U2 star’s PA accused of stealing €2.8m

A former assistant of the Irish rock star, U2 bass player Adam Clayton, has gone on trial accused of stealing €2.8m from him.

Adam Clayton

The Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin heard that Carol Hawkins stole 181 cheques and used them to siphon the money out of his two bank accounts. She had been a signatory on the accounts and allegedly moved the money into her accounts between 2004 and 2008.

Hawkins had initially started working for Clayton as a housekeeper. Her then husband also worked as a driver for Clayton. Over the years she gained his trust and was promoted to Clayton’s personal assistant.

The money she is accused of stealing was paid into a joint bank account that she and her husband owned as well as a Bank of Ireland credit card account.

Stars ‘should be able to trust people’

Prosecuting barrister Colm O’Briain said that Clayton should not have to view everyone with suspicion just because he was a wealthy star. He should be able to trust people.

He said: “Mr Clayton employed Ms Hawkins from 1992, she lived in his own house for 13 or 14 years. He placed a substantial amount of trust in her. Trust developed.

“He is no different from anyone else in respect of that. He is as entitled as any other to place his trust in people, to rely on that trust and to not go about his life thinking the worst of people.”

Hawkins denies the charges. The trial is continuing.