A former chief executive of a suicide awareness charity who admitted stealing over €36,000 from the organisation has avoided a jail term.

Declan Behan (42) of Boyne View, Slane in Co. Meath pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to six sample charges of theft from the Irish Association of Suicidology.

The alleged incidences occurred on dates between November 2010 and September 2012.

Judge Patricia Ryan sentenced him to three years in prison but suspended it in full for four years.

In lieu of a sentence Mr. Behan was ordered to complete 240 hours of community service. All of the stolen money has been returned to the association.

Judge Ryan pointed out that the association did not wish Behan to serve a custodial sentence.

He has no previous convictions and has not come to garda attention since. He is now self-employed, providing a garden maintenance service in his local area.

The court heard that Behan, who had been on a salary of €70,000 used the organisation's visa card for approximately 300 unauthorised transactions totalling €36,540.

He used the card to withdraw cash from ATMs but also for electronic payments.

Detective Sergeant Barry Walsh told Karen O'Connor, prosecuting, that Behan used the cash to pay for everyday living expenses and to supplement his income. He said many of the transactions relate to buying petrol or groceries and confirmed there was 'no element of extravagance'.