Copyright irishmirror
A former history-making Fine Gael chairman of Cavan County Council, who was due to be sentenced today over the theft of €172,000 from a mental health charity, will now learn his fate today. Sean McKiernan (43), from Trinity Bungalows, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Cavan was charged with 58 counts of theft at various unknown locations within the State from Navan Mental Health Housing Association six years ago in 2019. The sums varied between €500 and €7,500 and the total amount involved in the theft was €172,000 which was revealed at a previous court date. McKiernan was due to stand trial in the case before a judge and jury. However, in July he appeared before Judge John Martin at Trim Circuit Court where his counsel said “progress can be made” in the case. McKiernan was then arraigned on two sample counts 1 and 58 on the charge sheets. He pleaded guilty to theft under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Theft and Fraud Act that on March 26, 2019 at a location unknown in the State did steal €5,230 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association. He further pleaded guilty to theft under the same act that on April 6, 2020 at a location unknown in the State he did steal €800 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association. On Thursday at Trim Circuit Court counsel for McKiernan made an application to have sentencing adjourned until Friday - due to a trial that is ongoing in the same courtroom. Judge John Martin was informed that the sentencing of McKiernan “should take an hour.” Michael Finnegan, a board member of the mental health charity, was in court and said he is “happy” his evidence and victim impact statement can be read out by the prosecuting garda on Friday on his behalf as he is unable to attend the hearing then. Judge Martin said he is happy “to facilitate the application” for the sentencing to happen on Friday. McKiernan, who was dressed in a navy suit and white shirt, said “Thank you Judge,” after the application was granted. He has been remanded on continuing bail until Friday. McKiernan made history in 2011 when he was elected the youngest ever chairman, or Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council. He was a Fine Gael councillor for the Bailieborough electoral area from 2007 to 2014. He was also a member of Cavan/Monaghan Education Training Board (ETB) and served a term as its cathaoirleach in 2016. He was actively involved in hosting the All Ireland Fleadh Cheoil in Cavan Town in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and in developing the West Cavan Burren Geopark as well as the Taste of Cavan Festival. McKiernan previously worked with the former Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English and was nominated to the Seanad Election 2016 by the Restaurants Association of Ireland. Sign up to the Irish Mirror's Courts and Crime newsletter here and get breaking crime updates and news from the courts direct to your inbox.
