Latest news with #gamblingaddiction
The Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
MAFS star reveals 15-year gambling addiction and admits he's been through a ‘dark time'
A MARRIED at first star has revealed he had a 15-year gambling addiction, and admitted he's been through a "dark time". Luke Debono, 32, shot to fame last year when he wed Amy Kenyon on the E4 reality show, but has now revealed his past battle with gambling. 6 6 6 6 In a brave video on Instagram, the Married At First Sight UK star admitted that he had an addiction to gambling that took over his life. He also talked candidly about finding the "courage to seek help". Addressing his battle with addiction, Luke bravely his followers: "Hi everyone, as part of my journey that I want to share. "I think it's kind of the right moment and the right time to share a bit of a personal journey. Continuing he said: "For the last, I don't know, 15 years of my adult life, I've been kind of going through gambling as an addiction. "It was quite dark and, you know, it took all of my effort and all of my energy and that's what kind of the only thing that I was kind of thinking about and obsessed with. "And ever since the last, you know, three years in recovery, I have found strength in talking about things and power, in being vulnerable and being honest, having clear communication. "And I think every experience that I've had has led to this point where it makes me feel like I'm ready to share this story. "And if that helps you, if you're currently going through an addiction yourself, whether it's pornography or substance or gambling as well, mental health, please do so because one of the most powerful weapon and tool that I found was the ability to talk to someone. "And it gave me the confidence and the courage and the strength to find recovery." Watch the brutal moment Married At First Sight's Amy ends marriage to Luke as viewers are distracted by her 'funeral' outfit Luke then said: "And life is good because I'm not gambling. You know, I'm actually really happy and really content, you know, that the recovery is ongoing. "And it's always something I respect because obviously I know where it can go and how dark it can be. "But there's always light at the end of the tunnel." The star went onto double down on how anyone going though addiction "should talk to someone" and "seek help". How to get help for a gambling addiction Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can have devastating effects on individuals and their families. Recognizing the signs and symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help. Common indicators of a gambling problem include spending more money and time on gambling than intended, lying about gambling activities, and experiencing financial difficulties as a result. Emotional symptoms may include anxiety, stress, and depression, often exacerbated by the losses and the cycle of chasing them. There are several avenues for support and treatment for those struggling with gambling addiction. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach that helps individuals change their gambling behaviors and thoughts. Support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous, provide a community of individuals facing similar challenges, offering mutual support and understanding. Additionally, various helplines and online resources are available to provide immediate assistance and guidance. It is essential for friends and family members to be aware of these signs and encourage their loved ones to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the escalation of the problem and help individuals regain control over their lives. By addressing gambling addiction head-on and utilizing available resources, individuals can work towards recovery and a healthier, more balanced life. MAFS JOURNEY Luke found fame on MAFS UK last autumn. He was paired with Amy, and they had all the makings of a strong relationship at the start, but things soon turned sour. Amy then brutally dumped him during the vow renewal ceremony after he made some shocking comments. The bride revealed how Luke wrote in a letter: "I wish I got down on my knees and terrorised your b*****e." During the vow renewal ceremony, Amy made her feelings for Luke clear when she arrived dressed for a funeral. 6 6 She savagely told Luke: "I know my worth and you aren't worthy of me. This marriage is done, dead, deceased. "I stand here in front of you today wearing black to mourn its death. RIP." A few months ago, Amy reignited her feud with her ex husband again and said she will "never speak to him again". During a Q&A on her Instagram page, she was asked: "Have you spoken to whatever his name/face was?" Amy knew who the fan was referring to and swiftly responded: "No I have not or never will speak to b*****e terroriser/he who shall not be named xox". In a chat with The Sun in February, Luke revealed that he regretted his comments about Amy's b*****e. Amy and Luke's bitter split Amy and Luke initially seemed like a strong couple on the hit series, but cracks began to show in their relationship as the season progressed Over the course of the experiment, Luke's behaviour, "lies" and the sexual innuendos he often made, left Amy feeling uncomfortable. At the vow renewal ceremony, Amy dressed in black and declared the marriage "done, dead, deceased" and ended their relationship before walking away from her former groom. Then, in the final commitment ceremony, Amy revealed Luke had sent her a letter with a crude note about "terrorising Amy's b*****e". After the show concluded, the pair swiftly unfollowed each other on Instagram, with Amy now saying she plans on never speaking to Luke again - despite Luke speaking positively of their time together.
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Davy Fitzgerald's son given suspended sentence for stealing €35,000 from employer to fund gambling addiction
A son of controversial Antrim hurling manger, and Clare hurling legend, Davy Fitzgerald was given a fully suspended 12-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing €35,000 from his then employer, Bank of Ireland , to feed his 'out-of-control gambling addiction '. Colm Fitzgerald (28) of Castlequinn, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, stole the money while employed to be in charge of cash at a cash counter at Bank of Ireland, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare, on seven separate dates in 2023. Fitzgerald, who immediately resigned from the bank after the thefts were discovered during an internal audit, told the bank and gardaí that he stole the cash to sustain a gambling addiction. Fitzgerald's barrister, Kenny Kerins, told Ennis Circuit Criminal Court that 'steeped in GAA' Fitzgerald, had paid all of the money back with the support and assistance of his family. READ MORE Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was caught in a 'serious' grip of addiction to sports gambling and that he 'expressed relief' when the thefts were discovered. Fitzgerald admitted stealing the cash in bundles of €5,000 on seven separate dates in 2023. 'He was living a life of secrets, he has remorse, he has shame. This young man had everything going well in his life, he was engaged in sport, he had a job, and in seven actions he absolutely destroys his career,' Mr Kerins said. The barrister told the sentencing hearing last Friday that, before the discovery of the cash thefts, Fitzgerald's gambling became so serious, the well-known bookmaker chain Paddy Power banned him from betting with them. 'His life was completely out of control, so much so that he sees all this as a positive thing. He sees it as a disengagement from his addiction.' [ Generation gamble: the invisible addiction crisis gripping Ireland's teenagers Opens in new window ] Mr Kerins said that when Bank of Ireland's auditors discovered €35,000 was missing, Fitzgerald prepared a document that would have concealed 'his deceit', but then he 'cancelled it almost immediately'. 'He was about to further his criminal endeavour, but he stopped it ... He knew the jig was up, and he came forward, he met bank officials and made admissions, he resigned and met gardaí by appointment,' said Mr Kerins. 'He and his family are steeped in GAA, which was perhaps how he became involved in (sports) gambling. He has great passion for sport and he is still involved in coaching, which is a great pride to him,' said Mr Kerins. He said Fitzgerald had opened a coffee shop business with his partner in Sixmilebridge, employing four people. He has 'taken careful steps' to limit his access to the business's finances. Detective Garda Paddy Bourke told the court he believed Fitzgerald did all he could to co-operate with the Garda investigation and has tried to tackle his addiction. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had no previous convictions, engaged in a residential therapy programme, and continues to attend regular meetings of Gamblers Anonymous (GA). [ Q&A: How the new gambling regulator will affect Irish punters Opens in new window ] 'He's not seeking to blame anyone, he developed a low-level gambling addiction which snowballed and got out of control.' Prosecuting barrister, Sarah-Jane Comerford, accepted Fitzgerald was 'suffering from a gambling addiction at the time'. Judge Francis Comerford said Fitzgerald's actions were a 'significant breach of trust'. 'Gambling is not an excuse for theft, and one should seek help without having to resort to this,' the judge said. Judge Comerford accepted there was a 'somewhat' reduced culpability for people with addiction who 'have the compulsion to do this'. Judge Comerford fully suspended a 12-month jail term for a period of 18 months. He directed Fitzgerald to continue to engage with gambling support services. 'While the amount of money is significant, it would have been more serious if it was someone vulnerable that was preyed upon,' said the judge. 'This was not done for a high lifestyle or to accrue wealth ... it was for a gambling addiction.'
BreakingNews.ie
3 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Davy Fitzgerald's son receives suspended sentence after stealing €35,000 from former employer Bank of Ireland
A son of Clare hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald was given a fully suspended 12-month prison sentence after he admitted stealing €35,000 from his then employer, Bank of Ireland, to feed his 'out-of-control gambling addiction'. Colm Fitzgerald, (28), Castlequinn, Sixmilebridge, Co Clare, stole the money while employed to be in charge of cash at a cash counter, at Bank of Ireland, Shannon Industrial Estate, Shannon, Co Clare, on seven separate dates in 2023. Advertisement Fitzgerald, who immediately resigned from the bank, after the thefts were discovered during an internal audit, told the bank and gardaí that he stole the cash to sustain a gambling addiction. Fitzgerald's barrister, Kenny Kerins, told Ennis Circuit Criminal Court that 'steeped in GAA' Fitzgerald, had paid all of the money back with the support and assistance of his family. Mr Keirns said Fitzgerald was caught in a 'serious' grip of addiction to sports gambling and that he had 'expressed relief' when the thefts were discovered. Fitzgerald admitted stealing the cash in bundles of €5,000 on seven separate dates in 2023. Advertisement Mr Kerins told the court: 'He was living a life of secrets, he has remorse, he has shame. This young man had everything going well in his life, he was engaged in sport, he had a job, and in seven actions he absolutely destroys his career." The barrister told the sentencing hearing last Friday that, prior to the discovery of the cash thefts, Fitzgerald's gambling had gotten so serious, the well known bookmaker chain Paddy Power banned him from betting with them. 'They were so concerned that they wrote to him and banned him from gambling with them... this was a serious addiction for Mr Fitzgerald,' Mr Kerins said. 'His life was completely out of control, so much so that he sees all this as a positive thing, he sees it as a disengagement from his addiction.' Advertisement Mr Kerins said when Bank of Ireland's auditors discovered €35,000 was missing, Fitzgerald prepared a document that would have concealed 'his deceit' but he 'cancelled it almost immediately'. 'He was about to further his criminal endeavour, but he stopped it. He went home and told his grandfather and close family, he knew the jig was up and he came forward, he met with bank officials and made admissions, he resigned and met with gardai by appointment,' said Mr Kerins. 'That is to his credit, he faced up to it, he is a gentleman,' said the barrister. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald was 'aware' thefts from his employer were 'unacceptable' but he said Fitzgerald had taken responsibility for his offending as well as measures not to return to gambling. Advertisement 'He and his family are steeped in GAA, which was perhaps how he became involved in (sports) gambling. He has great passion for sport and he is still involved in coaching which is a great pride to him.' Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had 'engaged with therapeutic services and had worked as courier' to pay his family back the money they reimbursed to the bank. The barrister said Fitzgerald has, along with his partner, opened a coffee shop business in Sixmilebridge, employing four people, and that Fitzgerald had 'taken careful steps' to limit his own 'access to the business's finances and cash, so there is oversight that'. Detective Garda Paddy Bourke, Shannon Garda Station, told the court he believed Fitzgerald had done all he could to cooperate with the garda investigation as well as trying to tackle his addiction, 'and I hope to continues to do so', added Garda Bourke. Advertisement CCTV CCTV footage located at the bank's cash counters, which may have led them to Fitzgerald, had expired by the time the bank discovered the thefts and alerted gardai, and so Fitzgerald's pleas were valuable to the prosecution, the court heard. Mr Kerins said Fitzgerald had 'no previous convictions', had engaged in a residential therapy programme run by the Bushypark Addiction Treatment Centre, and he continues to attend regular meetings of Gamblers Anonymous (GA). 'He's not seeking to blame anyone, he developed a low level gambling addiction which snowballed and got out-of-control while he was working as an employee of the bank — the court is aware of the compulsive nature of gambling addiction.' Prosecuting barrister, Sarah-Jane Comerford, said the prosecution 'accepted (Fitzgerald) was suffering from a gambling addiction at the time'. Outlining his judgement, Judge Francis Comerford said Fitzgerald 'took bundles of cash from his employer each worth €5,000' and that he considered a two-year headline sentence to be appropriate. 'It was a significant breach of trust, it was a significant offence, and the aggravating factor is that it was theft by an employee from their employer, it was an abuse of trust to steal from them.' The judge told Fitzgerald: 'Gambling is not an excuse for theft, and one should seek help without having to resort to this.' However, taking into account Mr Keirns mitigation plea, the judge said he accepted that persons in addiction who 'have the compulsion to do this (steal), does reduce culpability somewhat'. 'Need for money' The judge said there was an air of desperation about Fitzgerald's actions: 'It was not a sophisticated fraud, it was a response to a need for money for gambling.' Reducing Fitzgerald's sentence to 12 months, the judge continued: 'It wasn't a commercial calculated crime, so that tends to put it at a lower level, and it was discovered very quickly, following an internal audit.' Judge Comerford fully suspended the 12-month jail term for a period of 18 months, and directed that Fitzgerald continue to engage with gambling support services. 'While the amount of money is significant, it would have been more serious if it was someone vulnerable that was preyed upon,' said the judge. 'This was not done for a high lifestyle or to accrue wealth, but, it was for a gambling addiction.' Afterwards, Colm Fitzgerald hugged family members outside the court.
Irish Times
26-05-2025
- Irish Times
Former Mount Sackville bursar stole half million euro from private school to fund gambling addiction
A private school bursar who stole half a million euro to fund a gambling addiction has since sold her home and signed over her pension to pay back the institution around which her whole life revolved, a court has heard. Mary Higgins (62), with an address at Hawthorn Lawn, Castleknock was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to stealing €500,000 from Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod between January 1st, 2012 and March 23rd, 2017. The court heard that she had spent 12 years attending the school and 24 years working there. She told gardaí that she had hoped and prayed every day for 'a big win' to pay the school back, but the court heard that the hole kept getting deeper. Det Gda Brendan O'Hora testified that Higgins had controlled all aspects of cash flow in the school, was the main signatory on its bank accounts and controlled the lodgments. READ MORE It was another employee who prepared ledger cards for each child attending the school. This employee noticed that, from time to time, they were rewritten by Ms Higgins. She also noticed that the accounts were always late and never up-to-date. The principal was informed and, in March 2017, it was decided an auditor would be brought in to help the defendant. Higgins told the principal that she had taken cash from the school over time and used it for gambling addictions. She said she taken about €500,000 and that she had a property she could sell. She was so distressed that the school was concerned for her wellbeing and suggested she attend her GP. She was placed on administrative leave. An accountant was engaged by the school but such was the dearth of records, that the exact amount taken or period of time concerned could not be identified with any certainty. The Director of Public Prosecutions proceeded on the basis of the defendant's own admissions. Det Gda O'Hora said that Higgins had cooperated fully with gardaí and the forensic accountant. She had stressed she was the only person involved in the theft, and was very anxious that nobody else would be blamed. She told her interviewers that she had spent all of the money on gambling, and was able to identify money having been paid to bookies. The detective explained that she was able to hide what she'd been doing as some fees were paid in advance. She worked a year ahead so students were not affected and all children attending the school had their fees paid. She had no previous convictions and has since repaid €470,949.62. The court heard Higgins was very remorseful in her interviews with gardaí. The court heard that she had attended the Rutland Centre for her addiction and still attends Gamblers Anonymous, where she had served as a secretary, giving her time voluntarily. She had also engaged with counsellors for personal therapy. Higgins returned to education in the eight years since the offence came to light, studying addiction and counselling so she could use her own experience to help others. She now lives with her 93-year-old mother and receives €260 per week in carer's allowance to provide the 24-hour care she needs. Mr Kennedy said that during her time at Mount Sackville, she had overseen maintenance and capital building, with €7 million in profits reinvested into the school. Things changed in 2012 and some responsibilities were removed from her, impacting her self-esteem. She found herself having more time on her hands and, with no hobbies, she engaged in the secretive activity of gambling. He said that studying formula and bets became all-consuming. Counsel handed in several testimonials from current and former staff at the school, including a former principal and deputy principal. Letters from family members were also handed in, including from her elderly mother, who spoke of her unwavering love and support to her and her regret that she didn't see the signs of gambling. Judge Orla Crowe said she would give her decision on June 19th.
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- BreakingNews.ie
Private school bursar stole €500k to fund gambling addiction, court hears
A private school bursar who stole €500,000 to fund a gambling addiction has since sold her home and signed over her pension to pay back the institution around which her whole life revolved, a court has heard. Mary Higgins (62), with an address at Hawthorn Lawn, Castleknock, was before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on Monday, where she pleaded guilty to stealing €500,000 from Mount Sackville Secondary School in Chapelizod between January 1st, 2012, and March 23rd, 2017. Advertisement The court heard that she had spent 12 years attending the school and 24 years working there. She told gardaí that she had hoped and prayed every day for 'a big win' to pay the school back, but the court heard that the hole kept getting deeper. Det Gda Brendan O'Hora testified that Higgins had controlled all aspects of cash flow in the school, was the main signatory on its bank accounts and controlled the lodgements. When cash was received in the school, it was placed in a folder for her and she decided how it was to be allocated. He explained that, while parents received receipts, there was no cash receipts book, no copy of receipts was ever kept, and there was no oversight. However, it was another employee who prepared ledger cards for each child attending the school. This employee noticed that, from time to time, they were rewritten by Ms Higgins. She also noticed that the accounts were always late and never up-to-date. Advertisement The principal was informed and, in March 2017, it was decided an auditor would be brought in to help the defendant. Higgins told the principal that she had taken cash from the school over time and used it for her gambling addiction. She said she had taken about €500,000 and that she had a property she could sell. She was so distressed that the school was concerned for her well-being and suggested she attend her GP. She was placed on administrative leave. An accountant was engaged by the school, but such was the dearth of records, that the exact amount taken or period of time concerned could not be identified with any certainty. The Director of Public Prosecutions proceeded on the basis of the defendant's own admissions. Advertisement Det Gda O'Hora said that Higgins had cooperated fully with gardaí and the forensic accountant. She had stressed she was the only person involved in the theft, and was very anxious that nobody else would be blamed. She told her interviewers that she had spent all of the money on gambling, and was able to identify money having been paid to bookies. The detective explained that she was able to hide what she'd been doing as some fees were paid in advance. She worked a year ahead so students were not affected and all children attending the school had their fees paid. She had no previous convictions and has since repaid €470,949.62. Under cross examination from Ronan Kennedy SC, defending, the detective agreed that this was an unsophisticated offence, where she was stealing cash that she was responsible for lodging into bank accounts. He accepted that she'd had unfettered access to the cash due to a lack of oversight, meaning it wasn't difficult to carry out. Advertisement Det Gda O'Hora agreed that she was in crisis and couldn't live with herself anymore and came forward to disclose her addiction and what she had done. She had attended voluntary meetings with the principal and chairperson of the board of management, who had urged her to get medical advice for her gambling disorder. Another staff member told investigators that she had always been very professional in school. She had noticed that Higgins seemed to be betting on horses in recent years, but didn't realise it was an addiction. The court heard that she was very remorseful in her interviews with gardaí. She told them that she had spent 36 years at the school, was not married, had no children and that her job was her life. Det Gda O'Hora added that her social life, too, and therefore her whole life had revolved around the school. She told them that she would hope and pray every day that she'd have a big win and pay back the money. Advertisement 'The hole just seemed to get bigger,' remarked the detective. 'I believe she showed true remorse,' he added. 'Notwithstanding what she'd done, she was a pleasure to deal with.' The court heard that she had attended the Rutland Centre for her addiction and still attends Gamblers Anonymous, where she had served as a secretary, giving her time voluntarily. She had also engaged with counsellors for personal therapy. Higgins returned to education in the eight years since the offence came to light, studying addiction and counselling so she could use her own experience to help others. She'd received a postgraduate qualification from Trinity College, and a Master's degree in counselling psychotherapy and has been providing voluntary counselling services to others. The court heard that she had sold her home and another apartment she had, and had also signed over her pension to repay the money. 'Checks have been carried out, and any properties or moneys she had has been paid over to the school,' confirmed the detective. She now lives with her 93-year-old mother and receives €260 per week in carer's allowance to provide the 24-hour care she needs. Det Gda O'Hora said that all of the money had been used to feed gambling; bank statements showed significant amounts were paid to large bookmakers, and that she had been allowed to continue to bet. Mr Kennedy asked him if she had suffered a significant fall from grace. 'Her whole life appears to have revolved around the school and she was highly regarded within that circle,' he said. 'I think she's tackled her issues head-on and has gone above and beyond in tackling her issues, in terms of what I've seen in my career,' he added. He said that she had worked hard for the school and that, while the offence had an impact on the school, losing her also had an impact. He confirmed that the school had since changed its system. 'It's a remarkably sad and tragic case,' said Mr Kennedy, explaining that she had asked him to publicly apologise to the entire school community. He said that she was from a family of four and had been born in America. Her own father had been inflicted with alcohol and gambling problems and had suffered a fatal heart attack in her presence when she was three years old. This had led to her having emotional disturbances for which her mother had sought treatment. The family moved to Ireland when she was six. Mr Kennedy said that during her time at Mount Sackville, she had overseen maintenance and capital building, with €7 million in profits reinvested into the school. Things changed in 2012 and some responsibilities were removed from her, impacting her self-esteem. She found herself having more time on her hands and, with no hobbies, she engaged in the secretive activity of gambling. He said that studying formula and bets became all-consuming. 'She was living a double life,' he said. He noted that there was a shortfall of €29,000 in what she had repaid, but said that she was committed to paying it back if made a condition of her sentence. It would take time, however, as her only source of income is now carer's allowance. Counsel handed in several testimonials from current and former staff at the school, including a former principal and deputy principal. Letters from family members were also handed in, including from her elderly mother, who spoke of her unwavering love and support to her and her regret that she didn't see the signs of gambling. Ireland Woman (29) jailed for setting her neighbour's car... Read More Her brother, who had travelled from New York for the court case, wrote of how 'gambling has destroyed a life so well lived in kindness'. 'She recognises the gravity of what she has done,' said Mr Kennedy, asking for leniency. 'She's already lost her job in a very public fall from grace and has hit every branch on the way down.' Judge Orla Crowe asked why the matter had only now come forward, and was told that this was due to the length of time it took to complete the forensic accountant's report. She said she would give her decision on June 19th.
