Courts / Waterford / Report
Fred Forsey Jnr moves to appeal conviction for receiving corrupt payments
Summary
Fred Forsey Jnr, a former Fine Gael town councillor aged 45, has lodged an appeal against his conviction for receiving three corrupt payments totalling €80,000 from a property developer in 2006. The Waterford Circuit Criminal Court found him guilty and sentenced him to six years' imprisonment, with the final two years suspended by Judge Gerard Griffin on 27 June 2012. Forsey's counsel, Remy Farrell SC, argues that the trial judge misdirected the jury regarding the presumption of corruption, incorrectly instructing them that Forsey had to discharge the reverse burden on the balance of probabilities. Farrell also contends that the judge erred in allowing the case to proceed given Forsey's incapacity to grant planning permission as a councillor. The Director of Public Prosecutions, Denis Vaughan Buckley SC, maintains that the burden of proof remained on the defence and that the evidence against Forsey was overwhelming. The Court of Appeal, presided over by Mr Justice Seán Ryan, has reserved judgment. Fred Forsey Jnr pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Fred Forsey Jnr moves to appeal conviction for receiving corrupt payments. Charges or matters: receiving €60,000, €10,000 and €10,000 in three corrupt payments from a property developer in 2006. Procedural stage: appeal. Findings: Found guilty
When:
- June 27 2012 Hearing Or Sentence
- 2015-07-31 Publication
Case subjects
Appellant
Charges: receiving €60,000, €10,000 and €10,000 in three corrupt payments from a property developer in 2006 (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Found guilty
Outcome: Found guilty; He was found guilty by a jury at Waterford Circuit Criminal Court and sentenced to six years imprisonment with the final two suspended by Judge Gerard Griffin on June 27 2012.
Places mentioned
- Waterford
- Waterford Circuit Criminal Court
- Court of Appeal
- Waterford Circuit Court
Topics
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