A former Fine Gael councillor and cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council has been jailed for two years and nine months for stealing €172,000 from a housing charity.
Seán McKiernan pleaded guilty to the theft of just over €172,000 from Navan Mental Health Housing Association in 2019 and 2020.
During a sentencing hearing, Trim Circuit Court heard that the 44-year-old used the money to pay male escorts from South America and to procure drugs, including liquid ecstasy, crystal meth and cocaine.
McKiernan, with an address at Trinity Bungalow, Virginia Road, Bailieborough in Co Cavan, pleaded guilty to nine sample charges relating to the theft, having already admitted two counts, relating to the theft.
The court heard that it related to 58 cheques, made payable to 33 individuals.
The cheques were lodged into 32 bank accounts, across 22 different braches, totalling €172,120 and ranged from €700 to €6,000.