Kilkenny Hurling Legend DJ Carey Facing Imprisonment for Fraud Charges

DJ Carey, the former star of Kilkenny hurling, has been sentenced to five and a half years in prison for fraudulent activities. The conviction follows his admission of duping 13 individuals into providing funds under false pretenses. Carey falsely claimed he required cancer treatment, which he did not have.

Details of the Fraud

Court proceedings took place in the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin, where Judge Martin Nolan described Carey’s actions as exceptionally reprehensible. The former athlete, aged 54, pleaded guilty last July to a total of ten charges linked to the scheme.

Financial Impact

Carey obtained substantial sums from various victims, including prominent businessman Denis O’Brien. The total amount raised through deceit was €394,127 and an additional $13,000. Only €44,200 of this was repaid, leaving an outstanding debt of €349,927 and $13,000.

Background of the Case

Evidence presented during the sentencing revealed that the fraudulent activities spanned several years. An investigation into Carey began following a warning from a financial institution. In summer 2022, a concerned bank employee alerted authorities after suspecting a transaction involving an elderly client transferring funds to Carey was suspicious.

Victims and Deceptions

• Carey misled various individuals, assuring them he required funds for cancer treatment.
• Notable victims included:
  • Denis O’Brien
  • Owen and Ann Conway
  • Mark and Sharon Kelly
  • Aidan Mulligan
  • Edwin Carey
  • Tony Griffin
  • Christy Browne
  • Thomas Butler
  • Jeffrey Howes
  • Noel Tynan
  • Aonghus Leydon

Charges against Carey detailed instances where he induced victims to give money for non-existing medical expenses from 2014 to 2022.

Public Response and Current Situation

During the hearing, Carey’s legal counsel expressed a genuine apology for the harm caused, acknowledging the gravity of the offense. Despite his fraudulent activities, they noted that Carey suffered from a genuine heart condition.

Carey’s life has drastically changed from one of security to a humble existence, and he now lives a transient lifestyle, at times sleeping in his car. His downfall from a celebrated hurling career to a convicted fraudster is both shocking and tragic.