Ex-solicitor jailed for deceiving bank into loaning €9m for land

A struck-off solicitor has been jailed for two years for his role in deceiving a bank to lend almost €9m for land now worth €30,000.

John Duffy, aged 44, sent false letters to Investec Bank on behalf of co-accused Tony McAuliffe, aged 78, to get a loan for 55 acres of land in Offaly in 2007.

McAuliffe received a suspended two-and-a-half-year sentence for his role. Judge Leonie Reynolds accepted McAuliffe has borderline intellectual functioning and deteriorating health.