A bookmaker’s boss, Sean Graham, has been given a suspended sentence for stealing thousands of pounds from his employer to fund his gambling addiction.
Daniel Cassidy admitted stealing £9,500 from the bookmaker’s branch in Claudy, County Londonderry, between September and December 2023.
The original sum was £10,500 but he later repaid £1,000, Londonderry Magistrates’ Court was told.
Cassidy, 30, of Ferguson Street, Derry, was sentenced to 11 months, suspended for three years, and ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.
Management initially noticed money was missing from the safe and, after examining shifts, noticed Cassidy was working at the time, the court was told.
When they called him to ask about the missing money, Cassidy hung up.
Further attempts to contact him by text message were unsuccessful and police eventually went to Cassidy’s home and found gambling receipts and bank transaction receipts.
Cassidy made full admissions during police interviews.
He said he had taken the money to fund his gambling addiction, starting with small amounts that he planned to pay back with his winnings.
A defense attorney said there was “no sophistication” involved and that Cassidy felt “some relief” when he found out.
He told the court that Cassidy was “remorseful,” attended Gamblers Anonymous and had apologized to his former employers.
