Jennifer Browne, a former resident of Galway, Ireland, admitted to the theft of €20,000 which she misappropriated from her employer over a period of six months. Browne, who currently lives in the town of Sligo, Northern Ireland, was taken to the Galway Circuit Criminal Court in May where she pleaded guilty for the theft and explained she used the money to fund her gambling habit. In Browne’s words, she developed a gambling addiction as a result of an abusive relationship.
In a sentence hearing held this week, Detective Paul Keane testified that the woman started working as a manager of Saol Café in November 2015 and was placed in charge of all capital generated by the business. Saol Café is an initiative by SCCUL Enterprises and NUI Galway, aiming to provide employment for people with disabilities.
The former manager took advantage of the fact that the other two people who worked at the charitable organisation had intellectual disabilities. Her position enabled Brown to steal systematically from Saol Café’s co-owner Michael Smyth between January 1 and June 30, 2016.
The theft was finally discovered by Smyth, when he noticed discrepancies in his business’ accounts and confronted Browne about it. The former manager admitted to the theft in a letter on the day after the confrontation, explaining she was struggling with a gambling habit that caused her to misappropriate huge amounts of money on a regular basis. After reading the confession of his manager, Mr Smyth contacted Keane and lodged a formal complaint against his employee, who immediately admitted her guilt when asked by the detective.
This is a First Conviction for Browne
Detective Keane discovered this is the first accident of this kind Browne is involved in. The woman was brought to court where she was defended by attorney Gary McDonald. McDonald explained that the defendant was feeling very remorseful and had readily admitted to the theft. The charitable organisation Browne had previously stolen from even scheduled counselling for her to help her deal with the suicidal thoughts she was struggling with at the time.
Browne’s attorney explained during this week’s hearing that his client’s problem gambling resulted from the abusive domestic situation she was in. This caused her to become involved in online gambling and steal money to feed her habit. According to the defence attorney, Browne stole in hopes she would be able to offset her previous losses with one massive win so that she could return the money she took.
Browne is to Pay Off her Debt in Weekly Instalments
Browne took €900 at the court hearing and gave them to her former employer Mr Smyth. The woman’s attorney explained his client is willing to pay off her debt to Smyth in weekly instalments of €100. Judge Rory McCave, who is in charge of the case, confirmed the woman now owes €19,100 and would be able to repay the entire stolen amount after four years.
McCave said imposing a custodial sentence on Browne would not do since the only way for her to repay her debt in full would be to continue working. Browne was instructed by Judge McCave to open a direct debit account where she is to deposit €100 each week. According to McCave, this would also prevent the problem gambler from being tempted to spend the money on something else.
Browne’s sentence was adjourned for a period of six months as Judge McCave wishes to see how she progresses with paying off her debt. If the weekly payments are made according to plan, Judge McCave is to give the former manager a suspended sentence for a period of two years. Browne has relocated to Sligo where she is currently working and attending a support group for female victims of domestic violence. A probation report handed at this week’s hearing confirmed Browne has not engaged in gambling activities since she left Galway, with the exception of a single relapse.
- Author
Daniel Williams
