Ex-solicitor to be sentenced for stealing milions from clients, including archbishop

A struck-off solicitor stole €1.6m that had been bequeathed to the Archbishop of Dublin so he could buy and renovate an investment property in Grand Canal Street.

Ruairi O’Ceallaigh of Collegeland, Summerhill, Co Meath is before Dublin Circuit Criminal Court where he is to be sentenced for stealing more than €2.8m from the client accounts of his well-established family's practice, Sean O'Ceallaigh and Co.

The 42-year-old repaid €400,000 before the Law Society became aware of the irregularities in 2010.

He has pleaded guilty to seven charges on dates between 2006 and 2010 under the Theft and Fraud Offences Act.