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U2 bassist's PA 'stole 2.8m euro'

A former personal assistant of U2's Adam Clayton earned his trust before being promoted to the role and embezzling 2.8 million euro of his funds, a court has heard.

Carol Hawkins is on trial for 181 counts of stealing cheques from the bass player between 2004 and 2008.

The Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin heard how the 48-year-old worked for Clayton for some 16 years, earning up to 48,000 euro a year and living rent free at his home.

She was initially employed as a housekeeper at the bassist's Georgian mansion - Danesmoate - in Rathfarnham, South Dublin, but quickly gained his trust and was promoted over the years to the role of personal assistant.

Prosecution barrister, senior counsel Colm O'Briain, told the jury of seven men and five women that Clayton appointed Ms Hawkins as signatory to a number of his bank accounts.

It was from two particular accounts - known as the Fitzwilliam account and the Danesmoate account - that she is accused of withdrawing a total 2.8 million euro over four years.

Clayton, dressed in a dark jacket and white shirt, sat intently at the back of the court as the prosecution opened its case. He will be called as a witness during the trial.

Ms Hawkins, from Lower Rathmines Road in Dublin, denies all the charges.

The trial, before Judge Patrick McCartan, is expected to last six weeks.

Source: music.uk.msn.com
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