Employee accused of defrauding council of €63,000

Employee accused of defrauding council of €63,000


117 counts of theft and fraud charges brought against architect who formerly worked for Mayo County Council

Anton McNulty

A FORMER employee of Mayo County Council was brought before this morning’s sitting of Castlebar District Court where he was charged with allegedly defrauding the Council of approximately €63,000.
Tom Gilboy of Mount Gregory, Castlebar was arrested at 8.30am this morning (Wednesday) by Detective Garda Edward McLoughlin and brought to Castlebar Garda Station where he was charged with 117 counts of theft and fraud charges. The alleged offences took place between 2002 and 2008 and the charges include the theft of cash and the forgery of travel subsistence while Mr Gilboy was an employee of Mayo County Council.
Detective Garda McLoughlin told the court that Mr Gilboy made no comment when all the charges were put to him. Mr Gilboy, who worked as an architect with Mayo County Council made no comment during the brief court appearance but his solicitor, Mr Tom Walsh, confirmed he was no longer employed when applying for legal aid.
A statement on behalf of Mayo County Council was released this afternoon by John Condon, County Secretary who confirmed that Mr Gilboy was a former Council employee and the charges arose as a result of a investigation which An Garda SíochΡna carried out at the request of the Council.
“The Council formally brought the matter to the attention of An Garda SíochΡna when they submitted a complaint in December 2009. The matter is now sub judice and accordingly the Council will issue no further comment at this stage,” the statement concluded.
Mr Gilboy was released on bail to appear before Kiltimagh District Court on December 17 where he will be serve with the Book of Evidence to appear before the Circuit Criminal Court.