Courts / Wexford / Report

Businessman accused of forging will gives evidence at his own trial

Summary

During a trial in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, Noel Hayes, a 61‑year‑old vegetable wholesaler from Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford, pleaded not guilty to forging the will of Matthew Hayes, a bachelor farmer, alongside his brother William O'Leary, 51, from New Ross. The alleged forging is said to have occurred between December 1998 and January 1999. Noel Hayes claimed that the prosecution witness, Charles O'Leary, was "blinded with anger" against William, describing William as a "tormented man" during the period when their business relationship deteriorated. Charles O'Leary had previously pleaded guilty to forging the same will, receiving an 18‑month suspended sentence and a €30,000 payment to the next of kin. He was also awarded about €3 million in a High Court case against the company he ran with William. Noel Hayes testified that the will was drawn up and signed on 31 August 1998, and that Matthew died on Christmas Day that year.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Businessman accused of forging will gives evidence at his own trial. Charges or matters: forging the will of Matthew Hayes on a date between December 1998 and January 1999. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• December 1998 Other
• January 1999 Other
• August 31st 1998 Other
• Christmas Day Other
• 2015-01-28 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report