Former solicitor Herbert Kilcline jailed over false-deeds scheme

This report is a localnews.ie summary based on public court reporting and records; sources are listed below.

Former solicitor Herbert Kilcline was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for his involvement in a false-deeds scheme concerning two Dublin properties. The proceedings were reported on 25 June 2025.

A jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court convicted Kilcline, 64, following a trial in November 2024. He was convicted of two counts each of using a false instrument, failing to keep records, fraudulently procuring an entry in the Property Registration Authority’s registry, and failing to apply the required measures as a designated person.

Judge Sinead Ní Chúlacháin described him as a “key component” whose actions contributed to losses and put the integrity of the land registry at risk. She said the conduct may not have been deliberate or calculated fraud on his part, but was reckless and went further than professional negligence. She noted that Kilcline did not accept his actions were criminal and characterised them as professional negligence. She also took account of his medical and mental health issues, which would make custody more challenging.

The offences concerned properties on Phibsborough Road and St Mary’s Road between 2016 and 2018. Kilcline signed registration applications for both and certified that he had checked the title. The court heard he had the documents only briefly, including the Phibsborough Road materials for one hour; he also said he was not paid for his role.

His counsel, John McGowan SC, said Kilcline wished to appeal and that a report raised the possibility that the deed of conveyance may have been valid. Counsel said Kilcline acknowledged falling short of his professional obligations but did not accept full responsibility.

Co-accused Philip Marley pleaded guilty during the November 2024 trial to procuring fraudulent entry into the registry, deception and procuring registration of a false deed. He was sentenced to three years earlier in June 2025.