Bookies' Manager Sentenced for Stealing Thousands to Fund Gambling Addiction

A Bookie’s manager from Derry has been given a suspended prison sentence for stealing thousands of pounds from his employer to fund his gambling addiction.

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Daniel Cassidy, a 30-year-old manager of a Sean Graham bookmakers branch in Claudy, County Derry, took the money between September and December 2023, but repaid £1,000 before being caught. He was found with betting dockets and bank transaction slips at his home and made full admissions during police interviews.   

Cassidy, of Ferguson Street, Derry pleaded guilty to stealing the money. He said that he had taken the money to ‘fund his gambling addiction’, initially intending to ‘pay it back’ with his winnings. 

Londonderry Magistrates' Court heard that Cassidy's employer noticed the missing funds and investigated by reviewing rotas, which revealed that Cassidy was working at the time of the theft. 

When confronted about the missing cash, Cassidy hung up the phone and failed to respond to subsequent texts. 

Cassidy's defence barrister described the incident as "unsophistication" and said that his client felt "some relief" when he was caught. 

The barrister also noted that Cassidy was remorseful, was attending Gamblers' Anonymous meetings, and had apologized to his former employers. 

As a result, Cassidy was sentenced to 11 months in prison, suspended for three years, and ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.