Courts / Kildare / Report
Property fraud accused gets bail after virus affects trial
Summary
Michael Hennessy, 63, of Coneyboro, Athy, is awaiting trial for alleged property purchase frauds involving Spanish properties. A circuit court judge adjourned the trial because Covid‑19 prevented witnesses in Spain from travelling. Hennessy was granted short‑term bail, described as a vulnerable person in an overcrowded environment, after his wife attempted to sell a car to pay his surety. He may attend his father‑in‑law's funeral and must present bank documents to investigating Gardaí and comply with strict conditions. The case is now set for a new trial date on 16 June, with Hennessy observing proceedings via video‑link from prison. The judge warned that any breach of conditions would result in his return to custody until the trial.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Property fraud accused gets bail after virus affects trial. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial
When:
- June 16 Adjournment
- 2020-03-25 Publication
Why: Judge Greally told Mr Hennessy at that hearing on Friday that "there is no reality of getting the trial on because of the Covid-19 situation". CNI source report
Places mentioned
Topics
Fraud Stage Charge Or Pretrial
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