U2 star Adam Clayton: Ex personal assistant Carol Hawkins jailed for theft

U2 star Adam Clayton’s former personal assistant was today sentenced to seven years in jail for stealing 2.8 million euros ($3.5 million) from her boss to fund a lavish lifestyle that involved exotic holidays, racehorses and limousine services.

Carol Hawkins, 48, was driven by “greed and nothing else” as she stole money from Clayton’s bank account over a period of four years, Judge Patrick McCartan told the Dublin court, the Irish Examiner reported.

He said the fact that Hawkins maintained her innocence throughout the trial was a factor in his sentencing and suggested she could be a repeat offender should the opportunity present itself in the future.

"Whether she was a fool or clever person really matters very little."

Clayton, a bassist for the Irish rock band, was not in court for the sentencing, but was quoted by the BBC later saying he was pleased with the verdict.

Hawkins was convicted of 181 counts of theft last week.

Judge McCartan said Clayton was a good employer and Hawkins’s crimes represented a significant breach of trust, the Daily Mail reported.

"Mr Clayton seems to this court from what has emerged from this case to be a good employer, a person who was capable of showing care and compassion, who gave the accused a second chance," he said.

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