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22.06.12

U2 bassist Adam Clayton has denied that the estimated sum of €2.8 million his former PA allegedly stole from his bank accounts was actually spent on him.

Under cross examination today, Mr Clayton agreed that Carol Hawkins' role had expanded since he first hired her as his housekeeper in 1992.

But he said that it was not a stressful job, and he objected to a description of her as his 'bondservant'.

Clayton denied that the luxury items Carol Hawkins is accused of purchasing with his money were actually bought for him.

He told the court that when he is not on tour, “The rest of the time I have a perfectly normal, regular life, and am perfectly capable of doing my own shopping."

The bass player agreed that he was a private person and while touring he lives in a rarefied atmosphere, but he denied that Ms Carol Hawkins had to protect his anonymity by buying items on his behalf.

“There was no necessity for Carol Hawkins to pay for things in her name. I would have no problem with my name being used,” he said. 

Clayton added that it never crossed his mind where the money for her children's college courses came from, and although he loaned Carol Hawkins' husband money to buy a horse in 1996, the money had been paid back, and he that he had never thought about who would pay for the horse's upkeep.

Carol Hawkins denies 181 counts of theft, totalling €2.8 million.

Adam Clayton will take the stand again on Monday, when the trial resumes.