Former Minister Sentenced for Defrauding Church and Widow

Adrian Robert McLaughlin, a former minister from Dunmurry, was jailed for six months for defrauding his church and a grieving widow. He defrauded one thousand pounds from St Colman's Church of Ireland and one thousand pounds from a widow. Judge Patrick Lynch said McLaughlin abused the congregation trust and sentenced him to twelve months, half of which will be served in custody.

Adrian Robert McLaughlin, 50, from Church Avenue in Dunmurry, has been sentenced to six months in jail for defrauding £10,000 from St Colman's Church of Ireland and £1,000 from a grieving widow.

The sentencing took place at Belfast Crown Court, where Judge Patrick Lynch KC stated that McLaughlin abused the trust of his congregation.

In 2016, McLaughlin wrote fraudulent checks for a church organ and memorial items, pocketing the money instead.

He will serve half of his 12-month sentence in custody before release on licence.