A computer operator who helped steal nearly £250,000 of Microsoft computer software from his employers is to be sentenced next May by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Michael Moore (24) of Whitestown Park, Blakestown, Dublin 15 pleaded guilty to the theft of Windows '95 software from Meadows Freight Ltd, Clonee, Co Meath, on three dates in 1996 and 1997.
Det Garda Ian Ferris told the court Moore had third-level qualifications in applied biology and computers. While working for Meadows Freight, he became friends with one of the company's drivers, Derek Bailey, who was known to gardai as a criminal.
Moore falsified records of stock for Bailey's gang, but signed his name to them. In December 1996, the gang took £70,000 of software. One month later, it took software worth £43,568. A third consignment worth £123,577 was taken to England and stored in Bethel Green in London.
When gardai questioned Moore about the thefts, he was co-operative. Det Garda Ferris agreed with defence counsel Mr Hugh Hartnett SC that there was little chance Moore would re-offend. Judge Frank O'Donnell ordered probation reports to be served to the court and remanded Moore on continuing bail to May 12th next.