The former executive secretary to the Northern Ireland Dairy Trade Federation has been jailed for two years for embezzling more than £212,000.
Michael McCartney (48), from Glencregagh Road, Belfast, pleaded guilty at Belfast Crown Court to a total of 76 charges of theft and forgery committed between 1989 and 1994. The court heard the money had been taken by forging the signatures of fellow executives on cheques, and moving money from one account to another to cover what was missing.
He had admitted his responsibility and co operated with the police.
His defence counsel said the thefts began when McCartney got into financial difficulties following the break up of his first marriage. Some of the money had also been used to set up his own business.
The judge said the offences were "a serious breach of trust" and warranted a custodial sentence.