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

Summary

The trial of Simon Gold, a former psychic accused of money laundering, theft, deception, and controlling false instruments, continued at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. Gold, who has pleaded not guilty to 22 charges relating to offences between January 1, 2010, and October 22, 2012, is alleged to have used multiple aliases, including Simon Magnier and Niall O'Donoghue. On the ninth day of evidence, witness Eamonn O'Toole, a dairy farmer from Co. Tipperary, testified that he sought a loan in 2011 and was directed to contact Simon Magnier. O'Toole stated he transferred £10,000 to Anglo Irish Global Ltd, believing Magnier was a principal banker, but the loan never materialised. He described attempts to contact the alleged loan manager, Niall O'Donoghue, as futile, remarking it would be easier to reach Donald Trump. O'Toole also testified that he was advised to place a teenager's name on loan documents. The matter was adjourned and continues before Judge Nolan and a jury.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: "Easier to get through to Donald Trump", witness tells deception trial. Charges or matters: 22 charges including money laundering, theft, deception and control of false instruments on dates between January 1, 2010 and October 22, 2012. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 1, 2010 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 22, 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2019-05-29 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Trial Theft

Related court reports

• Psychic scammer loses appeal against €1.6m money laundering conviction
• 'Psychic' Gold further sentenced on fraud charges
• "Devious" psychic who laundered €1.6m is jailed
• "Psychic" guilty of €1.6m deception
• Jury deliberating in psychic's money laundering trial
• Psychic "is not Walter Mitty", prosecution tell deception trial

Read the original CNI report