Bipolar solicitor lost €242k in a ‘classic scam’

A solicitor fell victim to a classic scam when he handed over €242,000 in client monies on the promise of getting €26.8m from a Nigerian oil company, the High Court has heard.

No client of James J Maher, formerly practising as a partner in James Maher & Co, Essex Quay, Dublin, was left out of pocket because he subsequently got an inheritance from an uncle to enable him pay the money back, the court also heard.

Mr Maher, aged 53, was subsequently diagnosed as having suffered from bi-polar disorder throughout his life.