"Easier to get through to Donald Trump", witness tells deception trial

A dairy farmer from County Tipperary has given evidence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court in the trial of Simon Gold, a 54-year-old man from Aughavas, County Leitrim, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments allegedly committed between January 2010 and October 2012. The witness, a dairy farmer, told the court he sought a loan of €250,000 in 2011 through a contact who introduced him to a man calling himself Simon Magnier, who instead offered €1 million. The witness transferred £10,000 to Anglo Irish Global Ltd but said attempts to contact the person purportedly managing his loan proved futile, describing it as easier to reach Donald Trump. The witness stated the loan never materialised. The trial, before Judge Nolan and a jury, continues.