Catherine O'Brien told man she met on dating site of 'zero-risk' €20k horse investment, court hears

The court heard how John Blake had to get a credit union loan of €20,000 to buy a thoroughbred stallion called Shakeel

Catherine O’Brien of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, at Waterford Circuit Court where she has pleaded not guilty to three charges of deception regarding the purchase, transport,  and insurance of a French horse. Picture: Dan Linehan

“I just want to help you. In a few years you will have a nest egg… and you will learn a lot in the process,” a woman charged with fraud told a man who alleges he ‘sold’ her a phantom racehorse.

Catherine O’Brien told John Blake that buying a racehorse, a thoroughbred brood mare called Lingreville from France, would be a hugely profitable investment, Waterford Circuit Court heard.