Dublin Cinema Boss Gambled Away Stolen €217,000

  • General manager of the IMC Cinema in Santry, Dublin, pleaded guilty to charges of theft
  • The 38-year-old had access to the two keys required to unlock the cinema’s main safe
  • He stole over €217,000 ($240,000) between April 2016 and July 2018
  • Caught in May 2018 when a director noticed a shortfall between takings and bank lodgments
small residential vault with pile of cash
The general manager of a Dublin cinema has pleaded guilty to stealing more than €217,000 ($240,000) from his employer over the course of two years. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

General manager pleads guilty

The general manager of a cinema in Dublin, Ireland, has admitted to stealing more than €217,000 ($240,000) from his employer, with most of the money gambled away on the lottery.

John Connolly admitted to stealing money from IMC Santry’s safe between April 2016 and July 2018 in Dublin’s Circuit Criminal Court. Connolly stole a total of €217,203 ($241,431) during this period.

admitted to stealing money from IMC Santry’s safe between April 2016 and July 2018

The court heard that the 38-year-old was drinking heavily at the time and suffering mental health issues. He believed he would be able to put the money back without anyone noticing it was gone in the first place.

His main form of gambling was the Lotto. At one stage, he had a lottery ticket that was a single number away from winning €250,000 ($278,000).

Access to the main safe

At the time, Connolly was the general manager at IMC Santry. In order to open up the main safe, two keys were needed. One was held by Connolly and the other by a security firm.

The security company changed hands in 2016, which led to Connolly getting his hands on both keys and gaining access to the main safe.

Trail led back to Connolly

IMC directors noticed a shortfall between the cinema’s takings and bank lodgments in May 2018. The police were informed, which resulted in an investigation being launched.

The trail soon led back to Connolly, who quickly admitted what he had done when confronted. Detectives were able to track back to when the shortfalls began and noticed how it coincided with the change in security firms.

IMC directors noticed a shortfall between the cinema’s takings and bank lodgments in May 2018

The court heard that Connolly, who does not have any past criminal convictions, was not living lavishly and that he was constantly “chasing his tail” to try and repair the damage.

When interviewed by police, Connolly constantly apologized for what he had done. He also sent a formal letter of apology to his former employer. Letters were also sent from his family and former partner. 

Remanded on bail

During the court hearing, Connolly’s defense outlined how he was subjected to a psychologically abusive childhood. They went on to outline Connolly’s struggle with gambling addiction, as well as his heavy drinking. 

Sentencing was adjourned by Judge Karen O’Connor, with Connolly remanded on bail until February 28, 2020. This will allow time for probation and psychiatric reports to be prepared. 

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