DUBLIN - A former household aide to U2 bassist Adam Clayton has received a seven-year prison sentence after an Irish jury unanimously found her guilty of embezzling more than €2.8 million ($3.6 million) from the musician.
Carol Hawkins offered no response to the sentence as prison guards led her out of Dublin Criminal Court.
Hawkins had been free on bail after being found guilty last week of 181 counts of writing checks from Clayton's bank account for her own use from 2004 to 2008. Records showed she used the money to buy high-fashion clothing, 22 thoroughbred horses, a car, university education for her two children and first-class flights.
The judge, Patrick McCartan, ruled Friday that the 48-year-old had demonstrated no remorse and could attempt similar offences again if not severely punished now.
