Sean McKiernan pleaded guilty last month to 11 sample counts of theft of the money out of a total of 58 counts
Sean McKiernan pictured at Trim Circuit Court(Image: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin)
A former history-making Fine Gael chairman of Cavan County Council, who stole €172,000 from a mental health charity, will learn his fate today with a new judge presiding over the sentencing.
The sentencing hearing for Sean McKiernan (44), from Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Cavan was previously put back for mention to November 14 after Judge John Martin, who was presiding over the case, had to excuse himself from it.
McKiernan pleaded guilty last month to 11 sample counts of theft of the money out of a total of 58 counts.
The thefts happened at various unknown locations from Navan Mental Health Housing Association in amounts ranging from €500 to €7,500 in 2019. The total amount stolen is alleged to exceed €172,000.
Judge John Martin told the court he had to recuse himself from the case and another judge is to proceed over Mr McKiernan’s case.
The judge told the court that he is an external member of the charitable services committee, which leads the charity regulator.
Judge Martin said he brought the issue to the court’s attention as soon as possible and told the court that it would not be appropriate for the case to proceed.
A new date of today, Monday, December 15 was allocated for McKiernan to be sentenced in front of a new presiding judge.
McKiernan made history in 2011 when he was elected the youngest ever chairman, or Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council.
He was a Fine Gael councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014. He was also a member of Cavan/Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and served a term as its cathaoirleach in 2016.
He was actively involved in hosting the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and in developing the West Cavan Burren Geopark as well as the Taste of Cavan Festival.
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