English man 'caught red-handed' trying to defraud Kerry pensioner, court hears 

Derbyshire man charged with dishonestly by deception inducing a man in Kerry to withdraw €9,500 in cash and give it to him

The parents of 20-year-old Noah Jake Woolley, New Rd, Belper Amber Valley, Derbyshire, travelled to Kerry and were in Killarney District Court to support him. Stock picture: Larry Cummins

An English man was allegedly "caught red-handed" trying to collect money from an elderly man in Co Kerry on Friday and gardaí said they suspect there may be other injured parties.

Noah Jake Woolley appeared before a special sitting of Killarney District Court as part of what gardaí said was an ongoing investigation into alleged investment fraud and deception.

Garda Eamon Prendiville said the 20-year-old of New Rd, Belper Amber Valley, Derbyshire, had travelled on a one-way flight to Ireland, had given a false name and address to gardaí when first approached, and had no outgoing flight booked. An examination of his mobile phone revealed he had intended to travel to Spain and he admitted this to gardaí.

The injured party is a 79-year-old man who was caring for two vulnerable adults. Garda Prendiville said: 

He was caught red-handed trying to collect money from the injured party.

He also had in his possession “a substantial amount of cash” and gardaí suspected there were more injured parties, the garda said.

He was charged that he attempted to commit theft and that he dishonestly by deception induced a named man to withdraw €9,500 in cash from his bank account to give to him.

Garda Prendiville said that when Mr Woolley was charged he made no reply.

Gardaí objected to bail because of the nature and seriousness of the charge. They also believed he was a flight risk.

Accused man's parents in court 

Solicitor Padraig O’Connell said his client had no previous convictions in this country or any other; his parents had travelled from Derbyshire and were in court to support him. He is a father of a one-year-old.

Judge Elizabeth Healy granted bail on cash lodgement in court of €2,500 and an independent surety of €5,000.

The conditions included that he is to hand over all travel documents and not apply for any others, sign on daily in Killarney Garda Station, and stay at an address to be approved by gardaí.

Garda Prendiville also asked that he have no contact with the injured party and he is to stay out of Killorglin. 

Judge Healy added these to the conditions.

The court heard it was expected the cash of €2,500 would be lodged by Monday.

He was remanded in custody with consent to bail to appear in Tralee District Court on Wednesday.