Court poor box funds overseas charities

Local charities in Kerry got less than €50,000 from the court poor box last year, while international charities benefited to the tune of €480,000 from offenders who came before the county’s courts.

Figures reveal that the total money collected in the courts presided over by Judge James O’Connor was €521,677 — an increase of €18,000 on the previous year, and €105,000 more than in 2011.

Court offices in Kerry receive dozens of letters from local charities appealing for funds, but the vast bulk of the money went overseas.