Catherine O'Brien to be sentenced on deception charges next month
Catherine O'Brien was found guilty of deception charges in July by a jury at Waterford Circuit Court. Picture: Dan Linehan
Sentencing of Catherine O’Brien on deception charges will take place early next month.
November 5 was set as her sentencing date at Waterford Circuit Court on Wednesday morning.
The court heard a probation report had been completed and Judge Eugene O’Kelly directed it be released ahead of the sentencing.
O’Brien was found guilty of deception charges in July by a jury at Waterford Circuit Court.
The jury returned the verdict following a trial relating to the purchase, transport, and insurance of a French mare called Lingreville.
It was alleged she “dishonestly by deception” induced Dubliner John Blake to pay €20,000 to purchase the horse — which the State alleged was not purchased; to pay €1,100 insurance for the mare — which the State said was not paid; and €984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland — which the State said was not transported.
The jury returned guilty verdicts on all three charges within 40 minutes of being sent out to deliberate.
O’Brien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, had pleaded not guilty to the three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.
The trial had heard Mr Blake has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and also suffered a stroke in 2019.
O’Brien appeared via video link from Limerick prison when the case came up for mention on Tuesday morning. She was using crutches.
She did not speak other than to confirm she could hear and see the court during the short hearing. She was represented in court by barrister Andrew Walsh.
Judge O’Kelly directed O’Brien appear via video link on November 5 to Waterford Circuit Court.
The court heard “another matter” will also be listed for the same date.
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