U2 bassist Adam Clayton has brought forth evidence indicating that his assistant stole 2.8 million euro from him.
According to The Telegraph, Carol Hawkins was accused of stealing 181 cheques from Clayton over a four-year period and used the money to pay for her own luxurious lifestyle. Hawkins has worked for the bassist for 16 years since 1992.
On the stand Clayton said: "I trusted people, and that's why we're here today."
Originally Hawkins was hired by Clayton as a housekeeper and a book-keeper and her husband, at the time, was employed as a driver and occasional chef. Their joint salary came out to be 48,000 euro (£38,725).
After Carol had separated from her husband in 2007, Clayton continued to pay her the half of her salary, but she admitted to booking 13,000 euro (£10,500) and 15,000 euro (£12,100) worth of flights on Clayton's account, so she could visit her children.
"She also mentioned that she had been suicidal and had taken an overdose," he said. "In the matter of the money, I accepted she was a distressed woman. Her marriage broke up, her children had gone away . . . I said we would have to verify the amounts she had been claiming."
Clayton has since removed Hawkins as a signatory on his accounts, but has kept her as his employee.
by RTT Staff Writer
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com
Entertainment News