A priest who admitted stealing almost £1,800 (€2,200) over a three year period from diocesan and parish funds after he got into financial difficulties has been sentenced by the Magistrate's Court in Derry.
Fr John Irwin (73) whose address was given as Garvagh Road in Dungiven, pleaded guilty to the offences six months ago. His sentencing was deferred until yesterday to enable him to repay the monies he’d stolen.
Fr Irwin, who ministered on both sides of the Derry-Donegal border admitted two charges. He admitted that between May 1st 2011 and October 30th 2012, he stole £1,440 (€1,827) of collection money from St. Patrick's parochial house in the Pennyburn area of Derry.
He also pleaded guilty to stealing £300 (€380) from the Derry Diocesan Society fund between December 1st 2009 and May 30th 2011.
A defence solicitor handed over two letters to district judge Barney McElholm which he said confirmed that Irwin had not only repaid the amount in full, but also paid additional compensation as an indication of the remorse he felt as a result of his offending.
Mr McElholm said it was a breach of trust case and as such was a serious matter.
“It appears this defendant got himself into some financial difficulties and he unfortunately stole money from church funds in order to get himself out of that”, he said.
“Any breach of trust is a very serious matter but in this case he entered an early plea of guilty and fully co-operated with the police. This is a man who has dedicated his life to helping and ministering to others. He has made a mistake.
“I would be no expert in scripture but I do remember ‘there but for the grace of God go I’. We are all capable of making mistakes. This man has not only paid back the amount in full, but also he has paid back an element of additional compensation to indicate his remorse.
“There would be absolutely no purpose served by sending him to prison, particularly given his age, his state of health and his previous good character.
“I have said many times one of the most important things in offences of this type is reparation. It is not a violent offence and those who stood to lose have been fully compensated”, he added.
The defendant was given a conditional discharge for two years on both charges.