U2 Clayton’s Former Assistant Stole $3.5 Million

Carol Hawkins, former personal assistant of Irish rock band U2's bassist Clayton, was convicted of embezzling 2.8 million euros ($3.5 million) from the musician.

Clayton hired Hawkins to do the shopping, cooking and run his house while he was away. Hawkins who was paid $61,000 annually became a signatory on two of his accounts. She was found guilty of 181 counts of theft from the bassists' bank accounts between 2004 and 2008.

"The fact is she wrote checks from my accounts and put them in her accounts. She was using my accounts to pay her bills," Clayton testified.

Clayton's lawyer Colm O'Briain told the court that the mother of two had the musician's "absolute trust" for the 17 years she worked for him.

Judge Patrick McCartan told the Jury, "The evidence in this case was overwhelming. Nobody could seriously disagree with the verdict you have given."

Hawkins, 48 was bailed until sentencing on July 6.