Dungiven Credit Union assures members their '˜hard earned savings are fully protected'

The move to assure members follows the sentencing of a former employee of Dungiven Credit Union who stole £92,000 from customers between February 2013 and April 2015.

Geraldine O’Kane, from Birren Road in Dungiven, was sentenced to eight months for the theft at Derry Crown Court on Friday.

A spokesperson from the Irish League of Credit Unions, on behalf of Dungiven Credit Union Limited said Dungiven Credit Union welcomes the end of the criminal proceedings. The spokesperson said, following internal investigations: “We wish to reassure our members that their hard-earned savings are fully protected and insured.

“Dungiven Credit Union would like to take this opportunity to assure our members that the credit union has strict policies and procedures in place to protect members’ accounts, and will continue to keep members’ needs a priority as we look to the future.”

One saver from Dungiven, who prefers not to be identified, had several thousand pounds stolen. They said they were shocked when made aware of what happened.

“I was shocked, surely. You work hard, and you save. I just couldn’t believe it,” said the saver, who has been with Dungiven Credit Union for at least 20 years.

“I feel like my trust has been violated. I feel a pity for her, and I don’t understand what prompted what she did. I feel more sorry for the people around her. It’s going to be a terrible Christmas for the family.”