Judge gives struck-off solicitor two years in land fraud case

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

44-year-old John Duffy of Clogheen in Monasterevin sent false letters to Investec Bank on behalf of co-accused Tony McAuliffe to get a loan for 55 acres of land in Co. Offaly in 2007.

78-year-old McAuliffe - a former jockey of Furze in Kildare - received a fully suspended two-and-a-half year sentence for his role.

Judge Leonie Reynolds accepted McAuliffe has borderline intellectual functioning and deteriorating health.

Mr Duffy pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dishonestly obtaining a loan from Investec Bank with intent of making gain in March, 2007.

Judge Reynolds suspended the final 12 months of Duffy’s sentence, taking into account his previous good character, co-operation and remorse.