A Dublin truck driver helped steal almost £250,000 of Micro soft software from his former employer, the Circuit Criminal Court was told. Derek Bailey (38), of Casino Park, Marino, pleaded guilty to the theft of Windows 95 software from Meadow Freight Ltd, Clonee, Co Meath, on three dates in 1996 and 1997.
Judge Frank O'Donnell said he considered the thefts to be very serious but needed time to consider the facts. He remanded Bailey in custody for sentencing on March 19th.
Det Garda Ian Ferris said Bailey had worked for Meadow Freight and knew a man still working there who agreed to help. On the first occasion, in December 1996, the gang took £70,000 of software. One month later, they made away with software worth £43,568. A third consignment, worth £123,577, was taken to England on a truck and stored in Bethnal Green in London.
Bailey escorted the truck in his own car and was stopped by British police on his way back. He was questioned by gardai on his return to Dublin about a separate matter and admitted his part in the thefts.
Det Garda Ferris said that without his help it would have been very difficult to prove who stole the other consignments.