Former Fianna Fáil senator Francie O' Brien jailed

A 70-year-old former Fianna Fáil senator has been jailed for his role in attempting to extort €100,000 from a Department of Agriculture veterinary inspector.

Judge John O’Hagan, who described it as “an abominable scheme”, imposed a three-year sentence on Francis (Francie) O’Brien from Corwillan, Latton, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan.

The judge suspended the final year.