Jury sent home from Catherine O’Brien trial in Waterford

The jury for the Catherine O’Brien trial were sent home for the day on Tuesday, July 8.

On what would have been the fourth day of the trial, Judge Eugene O’Kelly thanked the jury for their patience and stated: “I regret to inform you that, for reasons I cannot go into, this case cannot progress today.” 

Judge O’Kelly added: “There’s no need to speculate as to what the reason is.” 

The jury have been asked to return to Waterford Courthouse at 10.30am, on Wednesday, July 9.

O’Brien (47), of An Grianan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, stands accused of three charges of making gain or causing loss by deception contrary to Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 against complainant John Blake.

She stands accused of "dishonestly inducing" Mr Blake into transferring to her €20,000 for a French mare named Lingreville between March 25, 2018, and April 5, 2018, as well as  €984 in transport costs for the animal. Ms O'Brien is also accused of inducing Mr Blake into transferring €1,100 in insurance on a date unknown between March 25, 2019, and March 31, 2019, both dates inclusive.

She was in court today alongside her solicitor Ray Kavanagh and defence counsel Simon Donagh BL.