Man, 68, tried to claim €4k bail cash

A man whose son had just been given a jail sentence was approached by a 68-year-old man who pretended that the sentenced man had actually been granted bail by the High Court and told them they should hand over €4,000 cash recognizance to him.

Letters purporting to be from a well-known Cork solicitor, as well as from the DPP, were used as part of the deception, the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee was told.

Bernard Hassett of Burren View, Ballinruan, Crusheen, Co Clare, pretended he was a person with authority to accept cash, the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee heard.