A FORMER principal in Limerick city who had a “chronic” gambling addiction stole close to €100,000 from a school, the circuit court had heard.

Stephen Condon, aged 43, of The Grange, Raheen, Limerick city, pleaded guilty to 109 counts of theft over a four-year period between September 2012 and July 2016.

Prosecuting barrister John O’Sullivan, instructed by State Solicitor Padraig Mawe, outlined the case with the assistance of Detective Garda Brendan O’Reilly this Wednesday.

Mr O’Sullivan said there were 11 representative charges before the court in relation to Mr Condon who was appointed principal of St John the Baptist NS in Garryowen in 2011.

In 2016, the barrister said the chairperson of the board of management, Ger Hegarty attended Henry Street garda station and said he suspected the defendant of “taking money from the school accounts for his personal use”.

Mr Hegarty also brought it to the attention of the Department of Education. Gardai then met with the department and a team of forensic accountants commenced a review. Mr Condon was placed on “administrative leave”.

“The report established he stole €56,406 from the school bank account in cash. A further €37,329 was withdrawn on his behalf,” said Mr O’Sulliven, who explained how the “fraud was implemented”.

“He was in a position of responsibility and trust. The school had a cheque book which the chair of the board of management was in charge of. The principal was trusted with the cheque book.

“The chair of the board of management and another person – Terry Daly – were signatories to the school’s Bank of Ireland and Credit Union accounts. Mr Condon became a co-signatory. It was common to sign six / eight blank cheques at any one time for school-related payments. Mr Hegarty trusted Mr Condon when he requested this. This continued until May 2016,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

The court heard Mr Condon cashed cheques himself or money was “withdrawn on his behalf”.

The prosecuting barrister said Mr Hegarty got a phone call from Mr Condon’s wife, Ita Monaghan (a teacher in the same school), in 2016 who said she “believed there were irregularities in the school accounts”.

“It was the first time Mr Hegarty became aware. A review of the finances was carried out and it established there was a misappropriation of funds. In general, he stole sums of money less than €1,000 – the property of the national school,” said Mr O’Sullivan.

Mr Condon was arrested and questioned by gardai in January 2020. He told gardai he was “very sorry”.

“I had a severe gambling addiction in 2012. I hid it from my family. I went through all our savings and then school funds. I got treatment. I got back with my wife. I’m sorry,” Mr Condon told gardai when interviewed.

When asked by officers if he ever won money, Mr Condon said “sometimes but not really”.

Judge Tom O’Donnell asked about the €37,329 that was withdrawn on Mr Condon’s behalf.

“Maybe I’m being naive but he (Mr Condon) gave a cheque to a member of staff, they cashed it and gave the money back to him?” asked Judge O’Donnell.

Det Garda O’Reilly confirmed the money was “withdrawn on his behalf”.

Mr O’Sullivan asked the investigating garda about restitution? “All monies have been paid back in full,” said Det Garda O’Reilly.

Yvonne Quinn, barrister for Mr Condon, spoke of the initial phone call made by Mr Condon’s wife to Mr Hegarty. She also asked the detective garda if the co-operation was “over and above ordinary experience?” “Yes,” said Det Garda O’Reilly.

The court heard Mr Condon apologised to each and every charge when put to him by gardai.

Ms Quinn said her client wishes to sincerely apologise to Mr Hegarty, teachers, staff, whole school community, his wife and parents.

“It is a genuine expression of remorse. The cornerstone of his offending was a serious and chronic gambling addiction. He was in a position of trust. He was a very young principal. He made an enormous mistake.

“His marriage broke up but is now back on track. They have three young children. He got enormous family support and attended residential treatment. He resigned from his job and is now in gainful employment in another school,” said Ms Quinn.

The defending barristers handed in a number of letters to Judge O’Donnell including one of apology from Mr Condon, and letters from his wife, current and past principals, colleagues and neighbours.

“He has made enormous strides. His family is in a very good place and his principal is fully aware of the findings before the court. He has no previous convictions and is at a low risk of offending. He is entirely remorseful for his behaviour,” said Ms Quinn, who asked Judge O’Donnell to be as lenient as possible.

The judge said he would give his decision this Friday, May 26. He said there was a very comprehensive probation report and a number of letters he wished to read.

“I want time to consider them due to the nature of the case,” said Judge O’Donnell.