Prostitutes paid for by stolen Catholic school funds

David Neil Don admitted eight counts of dishonestly accessing a computer system and one of money laundering. Photo / NZ Herald

A man paid prostitutes and bought a waterbed with money stolen from Wellington Catholic secondary school St Patrick's College, a court has been told.

David Neil Don, 44, today pleaded guilty when he appeared in Wellington District Court to eight counts of dishonestly accessing a computer system and one of money laundering.

He stole a total of $126,728.01 over the five years he was employed by St Patrick's as its executive officer.

When the school confronted him last April 7, he apologised and told them the money had gone on prostitutes and living expenses.

The Crown told the court $19,820 had been spent on prostitutes at escort agencies the Kensington and Quarry Inn, which he then recorded as "Corporate Wellington" and "Corporate Lower Hutt" in the school's banking system.

A further $3700 was transferred from the school to "Mr Waterbed Ltd" for a king-size, deluxe waterbed Don had delivered to his home and $1107.45 was used for personalised sweatshirts for his social football club.

Don also made extra mortgage payments of $34,227.52 on the house he and his wife own in Vogeltown, Wellington, which has a $425,000 CV.

Judge Tuohy said he would be looking for reparation for the full amount stolen, which defence lawyer Keith Jefferies said Don intended to make.

Davies would be considered for home detention instead of jail if the reparation was paid, the judge said.

Mr Jefferies said outside the court Don had done the right thing by pleading guilty.

Don declined to comment.

- APNZ