A former Anglo Irish Bank employee who carried out a €200,000 computer fraud at a Limerick branch has received a four year suspended sentence.

Gordon O'Brien transferred clients' money to accounts he controlled over a 10 month period in 2010 and 2011 while the bank was in the process of being nationalised.

The transfers were later noticed during an audit by Anglo's successor - IBRC - and the money was paid back in full.

O'Brien (43) of Springfield in Dooradoyle pleaded guilty to six counts of dishonestly using a computer with the intention of making a gain or causing loss at Anglo Irish Bank in Henry Street,.

He was described by the head of the Garda operation as a 'decent man who made a catastrophic mistake'.

The court heard he was building up 'a war chest' because he and his wife, who worked for another bank, were likely to lose their jobs.

Judge Patricia Ryan noted that he was under severe financial pressure because his son had just been diagnosed with autism and he had to fund his treatment.

She acknowledged the large sum involved and the planning and premeditation that went into O'Brien's crimes.

However the judge also took into consideration the many mitigating factors in the bank clerk's circumstances - including his guilty plea, his co-operation with the bank and the effect his offending will have on his occupation.

She imposed a four year sentence which she suspended for a period of 3 years.