Post office worker stole pensions to buy toys for charity shops

A post office worker who skimmed money from old age pensions and used it to buy toys and clothes for charity shops has received a two and half year suspended sentence.

Michelle Hennessy (34) of Clonakilty, Co Cork stole a total of €60,000 from old age pensions while working at the main post office in Cork City and at her local post office. The money was skimmed from 2009 to 2013.

Cork Circuit Criminal Court heard that when the elderly customers presented their social welfare cards for payment, Ms Hennessy would, if there were a few weeks due, pay them but keep back a week's pay for herself.

The thefts came to light when a customer complained about being shortchanged.

A fraud investigation unit of the post office carried out an audit in the wake of the allegations. The matter was also referred to the fraud unit in Cork.

Hennessy faced a total of 32 charges of theft.

The court heard Hennessy admitted her guilt when questioned by gardaí.

She said she suffered from depression and anxiety and her condition worsened because of difficulties in having children. She has subsequently paid back the money she stole.

She also resigned from her job immediately after the offences came to light.

Judge David Riordan said such an offence merited a four year custodial sentence.

However, given the efforts made by Hennessy to compensate for her errors of judgement he handed down a two and a half year suspended sentence. He said society would not be best served by sending her to prison.