FORMER ANGLO IRISH BANK EMPLOYEE INVOLVED IN FRAUD GETS 4 YEAR SUSPENDED SENTENCE
A former Anglo Irish Bank employee who carried out a 200 thousand euro computer fraud at a Limerick branch has received a four year suspended sentence.
Gordon O’Brien of Springfield, Dooradoyle pleaded guilty to six counts of dishonestly using a computer with the intention of making a gain or causing loss at Anglo Irish Bank in Henry Street.
O’Brien was described in court as a ‘decent man who made a catastrophic mistake’.
Over ten months in 2010 and 2011 the Anglo Irish Bank clerk transferred 200 thousand euro of clients’ money into accounts he controlled.
The transfers were later noticed during an audit by Anglo’s successor, IBRC and the money was paid back in full.
The court heard the 43 year old was building up “a war chest” because he and his wife – who worked for another bank – were likely to lose their jobs.
Judge Patricia Ryan noted that he was under severe financial pressure because his son had just been diagnosed with autism and he had to fund his treatment.
While acknowledging that Gordon O’Brien’s crimes were planned and premeditated the judge took into consideration the many mitigating factors in the bank clerk’s circumstances and imposed a 4 year suspended sentence.
