Property developer used me to fund 'outlandish lifestyle', court hears

Former solicitor Thomas Byrne has told his €52m theft and fraud trial that was under threat from property developer John Kelly to fund his “outlandish” lifestyle.

Giving evidence in his own defence, Mr Byrne (aged 47) broke down several times as he described Mr Kelly’s girlfriend, Mary O’Connor, making veiled threats against his daughter when he refused to pay over €250,000 so Mr Kelly could travel to Spain.