Fraudster 'medically unfit' to be sentenced
Catherine O’Brien at Waterford Circuit Court. Picture Dan Linehan
Convicted fraudster Catherine O'Brien was deemed 'medically unfit' to attend her sentencing hearing at Waterford Circuit Court.
The 48-year-old was due to be sentenced for her crimes on Wednesday, November 5, after being found guilty on three counts of deception after a trial in July.
O'Brien, of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, dishonestly induced John Blake into paying her €20,000 to purchase a horse, €1,100 for insurance and €984 to transport the horse from France to Ireland.
At Waterford Courthouse, barrister Tom Giles Kelly BL informed Judge Eugene O'Kelly that O'Brien was in hospital in Ennis, Co Clare. A medical note from Limerick Prison was produced that confirmed O'Brien's admittance to hospital.
Judge O'Kelly said: "This is not the first time Catherine O'Brien's medical conditions have caused difficulties in this trial."
He expressed concern for the victim Mr Blake: "He is not only an elderly man but a man with significant health problems."
The sentencing has been pushed back to January 14, 2026.
