Trusted worker ‘stole millions’ from U2 star Adam Clayton

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

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 the 48-year-old worked for Clayton for 16 years, earning up to €48,000 a year and living rent free at his home.

She was initially employed as a housekeeper at the bassist’s mansion, Danesmoate, in Rathfarnham, south Dublin, but quickly gained his trust and was promoted to personal assistant.

Prosecution barrister, senior counsel Colm O’Briain, told the jury 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 over four years.

She allegedly withdrew €1.7 million (£1.1 million) from the Fitzwilliam account and €1.1 million (£889,400) from the Danesmoate account, and then deposited them in three separate accounts – her own personal account, a joint account between herself and her husband John and a Bank of Ireland Credit Card Services account. She denies all the charges.