Sentence reduced for former solicitor who stole €260k from clients

Mr Justice George Birmingham, giving judgment in the Court of Appeal, said the sentence for Jacqueline Durcan, 47, could have been less than 12 months.

The court noted that there were mitigating factors, including Ms Durcan’s co-operation and early plea, the reimbursement of the stolen funds, and the fact Ms Durcan is mother to five young children.