professional fees he said were due to him from another business, amounting to €18,225.
In another fraud, O’Halloran stole money due to Revenue from a hairdressers for which he did accounts.
He diverted €7,220 to himself and, as a result of this money not being paid to Revenue, penalties were imposed on the business leading to a total loss of €11,500.
The court was told he has offered to pay back €11,200.
Michael Collins, defending, said O’Halloran’s was an ugly fall from grace.
O’Halloran, he said, asked that he be allowed make a positive contribution to society, discharge his debts, raise his children, and restore his good name. Mr Collins said O’Halloran has paid back €35,000 compensation.
Judge Tom O’Donnell said
O’Halloran had used his skillset to carry out a cold, calculated, cunning theft.
He imposed a three-year suspended sentence in relation to all charges.
