Jail for solicitor who 'gambled on a gamble'

A former Dublin-based solicitor has been jailed for three years for stealing almost €3m from his clients.

Ruairi O'Ceallaigh of Summerhill, Co Meath carried out the thefts while working at his father's practice in Phibsboro between 2006 and 2010.

The 42-year-old stole the money to buy high-risk share options to try and "claw back" losses made elsewhere.

Before sentencing him today, the judge said he used it for the "ultimate in gambling" and had "gambled on a gamble".