Courts / Ireland / Report
Whistleblower exposed carpet cartel that targeted large corporations, court hears
Summary
Brendan Smith, 39, of Greenane, Dunshaughin, Co Meath, and Aston Carpets and Flooring pleaded guilty to engaging in an anti-competitive price-fixing agreement between July 2012 and April 2013. The High Court heard that the cartel, which targeted large corporations including Google, Dell, Mastercard, and PayPal, was exposed by whistleblower David Radburn of Carpet Centre (Contracts) Ltd. Smith also admitted to a second charge of attempting to impede the prosecution by instructing Radburn to delete emails on April 30, 2013. Defence counsel Michael O'Higgins SC argued that Smith, who has since overcome substance dependencies, is willing to perform community service, while counsel for Aston Carpets, Patrick Gageby, noted the company's net profit from the deals was €31,000 and requested a proportionate fine. Prosecuting counsel Remy Farrell SC outlined maximum penalties of up to €5 million and ten years' imprisonment for price fixing, and five years for obstructing prosecution. At the hearing, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy heard evidence and adjourned sentencing for Smith and Aston Carpets until Monday, May 22. The judge stated he requires details of Smith's salary and assets before proceeding with the sentence hearing.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Whistleblower exposed carpet cartel that targeted large corporations, court hears. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- July 2012 Other
- April 30, 2013 Adjournment
- Monday May 22 Adjournment
- October 2011 Other
- April 30 Other
- 2017-05-04 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: He asked Justice McCarthy to consider what would be gained by giving him a prison sentence and said that Mr Smith is willing and able to do community service. Justice McCarthy said he wants to know what Mr Smith's salary and assets are worth before the sentence hearing.; At a hearing today, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy heard evidence and adjourned sentencing Mr Smith and Aston Carpets until Monday May 22.
Places mentioned
- High Court
Topics
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