Home / Crime and Justice / Councillor Stole £150k Charity Funds for Escorts, Drugs
Councillor Stole £150k Charity Funds for Escorts, Drugs
16 Dec
Summary
- Ex-councillor jailed for two years and nine months for theft.
- Stolen funds were used to pay for escorts and illegal drugs.
- The charity, Navan Mental Health Housing Association, is no longer in existence.
Sean McKiernan, a former Fine Gael councillor, has been sentenced to two years and nine months in jail for stealing £150,000 from the Navan Mental Health Housing Association. The court heard that McKiernan, who served as secretary and treasurer, used the stolen funds to pay for South American male escorts and illegal drugs, including crystal meth and GHB. He admitted to 11 sample counts of theft, which occurred between March 2019 and April 2020.
The judge described the actions as a serious breach of trust to vulnerable individuals. McKiernan's defense cited major depressive disorder and mental health issues since his teens as contributing factors. He confided in escorts about his problems and sought euphoria from drug use. Investigations revealed cheques were cashed by numerous individuals, primarily South American males identified as escorts, with McKiernan paying for their services and drugs.
As a result of the thefts, the Navan Mental Health Housing Association no longer exists and has been taken over by Drogheda Homeless Aid. McKiernan, who previously held significant political positions, expressed deep shame and acknowledged the brutal damage caused to the charity and his own reputation. The court refused his request to postpone his jail term.
