Courts / Wexford / Report
Witness denies threatening to "bury" men on trial accused of forging bachelor farmer's will
Summary
In a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial, Noel Hayes (61) and William O'Leary (51) pleaded not guilty to forging the will of Matthew Hayes, dated between December 1998 and January 1999. The prosecution's key witness, Charles O'Leary, had earlier admitted participation in the alleged forgery and received an 18‑month suspended sentence and a €30,000 payment to Matthew Hayes' next of kin. During cross‑examination, O'Leary denied threatening to "bury" Hayes or Noel, denied calling Hayes a "greedy bastard," and denied remarks about "bringing those two down." He also denied claims that he was "shafted" in a land deal and that he had threatened to "bury" his brother. O'Leary stated he had been seeing a psychiatrist since 1994, citing depression during the period of the alleged forgery. The trial, presided over by Judge Patricia Ryan, continues with a jury.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness denies threatening to "bury" men on trial accused of forging bachelor farmer's will. Charges or matters: forging the will of Matthew Hayes on a date between December 1998 and January 1999; taking part in the alleged forgery. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- December 1998 Other
- January 1999 Other
- August 1998 Hearing Or Sentence
- Christmas day 1998 Other
- 2015-01-22 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: forging the will of Matthew Hayes on a date between December 1998 and January 1999; taking part in the alleged forgery (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Outcome: He was sentenced to 18 months suspended and to pay €30,000 in an account pending for the next of kin of Matthew Hayes.
Convicted Person
Charges: forging the will of Matthew Hayes on a date between December 1998 and January 1999; taking part in the alleged forgery (Alleged Or Contested)
Plea: Not guilty
Places mentioned
Topics
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