2026-02-23 · Tipperary
Dentist who brought 'utter ruination on himself' jailed for defrauding HSE
A dentist who defrauded the HSE of €58,000 over 17 years has been jailed for one year and ordered to pay €100,000. Jerome Kiely (47) pleaded guilty to multiple counts of deception, including one sample count of dishonestly inducing the HSE to provide a payment for dentures. The court heard that Kiely had two bank accounts containing over €1.5 million, which were frozen. Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kiely had mental health issues and a history of depression, and his wife asked the court not to jail him. Despite this, the judge imposed a three-year sentence, with two years suspended, and ordered Kiely to pay €100,000 to the HSE. The judge acknowledged Kiely's remorse and his good work history but emphasized the seriousness of the case. Kiely's reputation as a dentist has been destroyed, and the court noted that he may not be able to practice again.