Absence of woman complaining of 'romance fraud' in Dungarvan delays case

Counsel for the defence said the "alleged injured party is a suspect in a number of investigations" by gardaí.

Judge Eugene O'Kelly said that in the absence of the woman's participation, he would not proceed with bringing the men before a jury yet. File photo: iStock

A case involving an alleged "romance fraud" scheme in west Waterford has been delayed as the chief witness and complainant cannot be found.

The court was told that the alleged fraud was in relation to bloodstock - thoroughbred horses - affecting a woman and a man now suffering from stage 4 cancer, who the court heard lost up to €60,000 as a result of the scheme.