Sentencing for former Wexford GAA player and garda adjourned

Sentencing in the case of a well-known former Wexford GAA player who pleaded guilty to seven charges of theft while serving as a garda has been adjourned to this morning.

Noel Fitzhenry (46) of Springmount, Rathnure, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, who was stationed at Glynn Garda station, pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft involving several local people in the Glynn community between July 1st, 2009, and June 1st, 2012. The thefts included sums of €8,000, two separate amounts of €10,000 and €19,400.

Supt William Carolan told Judge Barry Hickson at Wexford Circuit Criminal Court yesterday that the defendant indicated he needed €180,000 for treatment in America for his wife whom he said was suffering from cancer.

Supt Carolan said the money was lodged and quickly removed from his account through an ATM or withdrawals, but none of it has been returned. The defendant had served more than 20 years as a member of the force. He was previously stationed in Dundalk and Wexford before serving in the one station in Glynn just outside Wexford town.

Fitzhenry is a married man with four children.

Defence counsel John Walsh said the money was not for a lavish lifestyle. The family found itself in financial difficulties and while at one stage they owned two houses – now taken by the financial institutions – at the present they live in rented accommodation.

Supt Carolan said the defendant was suspended from the Garda in 2012 and resigned earlier this month.

Mr Walsh said when the defendant was building his houses he had a total mortgage of €400,000, while the money obtained from neighbours was used to pay day-to-day bills.

He also said that the defendant had been hospitalised on several occasions due to his mental condition and added that his net income from work was €28 per week when all deductions were made.

The defendant comes from a well-known GAA family who are highly respected.

He has no previous convictions.

Judge Hickson said he would need to read all the reports overnight before passing sentence.