Key Highlights
- DJ Carey, a former Kilkenny hurler, has been jailed for five-and-a-half years for defrauding 22 people of almost €400,000.
- Carey admitted to ten counts of dishonestly inducing people to pay him money after falsely claiming to have cancer and needing treatment.
- Eight similar offences were taken into consideration by the court along with two counts of using a fake letter from a hospital in Seattle to perpetrate his fraud.
- The judge described Carey’s actions as “very hard to know what motivated Mr Carey” but called them “the most reprehensible fraud” he had seen.
Former Hurler DJ Carey Sentenced for Extensive Fraud Scheme
DJ Carey, a former Kilkenny hurler and now serving time in prison, has been sentenced to five-and-a-half years after he admitted to defrauding 22 people out of almost €400,000. The former sports star was caught using his good reputation and a fabricated cancer diagnosis to manipulate individuals into giving him money for treatment.
False Cancer Diagnosis and Financial Deception
Carey’s fraudulent scheme involved making up an elaborate story about needing funds for cancer treatment, which he claimed required him to travel to the United States. The court heard that Carey had no record of ever having been treated in Seattle or suffering from any form of cancer. Judge Martin Nolan described his actions as “the most reprehensible fraud” and noted that almost all defrauding cases appeal to people’s weaknesses, usually greed.
“This is not the case here,” said Judge Nolan, emphasizing Carey had exploited people’s good nature despite their generosity in response to what they thought was an urgent medical need. The judge explained that it would be “very hard to know what motivated Mr Carey” but noted his actions had brought him public odium and ridicule.
Impact on Victims and Judge’s Ruling
The court heard from several victims, including Denis O’Brien, who gave Carey more than €125,000. Other notable victims included a cousin of Carey’s, friends, work colleagues, and people familiar with his GAA career. One victim, Thomas Butler, who had given Carey just over €16,000, expressed deep regret for his actions, stating he felt gut wrenching as both his parents had died of cancer.
Another victim, Margaret Kirwan, told the court she and her husband had to give a statement during her own cancer treatment process.
They gave Carey €4,000 after being misled about his condition, but eventually got it back. Tom Brennan, who had been in school with Carey, gave him €120,000, which was never repaid despite obtaining a judgment against Carey.
Carey’s defense argued that he fell into financial difficulties after the collapse of his business and urged for a lenient sentence. However, Judge Nolan ruled that given the scale and nature of the fraud, a custodial term was inevitable. The maximum sentence for each count faced by Carey is five years in prison.
Conclusion
A Fall from Grace
The case highlighted the importance of maintaining honesty even when facing financial difficulties. Carey’s actions not only caused significant financial loss to his victims but also tarnished his reputation, which he worked hard to build during his time as a Kilkenny hurler. The judge’s words served as a stern warning about the severe consequences that can arise from such fraudulent behavior.
