A HSE social worker who stole bank cards from a grandmother, and then used the cards to steal €2,000 worth of cash, was before Ballina District Court this week where Judge Mary Devins said “that evil shocks me”.
Gardaí were informed that laser and visa cards had been stolen from Ms Mary Moran after Susan Gibson, Cashel, Carrowmore, Lacken, called to her house and took the cards from the home owner’s purse. Ms Moran was the grandmother of one of Gibson's clients.
On September 19 and 20 2009, Gibson used the cards to withdraw money.
The court heard that Gibson has no previous convictions and that compensation had been paid in full.
Adrian Bourke, solicitor for the defendant, said that his client stole the money as she was going to assist the family of her nephew who needs a liver transplant. Mr Bourke also said that Gibson has a gambling addiction and has debts.
Judge Devins said that it was “a horrendous incident” and said that a full picture in relation to this lady was needed. The judge remanded Gibson on continuing bail to Ballina District Court on June 8 for a probation report.
