FORMER Hawthorn board member Greg Cook has been fined $5000 without conviction after being found guilty of stealing more than $70,000 from the club over a six-year period.
Cook, 54, pleaded guilty to four counts of theft in Ringwood Magistrates Court, but magistrate Jillian Crowe acknowledged that a long-term undiagnosed mental illness had at least partly contributed to his behaviour.
The court heard that Cook, the son of former club president Ron, was Hawthorn's consumer services general manager when in 2008, he redirected $13,000 intended for charities into his family trust.
From late 2012 until early 2013, he also retained about $60,000 in profits from selling club merchandise on eBay.
Cook offered no explanation for his behaviour in either instance, the court heard.
The theft was discovered by the club in July 2013 and Cook was immediately sacked.
Hawthorn CEO Stuart Fox told the Herald Sun after the verdict he was glad the matter was finished.
"We are disappointed in the actions of a former executive, but the matter has been handled appropriately and professionally," he said.
"We will always act in the best interests of our members and stakeholders to uphold the highest of values and standards that underpin our club."
