The weekly takings in the Tallaght branch of a health food chain, Nature's Way, increased dramatically after the departure of a former manager, an embezzlement trial has been told at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Ms Shirley O'Regan (26), of Lisheeda, Co Cork, with an address at Swift House, Patrick Street, Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to 20 charges of stealing sums of money on dates from November 1996 to February 1998. The amounts in the various charges total £11,338. It is alleged also that she stole cash on various dates in "amounts unknown".
Mr Pat O'Connell, prosecuting, said that Ms O'Regan was alleged to have systematically stolen a large amount of money from the company while manager of the branch at The Square, Tallaght.
Mr Nigel Griffiths, managing director of Nature's Way, said that the company had 12 stores. Ms O'Regan had resigned from her job when the company proposed to transfer her and almost immediately the weekly takings in Tallaght had increased by some £1,500.
He agreed with Ms Mary Rose Geraghty, defending, that it took the company 18 months to discover the discrepancies in the Tallaght takings. Readings known as "Z-readings", taken from the tills during the day, would generally balance up on the daily takings sheets to within a few pounds. Each "Z-reading" was numbered and it had been found that some were missing.
The witness told Ms Geraghty he would be surprised to learn that there were three "Z-keys", including one at the till, in the Tallaght store. Only the manager should have one. He explained that the daily takings sheet should be made up by the manager and assistant manager, or by one of them with another appointed person. Both had to sign it. He was sure that none of the staff was paid from cash.
The hearing continues.