Adam Clayton - U2 Star Adam Clayton Sees Personal Assistant Jailed For Seven Years

"These were crimes rooted in greed and nothing else," said the Judge at the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin as PA Carol Hawkins was convicted after an 18 day trial. "Whether she was a fool or a very clever person matters little," he continued, adding that "nothing could explain away the scale of this dishonesty other than greed in pursuit of a lavish lifestyle." According to Reuters, the judge also rejected the contention that "she felt entitled to do what she did because she was not told to stop".

Clayton wasn't there for the sentencing himself, but had given evidence during the trial itself, in which he'd said that he'd been "absolutely amazed" when he discovered that Hawkins had taken the money. She'd been hired to his house in Dublin and in 2004 became a signatory for two of his accounts, although he claimed these were for legitimate business expenses. His lawyer said that Hawkins "played on the good nature and trust" of the rock musician and "proceeded like a whirlwind down Fifth Avenue and Bond Street to the delight of retailers".