Courts / Dublin / Report

Breifne O'Brien to appeal prison sentence for deception and theft in October

Summary

Breifne O'Brien, a 54‑year‑old former businessman, is set to appeal a seven‑year prison sentence imposed on 8 October 2014 for deceiving investors into advancing about €8.5 million for bogus property deals between 2003 and 2004. He pleaded guilty to 14 counts of deception at the Dublin Circuit Criminal Court. His counsel, Patrick McCullough BL, secured an extension to file the appeal, as O'Brien had missed the normal 28‑day filing window by four months, and also applied for legal aid. The Court of Appeal scheduled the hearing for 15 October, with the judge expecting it to last 45 minutes. O'Brien was absent from the procedural hearings in May and on the day of the listing. Solicitor Séamus Cassidy, Head of Appeals at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed that the DPP would not object to legal aid if the necessary paperwork is submitted.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Breifne O'Brien to appeal prison sentence for deception and theft in October. Charges or matters: 14 sample counts of making a gain or causing a loss by deception of around €8.5m between 2003 and 2004. Procedural stage: appeal

When:

• October 8 2014 Hearing Or Sentence
• October 15 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2003 and 2004 Other
• 2015-07-13 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Fraud Stage Appeal Theft

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Read the original CNI report