Courts / Dublin / Report

'Your father said you are to give me €10,000'; psychic goes on trial accused of deception

Date
2023-05-12

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Ballymun

County
Dublin

Summary

Debbie Paget, a self-described psychic medium, is on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, where she has pleaded not guilty to two counts of dishonestly by deception. The prosecution alleges she induced James Byrne and Maria Byrne to provide two sums of cash totalling €10,200 by claiming their deceased father instructed them to do so. Complainant James Byrne testified that during a reading, Paget told him his father said to give her €10,000, adding that failure to comply would be a sin. He stated he felt pressured and subsequently handed her the money in an envelope. His sister, Maria Byrne, testified that she gave Paget €200 after being told her deceased father communicated with the accused. Paget denied all allegations, telling gardai she had never charged for her services and did not conduct readings for the Byrnes. She claimed the siblings were attempting to destroy her life and noted that Mr Byrne had previously gifted her a television and a freezer. Under cross-examination, Mr Byrne acknowledged a 2000 conviction for sexual offences but argued his past was irrelevant. The matter is currently at the trial stage before Judge Pauline Codd and a jury, and the proceedings continue.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Your father said you are to give me €10,000'; psychic goes on trial accused of deception. Charges or matters: two counts of dishonestly by deception inducing Mr Byrne and Maria Byrne to give two sums of cash, totalling €10,200. Procedural stage: trial

When:

March 2000 Incident
2023-05-12 Publication

Case subjects

Debbie Paget

Accused

Charges: two counts of dishonestly by deception inducing Mr Byrne and Maria Byrne to give two sums of cash, totalling €10,200 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty