Former Kildare Solicitor Jailed In Fraud Case

Former kildare solicitor jailed in fraud case

A struck-off solicitor from Co Kildare has been jailed for two years for his role in deceiving a bank to lend 9 million euro for land now worth 30 thousand euro. 44 year old John Duffy of Clogheen in Monasterevin sent false letters to Investec Bank on behalf of co-accused Tony McAuliffe to get a loan for 55 acres of land in Co. Offaly in 2007. 78 year old McAuliffe - a former jockey of Furze in Kildare - received a fully suspended two and a half year sentence for his role. Judge Leonie Reynolds accepted McAuliffe has borderline intellectual functioning and deteriorating health. Mr Duffy pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dishonestly obtaining a loan from Investec Bank with intent of making gain in March, 2007. Judge Reynolds suspended the final 12 months of Duffy's sentence, taking into account his previous good character, co-operation and remorse.