A Dublin man who stole almost €54,000 from the shop he worked in by awarding himself fake Lotto wins has been given a chance to repay the money in order to avoid a jail sentence.
Paul Kavanagh (25), of Belgard Square, Tallaght, spent the money on take-aways, taxis and cannabis, his counsel said.
He pleaded guilty to theft from Ray Sheehan, owner of the Londis Store on Parkgate Street between 2014 and 2015. He was also found with a small amount of cannabis at his home.
Prosecuting counsel Marie Torrens BL said Kavanagh, a father of two, began working in the shop in 2014 and started having money troubles. She said he would process lottery wins through the system and pocket the money.
The thefts came to light when the owner noticed three €150 lottery payouts on a day when the lottery machine was broken.
Kavanagh was arrested and made admissions. He said he was experiencing personal and family problems and he thought he could take the money without anyone noticing.
Judge Melanie Greally agreed to adjourn the case at Dublin Circuit Criminal court until January 13th, next year to allow him repay €1,000 a month to the owner of the Londis shop.
He also agreed to pay over, within three days, a sum of €3,600 he has saved up.
Counsel for Kavanagh, Tom Neville BL, said he has nothing to show for the money, some of which was used to pay for his cannabis habit.