Northern Ireland

Woman pleads guilty to defrauding south Belfast community organisation

Niamh Marie Rose Bradley leaves Belfast Crown Court after admitting fraud by abuse of position
Niamh Marie Rose Bradley leaves Belfast Crown Court after admitting fraud by abuse of position Niamh Marie Rose Bradley leaves Belfast Crown Court after admitting fraud by abuse of position

A Belfast woman has admitted defrauding more than £15,000 from an organisation of which murdered ex-IRA leader Gerard 'Jock' Davison was a director.

Niamh Marie Rose Bradley (38), of Hughenden Avenue in the north of the city, appeared at Belfast Crown Court for a brief arraignment hearing today.

The fraud was carried out on the Cromac Regeneration Initiative (CRI), based at Donegall Pass in south Belfast.

The charge states that on dates between July 28 2014 and November 2 2016, "whilst occupying a position in which she was expected to safeguard, or not to act against, the financial interests of Cromac Regeneration Initiative, she dishonestly abused that position in that she wrote and cashed cheques made payable to herself from the First Trust Account of CRI and retained the proceeds''.

When the charge was formally put to her by the clerk of the court, Bradley replied: "guilty''.

No figure was given as to how much had been taken from CRI's bank account, but it is understood be around £15,500.

A defence solicitor told Judge Geoffrey Millar that Bradley would be undergoing a psychiatric assessment and a report would forwarded ahead of sentencing.

The judge released Bradley on continuing bail but warned her: "Do not take that as indication of how the court will ultimately deal with you.

"This is a very serious case of a breach of trust.''

Bradley was ordered to appear back in court to be sentenced on October 5.

Cromac Regeneration Initiative was set up as a limited company in 2010 by three communities in inner south Belfast.

It stated aim is to "promote the mutual understanding and respect for the cultural traditions of others... plus the breaking down of barriers leading to harmonious relationships.''

Former IRA commander Gerard 'Jock' Davison was one of eight directors of CRI since its formation seven years ago.

In May 2015 the 47-year-old was shot dead in the Markets district of south Belfast.

Murdered former IRA commander Gerard 'Jock' Davison was a director of the Cromac Regeneration Initiative
Murdered former IRA commander Gerard 'Jock' Davison was a director of the Cromac Regeneration Initiative Murdered former IRA commander Gerard 'Jock' Davison was a director of the Cromac Regeneration Initiative