Killally given suspended sentence on theft charges

FORMER Offaly County Council Chairman Ger Killally has been handed a three year suspended on charges of theft at Westmeath Circuit Court.

He was convicted on the theft of €18,000 worth of shop and refrigeration equipment from the court official assigned to manage his bankrupcy as well as three charges of forgery. He had been imprisoned since November 13 awaiting sentence.

Judge Tony Hunt sentenced Mr Killally to three years in jail on the theft charges but the sentence was suspended. Judge Hunt also ordered that the former Fianna Fail General Election should also complete 240 hours Community Service

The court had heard how Mr Killally was declared bankrupt in 2009. The former auctioneer and developer however had subsequently removed the equipment from a premises he had previously owned in Rochfortbridge . The court also heard how Mr Killally had repaid €18,000 in respect of the equipment.

He also admitted forging a letter and business card which he sent to the court appointed official assigned to manage his bankrupcy claiming that the equipment in question had in fact been repossessed by the leasing company.