Employee who stole €3,500 from Cork Builders Providers has repaid it, court told

On hearing accused had a gambling addiction, she adjourned the case so he could engage with counselling and Gamblers Anonymous

Cork Builders Providers: The defendant pleaded guilty to 15 counts of theft and 16 for using a false instrument to carry out the theft. Picture: Richard Mills

A 27-year-old man working at Cork Builders Providers on Togher Road in Cork in July/August 2024 carried out thefts from his employer totalling over €3,500.

Since that occurred, Kevin Kavanagh, of 84 Connolly Park, Ballyphehane, Cork, has repaid all of money to the former employer.

Killian McCarthy solicitor said: “He has been very frank and honest. He pressed a button on a machine and he realised it operated in a certain way and he took advantage of it. It was not pre-planned.

“Essentially, he was approached and he offered his resignation immediately. He went into very specific details to assist the gardaí.” 

Judge Mary Dorgan noted the defendant had a gambling addiction, but that he did not have debts arising from it.

“He said he knew he was likely to get caught but was unable to stop. The part of the report that I thought was kind of him was to say that while he lost his job he felt that he was treated well where he was working and expressed appropriate remorse. He has repaid all of the money and has no previous convictions whatsoever,” Judge Dorgan said.

Mr McCarthy said: “He has qualifications, he has employment again and he has been open and frank about this matter with his new employer. The probation services places him at low risk of reoffending. He has a strong history of employment. He does not have any difficulty with alcohol or drugs.

“Unfortunately, he started gambling at 18. He stopped in late 2024. He has not attended counselling but would do so if required.” 

Judge Dorgan said she was concerned about the seriousness of the offences. "I am going to adjourn for him to fully engage with counselling and Gamblers Anonymous. I do think more work has to be done. Gambling addiction is very difficult to overcome.” 

Telling the defendant he must attend any services recommended by the probation service, Judge Dorgan adjourned until January 15, 2026, for finalisation of the case.

Sergeant John Kelleher said previously: “The accused was at the time an employee of Cork Builders Providers on Togher Road. During the course of his work, he created false cash sale refund dockets for various amounts of money.

“In so doing, he gave the impression goods were being returned. He selected genuine cash sale dockets in the system and this enabled him to make the false cash sale refund dockets. Knowing that company policy required that any cash sale refund over €500 had to get approval, he kept the false documents underneath the set threshold.

“When arrested, he was cooperative and admitted all matters. The total amount stolen was €3,539.” 

All of this has been repaid. The defendant pleaded guilty to 15 counts of theft and 16 for using a false instrument to carry out the theft.