Ex-school principal faces charges of embezzling money

A book of evidence has been served on a former national school principal who faces charges of embezzling money from a Cavan primary school at Cavan District Court.

Finbarr Boyle (35) is alleged to have stolen €74,321 in cash and cheques worth €10,340 and to have forged a cheque and invoice between November 2009 and February 2012.

Mr Boyle, of Annalee Manor, Ballyhaise, Co Cavan, and originally from Ardara, Co Donegal, was the principal of Kilnaleck National School in Co Cavan until 2013.

He is facing five separate counts of stealing a total of €73,320 from the Department of Social Protection between November 2009 and February 2011.

He is further charged with four counts of theft of €1,000 and cheques totalling €10,340, the property of the board of management of Kilnaleck National School, between November 2008 and April 2009.

Mr Boyle is also charged with two counts of forgery, namely making a false invoice for food in the name of Sharpmount Limited, Moynehall, Co Cavan, and making a false Ulster Bank cheque.

Investigating Garda Michael Fitzpatrick told the court on Wednesday that Mr Boyle's estranged wife, a teacher by profession, is "living in fear" of Mr Boyle and has asked him to refrain from ringing her or contacting her save for specified purposes.

Judge James Faughnan asked that Mr Boyle's wife appear before Cavan Circuit Court on June 3rd to raise any issues she has with Mr Boyle.

Mr Boyle will appear before Cavan Circuit Court on June 3rd and there are no changes to his bail conditions.