A "model" store manager who stole more than £20,000 worth of animal drugs to pay for a paternity suit has been given a three-year suspended sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.
Aidan Heffernan sold the drugs on to a supplier in the west of Ireland because of huge legal costs incurred while trying to determine if he was the father of his ex-girlfriend's son.
Heffernan, of Hermitage Road, Lucan, Co Dublin, pleaded guilty to stealing the drugs from Leo Laboratories, Cashel Road, Crumlin, on dates between 1994 and 1997.
Mr Brian Flaherty, a veterinary inspector with the Department of Agriculture, said Heffernan was caught after raids on premises in Mayo and Leitrim.
Sgt Joe O'Hara said Heffernan worked as a store manager in Leo Laboratories for 18 years. He began stealing the drugs in June 1994, but the company realised they were missing only in March 1997.
Heffernan admitted his thefts to Leo Laboratories managers and to Sgt O'Hara in October 1997. He later made a detailed statement to gardai in which he said he had found it impossible to pay for DNA testing and legal fees connected with his paternity suit.
Sgt O'Hara said that Heffernan met a pub-owner who was known to the Department of Agriculture as a major supplier of illegal animal drugs. He agreed to supply this man with penicillin and other drugs and was given two-fifths of all profits.
Dr Pat McCarthy, a senior manager with Leo Laboratories, said Heffernan was a model employee who was held in the highest possible esteem by his employers. The thefts were a huge shock to the company, and Heffernan had since lost significant pension entitlements.
Judge Frank O'Donnell said any thefts by employees in positions of trust were a very serious matter. He added that the sentence took into account Heffernan's charity work and the very fair evidence of Sgt O'Hara and Dr McCarthy.