2015-01-23 · Wexford
Witness tells trial the first time he saw bachelor farmer was on his death bed
The trial of Noel Hayes (61) and William O'Leary (51), both of Co Wexford, continued before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. The two men, who have pleaded not guilty to forging the will of Matthew Hayes between December 1998 and January 1999, are accused of taking part in the alleged forgery. Prosecution witness Charles O'Leary, who previously pleaded guilty to taking part in the alleged forgery, testified that he first met the deceased on his deathbed in hospital on Christmas Eve 1998. He stated that Noel Hayes brought him to the hospital and denied possessing a pre-printed will. Charles O'Leary was sentenced to 18 months suspended and ordered to pay €30,000 into an account pending for the next of kin of Matthew Hayes. The will, purportedly signed in August 1998, left 162 acres of land and funds to Noel Hayes. It is alleged that all three were involved in forging the document, with Noel Hayes forging the signature. The trial continues.