Courts / Wexford / Report
Witness tells trial the first time he saw bachelor farmer was on his death bed
Summary
The trial of Noel Hayes (61) and William O'Leary (51), both of Co Wexford, continued before Judge Patricia Ryan and a jury. The two men, who have pleaded not guilty to forging the will of Matthew Hayes between December 1998 and January 1999, are accused of taking part in the alleged forgery. Prosecution witness Charles O'Leary, who previously pleaded guilty to taking part in the alleged forgery, testified that he first met the deceased on his deathbed in hospital on Christmas Eve 1998. He stated that Noel Hayes brought him to the hospital and denied possessing a pre-printed will. Charles O'Leary was sentenced to 18 months suspended and ordered to pay €30,000 into an account pending for the next of kin of Matthew Hayes. The will, purportedly signed in August 1998, left 162 acres of land and funds to Noel Hayes. It is alleged that all three were involved in forging the document, with Noel Hayes forging the signature. The trial continues.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Witness tells trial the first time he saw bachelor farmer was on his death bed. 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 Hearing Or Sentence
- January 1999 Hearing Or Sentence
- August 1998 Other
- Christmas Eve Other
- Christmas Day 1998 Other
- 2015-01-23 Publication
Case subjects
Accused
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 ordered 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
Related court reports
- 'Betrayal beyond words': victim of childhood abuse discovered husband was raping their daughter
- Man who raped and abused stepdaughter from age 6 refused permission to resile from guilty plea
- 'Come out, you Indians. I'll show you': man accused of racist attack in Cherrywood
- 'Danger to young girls' gets 11.5 years for rape of teenager
- Court refuses to reduce sentence for brothel keeper caught with child abuse material
- Brian Grendon to face non-jury trial for directing criminal gang
If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.
Email a correction request