Courts / Wicklow / Report
Solicitor and former developer gets suspended sentence for attempted deception
Summary
Patrick O'Toole, a Wicklow solicitor and former developer aged 63, was found guilty of three counts of deception and two counts of attempted deception relating to a false letter that claimed he had paid a €64,840 financial contribution for an apartment complex. He had used the letter to induce purchasers to complete sales in 2006‑2008 and attempted to dissuade Wicklow Town Council from seeking the money in 2008 and 2012 by sending the same letter and suggesting the council contact former clerk Frank O'Toole. The court acquitted him of a single corruption count. He was sentenced to a suspended 18‑month term for the 2012 attempted deception, fined €20,000 for the 2008 attempt, and the other three deception counts were taken into consideration. He has since paid the full amount, an overpayment of €10,000, to the local authority. The judge noted no prior convictions and imposed a non‑custodial sentence. Patrick O'Toole pleaded not guilty.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Solicitor and former developer gets suspended sentence for attempted deception. Charges or matters: a total of six counts at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court; a more serious offence, had received a suspended sentence. "My client has paid a huge price," he continued. "His lifetime's work is marred. Procedural stage: sentence. Findings: Convicted
When:
- 2007 and 2008 Other
- 2024-12-19 Publication
Why: This was an overpayment, because the amount had been reduced by €10,000 when two of the apartments were sold to the local authority for social housing. CNI source report
Case subjects
Accused
Charges: a total of six counts at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court; a more serious offence, had received a suspended sentence. "My client has paid a huge price," he continued. "His lifetime's work is marred (Proven)
Plea: Not guilty
Finding: Convicted
Outcome: Convicted; The former clerk, Frank O'Toole, was previously given a suspended sentence and fined €10,000 for corruption after being convicted of furnishing the letter, which read: "I wish to confirm that the financial contribution in respect of this development has been paid." The sentencing judge in that case noted that there was no evidence that Frank O'Toole had benefitted from the offence. Counsel noted that Frank O'Toole, who was convicted of a more serious offence, had received a suspended sentence. "My client has paid a huge price," he continued. "His lifetime's work is marred.
Places mentioned
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