NORTHERN IRELAND
UTV
Published Friday, 05 December 2014
A priest who admitted stealing almost £1,800 over a three year period from diocesan and parish funds after he got into financial difficulties, has been sentenced for the offences at Londonderry Magistrate’s Court.
Fr. John Irwin, 73, whose address was given as Garvagh Road in Dungiven, pleaded guilty to the offences six months ago. His sentencing was deferred until Friday to enable him to repay the monies he had stolen.
The defendant was given a conditional discharge for two years on both of his charges.
Fr. Irwin admitted two charges – that between May 1, 2011`and October 30, 2012, he stole £1,440 of collection money from St. Patrick’s parochial house in the Pennyburn area of the city. He also pleaded guilty to stealing £300 from the Derry Diocesan Society fund on dates between December 1, 2009 and May 30, 2011.
A defence solicitor handed in to District Judge Barney McElholm two letters which he said confirmed that Irwin had not only repaid the amount in full, but also additional compensation as an indication of the remorse he felt as a result of his offending.
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