Gambler 'stole €7k of stock to fund his out of control habit'

Glen Morgan lost his job and his relationship to his addiction

Eimear Cotter

A warehouse operator who stole more than €7,000 of bathroom accessories from his employer was in the deep throes of a gambling addiction at the time.

Glen Morgan (30) lost his job and relationship to his addiction, which was "out of control".

He is now in counselling, is no longer gambling and is deeply remorseful for his behaviour.

Judge David McHugh ordered Morgan to complete 220 hours of community service in lieu of six months in prison.

The defendant, of Corduff Green in Blanchardstown, admitted before Blanchardstown District Court to a number of counts of theft from Sonas Bathrooms, Ballycoolin, on dates in April and May 2016.

Garda Bernard Connaughton said the owner had noticed a stock shortfall and, upon viewing CCTV, he saw Morgan giving out stock to various vans.

Gda Connaughton said cash was exchanged but the orders were not genuine.

Loss

The stock was not recovered. The garda said the loss to the company was €7,440, relating to items including taps, shower doors and trays, radiators and towel railings.

Defence solicitor Fiona Brennan said Morgan had worked at the company for more than two years and had been a good employee.

He was then moved to the warehouse and this scheme was suggested to him as a way to make "easy money".

Ms Brennan said Morgan never received more than €300 for each theft.

At the time of the thefts, Ms Brennan said Morgan's gambling was "out of control", and it led to the breakdown of his relationship.

She said Morgan is attending counselling and no longer gambling. He had €4,000 compensation in court for the company.

He lost his job over these matters, the court heard.

Ordering a community service report, the judge said Morgan breached a position of trust.

A second man is also before the courts on similar charges.