An HSE social worker who stole and used bank cards from a client’s family member was remanded on continuing bail to July 13 for sentencing following her appearance this week at Ballina District Court.
At an earlier hearing it was stated that in September 2009, Susan Gibson, Cashel, Carrowmore Lacken, Ballina, took bank cards from the grandmother of one of her clients after a visit to her house, and used the cards to steal €2,000 worth of cash. Judge Mary Devins remanded Gibson on bail to this week’s sitting of Ballina District Court for a probation report.
On Tuesday, the probation report was handed into court and Judge Devins noted it raised many issues which would give a lot of people concern.
The report outlined that the defendant had a moderate risk of re-offending; that she had a breakdown 15 years ago; that she took long periods of sick leave from various employments; and has an addiction to gambling machines. The court also heard that Gibson had been friends of the family, from whom she stole the money, since 2002.
Solicitor for the defendant, Adrian Bourke, said that his client voluntarily retired from the HSE on April 30.
Judge Devins asked what sort of screening the HSE used before it employed Gibson as even with her background, she was employed “without a minute’s hesitation” in the area of childcare.
Judge Devins remanded Gibson on continuing bail to July 13 for sentencing.
