Two years for €116k theft from charity
Bernadette Warnock, aged 63, stole the money while operating the finances of Positive Action Ltd which was set up in 1994 to help women who contracted hepatitis C through contaminated blood product in maternity hospitals.
Positive Action had 730 members and received the majority of its funding from the HSE. It was closed down in 2014 following a HSE audit.
Warnock, who suffers from hepatitis C after contracting it at the age of 24, has four previous convictions for forging cheques from her employer in 1990.
Yesterday. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Warnock’s health had deteriorated in recent months, leaving her house bound, and a stay was put on her sentence until November 8 to allow her attend for a hospital appointment.
Warnock of Garrettstown, Dunshaughlin, Co Meath, pleaded guilty to 71 counts of theft and fraud between 2009 and 2011 totalling €116,226.
Judge Melanie Greally had adjourned sentencing after hearing evidence in the case in March to allow Warnock gather compensation. A total of €65,500 was brought to court by Warnock, from a combination of savings and an inheritance, leaving €52,000 outstanding.
The court heard Positive Action was in liquidation, with one of the main creditors being the HSE.
Judge Greally will decide where the funds should go on the next date and said she would like hepatitis C sufferers to benefit. She said the court would have to consider the appropriateness of directing funds to the HSE in terms of the liquidation of the charity.
Judge Greally said the offences were “an enormous betrayal of trust” and said: “Acts like these cast doubt and suspicion over the charity sector.” She said the court could not disregard the fact that in the midst of her offending Warnock had preformed much laudable work. She said her loss of reputation had been entirely merited but the court could take it into account.
Judge Greally imposed a three -ear sentence and suspended the final 12 months.
Defence counsel, Ronan Kennedy, handed in testimonials from family and friends on Warnock’s behalf. He said he had been instructed to offer an apology and said that Warnock recognised the consequences and impact of her actions.
“It is an under statement to say she is deeply ashamed,” he told Judge Greally.
In a statement, the group Anti-D Women said it was “totally unaware and innocent of any wrongdoings” that caused Positive Action to cease operating.
“Today brings an end to outstanding matters relating to Positive Action Ltd. This is welcomed by Anti-D Women who are continuing to provide the important support required by those infected who continue to live with the illness and the disabling side-effects of hepatitis C,” said a statement.
